Set on the beautiful island of Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos Islands, the Amanyara Resort is a secluded haven embracing the untrammelled 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 resort draws its name from the Sanskrit-derived word for ‘peace’ and yara, the word for ‘place’ in the language of the Arawak Amerindians. 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.
Imagine that your backyard is a secluded white-sand beach, the setting is prestine all the way, on the complete opposite side of the development on the eastern side of the island. Transfer from the international airport on Providenciales is 25 minutes along a coastal road that rises to a hill and then falls away into a flat plain covered with native bush. This road passes through the picturesque fishing village of Blue Hills with its brightly-coloured Caribbean houses and beachside cafés.
Entry to the resort is through a large reception pavilion that opens onto a central reflection pond. Surrounded by mahogany trees, the pond is framed on one side by the Library and Gallery, and on the other side by the Restaurant and Bar. The circular Bar offers a dramatic soaring roof and sea views fronted by the 164-foot main swimming pool and sun deck.
The restaurant provides a choice of dining settings. It is divided into two areas, one open to sea breezes and the other air-conditioned. The open setting leads down to a terrace with outdoor seating scattered beneath two large trees. Both areas have sweeping views of the ocean. The second area can be closed to provide air-conditioned dining in the hotter months, and also opens to an outdoor balcony that enjoys views across the central reflection pond. The menu focuses on classic Asian and modern Mediterranean dishes, with an emphasis on fresh seafood.
There’s also a beach club located on a dune above the southern end of the sweeping 2,625-foot white-sand beach, the Beach Club provides a casual dining venue throughout the day and most evenings when in season. Guests can choose to sit in the elevated interior, at the bar, or on the lower terrace which leads to an expansive timber deck. Beyond lies the Nature Discovery Centre and a wooden pathway to the beach. A simple menu combines the flavours of Asia and the Mediterranean with casual beach fare, showcasing dishes fired in a stone hearth oven. Afternoon cooking demonstrations paired with wine or rum tastings are held several times a year.
The swimming pool is surrounded by an expansive timber deck and sun loungers, with uninterrupted views of the ocean. Measuring 50 by 8 metres (164 by 26 feet), the pool is framed by two lounging salas which offer shallow entry to the pool. There’s also a fitness center and pilates studio as well as a spa, which borders a tranquil pond. Guests can choose from a variety of massages, wraps, scrubs, facials and beauty treatments, all of which may also be enjoyed in the privacy of guest pavilions or villas. A Master in Residence guides guests through the latest holistic healing practices, and private yoga, Pilates or meditation can be arranged. They also have yoga on site as well as tennis courts.
The Nature Discovery Centre provides an opportunity for both adults and children to learn more about the unparalleled marine environment and unique plants and animals of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Various programmes are on offer, created by Amanyara’s onsite naturalist together with teachers from the American Museum of Natural History’s Science and Nature Department. Amanyara’s expert naturalist is available for discussions, hiking, snorkeling, diving and kayaking.
DETAILS:
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands
British West Indies
tel (1) 649 941 8133
1 866 941 8133
PO Box 901 Providenciales
Turks and Caicos Islands, British West Indies
Renee Blodgett is the founder of We Blog the World. The site combines the magic of an online culture and travel magazine with a global blog network and has contributors from every continent in the world. Having lived in 10 countries and explored nearly 80, she is an avid traveler, and a lover, observer and participant in cultural diversity.
She is also the CEO and founder of Magic Sauce Media, a new media services consultancy focused on viral marketing, social media, branding, events and PR. For over 20 years, she has helped companies from 12 countries get traction in the market. Known for her global and organic approach to product and corporate launches, Renee practices what she pitches and as an active user of social media, she helps clients navigate digital waters from around the world. Renee has been blogging for over 16 years and regularly writes on her personal blog Down the Avenue, Huffington Post, BlogHer, We Blog the World and other sites. She was ranked #12 Social Media Influencer by Forbes Magazine and is listed as a new media influencer and game changer on various sites and books on the new media revolution. In 2013, she was listed as the 6th most influential woman in social media by Forbes Magazine on a Top 20 List.
Her passion for art, storytelling and photography led to the launch of Magic Sauce Photography, which is a visual extension of her writing, the result of which has led to producing six photo books: Galapagos Islands, London, South Africa, Rome, Urbanization and Ecuador.
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