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A retreat for Modern-Day Pirates
Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos Islands
Don’t let the name fool you. Parrot Cay, a member of the Turks
and Caicos islands chain, is not overrun with birds. Instead, it’s name was
delivered from the word pirate. Historically the island served as a lair
for plunderers of the sea, and today it – and its sole resort, which shares the
island’s name – is the ideal getaway for modern-day pirates, be they corporate
honchos looking for some R&R or just your average (though moneyed) hard-working
folk looking for a place to enjoy the fruits of their labor.
The appeal of Parrot Cay lies in its exclusivity (only 56 rooms) and unassuming elegance. It differs from other resorts in Caribbean in that the island atmosphere is not "forced". Guests enjoying breakfast are serenaded by a Sting CD, not the ubiquitous steel-drum music and Bob Marley tunes.
Clientele
Parrot Cay is for those who have money to spend on their vacation, but it is not for every high-end client. Since visitors fly to the island of Providenciales and must take a 25-minute boat to Parrot Cay, then hop in a golf cart for the ride from the dock t o the resort, this might be not the place for older travelers. And although the resort is upscale in every sense of the word, it is neither fussy not formal. Couples in particular will love Parrot Cay, as both the resort and island provide plenty of opportunity for private time. As a matter of fact, guests can be taken to their own stretch of beach, where they will be set up with lounge chairs, a table, and a cooler stocked with food and wine.
Accommodations
The 56 rooms provide a haven of serenity. The atmosphere of cool calm envelops guests the minute they enter, thanks to the white walls, white linens and white mosquito netting that traps the wooden four-poster beds. White louvered doors open onto a veranda with two chairs, a table and deep settee, just perfect for some late-afternoon reading or snuggling. To further promote tranquility, the rooms have neither clocks not TV’s, though those and CD players are available on request. The placid whiteness extended to the bathrooms, which are stocked with piles of fluffy towels and robes. An especially nice touch is the full-size blow-dryer, a welcome departure from the typical hotel dryer, which is usually attached to the wall with a frustratingly short cord.
If you want to splurge, stay in one of the Parrot Cay’s, villas or beach houses. As with rooms, the furniture is a combination of a wood and rattan. Guests enjoy either a kitchen or kitchenette, private beach and private swimming pool (villas only).
Public Areas
The check-in area is the first stop upon entering the main building. A walk through the octagonal reception area brings guests to the bar. Ceiling fans stir a cool breeze from the open-beamed ceiling above. A staircase immediately before the bar leads down to the main dining area, which serves breakfast and dinner daily. The high point is the 5,500-square-foot infinity-edge pool, which seems to merge seamlessly with the sea beyond.
Scheduled to open in late 1999, is the $1.5 million Shambhala Spa, which will overlook the water and offer Eastern-based therapies for body and mind. Until then guests can enjoy a variety of Asian massages either in a therapy suite on in their room.
Parrot Cay’s gym is housed in a separate, fully air-conditioned pavillion and features stair climbers, treadmills, stationary bicycles, CYBEX machines and free weights. Personal trainers are available on request. Those who want to try their hand at watersports can go snorkeling, kayaking and windsurfing at no extra charge, or waterskiing at an additional cost. The resort has two OMNI-surface tennis courts, available for night play. Use of tennis equipment is complimentary.
Dining
The main restaurant, serving breakfast and dinner, has same airy ambiance as the guest rooms, with windows on every wall, and white walls, linen and crockery. The menu changes daily. Lunch is served at the poolside grill, and room service is available from 7am to 11pm.
Service
The staff at Parrot Cay provides each visitor with warm, gracious service. The wait staff is unobtrusive, and the staffers who bring visitors on snorkeling excursions make sure the site chosen matches the guest abilities.
Strongest Selling Point
Everything about Parrot Cay is geared to pamper. To paraphrase a recent guest: if you can’t relax here, you just can’t.
Rates and Packages
The resort is closed from September 1 to October 15. From October 15 to December 17, nightly rates run from $520 for deluxe garden rooms to $645 for deluxe oceanview. A one-bedroom oceanview suite is $820, and a one-bedroom beach house costs $1,170. A stay in the 2-bedroom beach house is priced $2,140 per night. All rates include breakfast and dinner, use of the tennis courts, nonmotorized watersports equipment, mountain bikes and gym.
Email with your dates for Rates and Packages
Call Toll-free 877-466-2934. Local 727-254-4373 or email info@MyTravelFind.com About us
EMCO Travel LLC DBA E&M Travel
is registered with the State of Florida as a Seller of Travel. Registration
No. ST36902
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2079011-40
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