Turks & Caicos Islands have been at the top of our travel list for a few years now, we’ve been dreaming of those powdery white beaches, glowing turquoise waters and conch shells piled up at beach shacks. This year it was finally time to make our dream a reality.

Having been fortunate enough to stay at beautiful Aman properties across three different continents, we knew we were in for an unforgettable experience… but nothing could quite prepare us for the wonder and serenity of Amanyara.  

Let’s go back to the start. On arrival in Providenciales, our driver Cory was patiently waiting for us in one of the resort’s white Land Rovers. As with all Aman properties, the experience really does start before you arrive — fresh cold towels, in-car Wi-Fi and a selection of chilled drinks were provided for the drive. Twenty-minutes later, a sharp turn off the main highway took us onto a narrow, rocky dirt road. “This is where things get fun.” Cory calmly exclaimed.

Set on 100-acres at the top of a dramatic headland on the North West coast of Providenciales and surrounded by lush maritime National Park, it’s hard to imagine a place that feels more secluded and peaceful — or more impressive — than Amanyara. Each and every guest’s entrance to the resort is timed and treated with care and precision, we are warmly greeted by the General Manager Serge, served a refreshing mint and lime concoction by the wonderfully accommodating team and given a brief tour of the main hotel. 

Masterminded by architect Jean-Michel Gathy, the main hotel is made up of a series of symmetrical buildings that appear to float amongst lily ponds, lush greenery and winding trees. Natural timbers and floor-to-ceiling windows blend seamlessly with the island’s surroundings and maintain Aman’s signature nod to the Orient, while the gentle Caribbean breeze drifts through open-sided pavilions, with teak and rattan armchairs providing quiet relaxation points at each turn. The layout is flawless — it truly is a wonder of modernist design. A majestic walkway tempts you through to the main pavilion where the elegant design continues through to the bar and restaurant.

After a brief walk around, we pick our jaws up off of the floor and jump in a golf cart for the short ride to our private villa.

Amanyara consists of 40 private guest pavilions and 20 large estate villas, each identically styled but unique in their layout and most importantly, entirely secluded. At the end of a quite walkway, hidden amongst coastal vegetation and overlooking a tranquil pond, we arrive at our home for the next few days. The villa’s design is simplistic, elegant and luxurious, floor to ceiling glass windows spill out onto decked terraces and rustic wood sits harmoniously alongside clean lines, neutral furnishings and state-of-the-art comforts.

Our bags were already organised and laid out in the walk-in-wardrobe and a bottle of ice-cold champagne and bowl of local fruits awaited us in our private paradise. We popped it open and sat back on our decking looking out over the lily pond; within minutes, a true sense of isolation and calm set in, time to relax, breathe deep and escape the bustle of this frantic world. 

"Caribbean reality resembles the wildest imagination."

— Gabriel García Márquez

At The Restaurant, simplicity is the focus. The team serves up some of the freshest seafood and biggest Caribbean spiny lobsters we’ve ever eaten and the daily degustation menu is paired with delicious wines lovingly chosen by head sommelier Winnie. Down at the Beach Club, Executive Sous Chef Christoph Pentzlin is a marvel of taste and presentation, he served us beautiful locally sourced dishes packed full of flavour, that were almost too pretty to eat. The sea bass ceviche and blackened prawn tacos were exceptional. On Saturday evening, the Beach Club hosted a romantic candlelit barbecue under the twinkling Caribbean stars. To the gentle hum of live music and waves dancing against rocks, we delved into a ceviche station, risotto station, fresh seafood and meats grilled on an open fire, followed by mouth-watering desserts and an excellent bottle of Malbec chosen by Winnie.

It truly was an evening and an adventure we will never forget, thank you Aman.

AMANYARA | Northwest Point, Providenciales, TKCA 1ZZ, Turks & Caicos Islands

www.aman.com

Sandals by Ancient Greek Sandals

Dress by Free People

Luggage by Tumi