The Alexandra Resort and Spa Rating: 3.5 Pearls

Turks and Caicos Islands

The beach

Guests can’t be faulted for feeling somewhat disappointed when arriving at the Alexandra. From the outside, the property almost resembles an apartment complex due to its box-like four-story buildings with nary a distinguishing characteristic. And with the reception located in one of the property’s converted units, it’s hard to tell if you’ve come to the right spot.

Luckily, the Alexandra’s hip and colorful interiors make up for its unimpressive facade. Inside the small reception area, furnishings like an oversize black-and-white lamp, massive bamboo reeds, and a Buddha statue lend a trendy ambiance that takes guests' minds off the barren entrance.

Rooms have clearly seen a facelift or two in the last few years (most recently with a $4 million renovation in 2010), as has the rest of the property, whose grounds are crisply manicured and spacious. The pool is average for the size of the resort, and while it’s not as big as the two pools at the similarly priced Sands at Grace Bay, it’s definitely nicer, with a swim-up bar adorned with blue tiles, and arched footbridges passing over pool canals. Striped, cushioned lounge chairs and yellow umbrellas, as well as the avant-garde, artfully sculpted furniture farther away on the lawn, add style. Poolside service is available, and, as you'll find elsewhere in the resort, the staff is adequate if somewhat uninterested.

Not everything is perfectly chic, though: Modern white street lamps adorn some areas, and cheap-looking black ground lights illuminate others. Somewhat distracting are the signs advertising the Alexandra’s ownership program, which are placed at what feels like every dozen paces.

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The Alexandra is located directly on Grace Bay, almost absurdly close to the Veranda Resort (some units are close enough to peer into the neighboring resort’s windows). Also very close is a nightclub that plays music well into the night. (On the night I stayed, I heard close to two hours straight of Michael Jackson -- including the headache-inducing extended dance scene from Black or White.) But the disturbance is probably only noticeable to light sleepers.

Nonetheless, the property’s 600-foot stretch of oceanfront is pristine and inviting with beachside towel service and guest-only umbrellas, lounge chairs, and water sport equipment. In addition to direct access to the beach, shopping, golf, and resorts are a quick drive away.

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

Luxury Oceanfront Studio

When compared with other resorts of the same price level, Alexandra’s 115 rooms are spacious, extremely clean, and well designed. In a stark contrast with its unimpressive exterior, interiors are modern and bright, toeing the line between ultra-trendy and tropical. Some accents are overtly flashy (a taffeta green ottoman with sparkly studs in the shape of a crab), while others are discreet (opalescent tiles on bedside tables). Bathrooms are clean, and come with Gilchrist & Soames toiletries.

• Some studio views are much too close to the neighboring Veranda Resort, while others partially face the parking lot. All of them catch at least a glimpse of the ocean. Splurge for a one-bedroom suite and you’ll be handsomely rewarded with impressive views and some of the most spacious terraces in all of Turks and Caicos.
• Studios are 633 square feet -- big for the price.
• Suites have one to three bedrooms and measure 771 to 1,584 square feet. All feature oceanfront terraces, washer/dryer combos, and separate living and dining rooms.
• All units feature a full kitchen or kitchenette, with GE appliances, granite countertops, and cabinets filled with dishes, cooking ware, and service pieces.
• Patio or balcony with teak furniture and cushioned chairs and loungers in all units
• Bathrooms are clean, but unexceptional. Studios have shower/tub combos or walk-in showers; for a soaking tub you’ll have to upgrade to a suite.
• 33-inch plasma flat-screen TVs and DVD players (though there are some lingering tube TVs in the bedrooms)
• Feathertop mattresses with 250-thread count Egyptian cotton sheets
• Ceiling fans in all rooms
• Free Wi-Fi

• Large pool with swim-up bar, outdoor dining, cocktail service, and expansive lounging areas
• Fitness center with plenty of StarTrac strength training machines and dumbbells, but only a few cardio machines
• The on-site Sanay Spa is owned by an off-site company, with limited hours and no resort representation. (Both days I visited, the spa was closed and Alexandra management was unable to give me a definite time to return.)
• Two tennis courts with lights for night play
• Concierge on-site can help with booking water sports activities and other excursions

Alexandra’s Mango Reef restaurant specializes in fresh seafood and Caribbean flavors, and is known throughout Turks & Caicos for its beachside dining and affordable plates (for the area). The three-course meal for $49, something of a steal by Turks & Caicos standards, is a big draw for both tourists and locals. Large tan canvases are stretched over a raised deck featuring tables decorated with bright orange napkins and umbrellas. A semi-indoor section is also available as is a tiki-style bar.

• On-site Mango Reef restaurant is a local favorite for sunset dining (open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner).
• Two bars: one at Mango Reef Restaurant, another at the pool