Beach House Turks & Caicos

From the road, Beach House Turks & Caicos sits behind a short perimeter wall. It's got a quaint vibe, with a pale yellow exterior and white shuttered windows. The tropical garden grounds are lush, with lizards scattering across the pathways, flowers blooming from the bushes, and green plants everywhere. The setting (and adults-only policy) makes it easy to immediately relax and switch to vacation mode.Because the sprawling property (from parking lot to beach) only has 21 units, there is little chance of crowds, even at full capacity, and this creates a very private vibe. Compared to many other (and larger) properties on the island, the Beach House pool is small, but it works. It's possible to hear the restaurant music (island-inspired twists on popular Top 40 hits) from its cushioned loungers and small, covered gazebo, but the volume is not loud enough to be invasive.The hotel is designed with most of its public spaces outside; the restaurant lacks four complete walls, the adjacent bar has two walls made of sliding glass doors, and the building hallways are outdoors (but covered). There is also another beachside bar area where guests can sip frozen drinks, order from the main restaurant, or lounge in the sand. The hotel's marketing heavily references "The Beach House Movement" -- its guidelines to help guests relax as much as possible. (No socks allowed. Leave your cell phone in your room.) And with the gorgeous Grace Bay scenery as a backdrop, that isn't too hard.

Beach House is on Grace Bay beach, but just west of the main tourist area, right near the transition to The Bight beach (known for its snorkeling). This gives guests a quiet atmosphere, but proximity to bars, restaurants, resorts, and shops. It also just a few minutes' drive from the Thursday night Island Fish Fry held in Bight Park where locals and tourists alike gather to taste dishes from local vendors, sip rum punch, mingle, and listen to live music. The airport is around a 20-minute drive, and other areas of interest for tourists can be reached within a five- to 10-minute drive. A car is recommended as there is not much in easy walking distance from the hotel. The area surrounding the hotel is rather desolate with only one neighboring property, a long stretch of road lined with vegetation out front and an empty (but beachy and green) lot to the east.

All of the 21 suites at Beach House has in-room check-in, and none of them are given numbers. Instead each has a name, usually with an island or beach theme. The suites have upscale and sophisticated decor, and the color palette of white, blue, and orange mimics the colors found on the beach (the orange is for the sun). The furniture is mostly of white wood.Upon arrival, the plastic, hole-punched key cards must be inserted into a slot near the front door to activate the suite's electricity and extremely powerful air-conditioning. (This system helps conserve energy.) While the bathroom and bedroom are separated from the common area, the rest of the space is open plan, allowing for a truly spacious and breathable vibe. The kitchen is full-size with a microwave, regular refrigerator, and sink, but lacks a stovetop or oven. Be sure to open all the cabinets and drawers as things like dishes, cutlery, and a toaster are hiding within. Living rooms have large flat-screen TVs with cable and a comfortable couch and large cushioned chair to lounge on. French doors open up to either a terrace or balcony (either way, it's huge) that has a wicker table and chairs set (dressed with a polished conch shell) and a cushioned chaise lounger. However, be sure to check for the negative signs of beach living: mold on cushions.Bathrooms are contemporary and have large bottles of quality toiletries, but may have low-light situations. There are plenty of fluffy towels, bathrobes, and slippers (adorned with fresh hibiscus flowers) available, and the shower has a cute wooden stool hanging out in the corner. Bedrooms have white wicker furniture, comfortable beds with quality bedding, iPod docking alarm clocks, and stylish orange and white fabric headboards, but sliding glass closet doors are a tad dated.While beach views are best here, if you are concerned about the property's slightly thin walls, be sure to ask for a corner unit where you have fewer neighbors.

The best feature of Beach House is, naturally, the beach. With one of the island's most beautiful beaches in its backyard, the Beach House ensures guests can take full advantage of the location. Each suite comes with a dedicated, marked area on the beach where guests will find a "pampering pod" -- a set of thick-cushioned wooden loungers, umbrella, and side table. Drinks can be drunk here, after being ordered from the bar, Dune Terrace, less than a hundred feet away. There is also a pool located in the middle of the property, with some nice landscaping, lots of padded sun chairs, and a cute, covered gazebo.Overlooking the gardens and pool, the on-site restaurant, Beach House, serves creative cuisine -- a fusion of Caribbean, Asian, and European -- and hosts tasting nights for both food and alcohol. The restaurant is also more than happy to accommodate any food allergies or dietary restrictions, although some need more notice than others. Guests can also choose to have their breakfast, lunch, or dinner from Beach House Restaurant served on the Dune Terrace.There is a private deck located directly on the beach where guests can arrange beach dining or spa treatments. Other spa treatments take place indoors, in the hotel's slightly clinical spa room. Next door to the spa, there is a small and slightly rundown gym with a glass wall, foam floor, cardio machines, exercise balls, and free weights. Free Internet is available on the property and in the rooms, as well as free local calls. There are also free-use washer and dryer machines in each building. As a plus, guests can also take a free shuttle (with limited runs) to the hotel's sister properties the Alexandra Resort and Blue Haven Resort. And if you've forgotten sunscreen or want a to buy a gift for someone, there is a small boutique on-site in the lobby area.