Sarah Sleeps Around: Ambergris Cay

When it comes to Caribbean hotels, I am most definitely a private-island resort kinda woman! And who can blame me? Because if staying on a sand-fringed island is the Caribbean dream, then having one all to yourself is the ultimate fantasy, n’est-ce pas? And if it’s also an all-inclusive? Sign me up!

I’ve been lucky enough to stay at my share of Caribbean private-island resorts (Petit St. Vincent in the Grenadines and the Bahamas’ Fowl Cay are two of my favorites). And recently I touched down at a brand new one: Ambergris Cay.

Getting my dose of vitamin sea

Getting my dose of vitamin sea

Not to be confused with (much larger) Ambergris Caye in Belize, the 1,100-acre oasis in the Turks and Caicos Islands opened in December 2018, offering 10 luxurious suites planted on powder-white sand.

Rates, which start at a $4,000 a night, all-inclusive, certainly aren’t inexpensive. But the price does come with considerable perks. Complimentary private plane transfers from Providenciales, 20 minutes away, are included (and are so very appropriate for your jetsetting friend!)

Ah, if only I could be greeted like this on arrival at EVERY airport!

Ah, if only I could be greeted like this on arrival at EVERY airport!

Don’t mind if I do!

Don’t mind if I do!

Each plush retreat is serviced around-the-clock by a butler; comes with a private pool and its own golf cart for tooling around; and every guest enjoys a 30-minute daily massage.

I’m ALL about that golf cart life!

I’m ALL about that golf cart life!

Is it weird that I obsessed over this petite doormat?

Is it weird that I obsessed over this petite doormat?

Home, sweet hotel

Home, sweet hotel

Yep, I woke up like this!

Yep, I woke up like this!

At my doorstep: Turks Head cacti, for which the island country is named.

At my doorstep: Turks Head cacti, for which the island country is named.

Call me biased, but I think that the best table in the house was on my verandah

Call me biased, but I think that the best table in the house was on my verandah

Even the toilet was a study in understated elegance. (LOVE the art and the TP holder!)

Even the toilet was a study in understated elegance. (LOVE the art and the TP holder!)

What impressed me most, however, was that unlimited private excursions to surrounding cays are included in the rate. So you can explore neighboring Little Ambergris Cay and idyllic Instagram-worthy sandbars studded with live conch every day you’re there, if you wish. And in a destination with waters as clear and inviting as the Turks and Caicos Islands’, trust me, you should!

It you were here, you’d be jumping for joy, too!

It you were here, you’d be jumping for joy, too!

Conch, anyone?

Conch, anyone?

Can you believe this sand?!

Can you believe this sand?!

See for yourself in this video I made.

And then read my review in the U.K.’s Telegraph newspaper ( COMING SOON!) for even more deets.

Trying not to look smug as I sip a frosty Ambergris Cooler.

Trying not to look smug as I sip a frosty Ambergris Cooler.