At the end of a beautiful Canadian summer in 2014, my partner, our two kids and I made the wonderful decision to move onto one of the most idyllic and beautiful islands within the Caribbean -the Turks and Caicos Islands a British territory that is made up of larger Caicos Islands and smaller Turks Islands holding a resident population of approximately 31,500.
It is comfortably located within close proximity to Miami and daily direct flights through American Airlines, making for excellent weekend shopping sprees and in general wearing off ‘island fever.’
We moved here during the hot TCI summer month of September and quickly became attached to the warm turquoise sea and beaches stretching of white powdery sand. However, our move wasn’t without its benefits -as we moved on the notion of an exciting business opportunity with one the finest private island resorts. And so, the exclusive private island resort of Parrot Cay would now become our home and playground for our kids initial years.
After years of deliberating from exciting adventures through South America, Asia and the cold caps of North America I was pleased to be moving somewhere not only warm but pleasurable.
PARROT CAY RESORT HAS BEEN NAMED TIME OVER AS ONE OF THE MOST EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE ISLANDS WITHIN THE CARIBBEAN REGION AND IS QUITE POPULAR WITH A-LISTER CELEBRITIES BOASTING AN AWARD WINNING WELLNESS RETREAT – THE COMO SHAMBHALA RETREAT.
The resort itself is approximately 1000 acres and generously spread out with intimate garden-ocean view suites, oceanfront beach houses and private estates owned by top business moguls and celebrities alike with prices for ownership starting in the ten million rang up.
The vastness of the island makes it especially charming to have your own designated ‘my’ space without the slightest claustrophobic presence. Letting go and being free are the essentials of being here and adjacent to a sunken cocktail bar lies a tranquil infinity pool that overlooks the limitlessness of the turquoise ocean that stretches beyond the soft white sand.
The food is anything but ordinary and can only be described as a divine culinary experience that brings your palate alive with exquisite flavors paired with the finest selection of familiar and rare wines. I am particularly fond of the fact when dining in either of the two restaurant options – I am always surprised with a fresh new selection to devour. Being the seafood addict I am, it is nice to know the fish is fresh and of the best, I have had in the Turks and Caicos Islands if I may say so myself.
Staying at the Parrot Cay resort doesn’t come without a hefty tag as prices start from around $US1000 all the way up to $US36,000 a night. Private Estate owners and when available to the guests who would love to spend a week or more will have at their fingertips a Private Chef to bring the magic closer and Private Butler to cater your every need.
However, while sun, sea, and sand are all nice my heart is with the wellness that breaths at the doorstep of the COMO Shambhala Retreat sitting before two large stony boulders and torches that come alive in fiery flare by night. The COMO Shambhala Retreat is, in my opinion, one of those rare and uplifting experiences you must absolutely give to yourself. The treatments are infused by temperatures, rhythmic movements and healing elements that centers your body, mind, and spirituality. Personal favorites of mine are the Signature COMO Shambhala Massage, a must do, and seeing I embrace botanical aromatherapy treatments over more synthetic solutions the Sundari Supplying Facial was just the skin loving treatment for me.
I am still pretty new to this incredible resort and when I’m not spending my days with my four and three years old roaming through the running pathway – a heavy forested haven tucked away that leads you to the island’s Coconut and Banana plantations, or having afternoon tea through the large cathedral doors of the library or photographing a sunrise you can rest assured I’m doing something that nourishes and puts me at ease on the beautiful island of Parrot Cay.