The Palms Turks and Caicos Remains One of Grace Bay's Best Luxury Resorts
More than two decades after opening on one of the world's most celebrated beaches, The Palms Turks and Caicos continues to prove that timeless luxury never goes out of style.
Just 580 miles southeast of Miami, on the powder-white sands of Grace Bay, The Palms Turks and Caicos has spent over two decades quietly perfecting the luxury Caribbean escape. The 72-suite oceanfront resort continues to build on the qualities that have defined it from the beginning: hand-cut coral stone architecture, lush tropical gardens, an expansive infinity pool, and one of the world's most beautiful beaches just steps away.
The resort's history is part of its appeal. Originally opened in 2005 and inspired by the island architecture of British theater designer Oliver Messel, The Palms spent several years operating under the Regent Hotels flag before returning to its original independent identity in 2015. Today, it is part of the Hartling Group's collection of luxury resorts in Turks and Caicos. In December 2024, the resort unveiled an $18 million renovation by RAD Architecture, reimagining the guest suites, refreshing the pool deck, and introducing a new oceanfront dining concept with a relaxed, bohemian elegance.
Whether you're planning a solo wellness escape, a girls' getaway, or simply a week devoted to slowing down, The Palms is an easy place to settle into the relaxed rhythm of Grace Bay.
The Spa: 25,000 Square Feet of Serious Pampering
The Spa at The Palms has earned its reputation as one of the Caribbean's finest wellness destinations, most recently being named Best Spa in the Caribbean by the World Travel Awards. Reflecting pools, an outdoor meditation garden, and freestanding coral-stone treatment rooms create a sense of complete privacy before treatments even begin.
A few experiences worth planning your spa day around include:
Zareeba — Step into a private enclosed room and brew your own therapeutic herbal steam using a custom blend flown in from Jamaica, adjusting the intensity yourself. A cooling wrap and lymphatic massage complete the experience. (90 minutes, $295)
Mother of Pearl Scrub — Hand-crushed local queen conch shell combines with your choice of aromatherapy oil for an invigorating full-body exfoliation inspired by the islands themselves. (90 minutes, $295)
The Palms Healing Touch — The resort's signature massage is designed for genuine recovery and relaxation and is also available as a discounted series for longer stays. (90 minutes, $295; series of three, $750)
Moonlight and Stars (For Two) — A romantic couples treatment designed for those who prefer to unwind together. (90 minutes, $595)
Beyond these signature experiences, the spa offers Tata Harper and VOYA organic facials, body wraps, scrubs, CryoSlimming treatments, and a full-service salon. No guests under 14 are permitted beyond the spa reception, making this a true adults-only sanctuary.
The newest addition is a dedicated menu of Ayurvedic Healing Rituals that introduces ancient Indian wellness traditions alongside the Caribbean-inspired therapies the spa has long been known for.
Signature treatments include Abhyanga, a full-body massage using warm, dosha-specific oils designed to detoxify and restore balance, and Shirodhara, a calming forehead oil therapy intended to reduce stress and quiet the mind. Udvartana uses herbal exfoliation to stimulate circulation, while Kati Basti focuses on lower back discomfort and Mukha Marma Abhyanga promotes facial rejuvenation. Guests looking for a deeper reset can also book multi-day detox and relaxation programs.
Accommodations
The renovation is most noticeable inside the suites, which range from Junior Suites to expansive three-bedroom residences and oceanfront penthouses. Every accommodation is designed for longer, slower stays, with full kitchens, generous living spaces, and private balconies overlooking Grace Bay.
For wellness-minded travelers, that extra space matters. There's room for a morning stretch, an unhurried breakfast before a beach walk, or a quiet place to journal before the day begins.
The redesigned pool deck feels like an outdoor living room, with warm coral tones, woven textures, rattan lanterns, plush daybeds, and shaded alcoves that encourage lingering long after a swim. Covered dining areas make outdoor meals comfortable even during the warmest part of the day.
Wellness Beyond the Spa
Guests looking to stay active will find daily opportunities for movement without ever leaving the resort. Yoga and Pilates classes complement the fitness center, while personal training, meditation sessions, and boot camps are available by appointment.
Beyond the gym, guests can kayak, paddleboard, sail, play tennis, enjoy horseback riding along the beach, try kitesurfing, or tee off at nearby Royal Turks and Caicos Golf Club.
Dining
Dining has become one of The Palms' strongest assets following its recent renovation.
Parallel23 remains the resort's signature restaurant, serving dinner nightly from 6 to 10 p.m. with a wood-burning oven and an open display kitchen that makes preparation part of the experience.
The newest addition is Sí Sí, the island's only Mexican-inspired restaurant, where Executive Chef Rajasekar Ravindran partners with acclaimed Mexican chef Elia Herrera on a menu that feels fresh, vibrant, and unexpected for Turks and Caicos.
Each morning begins with a complimentary breakfast served in the lush Breakfast Garden, while three bars—an indoor lounge, a beachfront bar, and a pool bar—keep guests refreshed throughout the day.
Guests can also take advantage of the complimentary shuttle to Hartling Group sister properties, The Shore Club and The Sands, expanding dining options without the need for a rental car. Those wishing to venture farther will also find many of Grace Bay's acclaimed restaurants just a short drive away.
The Takeaway
The Palms has managed what many legacy Caribbean resorts don't: modernizing without losing the character that made it special in the first place.
More than two decades after opening on Grace Bay, the resort continues to offer an experience that feels refined without being flashy, luxurious without being overcomplicated, and deeply connected to the natural beauty that first put Turks and Caicos on the luxury travel map.
For travelers seeking a luxury Caribbean escape centered on wellness, thoughtful design, exceptional dining, and one of the region's most beautiful beaches, The Palms Turks and Caicos remains one of Grace Bay's smartest resort choices.