Windsong Resort Rating: 4.0 Pearls

Turks and Caicos Islands

The pool

The scene at Windsong Resort depends on your point of entry. At the proper entrance, the 50-room hotel seems unremarkable, with a small sign just past the nearby Reef Residences and an unassuming lobby featuring a single desk and four chairs. However, if you happen to come across the Windsong via the beach, you might get the impression of a hip and happening boutique, due to groups of young people clad in bathing suits congregating around an impressive glass-enclosed pool and sipping cocktails at a poolside bar.

The resulting image of Windsong is convoluted -- its prices certainly indicate a luxury resort, and yet it lacks the list of amenities required to put it in line with the island's grander resorts, like Grace Bay Club and Seven Stars. While some of the resort's rooms are indeed affordable, guests staying in them will be disheartened when they realize just how small they are. All units are nicely decorated with bright details and upscale furnishings, but if you opt for any of the units under $1,000 per night, you'll be stuck without the most important detail of all -- a terrace.

The pool is Windsong's most exciting amenity, with an avant-garde glass bridge and waterfall hovering above, and underwater speakers below. The pool's elevation makes it feel even closer to the ocean than it is, and the nearby JoJo's Cafe is close enough that you won't have to drag your belongings with you for a quick bite or drink.

The rest of the amenities are split between the standard -- a fitness center and meeting room; and the not so standard -- a nightclub featuring gambling machines, a cocktail bar, and weekend entertainment that ranges from comedy hours to freak shows. A final amenity that causes much confusion is the resort's spa. Like several other resorts, Windsong claims to have a spa; however, in reality it simply books treatments for guests with its partner, the off-site Spa Tropique.

View on a Larger Map

Windsong's Grace Bay setting along the Princess Alexandra National Sea Park -- a fabulous snorkeling location and the home of Providenciales' most famous resident, JoJo, the bottlenose dolphin -- is particularly attractive. In addition to great underwater sightings, the resort's 435-foot stretch of beach is nicely maintained with beach set-up service, and features a few free kayaks and paddleboards. Most of the rest of the island's attractions, however, require a short drive.

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

Studio Suite

Tiny rooms aren't so common in Providenciales, where 500 square feet is generally considered small. So Windsong's 250-square-foot Luxury Courtyard View Rooms and 365-square-foot Island View Studios are almost an insult to guests, especially when considering the rates. Of course, all rooms come with fancy Bulgari toiletries, fluffy Frette towels, and plush Hilden bed linens, but if you are hoping for any of the really nice extras (like a full kitchen, terrace, or washer/dryer), be prepared to fork over some serious cash.

• Bright, upscale island-style decor: wicker and high-quality wood furniture, plush white bedding, tile floors, and marble bathrooms
• Shower/tub combos or walk-in showers
• Full kitchens and dual washer/dryers except in Luxury Courtyard View Rooms and Island View Studios, which have kitchenettes
• Kitchens feature state-of-the-art appliances, granite countertops, and cabinets stocked with cookware, utensils, and tableware.
• Flat-screen TVs with built-in DVD players; size varies from 22 inches to 50 inches, depending on the room
• Luxury Bulgari toiletries, Frette towels and robes, and marble vanities in the bathrooms
• Luxurious Hilden linens on the beds
• iHome or BOSE iPod-enabled alarm clocks/stereos
• Free Wi-Fi
• Pricey minibar items include one bottle of Fiji water and three bottles of wine
• Butler service available in Penthouse units
• The Luxury Courtyard View Room is tiny at just 250 square feet, and features prison-size windows -- yet it costs about as much per night as a much nicer 500-square-foot studio at West Bay Club.
• The 365-square-foot Island View Studio is also overpriced and, again, one of the smallest room types on the entire island.
• The three least expensive units on property do not have terraces; you'll have to book the significantly larger -- and significantly more expensive -- One-Bedroom Ocean Front Suite if you want to enjoy some outdoor privacy.

The beach

• A large glass-enclosed pool with underwater speakers, two Jacuzzis, and ocean views
• Havana Club, a nightclub/lounge featuring gambling machines, a cocktail bar, and weekend entertainment
• A 435-foot stretch of beach with guest-only lounge chairs, umbrellas, and set-up service
• A fitness center with Cybex cardio machines, weight machines, cables, dumbbells, and yoga balls
• Free continental breakfast
• Free use of paddleboards and kayaks
• Loaner bicycles
• Weekly wine hour
• A meeting room with 60-person capacity
• Free Wi-Fi throughout
• No business center
• No spa or tennis courts

Casual dining at JoJo's, an outdoor cafe next to the resort's glass-enclosed pool, is simple enough, with a three-meal menu featuring the usual island fare of wraps, sandwiches, and grilled fish. The small bar has just a half-dozen seats, though it seems to get the bulk of its of service from pool loungers.

A unique fixture at the resort and throughout Providenciales is Havana Club, Windsong's entertainment venue featuring video game gambling, a full bar, dessert service, and weekend performances. It's a bit small, with just a 50-seat capacity, so you'll be well advised to get your tickets early.