This Cliffside Caribbean Resort Feels Like the Mediterranean Getaway of Your Dreams – and It's Less Than 4 Hours From New York

Perched on a cliff above turquoise waters, Rock House is one of the best hotels in Turks and Caicos — and it’s easy to see why. Here’s what it’s like to stay there.

As I sat in my pool cabana, complimentary welcome glass of Champagne in hand, overlooking the long infinity pool that seemed to disappear into the turquoise ocean behind it, an immediate sense of calm washed over me. My husband and I had checked into the Rock House resort in Turks and Caicos mere minutes before, and the staff had kindly set us up with a shady cabana while we waited for our room to be ready. Despite still being in my plane clothes, the relaxing island vibes were impossible to ignore, and my typical New York City worries ebbed out with the tide.

Part of Grace Bay Resorts’ portfolio, Rock House is a relative newcomer to Turks and Caicos — it opened in May 2022. Its initial 46 rooms range from oceanfront studios to two-bedroom cottages. Some of the property is still discreetly under construction, with more rooms being added, including villa vacation homes for sale. Still, the resort feels deeply intimate and secluded.

Many other luxury properties found in Providenciales sit along the iconic, but built-up, Grace Bay Beach. Rock House is just a short, 10-minute drive west along the Leeward Highway, yet it feels a world away.

It’s obvious how the hotel came by its name: Perched high along an oceanfront ridge, the property is carved right into the limestone cliffs. The result? All-white buildings and rooms contrasting against the bluest waters I’ve ever seen for a distinctly Mediterranean feel. In fact, sunbathing on the small, private beach surrounded by rugged cliffs dotted with green shrubbery, it felt like I was on vacation on a Greek isle or the Amalfi Coast.  

Rock House

• The stunning infinity pool is the largest on the island, and in addition to being great for a dip, it’s also the ideal background for sunset photos.

• The small, private beach is a relaxing retreat, and there are complimentary kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling equipment for guests.

• The rooms all have private balconies, and some even come with private pools.

• The on-site restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and offers gorgeous ocean views, a delectable Italian dinner menu, and live music every Thursday.

• The hotel is in a central location, plus it’s an easy drive to Grace Bay Beach, Chalk Sound National Park, Da Conch Shack, and other island favorites.

While the rooms, restaurant, and pool are family-friendly, the hotel has smartly designed quiet vignettes that add to its sequestered and romantic charm. Comfy beach chairs beckon on the private jetty jutting out over the water; tucked-away loungers just above the beach make for an idyllic spot to post up with a beach read and gin and tonic; and dining nooks under knit umbrellas line the staircase up to the Cave Bar.

After an unforgettable long weekend stay, it was clear why Travel + Leisure editors named this one of the best new hotels of 2023, as well as one of the best hotels in Turks and Caicos. Read on for everything you need to know about Rock House.

The Rooms

You won’t find kitschy palm tree pillows or sea shell-shaped soaps here. In keeping with the hotel’s overall aesthetic, the modern rooms feature a tranquil palette of neutral whites and creams, with gentle pops of blue via accent pillows, throw blankets, and wall art. The bathrooms are just as luxurious, with powerful rainfall showerheads, deep soaking tubs, and L’Occitane bath products that smell heavenly. Our entry-level Oceanfront Studio was plenty spacious for the two of us, offering more than 550 square feet, plus a small balcony. All rooms also include free Wi-Fi, large TVs, coffee makers, and cozy robes and slippers.

While I was happy waking up to the slice of ocean we could glimpse from our room, if views are your top priority, it’s worth upgrading to the Ocean View Ridge Studio. The upgraded accommodations not only come with unobstructed sea views, but they also include additional living space, a breakfast nook, a sleeper sofa, and larger terraces.

Families and larger groups will appreciate the one- and two-bedroom villas, which feature larger decks with sparkling infinity pools, indoor and outdoor showers, full kitchens, and roomy living areas with full-size pullout sofas.

Food and Drink

Our room rate included breakfast at the one on-site restaurant, Vita, which also offers lunch and dinner. The open-air (but shaded) venue serves all their dishes with a side of gorgeous ocean views. My go-table was located on the far side in the corner where it felt like I was eating while floating above the water.

Breakfast comes with a fruit platter, coffee and juice of your choice, and a lengthy list of à la carte options (I was particularly smitten with the creamy overnight oats). The breezy lunch menu, meanwhile, is typical of a poolside restaurant, and you can order and dine from your lounge chair or rented cabana. By night, Vita turns into a sophisticated Italian spot. The adjacent and aptly named Sunset Bar is an excellent spot to toast before enjoying delectable bites ranging from yellowfin tuna crudo to homemade pasta. The restaurant also has vegetarian and vegan options.

Be sure to swing by Cave Bar, located directly below the restaurant, for a night cap. Carved deep into the limestone, it’s made to look like — you guessed it — a cave. On Thursday evenings, the party turns up with live music and dancing.

Activities and Amenities

A swim in the 100-foot infinity pool is not to be missed. Guests can rent a cabana for the day or enjoy the surrounding lounge chairs on a first-come, first-served basis. The hotel also has a small yet gorgeous private white-sand beach, in addition to complimentary snorkel gear, paddleboards, and kayaks. The name of the game at Rock House is relaxing, so throw your beach read in your complimentary tote bag and have a cocktail from Cave Bar brought down to your lounge chair while you enjoy the crystal-clear waters.

If you want to squeeze in a workout while on vacation, you can hit the hotel gym, though I recommend opting for a complimentary yoga class on the jetty, which takes place at 8 a.m. every Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

For all your shopping needs, from sunscreen to colorful dresses and cover-ups, Coco boutique has you covered.

And while there’s no true spa at the hotel, that shouldn’t stop you from getting pampered. In-room massages can be arranged upon request — go for a classic Swedish treatment or opt for Raindrop Therapy, which uses aromatic essential oils to bring you into a deeper state of tranquility.

The on-site concierge team can also help you book memorable excursions off the property such as jet skiing, a private boat charter, and a sunset sailing.

Accessibility and Sustainability

Rock House was built with sustainability in mind, and includes design details like recycled limestone walls and room keys made of bamboo. Gray water and rainwater are harvested daily for irrigation, and the hotel maximizes natural ventilation for cooling buildings when possible.

Additionally, all foliage at Rock House is indigenous to the site, from the joewood trees to the native orchids. Turks and Caicos is bordered by the third-largest coral reef in the world, and all complimentary sunscreen at the pool, as well as what's sold at Coco boutique, is reef safe.

Golf carts are available for guests to move around the hotel. However, note that rooms and beach access are not ADA compliant at this time.

Grace Bay Resorts also has a Community Foundation and participates in local educational initiatives, including delivering supplies to schools serving underprivileged children and sponsoring scholarships for kids looking to continue their education.

Family-friendly Offerings

There are no specific offerings here geared solely toward kids, and the hotel in general exudes a romantic atmosphere. That said, we encountered several families during our stay, and the pool seemed to be a particular hit with a few younger children.

As for accommodations, one- and two-bedroom villas give families ample space, while smaller suites with pullout sofa beds offer those with young kids a nice value option.

The Location

Just a short 3.5-hour flight from New York City, Rock House offers travelers an idyllic getaway. Perched 95 feet above the turquoise sea, this is the place to visit for utmost relaxation. If you're seeking action, the ability to walk to shops and restaurants, or a room on the beach, this is not the hotel for you.

That said, the property's location is central, making it easy to visit Providenciales’ other alluring beaches, national parks, and restaurants. While the hotel will be more than happy to arrange cabs for you, I recommend renting a car for flexibility — just be prepared to drive on the left side of the road.

Both the airport and famous Da Conch Shack are just eight minutes away, Grace Bay Beach is 10 minutes away, and Chalk Sound National Park is about 20 minutes.

Finding the Best Value

With rooms starting at $520 in the low season and as high as $1,450 during the December peak period, Rock House is undoubtedly a splurge. But thanks to its spacious suites, stunning views, and attentive staff, it’s a worthy one. Keep an eye out for seasonal special offers — I was able to score a discounted low-season rate that also included breakfast when I booked for July.

Rock House is also part of the Leading Hotels of the World, and you can join the Leaders Club to enjoy perks like discounted rates, included breakfasts, complimentary late checkout, and more.

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