The Meridian Club Pine Cay Turks & Caicos

Staff members describe the atmosphere at The Meridian Club as “barefoot elegance,” meaning the resort has a high-end, private-island feel without being stuffy or pretentious. This idea of barefoot elegance is evident across the property, from the resort’s decor to the guests’ mannerisms and dress. You won’t find marble floors, chandeliers, or jackets and ties here -- instead the hotel’s style is more understated. Guests pay premium prices for the seclusion and personal experiences the island affords them, not for luxe amenities or doting service. There’s a convivial atmosphere at “The Club,” that fosters a strong sense of community. Homeowners offer island secrets to hotel guests, and guests convene with one another to share excursion advice. Sometimes, homeowners invite guests onto their fishing boats or offer to show them the best snorkeling spots around the island. This welcoming community is one reason so many guests choose to return to The Meridian Club. 

Throughout the year, The Meridian Club sees several different types of travelers, but we’d say the majority of guests are older, well-heeled couples -- most of whom hail from east coast states and Ontario. The entire island can be rented for large family reunions or corporate retreats, but advanced reservations are required. It should be noted that the Meridian Club closes annually between the months of August and October during the Caribbean’s prime hurricane season.  

The Meridian Club is located on Pine Cay, an 800 acre private island about 20-minutes from Providenciales by boat. Staying on Pine Cay appeals to travelers seeking a secluded, quiet atmosphere. The island doesn’t have paved roads, stores, restaurants (besides the dining room at the hotel), or any form of nightlife. Many guests enjoy staying on Pine Cay because it feels like an escape from the real world; though some travelers may find private-island life stifling. 

Round-trip transportation from Providenciales to Pine Cay is included in The Meridian Club’s nightly rates. A pre-arranged taxi service picks up guests from the airport, and transports them to the hotel’s private boat at the Leeward Marina. From the marina, it’s about a 20-minute boat ride to Pine Cay. Guests traveling via private jet can land directly on Pine Cay, thanks to the island’s private airstrip. 

Travelers looking for over-the-top glitz and glamor won’t find it in The Meridian Club’s rooms. Instead, they're more understated with elegant touches such as vases of fresh flowers, eco-friendly toiletries, outdoor showers, and private screened-in porches. Rooms at The Meridian Club have a homey feel, with an aesthetic that more closely resembles a New England summer cottage than a Caribbean resort. Shades of taupe, teal, and sunshine yellow color the walls, and white wainscoting provides the finishing touch. Wicker furniture and built-in daybeds keep the vibe casual, and the hotel provides thoughtful extras like re-usable water bottles, beach bags, packable coolers, and flashlights. All rooms have bookshelves lined with previous guests’ reading materials. That said, there are some notably missing amenities, like TVs, Wi-Fi, and in most rooms, air-conditioning. Bathrooms are impressively spacious, and have both indoor and outdoor showers, but lack tubs. Closets are stocked with electric fans, electronic safes, beach towels, and umbrellas. Additional amenities include mini-fridges and coffeemakers. Rooms have both screened-in porches and outdoor patios, which face the beach. Every room has its own private palapa-style umbrella and two lounge chairs on the beach.  

There are essentially two room types at the Meridian Club: beachfront rooms and premium beachfront rooms. The only difference between the two is that premium beachfront rooms have air-conditioning and beachfront rooms do not. Both types have direct beach access and the same in-room amenities. The sand dollar cottage is the hotel’s only “suite.” It’s a bit larger than the beachfront rooms and stands alone at the top of a tiny hill overlooking the beach, which makes it particularly popular with honeymooners. In addition to its 17 guests rooms, The Meridian Club also manages 11 private homes on Pine Cay, which are available for weekly rentals. Couples, families, or larger groups can rent the homes with or without hotel meal plans. Golf carts are included in each home rental so guests can transport themselves easily around the island.   

At The Meridian Club, guests pay premium prices to stay on a private island and take advantage of all its natural wonders. The Meridian Club experience is best suited for travelers who want to snorkel in undisturbed waters or go bird watching along private trails. It’s not the place for travelers looking for beck and call service or traditional luxury hotel amenities like a full-service spa, fitness center, or multiple on-site dining options. 

The pool at most Caribbean resorts is the center of the hotel, and the place where guests spend the majority of their vacation. But the Meridian Club isn’t your typical Caribbean resort. Here the freshwater pool is more of a gathering place, where guests come together to discuss their days and share tips about island excursions. People often use the pool to cool off after a long day, but the area is never crowded, and always feels relaxing. Weather permitting, lunch is served poolside, and guests dine at communal tables beneath shady umbrellas. Beyond the pool, the resort’s largest beach stretches for two miles. Guests often rave about the solitude and privacy of the beach. It’s entirely possible to walk along the shore for miles without encountering a single other person. The beach is lined with kayaks, Hobie Cats, sand toys, and inflatable tubes for guests to use. There’s even a volleyball net and a miniature golf course set up on the sand. 

Although there’s no fitness center, active guests can bike across the island, play tennis on the hotel’s court, or hike to island-favorite sites like Devil’s Cut. Those who find private island life stifling can book off-island excursions like sailing trips to North Caicos and Salt Cay or seasonal glow worm cruises. And while The Meridian Club doesn’t have a full service spa, guests can book massages with the on-site massage therapist. 

Dining here is a treat. Guests can expect delicious, fresh food and a variety of daily-changing menu items. Breakfast and dinner are served a la carte and lunch is served buffet style around the pool. All meals are included in the resort’s standard rates, though alcoholic beverages incur extra fees. At breakfast time guests can expect options like fruit and yogurt, pancakes and french toast, eggs benedict, breakfast burritos, and egg sandwiches. Lunchtime buffets are sometimes themed, like “Greek Feast” or “Tour of the Islands,” but during our stay, the display consisted of a variety of choices, like seared scallops, grilled chicken wraps, corn and bell pepper salad, and a fresh fruit medley. Guests on day-long excursions can request a picnic lunch, though some advance notice is required. The Meridian Club’s dinner service commences at the same time each night, and guests can choose from a pre-set tasting menu or order a la carte. Sometimes, if the hotel is at capacity, dinner is served buffet style, but either way, the environment is warm, communal, and casual, and resort staff members often brag that they’ve never once seen a necktie.