Parrot Cay: Place of Peace and Harmony by David Fischer
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As you are greeted by the Parrot Cay welcoming party at Providenciales airport and escorted to the private island, you quickly realise that the focus is on rest, relaxation and rejuvenation.
Turks and Caicos lies in the northern Caribbean, just south of the Bahamas, and is made up of 40 islands and cays, 8 of which are inhabited. It remains a British Crown colony, and derives its name from the indigenous Turk's Head cactus and a Lucayan term "caya hico," meaning string of islands.
One of the advantages of Parrot Cay is that you can fly into Provo Airport anytime day or night and be transported with ease to the island. Flight times range from just over three hours from New York to ten hours from London. It is a 15 minute drive to the Marina followed by a 30 minute boat transfer to Parrot Cay.
What to do
COMO Hotels & Resorts Group have created a truly remarkable spa brand, Shambhala, or “centre of peace and harmony” in Sanskrit. The ancient description suits the modern resort perfectly: 1,000 unspoilt acres, a mile long powdered beach and an award winning holistic spa. It is the creation of owner Christina Ong, who personally selects, promotes and rewards the wonderful staff. The inspiration is the Indonesian spirit of gentle hospitality, and the spa truly lives up to expectations.
Parrot Cay attracts couples, families and individuals looking to relax and if desired, detox (and quite a few famous people seeking to avoid attention). Nightlife mainly consists of sitting under the stars sipping champagne, although the main bar stays open until the last guest leaves. Occasionally small groups have kept it going until sunrise, but never in a way which disturbs the peace.
It is remarkably family friendly. Speaking with a couple who had a six month old baby, the remoteness of the island didn’t seem to be a hindrance and there were no complaints about the nannies.
The Food
Food and drink is world class and, despite there being only two restaurants, never tiring. You may have negative connotations associated with room service but please leave them behind as here you can indulge in anything from local seafood such as coconut cracked conch to superb Asian fusion.
Lotus is an easy going, alfresco style poolside eatery open for both lunch and dinner and great for kids as you can graze whilst the kids play in the pool. The dishes are Asian inspired and I highly recommend the yellow fin tuna tataki salad and local favourite spiced banana fritters with banana ice cream. And I don’t even like dessert.
The Terrace, with both outside and inside tables, serves breakfast and dinner. The Italian-inspired dinner menu, as with all dining at Parrot Cay, is presided over by award-winning Australian Chef Daniel Moran.
Breakfast is one of the best I’ve ever come across. You can help yourself to a selection of fresh fruit, smoked salmon, an array of cereals and pastries and energy-giving smoothies. If you’re still not satisfied, there is an a la carte menu which has all the unhealthy stuff you are by now craving, such as bacon, pancakes, and French toast. Ah, the perfect retox!
Keep in mind there is also the COMO Shambhala menu which offers delicious and original healthy dishes and is available at both restaurants. Sometimes it is not given, so make sure you ask for it.
When to go
An average stay is at least one week except for US guests (three to four days). There is no chance of getting bored as there are two complimentary classes (yoga/pilates/cross training) offered every day, a wide variety of water sports, a high tech gym, tennis, ping pong and even Wii. To keep the mind in tune with the body, head to the good old fashioned library of real books (or DVDs if you are still in chill out mode).
The best time to go weather-wise is from mid February to mid April followed by the second half of May and June. Avoid September and October as this is hurricane season. If you are looking to scuba dive or snorkel, it is best in summer when calmer seas allow you closer access to the reef.
The Rooms
There are a variety of different accommodation categories ranging from garden view rooms, beach houses and villas. The rooms are designed to maximise light, either facing the sea or the island’s natural landscaping. The interiors are spacious in white wash and teak. Remember if you are booking one of the garden suites, you should ask to be on the second floor where you have a view of the ocean.
Rooms are located in the main hotel building while the beach houses and villas are ocean facing and come with their own pool, outdoor shower and direct access to the private beach. There is internet access everywhere, iPod docking stations and fresh fruit is provided daily. It is nearly impossible to avoid slipping a few of the Shambhala luxury bath products into your suitcase.
A short tour in a turbo golf cart (ask at concierge desk) gives you a better feel of the island and a chance to look at the amazing private villas, some owned by famous celebrities. The bar is a friendly place to relax, with guests and locals mixing in together. Some of the guests lounge around so comfortably that the manager has had to ask them to refrain from wearing pyjamas around the public areas (!)
Stays here tick all the boxes: it's a super-relaxing, super-sunshiney luxury resort in a setting that rivals absolute paradise. You really couldn't ask for more from Parrot Cay.
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