If you’ve ever dreamed of escaping to a private island where time slows down, the water shimmers in endless shades of blue, and a barefoot casual vibe reigns – then Ambergris Cay in Turks & Caicos is your dream come true.

Not to be confused with Ambergris Caye in Belize, this hidden gem offers an intimate experience that few places in the world can match

Turks & Caicos has several private island paradises with a resort and private residences – including Parrot Cay, Pine Island, and Ambergris Cay.

Rock-Star Retreat

We have had multiple clients enjoy private villa stays here and rave about their experiences, so I thought it would be the perfect place to take the RTLM team for a laid-back, stress-free, end-of-the-year team-building and planning retreat. It turned out to be the perfect compliment and treat to celebrate our rock star team’s 2025 achievements in providing top-notch service and travel experiences for our loyal clients.

​​A Hidden Caribbean Treasure

Ambergris Cay is your ultimate escape—an exclusive island reachable only by private jet or a short flight from Providenciales. Initially designed as a private sanctuary for homeowners, this hidden gem evolved into a luxurious private resort in 2019. Today, it offers discerning travelers the rare opportunity to explore over 1,100 acres of pristine, untouched beauty. If you’re ready for a secluded getaway tailored just for you, Ambergris Cay is waiting.

But how did Ambergris Cay get its name? We were told that there are a few theories behind this, and our favorite one is that the island is named after ambergris, a rare and highly valuable substance produced by sperm whales. Historically, ambergris was found floating in the ocean or washed up on shore, and it was once a prized ingredient in the making of fine perfumes due to its unique scent. While you won’t find ambergris washing up on the island’s beaches today, the name and island logo with a whale’s tail remain a nod to the region’s rich maritime history.

One thing that stood out about the island was the feeling of easy-going privacy and seclusion, minus the isolation. Instead of large hotel chains or bustling streets, you’ll find powdery beaches, endless roads to explore, untouched natural beauty, and a luxurious all-inclusive experience designed to make you feel right at home.

Getting to Ambergris Cay

The island has a private airstrip (one of the longest in the region), allowing for direct flights from Miami or Providenciales. Roundtrip transfers from Providenciales International Airport (PLS) to Ambergris Cay are provided for guests arriving in Turks and Caicos on commercial flights.

Commercial flights to Turks and Caicos land at Providenciales International Airport (PLS) on the main island, commonly known as “Provo.” Upon arrival, airport staff are available just outside the arrivals hall to assist with your transfer to Atlantic Aviation FBO, a private jet facility located just 10 minutes away. There, you can relax in a modern, comfortable lounge while awaiting your onward flight to Ambergris Cay International Airport—a scenic 20-minute journey each way, included in your all-inclusive rate.

For those flying privately, customs and immigration clearance are available on the island, meaning you can step off your plane and be in your villa or beachfront bungalow within minutes.

Just look at our happy smiles as we were greeted with bubbles upon landing at the Ambergris Arrival Lounge!

Once you arrive, a golf cart with GPS is at your disposal, making it easy to explore the island at your own pace. We certainly enjoyed zipping around the island on our buggies, often getting lost in the evenings and having fun finding our way back home. The island is not a manicured, perfectly buttoned-up resort, which is very much part of its chilled-out attraction. There is not much in the way of signage, roads remain unpaved, and there are vast swaths of undeveloped nature, which allows for immediate unplugging.

Guests are assigned an Island Host upon arrival and they ensure that every detail is handled, from customized meal plans to arranging private excursions. Clemente (our host) instantly became part of our team, and felt like a family member by the time we departed. Guests also receive a resort mobile phone (provided in each villa), for convenient communication with their wonderful team. We preferred to set up a What’s App group instead of carrying an extra device, but if you are trying to leave your mobile behind, the villa phone is the perfect solution.

We loved that each morning we woke to a fully charged and sparkling clean buggy, courtesy of our Island Host and that round-the-clock seamless service provided by the lovely on-site team.

Island Luxe with a Personal Touch

Ambergris Cay offers exceptional accommodations ranging from charming beachfront bungalows to an exquisite selection of privately owned homes – many of which are in the rental pool. Guests can also choose from luxurious villas with three to six bedrooms, each featuring its own heated private pool.

Our team toured several of the accommodations and can help make suggestions on which is best for you!

Waypoint Villa (4-Bedrooms with direct beach access)

Perched 35 feet above sea level, Waypoint is tucked away on a lush hill surrounded by swaying palm trees and vibrant vegetation. Hidden from the road, this sanctuary ensures an uninterrupted and secluded retreat.

Carpe Diem Villa (4-Bedrooms with a cliff-side fire pit)

Carpe Diem offers breathtaking views of the Iron Shore coastline and bay, along with 360-degree views from a rooftop deck—perfect for enjoying the sunrise or sundowners with friends.

Villas Poseidon & Neptune (3-Bedrooms each)

For multi-generational groups or larger families, Villas Poseidon and Neptune are an excellent choice. Located side by side, these spacious three-bedroom villas offer the perfect balance of togetherness and privacy. Guests can enjoy effortless gatherings, from impromptu cocktail parties to sunset beach walks, while still having their own tranquil retreat when desired.

Dream Pavillion (6-Bedrooms, plus 4-Bedrooms nearby)

For the ultimate experience, Dream Pavilion with six bedrooms plus the option of an additional four bedrooms nearby, is where you want to be. This is quite the playground with no shortage of toys, views and fun areas to congregate!

A few of the features we loved about this villa are:

🔹 Seamless open-plan living that blends indoor & outdoor spaces

🔹 A putting green for all you die-hard golfers

🔹 Private beach access with beach deck, two heated pools, and a lounge pool

🔹 South & West facing oversized terraces with sunset views

🔹 A full Sports Bar, outdoor kitchen, and barbecue grill

🔹 Alfresco dining areas & two fire pits

🔹 A private spa with space for two

🔹 Your own chef and butler, plus a service kitchen that can accommodate kosher meal preparation

Dream Pavilion is THE perfect place for your next milestone celebration with multiple families or a group of friends.

Unforgettable Experiences on Land and Sea

Ambergris Cay isn’t just about relaxation (though there’s plenty of that!). The island has a wide range of activities on offer, for adventure-seekers and nature lovers alike.

Fishing Excursions: For serious anglers there is world-class bonefishing, along with deep-sea and reef fishing excursions. If you’ve never cast a line before, there are expert guides on hand who can help you get started or level up your skills.

Wildlife Encounters: Ambergris Cay is home to the largest remaining population of Turks and Caicos Rock Iguanas, an endangered species – though with our multiple friendly encounters with these creatures, you could be fooled into thinking otherwise. The island is also a sanctuary for Hawksbill and Green Sea Turtles, which nest along its beaches. 

Whale Watching: During whale season, you can experience the migration of Humpback Whales as they pass through the warm Caribbean waters. These majestic giants, along with sea turtles and rays, can often be seen from the shore or during a boat excursion.

Relaxed Island Dining

One of the greatest luxuries of a private island stay is the personalized dining experience available right in your villa—perfect for intimate family gatherings or simply savoring your own secluded paradise. For a more social setting, guests can dine at The Clubhouse during the day and Calico Lounge in the evenings, both offering an international menu infused with Caribbean flavors and the freshest local catch. The culinary team is always happy to accommodate special off-menu requests. With a continuous commitment to creativity and talent, Ambergris Cay’s food and beverage offerings are constantly evolving—a vision shared with us by General Manager Guillaume Aublet, over a wonderful meal on our first evening.

Island cocktails were certainly memorable! We couldn’t get enough of the expertly crafted libations (Rum Punch, Margaritas and Banana Colada were our faves!), while the sommelier and bar team put great effort into the nightly wine pairings.

Hangover Bar & Island BBQ

For a truly unforgettable experience, don’t miss the Hangover Floating Tiki Bar—an overwater gem just a short boat ride from the resort. With endless ocean views, island tunes, and some of the best cocktails in the Caribbean, it was the ultimate spot to unwind and get in some quality time together outside of work.

After a few Rum Punches at Hangover Bar, we cruised over to a nearby island for a fabulous barbecue lunch, leaving us happily content and ready for a siesta!

Yoga, Tennis, Fitness and Spa

One of the first landmarks you’ll notice upon arrival is the striking Fitness Pavilion, perched atop a hill like something out of a Bond film. Outfitted with state-of-the-art gym equipment, it boasts wraparound floor-to-ceiling windows that transform even the toughest workout into a scenic escape. And yes, I keep mentioning the views—but they are truly spectacular and unique to Ambergris Cay.

Guests can join complimentary scheduled yoga classes, though our group opted for a private Vinyasa session on the Yoga Deck. Flowing through asanas while overlooking the runway made for an unforgettable team-building experience—spending quality time together outside of work was great fun.

Half the team even squeezed in a game of tennis afterwards! If you know us well, you’re probably aware that the Madrid family thrives on outdoor adventures. Work hard, play hard!

The island features two tennis courts and one padel court, all in excellent condition and, of course, surrounded by—you guessed it—incredible views.

We completed our wellness journey with massages at the spa, emerging completely relaxed and rejuvenated, ready to soak in more of the island’s tranquility and tackle our team brainstorming session for the year ahead.

Why Ambergris Cay Should Be on Your Bucket List

There are many luxury destinations in the Caribbean, but Ambergris Cay Private Island offers something truly special—the rare combination of privacy, adventure, and a refreshingly distinct “come as you are” culture. Here, it doesn’t matter who you are, what you do back home, or what you wear (though resort casual is recommended for dinner). 

Pack your active traveler gear and get ready to play—your island host is always available to help you make the most of your private island escape. Whether you’re celebrating a family reunion, a girls-tennis break, a planning retreat with your work besties, or just a quick island get-away-from-it-all, Ambergris Cay delivers.

NOTE: In addition to Laura’s iPhone shots, a few official photos were provided by Ambergris Cay for our write-up.