Carol Ann Davidson | Tribune News Service (TNS)
Noise is my nemesis, quiet being one of my cherished but most elusive of holy grails.
So when deciding where to go for a much-needed vacation at the beginning of March, I decided to spend it at a luxury resort, The Somerset on Grace Bay in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos. Fingers crossed that I would find a modicum of peace and serenity.
I had viewed online photos and videos of the property. It certainly looked beautiful, but would it achieve my high standards for low decibels?
This was my third trip to T&C, my first to The Somerset.
It’s not the newest “kid on the block” (it was built in 2006). Shinier “kids” have arrived on the scene — a few of which I have visited — but there is something more genteel, relaxed and intimate about this property. It immediately felt like home. The Somerset oozed charm, without the noisy bells and whistles that many resorts display, mistaking intense activity and helicoptering attention for thoughtful but unobtrusive service.
Part of the charm resided in the configuration of the Spanish Mediterranean style of architecture of yellow stucco capped by the red clay roof. The four-story residences, housing one- to five-bedroom suites, formed a horseshoe shape allowing each unit to have an unobstructed view of Grace Bay Beach. With its miles-long shoreline of silky white sand, Grace Bay is listed among Tripadvisor’s “Best of the Best” beaches for 2024.
I arrived at night after a 90-minute flight from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, so I didn’t see the crowning centerpiece of the property until early the next morning. I opened the floor-to-ceiling drapes in my one-bedroom suite, stood out on the terrace and gaped in amazement at the stunning lap and infinity pools that seemed to flow straight into the ocean. An employee was carefully cleaning the pools while another was setting up the chaise lounges with pristine white covers and rolled towels.
So, what can a gal do but don her swimsuit and jump right in? I had the pools all to myself, and after an hour swim in the 104-foot-long lap pool, I headed for breakfast. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served at the Barbetta, an independently owned restaurant on The Somerset’s property. The open-air breakfast room overlooked the landscaped park area bordered by smaller Somerset accommodations. I must admit that breakfast choices were plentiful, but the quality of the food could be improved. However, Ingrid, the delightful server, was a pleasure.
Key to a great resort vacation is the staff. It turns out that many of the employees have been there since The Somerset opened — a good sign. They understand understated hospitality but deliver it with ease and a kind of natural friendliness, as if you’ve known them all your life.
There’s a gym onsite, which I didn’t use because I wanted as much sun and sand and water as I could possibly squeeze into my short stay. But I did avail myself of a sublime massage on my suite terrace. Yuli, a therapist all the way from Bali, knew exactly how to knead those stressed muscles into submission. While working her wonders, the sound of birds and the ever-present warm island breeze kept us company.
Each of the 53 accommodations is uniquely decorated. My 1,500-square-foot suite was airy, modern and immaculate. The kitchen offered every imaginable culinary gadget, Viking and Bosch appliances, and a separate glass wine refrigerator. The king-size bed was mercifully comfy in a massive bedroom bracketed on one side by a Juliet balcony and on the other by the ensuite bathroom and separate closet room.
I may have been the solo traveler there, but had the pleasure of meeting a host of couples young and senior, many with their children or grandchildren. The resort is known for its Caicos Kids Club designed for children ages 3 to 12. While parents grab a bit of free time, an array of supervised activities such as arts and crafts, treasure hunts and beach games occupy the little ones.
For bigger kids like myself, the sea offers endless adventures. Although I was almost enticed into parasailing, I opted for less height and more splash on one of the Hobie Cats that the resort provides. I even let out a few hoots when I first straddled what felt like a trampoline on wings with a sail attached. It was a particularly windy day, and the youthful Navigator steered the craft out into the wild blue yonder. It was thrilling, and a bit scary, when a huge wave danced all over me. But I survived to tell the tale.
Then as my reward for being so brave, I plunked myself down on a beach chaise lounge strategically placed near the water’s edge and munched on a grilled shrimp salad washed down by an intoxicating coconut rum punch served by a waiter from The Somerset’s poolside restaurant. Watching the swimmers, kayakers, parasailers, sailboats and sunbathers was entertainment enough.
Once the headiness of the drink wore off, the sunny beach beckoned me for a long, leisurely stroll.
Grace Bay itself stretches about three miles, but it connects seamlessly with two other beaches so one could conceivably walk for about 12 miles. I didn’t count my steps, but I viewed various properties along the way — some very modern, others a bit worse for the wear — and I liked that the area was not overcrowded and the resorts were spread out so a sense of privacy prevailed. But for me, my Somerset “home” was where I wanted to cocoon. So back I went for my last evening meal at Barbetta. Grilled mahi mahi with asparagus, saffron infused potatoes followed by crackling creme brûlée.
While checking out the last morning of my stay, a couple was just arriving. The woman asked me, “Is it quiet here?”
“Yes,” I said truthfully, “and peaceful.” She turned to her husband with a big smile and said, “That’s exactly what we need.”
A fitting end to my holy grail pursuit and a positive introduction to theirs. Maybe on my next trip I’ll try the parasailing. Fingers crossed.
(For more information, visit thesomerset.com.)
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