Today (August 18, 2014): Top 10 luxury hotels that are loved by celebrities.

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of spotting a celebrity, especially when you are staying at the same hotel. And when it comes to holidays, it should come as no surprise that celebs have a preference for the most luxurious hotel brands in the world. So, if you’re dying to spend your precious holiday time in the same place as the stars (or at least want a chance to see one), then read my recommendations for the 10 best luxury hotels to spot celebrities.

There is more info below the slide show.  Think I missed one? Share your favorite hotel to spot celebrities in the comments section.

*** Follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for a daily moment of travel inspiration ***

10. THE BEVERLY HILLS HOTEL, LOS ANGELES, USA

Most celebs come to this elegant and dignified Dorchester Collection hotel with 12 acres of gardens to hide away in one of the secluded bungalows. The hotel’s guest list of celebs of the past and present is endless and includes Marilyn Monroe, Elizabeth Taylor, John Lennon, Barack Obama, Lindsay Lohan, Jessica Alba, Britney Spears, Jennifer Aniston, Nicole Kidman, Johnny Dep, Vince Vaughn, Nicolas Cage, John Mayor and even everyone’s favorite royals, Will and Kate. However, recently, the Dorchester properties – and the Beverly Hills Hotel in particular – are under fire and boycotted by most celebs since their owner, the sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah, has enacted Sharia law in Brunei, which calls for homosexuality and adultery to be punishable by death by stoning.

• Hotel website: The Beverly Hills Hotel

9. PARK HYATT SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA

This luxury hotel is a favorite among the star-studded crowd: Elton John, Bette Midler, Jerry Seinfeld, Nicole Kidman, Jamie Oliver, Lady Gaga, Rihanna and the Rolling Stones all have checked in here. No doubt they come here for the spectacular harbour front views of the surrounding landmarks, the discrete atmosphere, the day spa with rooftop pool and the palatial 350-sqm two-bedroom Sydney suite (said to be the most expensive in the city) featuring panoramic views of the iconic Sydney Opera House, harbour and bridge. As for that premium view, mere mortals can savor it simply by booking one of the hotel’s lovely Opera View Rooms.

• Hotel website: Park Hyatt Sydney
• Other top 10 accolades: The Park Hyatt Sydney also features in my top 10 lists of  the best luxury hotels in Australia, the world’s most spectacular rooftop pools, the world’s best luxury hotels, and the world’s most spectacular hotel rooftops.
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (upgrade on arrival, daily continental breakfast, $100 USD spa credit, early check-in and late check-out).
• Review: click here to read my review of the Park Hyatt Sydney.

8. THE WALDORF ASTORIA NEW YORK, USA

The Waldorf Astoria, the iconic New York luxury hotel in midtown Manhattan and flagship of the Hilton hotel group, is the embodiment of luxury and splendor. An official New York City landmark since 1993, this legendary Art Deco treasure occupies an entire city block on fashionable Park Avenue, and has completed renovations totaling in excess of $300 million. When the U.S. President travels to New York, he always stays at The Waldorf Astoria, and it’s also the first choice of heads of state and dignitaries from around the world. Other illustrious guests include Douglas MacArthur, Will and Kate, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, who all resided on the hotel’s top floors (the Waldorf Astoria Towers). And of course, Paris and Nicky Hilton practically grew up here.

• Hotel website: The Waldorf Astoria New York

7. THE LITTLE NELL, ASPEN, COLORADO, USA

With the city of Aspen at their front door and Aspen Mountain in their backyard, The Little Nell is Aspen’s only five-star, five-diamond property, and the only hotel with ski-in, ski-out access to historic Aspen Mountain. From the finest in haute cuisine to the 20,000 bottles of wine in their cellar, from the concierges in the lobby to the concierges on the mountains, and from family adventure to après ski, this hotel is, guests have said, ‘the Aspen of Aspen’. No wonder it is a winter magnet for the stars of film, food, music and more. Regular guests include Jack Nicholson, Kevin Costner, Kate Hudson, Felicity Huffman, Elle Macpherson, Heidi Klum, Jennifer Aniston and Mariah Carey, who has reportedly bought out the penthouse in prior years for a view of Aspen Mountain.

• Hotel website: The Little Nell
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (upgrade on arrival, daily continental breakfast, and $100 USD resort credit).

6. PARROT CAY BY COMO, TURKS AND CAICOS

Parrot Cay by COMO is an award-winning Turks & Caicos hideaway set on its own private island of 1,000 unspoilt acres with a mile-long powdery soft beach. This exclusive hotel delivers foot-in-the-sand luxury with COMO’s service ethic, holistic therapies, yoga, diving and world-class cuisine. And consequently, it attracts star power. Some celebrities have chosen to buy one of the COMO villas here, such as Donna Karan, Bruce Willis, Christie Brinkley and Keith Richards. Barbara Streisand, Julia Roberts, Tom Cruise, Penelope Cruz, and Janet Jackson are among the resort’s rumoured past guests. Parrot Cay by COMO also hosted the romantic weddings of Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner in 2005.

• Hotel website: Parrot Cay by COMO
• Other top 10 accolades: Parrot Cay by COMO also features in my top 10 lists of the most luxurious resorts in the Caribbean and the world’s most exclusive private island resorts.
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and $100 USD hotel credit).
• Review: to read my review of Parrot Cay by COMO, click here.

5. GRAMERCY PARK HOTEL, NEW YORK, USA

Gramercy Park Hotel was the decor of Bill Clinton’s 60th birthday. And Anna Hathaway, Madonna, Sheryl Crow, Halle Berry, Donald Trump and many more have hold celebrity studded parties here. So, what’s the fuss about? Well, the Ian Schrager designed hotel is a modern, sexy and hip take on a traditional grand New York Hotel, with custom-designed, handcrafted furnishings and a rotating collection of 20th century artwork, including masterpieces from Schnabel, Warhol and Basquiat. The theme continues in each of the 185 guest rooms, that feature imported Italian linens, exquisite artwork and richly-hued velvet drapery. And with a rooftop terrace providing stunning views and a key to Gramercy Park, Manhattan’s only Private Park, its clear celebrities have access here to the very best of New York City.

• Hotel website: Gramercy Park Hotel

4. METROPOLITAN BY COMO, LONDON, UK

When it comes to celebrity spotting, London offers stiff competition for Hollywood and New York these days. And while favorites such as the Langham, Lanesborough and the Savoy still attract star power, it seems that most A-listers are drawn to the Metropolitan by COMO hotel, a sibbling of the Parrot Cay resort that features on our number 6 spot. The guest list (so far) features Madonna, Tom Hanks, Johnny Depp, Kate Moss, Cameron Diaz and Jude Law. They all come for the cool, contemporary design, combined with accurate service, discrete athmosphere and a vibrant Park Lane location. There are 144 rooms and suites as well as 19 long-stay apartments (most of them overlooking Hyde Park and the London skyline), Nobu for Japanese-Peruvian cuisine, a lively Met Bar and Asian-inspired therapies from COMO Shambhala Urban Escape.

• Hotel website: Metropolitan by COMO
• Other top 10 accolades: Metropolitan by COMO also features in my top 10 list of the best luxury hotels in London.

3. ONE&ONLY REETHI RAH, MALDIVES

This is one of the most luxurious beach resorts in the Indian Ocean and a favorite of A-list celebrities. And it’s easy to see why. Supreme and private luxury amid nature’s tropical magic, the resort is a jewel among a string of coral atolls, lagoons, and white sands. Set on a large private island, it offers 130 private resort villas well separated along the shore, either on the beach secluded by lush tropical greenery, or set above the clear, protected waters of the lagoon. Designed in an elegant contemporary style, these are among the largest resort villas in the world. The 12 sugar white beaches are the epitome of a tropical paradise. David Beckham, Mariah Carey, Danni Minogue and Novak Djokovic all stayed here, and the resort was the honymoon decor for Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes (now divorced).

• Hotel website: One&Only Reethi Rah
• Other top 10 accolades:  One&Only Reethi Rah also features in my top 10 lists of the best resorts in the Maldives, the most astonishing beach retreats in Asia, and the world’s best hotel spas.
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso, such as villa upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and exclusively designed Reethi Rah Kaftans, coupled with a One&Only Maldives at Reethi Rah Signature Organic Candle. With a minimum stay of 7 nights, guests booking through Virtuoso also receive a complimentary ‘Secrets of the Thila’ excursion or a complimentary dinner for two in the Reethi Restaurant excluding beverages.
• Review: to read my review of One&Only Reethi Rah, click here.

2. ST REGIS PRINCEVILLE, HAWAII, USA

With awe-inspiring scenery and gorgeous beaches, it should come as no suprise that Hawaii, especially Kauai, is one of the world’s most beautiful islands and a Hollywood favorite. Blockbusters such as ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark’, ‘Jurassic Park’ and ‘South Pacific’ were all filmed here. The 252-room St. Regis Princeville lays claim to Hawaii’s most stunning location – a cliff overlooking dramatic Hanalei Bay – and it has a celebrity guest list to match: Ben Affleck, Jennifer Garner, Olivia Munn, Matt Damon, Julia Roberts, George Clooney, Ben Stiller, Kelly Clarkson and Alicia Keys all enjoyed the St. Regis’ signature butler service, the Asian-influenced fare at chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s casual Kauai Grill and that killer view, visible from every guest room, of jungle-clad volcanic mountains, the Pacific Ocean and the cinematic sunsets.

• Hotel website: The St Regis Princeville
• Other top 10 accolades: The St Regis Princeville also features in my top 10 lists of the most amazing hotel lobbies in the world, the most fabulous hotels in Hawaii, and the best luxury hotels in the USA.
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and $100 USD hotel credit).
• Review: to read my review of the  St Regis Princeville, click here.

1. LAS VENTANAS AL PARAISO, LOS CABOS, MEXICO

At Las Ventanas Al Paraiso, a Rosewood Resort, guests feel like celebrities. And often are! The hotel has redefined pampering and luxury in Los Cabos – only a 2 hour flight from Los Angeles – with unparalleled service, exquisite accommodations and unwavering attention to detail. Celebrities come here for the privacy, views and suites. JLo, Leonardo DiCaprio, Kevin Costner, Robin Williams, Simon Cowell, Cameron Diaz, Jessica Alba, Sheryl Crow, Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox and Chelsea Handler are regular visitors. Need we say more? Oh yeah, keep in mind that those in-room telescopes are for gazing at the stars up above or the spouting whales in the Pacific Ocean, not spying on the stars in the suite next door.

• Hotel website: Las Ventanas Al Paraiso
• Other top 10 accolades: Las Ventanas Al Paraiso, a Rosewood Resort, also features in my top 10 lists of the most amazing beach hotels in the world and the world’s most amazing outdoor hotel rooms.
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and $100 USD spa credit).

*** Follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for a daily moment of travel inspiration ***

The post Top 10: luxury hotels loved by celebrities appeared first on the Luxury Travel Expert.

Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.

Today (August 18, 2014): Top 10 most luxurious resorts in the Caribbean.

Welcome to the Caribbean Sea and the tropical Caribbean Islands some call paradise! With an abundance of sugar white dream beaches, coconut covered hills, and lush valleys of sugar cane and bananas, it should come as no surprise that the Caribbean is the number one holiday destination in the Americas. I hereby present you a top 10 list of my favorite Caribbean luxury resorts, that rank among the most lavish in the world.

There is more information below the slide show. Think I missed one? Share your favorite Caribbean hotel in the comments section, or take my poll below!

*** Top 10 best luxury resorts in the Maldives, Mauritius, French Polynesia, & the Seychelles ***

10. ONE&ONLY OCEAN CLUB, BAHAMAS

Under the cerulean blue of an endless Bahamian sky, wrapped in a the turquoise waters of an exuberant sea, One&Only Ocean Club nestles peacefully along a shore of a delicate white sand beach. The resort, once a private estate, reflects the glamorous ambience and posh exclusivity of a grand colonial mansion, welcoming the generations of the world’s travelling elite. All 105 luxurious guest rooms, suites, and villas exude a warm and inviting ambience with modern conveniences, and come with spacious balconies or patios offering garden or ocean views. The discrete services of a personal butler, 24 hours a day, are included.

• Hotel website: One&Only Ocean Club
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, and $100 USD resort credit).

9. JUMBY BAY ISLAND, ANTIGUA

Jumby Bay, an Oetker Collection property, is set on a 300-acre private island 2 miles off the coast of Antigua. Reachable only by boat, with no hint of urban intrusions and no indigenous population in sight, this privately owned hideaway has remained largely unchanged for centuries. Nowadays, the entire island, which comprises just 40 exquisitely appointed guest room and suites and a collection of villas and estate homes, may as well wear a “Do Not Disturb” sign. The resort’s 250 local staff return to the mainland every night, leaving just a sprinkling of staff, homeowners and guests.

• Hotel website: Jumby Bay Island
• Other top 10 accolades: Jumby Bay Island also features in my top 10 list of the world’s most exclusive private island resorts.
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and $100 USD spa credit).

8. FOUR SEASONS RESORT NEVIS, ST KITTS AND NEVIS

The remotely located Four Seasons Resort Nevis sits on a large, attractive beach, basking in the near-perfect weather of this little-known wonder in the Caribbean West Indies. Almost all rooms have beautiful mountains or ocean views, and come with private balconies from where you can listen to the gentle lapping of the waves on golden beaches, and the sounds of palm trees swaying in the pleasant breeze. You can relax in one of the resort’s 3 pools, rejuvenate in the award-winning spa, or play golf while taking in the dramatic Caribbean island views on one of the world’s most scenic courses.

• Hotel website: Four Seasons Resort Nevis
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, and $100 USD resort credit).

7. ST REGIS BAHIA BEACH RESORT, PUERTO RICO

The Puerto Rico flagship of the Starwood Hotels group enjoys a romantic setting in a Caribbean coconut plantation, nestled between a lush national forest and the sparkling sea. Amidst verdant foliage, you can relax in one of 139 exquisitely furnished rooms, where private terraces lead to spectacular ocean views. All rooms come with St Regis’ iconic Butler service. Here, pleasure is a daily mantra, where you can tee off at the challenging Robert Trent Jones, Jr. golf course, succumb to exclusive Remède Spa pampering, savor Jean-Georges’ acclaimed cuisine, lounge at the pool esplanade or bask on the pristine, sandy beach.

• Hotel website: St Regis Bahia Beach
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD resort credit).

6. NECKER ISLAND, BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS

Sir Richard Branson’s 74 acre private island is unquestionably one of the most idyllic place in Caribbean and now part of Virgin Limited Edition, Branson’s portfolio of unique retreats. There is a dedicated team of fabulous staff on the island plus more than 200 flamingos who are all part of the Necker family! Necker Island made news for all the wrong reasons in August 2011 when a lightning strike set fire to the Great House, but it is open for business again after an extensive restoration.

• Hotel website: Necker Island
• Other top 10 accolades: Necker Island also features in my top 10 lists of the world’s most exclusive private island resorts and the world’s most expensive hotels.

5. EDEN ROC AT CAP CANA, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Think of the magnificent architecture along the French and Italian Rivieras. Add a touch of Spanish Colonial design. And now imagine an enclave of these storybook villas set among the dreamy landscape of the Caribbean. That’s Eden Roc at Cap Cana, where Milan-based architect Marina Nova has created the most alluring hotel design in the islands. It’s European glamour with a Caribbean twist. The 34 free-standing suites celebrate the beauty unfolding outside with expansive windows, verandas and patios, creating myriad spots to experience paradise uninterrupted. Each suite has its own swimming pool and spa area.

• Hotel website: Eden Roc At Cap Cana
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, $100 USD food and beverage credit, and roundtrip airport transfers).

4. PARROT CAY BY COMO, TURKS & CAICOS

Parrot Cay by COMO, a favourite among celebrities, is an award-winning luxury resort set on its own private island of 1,000 unspoilt acres with a mile-long powdery soft beach. This exclusive island hideaway delivers foot-in-the-sand luxury with COMO’s service ethic, holistic therapies, yoga, diving and world-class cuisine. All rooms and suites have whitewashed interiors furnished with soft, cotton-covered chairs, airy four-poster beds and teak furnishing. The real stars are the private villas, with their own pools, direct beach access as well as the 24-hour service of COMO’s acclaimed butlers.

• Hotel website: Parrot Cay by COMO
• Other top 10 accolades: Parrot Cay by COMO also features in my top 10 lists of the world’s most exclusive private island resorts and luxury hotels loved by celebrities.
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and $100 USD hotel credit).
• Review: to read my review of Parrot Cay, click here.

3. DORADO BEACH, A RITZ-CARLTON RESERVE, PUERTO RICO

Somewhere between idyllic and perfection sits a Puerto Rico resort of such intimate luxury and rare character, it calls to those who believe every journey should be a voyage of discovery. Once a 1,400-acre sugar plantation owned by the Livingston family, Dorado Beach caught the eye of conservationist visionary Laurance S. Rockefeller, who in the 1950s transformed the lush landscape into Puerto Rico’s most exclusive luxury resorts. With its serene coastline, private residences, spa sanctuary, and a harmonious sense of place that blends masterfully into the natural surroundings, Dorado Beach, invites guests to arrive spellbound, and depart speechless.

• Hotel website: Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, early check-in, late check-out, daily breakfast, and $150 USD hotel credit).

2. JADE MOUNTAIN, ST LUCIA

The impressive design, with individual bridges leading to exceptional infinity pool suites and rugged stoned-faced columns reaching towards the sky, makes Jade Mountain one of the Caribbean’s most mesmerizing resort experiences, especially for honeymooners. With the fourth wall entirely absent, Jade Mountain’s 29 suites (called “sanctuaries”) are stage-like settings from which to embrace the full glory of  St Lucia’s twin peaks, the Pitons World Heritage Site, and of course, the eternal Caribbean Sea.

• Hotel website: Jade Mountain
• Other top 10 accolades: Jade Mountain also features in my top 10 lists of hotel rooms with the best views, the world’s best luxury hotels, the world’s best honeymoon resorts, and the world’s best resorts with private plunge pools.
• Tip: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, $100 USD spa credit, early check in, and late check out).
• Review: to read my review of Jade Mountain, click here.

1. AMANYARA, TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS

Welcome to our favorite Caribbean hideaway! Set on the beautiful island of Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos Islands, Amanyara is a secluded haven embracing the best elements of the Caribbean. Bordering the pristine reefs of Northwest Point Marine National Park, acclaimed for some of the world’s best wall and reef diving, the ultraluxurious resort is blessed with crystal clear turquoise water and a powder-white beach (with some rocky parts).  Offering 40 timber-shingled Guest Pavilions tucked along the coast and a number of Aman Villas, the resort enjoys a contemporary layout and design, open to the sights and sounds of the turquoise sea.

• Hotel website: Amanyara
• Other top 10 accolades: Amanyara also features in my top 10 lists of the most beautiful hotel beaches in the world, the best Aman hotels in the world, the most beautiful overwater bungalows in the world, and the world’s most expensive hotels.
• Tip: enjoy exclusive VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. upgrade on arrival, daily continental breakfast, one a la carte lunch for 2 persons, early check-in and late check-out).
• Review: to read my review of Amanyara, click here.

*** Follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for a daily moment of travel inspiration ***

The post Top 10: best luxury resorts in the Caribbean appeared first on the Luxury Travel Expert.

Wednesday newsletters always feature a luxury hotel and/or flight review.

Today (May 7, 2014): Review of COMO Parrot Cay (Turks & Caicos). 

• Location: Google Maps
• Hotel website: Parrot Cay
• Tip: enjoy exclusive VIP amenities when booking via Virtuoso

COMO Parrot Cay is an award-winning luxury resort located on its own private island of 1,000 unspoilt acres with a mile-long powdery soft beach in Turks & Caicos, an island nation which harbors some of the world’s best beaches. This exclusive island hideaway delivers foot-in-the-sand luxury with COMO’s service ethic, holistic therapies, yoga, diving and world-class cuisine. A favourite among celebrities are the private villas, with their own pools, direct beach access as well as the 24-hour service of COMO’s acclaimed butlers.

COMO Parrot Cay features in my top 10 lists of the most luxurious resorts in the Caribbean, the world’s most exclusive private island resorts, and luxury hotels loved by celebrities.

In this review (more info and photos below my slideshow):

• Pros & things I like
• Cons & things to know
• My verdict
• Tips for future guests & save money
• Comparison with other Turks & Caicos luxury hotels (Amanyara)
• Best time to visit
• How to get there
• Photos

*** Follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for a daily moment of travel inspiration ***

PROS & THINGS I LIKE

• Getting there includes a complimentary sightseeing trip. You will be escorted from the airport to the resort’s private dock by a van (20 min), and then it is another 40 minutes scenic trip by private boat to the resort.

• The hotel’s architecture is reminiscent of a Spanish hacienda and blends beautifully into the natural environment. The minimalistic and white design of the communal areas is very atmospheric, upscale and chic.

• The main swimming pool is not only magnificent (with gorgeous views over the turquoise sea), but also heated to the temperature of a warm bath, so you can take a dip at night if you want to.

• Accommodations are located either in one of the buildings around the reception area at a short distance – 5 minute walk – from the beach (these rooms come with their own large terrace), or in (semi-)detached villas that are located right behind the beach (these villas come with their own small pool).  All 72 rooms, suites and villas come in different categories and have whitewashed interiors furnished with soft, cotton-covered chairs, airy four-poster beds and teak furnishing. This is understated elegance at its best!

• The impressive 1,5 mile (2,4 km) long beach is composed of powdery soft, sugar white sand. The ocean water is clear and features the deepest blue colour that you can imagine (the beach reminded me of the Maldives, although it does not have any palm trees). This is one of the best and most idyllic beaches in the Caribbean.

• Food (breakfast, lunch and dinner) at the resort is excellent and of very high quality (with change of the menu every 3 days). This is an area were Parrot Cay definitely outclasses its competitors on the island nation. The relaxed poolside Lotus restaurant serves light Caribbean-inspired dishes during the day and contemporary Asian at night, while the Terrace restaurant specialises in modern Mediterranean.

• The Como Shambala Spa should be on your to-do list when you visit the resort. The spa is one of the most exclusive wellness and health facilities in the Caribbean, in line with Como’s reputation as one of the best, if not the best spa resort group in the world).  Holistic, Asian-inspired treatments are on offer, including aromatherapy, Pilates and other holistic approaches to mental quietude, physical wellbeing and spiritual balance.

• There is a budget for everyone, ranging from very expensive villas (more than $1000 USD a night) to more modestly priced rooms.

CONS & THINGS TO KNOW

COMO Parrot Cay is a brilliant, high-end resort, located on a gorgeous beach. I highly recommended it, but IMHO there is still room for some improvement:

• Pre-arrival communication with the resort was a disappointment: emails were mostly not answered, and when I did receive a delayed reply, it was in a very informal (too informal) way, with lots of grammatical errors. The resort should realize that this is the first impression they make, and that it may put off some possible guests.

• WiFi was available in the rooms, but there was no WiFi at the swimming pool nor at the beach. This may not bother some, but I did miss it to surf the internet on my tablet while lounging near the pool or on the beach.

• Sun loungers on the beach were not comfortable, contrary to the sun loungers on the pool deck. Some extra cushions on the beach chairs would help a lot.

• From the beach, towards the east, you have a very good view on a couple of very ugly, quite high (I guess 4-5 floors) buildings, which does not help to make you feel like being on a secluded island.

• Beach service was virtually non existing during my visit (waiters were there but hardly noticed me).

• Upon arrival at the airport, I had to wait for about 20 minutes for other guests to join me for the transfer to Parrot Cay’s boat deck. I understand this is necessary from a logistic point of view, but somehow I don’t understand why the resort not simply transfers all their guests immediately to the dock upon arrival, where they can wait at the lounge for other guests to join them on the boat trip to Parrot Cay instead of letting them wait at the airport for other guests to join (although I realize that this may involve some extra drives for the resort). This is where an exceptional resort could distinguish itself from others. Also, the van that was used for the transfer from the airport to the dock was far from luxurious.

MY VERDICT

• Location: 9/10
• Design: 7/10
• Rooms: 8/10
• Food: 9/10
• Service: 7/10
• Overall experience: very good: 8/10

TIPS FOR FUTURE GUESTS & SAVE MONEY

• Save money: read our tips on how to book a room at the cheapest price at a luxury resort like COMO Parrot Cay (and receive many free perks).

• Save money: enjoy free VIP amenities when booking your stay at COMO Parrot Cay via a Virtuoso (upgrade on arrival, daily continental breakfast, one a la carte lunch for 2 persons, early check-in and late check-out).

• This is the place to splurge on a spa treatment, even if you never had one before in your life.

• Book a package inclusive of breakfast, or, even better, half board (since you are stuck to the resort’s restaurants, although that is not a bad thing).

• Read my tips for preparing your trip in time.

COMPARISON WITH OTHER TURKS & CAICOS LUXURY HOTELS

Amanyara (read my review here) and COMO Parrot Cay are hands down the best hotels in Turks & Caicos. They are operated by two of the most luxurious hotel brands in the world.

• Amanyara definitely feels more exclusive (with fewer guests), has a marginally nicer beach (with sunset views), and has very impressive communal areas and accommodations.

• COMO Parrot Cay has more delicious food (with larger portions), a better spa, and is within reach of more modest budgets (when staying at one of the rooms instead of villas).

If you want to combine them both, as I did, stay at COMO Parrot Cay first, so that you keep the “best for last”.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Like other islands in the Caribbean, Turks & Caicos’ dry seasons and peak travel period lasts from December to March.  However, the best time to visit Turks & Caicos is April and May, a sweet spot featuring lower prices and fewer crowds. The weather is pleasant year-round with average highs that hover in the 80s, but these islands do experience a rainy season, and the threat of hurricanes lingers from June to November.

HOW TO GET THERE

The resort is located a 20 minute van drive + 40 minute boat trip from Providenciales International Airport, which is served by the following airlines (click here for a direct link to their websites):

• British Airways: via London (UK) and Nassau (Bahamas)
• Air Canada: via Toronto
• Westjet: via Toronto
• American Airlines: via Miami
• US Airways: via Charlotte, Philadelphia, Boston
• United Airlines: via Newark
• Delta Airlines: via Atlanta
• Jetblue: via New York JFK, Boston
• Air Turks & Caicos:via  Cap-Haitien, Grand Turk, Kingston, Nassau, Port-au)Prince, Puerto Plata, San Juan, Santiago (DR), Santo Domingo, South Caicos.

*** Follow me on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for a daily moment of travel inspiration ***

The post Hotel review: COMO Parrot Cay (Turks & Caicos) appeared first on the Luxury Travel Expert.