Gansevoort Turks and Caicos, a Wymara Resort Rating: 4.5 Pearls

Turks and Caicos Islands

The pool

Gansevoort’s infinity-edge pool, dotted with palm trees and hard-decked islands, is clearly the resort’s "pièce de résistance". As a result, the area is generally packed, with guests jockeying for prime spots as early as 8 a.m. A certain level of elitism hovers over the area as well due to the extra fee required to reserve the four lounge islands, which include two lounge chairs, an umbrella, a table, chairs, and, of course, the envy of everyone else at the pool.

Nonetheless, attentive poolside service and comfy padded teak loungers are available to all guests, and the house music pumped through the speakers provides the happening vibe expected from a Gansevoort. And, surprisingly, families seem to be comfortable among the hip and young, though noisy children will likely receive a sneer or two.

The wow factor lessens a bit in the studio rooms, which are on the small side for the price (less expensive rooms at Point Grace are almost twice as big). Even so, they impress with sleek furniture, modern decor, and terraces with ample furniture and glass railings. Most notable, though, is the fact that all 91 guest rooms feature expansive terraces with amazing views of the ocean -- something few resorts in the area can claim.

Everything at the Gansevoort is expensive, and the extras seem to pop up everywhere, from the $5 surcharge for room service to the aforementioned fee for reserving island decks at the pool.

View on a Larger Map

Located on the eastern edge of the Grace Bay cluster of resorts, Gansevoort is somewhat farther from shopping and restaurants than other properties; however, an on-site restaurant and happening nightlife help make up for the distance.

• 20-minute drive from Providenciales International Airport
• 1-minute walk to Grace Bay (property is located on the beach)
• 7-minute drive to shops and restaurants at Regent Village and Salt Mills shopping centers
• 10-minute drive to Smith’s Reef for snorkeling
• 10-minute drive to the Caicos Conch Farm, the world’s only conch farm
• 12-minute drive to Provo Golf Club
• 15-minute drive to Da Conch Shack and Rum Bar

Deluxe Ocean View Studio

The resort’s own trippy pop CD compilation (which is surprisingly good) sets the mood when guests first enter their rooms. It’s all chill vibes and great views from there, with white-on-white decor, bright blue accents, and oversize lacquered beach photos on the walls.

The minimalist interiors are trendy, but they also help keep the focus on the incredible ocean views that all 91 guestrooms enjoy. Even the 665-square-foot studios feature large terraces with plenty of furniture, glass railings, and partial views of the water (the resort buildings, and the pool, obstruct the view a bit).

• Open floor plans are spacious and modern, but the bathrooms lack privacy. In some, the glass shower isn't separated from the bedroom, and others have peek-a-boo glass windows.
• Sweet-smelling toiletries from New York-based salon, Cutler
• 33-inch LG flat-screen TVs with Sony DVD players and iPod-enabled Bose sound systems
• Rain showerheads in all bathrooms
• Lindt chocolates and bottled water delivered at turndown
• Full kitchen (or kitchenette in studios) with Italian brand Romcaffé coffee and Cuisinart coffeemakers
• Studios have a shower only -- for a soaking tub, you’ll have to upgrade
• Four penthouses come with Jacuzzis on private terraces overlooking the ocean

The beach

The spa is small (as is the adjacent fitness center) with just three treatment rooms, and while the reception and hallways may lack the tranquility of say, the spas at Point Grace or Grace Bay Club, the treatment rooms are better than most due to lush private terraces with teak loungers and an outdoor rain shower.

• A gorgeous infinity-edge pool with ocean views, floating island decks, and a small Jacuzzi
• 24-hour fitness center with Star Trac cardio equipment, free weights, machines, and cables
• Fitness pavilion with yoga and other workout classes twice daily (fee applies)
• Guest-only lounge chairs, beach umbrellas, and large circular beds with comfy pillows available on Grace Bay beach
• Beachside and poolside service
• Free water sports including kayaks, snorkeling gear, Hobie Cats, and beach volleyball
• Happening nightlife with live bands and DJs on Friday and Saturday nights
• Exhale Spa, housed in its own building, with three treatment rooms (two for couples and each featuring its own outdoor terrace and rainfall shower) and a mani/pedi room
• Small Haven boutique, just off the lobby
• Small business center, with just two PC computers, lacks the trendy ambiance of the rest of the property. (During my stay, the wall-mounted air conditioner was leaking water all over the floor.)
• Concierge part of renowned Les Clefs d'Or organization
• Babysitting service (48-hour advance notice required, for a fee)

Bagatelle Bistrot

Stelle provides the dining experience for Gansevoort guests, which means two things: a trendy scene and an overpriced menu. It features plenty of island-inspired cuisine like Caribbean spiny lobster and conch fritters. The restaurant is also the site of an exceptional daily breakfast buffet, which is included in the rate.

For lunch, the restaurant closes its main dining area and opens its casual beach bar, located between the beach and the resort’s pool. A small bar, several lounge areas, and a host of tables are spread out under stretched canvases. Pool and beach attendants also serve guests from this portion of the restaurant from late morning to early evening.