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Ambergris Cay
Explore Ambergris Cay
Ambergris Cay, Turks & Caicos, an exclusive full-service island located 35 miles south of Providenciales with only a dozen homes, a brand new world class health and fitness club with full time attendant, two restaurants, active building plans underway for a new destination spa, tennis courts and endless watersports, accessible by private planes and the islands own commuter planes on a 5,700 ft runway with international customs clearance.
Ambergris Cay is in the vibrant, Azul waters of the Turks & Caicos Islands, surrounded by the world-famous Caicos Bank with its world-class fishing and mesmerizing views. Ambergris Cay is on its way to be one of, if not, “the” most sought-after private islands in the Caribbean.
The unique and longest private runway in the region makes access to this 1,100-acre sanctuary a breeze for owners and guests. Arrive privately from anywhere in the world, or via complimentary 20 min air transfers from the Blue Heron FBO on the main island of Providenciales, home to (PLS) International airport.
Visiting and vacationing on a private island is an experience that eludes many people. Having the ability and opportunity to live on one is far more out of reach – yet, not impossible. It’s all a matter of finding the ideal location that calls to you and has all the qualities you’re looking for in a tropical escape.
The Caribbean, with its world-renowned beaches, sparkling turquoise waters, and lush rainforests, is particularly high on the list of those looking for their own piece of paradise. The incredible weather, laid-back lifestyle, and stunning views from seemingly every vantage point are some of this region’s major draws. The Turks and Caicos Islands – or simply Turks and Caicos – is one example of a Caribbean retreat that appeals to diving enthusiasts and anyone looking for an underrated yet outstanding gem of a destination. Among its 40 islands and cays, one of them is fast becoming a popular destination because of its natural beauty and the unparalleled luxury and exclusivity it offers: Ambergris Cay.
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Also known as Big Ambergris Cay, Ambergris Cay is located 600 miles south of Miami, Florida in the southeastern part of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Visitor can fly in direct to its 5400 foot private run runway or come fly in commercial to the Providenciales (PLS) and jump on the Ambergris Cay private plane for a scenic 20 minute commute over the Caicos Banks directly into Ambergris Cay. This Private oasis spans a total of 1,100 acres and its location amid the Caicos Banks gives it the advantage of being surrounded by shallow waters.
The island’s name is derived from the dull gray or black waxy substance regurgitated by sperm whales. This was commonly used throughout the centuries by the Chinese and the Egyptians for its therapeutic properties and as a prized ingredient in creating perfumes. While its origin may not conjure the most appetizing images, the name resonates strongly from its history and echoes the sense of luxury associated with Ambergris Cay today.
Brief history
Once settled by the Taino people, an indigenous group in the Caribbean, Ambergris Cay, Turks and Caicos Real Estate once stood as a whale lookout station in the mid-1800s when whaling was a major occupation in the region. The island also served as a home for British Loyalists before it was purchased in 1811 by John Lightbourne. The island then passed into the hands of Horatio Stubbs in 1826 and sisal plantations were established. However, this particular venture didn’t thrive and the island stood abandoned for most of the 1900s.
A rejected attempt to turn Ambergris Cay into a sovereign nation was mounted in 1978 and plans to develop it into a private island were first hatched in 1995. While this effort didn’t initially succeed, the infrastructure for this plan had been put in place, including a clubhouse and the Calico Jack restaurant.
By 2017, the Turks and Caicos Collection – the owner of a chain of luxury resorts in Providenciales – took ownership of Ambergris Cay and quickly set about developing it. The Ambergris Cay private island and resort was officially opened to the public in 2018. From then on, it rapidly gained a reputation as a luxurious retreat that spares no effort in pampering its guests and residents, offering all-inclusive services and personalized activities.
Ambergris Cay today
Ambergris Cay has transformed into a highly exclusive destination that could only be reached via a 20-minute private flight from Providenciales International Airport – no other domestic flights from other parts of Turks and Caicos serve the island. Guests land at Ambergris Cay Harold Charles Airport, which has the longest private runway in the Caribbean, and are met by a dedicated butler who oversees every aspect of their stay. Guests may travel to and from Providenciales as needed on transportation provided by the Turks and Caicos Collection.
The resort opened with 10 beachfront suites, and new Ambergris Cay villas are added gradually over the years.
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At present, the island is mostly undeveloped. The resort features a low-density design and master plans for Ambergris Cay point toward keeping the island as lightly developed as possible. That’s because the primary goal is to keep the local ecology as unblemished as possible and maintain the slow pace of life on the island. Anyone seeking to purchase land will do well to ask about building guidelines to stay consistent with the vision for the island.
Turks & Caicos Islands Island Location Map
Ambergris Cay Reasons Why You’ll Love Ambergris Cay
Even the briefest escape to a sunny tropical destination is enough to reset one’s mood and adjust one’s perspective on life, so imagine the wonders it will do for you if you’re able to head out to your personal Ambergris Cay villa any time you need to. Tuck yourself away in your villa for as long as you want but do know that there’s a world outside your door brimming with fun and activities on Ambergris Cay. Besides, the brilliant sunshine and sparkling waters are bound to draw you out of hiding anyway.
Here are just some of the things to do in Ambergris Cay that will make you fall in love with the island:
Experience nature up close.
Go on excursions and hikes to explore Ambergris Cay and its surrounding areas. Guided nature walks are available, or you may go on a bike ride along the island’s network of nature trails. You’ll also get the distinct opportunity to see marine life when you go diving or snorkeling.
Take a boat to venture out to neighboring Little Ambergris Cay, an uninhabited protected nature reserve. Here, you may embark on a birdwatching expedition, observe marine life, or simply relax on its shores. You can also go kayaking or paddleboarding around the island.
From February to April, you may even get to witness the annual migration of humpback whales from the Atlantic side of the island.
Savour delightful dining experiences.
Ambergris Cay has two main restaurants: Calico and Salt Rakers at the Club House. Calico features Caribbean and international cuisine while Salt Rakers offers a massive array of flavors from all over the world, from Japanese to Italian and more.
For an al fresco culinary treat, you may indulge in the various grilled treats at the beach barbecue area. Got any dietary requirements or restrictions? The chefs will be happy to accommodate your requests.
You may also check out The Hangover, a beach bar on Little Ambergris Cay. Take your pick from the vast selection of cocktails and other drinks while mingling with fellow patrons and making new friends. You may also take your drink out to the lounge chairs right on the water. The Hangover also occasionally throws beach barbecues that last until sunset.
Enjoy the classic trio of sun, sea, and sand.
You’re in a tropical haven! Of course, you have to try out everything, including diving, snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and swimming. The resort also has water toys such as Hobie Cats and water trampolines. You may even schedule going on a sunset cruise or a deep-sea fishing trip. For something a little different, get some lessons in bone fishing, a popular sport in the Bahamas.
Stay fit and active.
Ambergris Cay may have a plethora of outdoor destinations to sate your desire for exploration and keep yourself active. But for those days when you just want to work out indoors, the island has a fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment, expert instructors, and gorgeous views that will inspire you to keep your daily exercise regimen. The fitness center also offers complimentary yoga classes at the Yoga Pavilions, with classes that are perfect for anyone from beginners to seasoned yoga practitioners. The resort also has tennis and pickleball courts with expert instructors who are ready to guide you on the various elements of these racquet sports. You might even stumble on the outdoor fitness obstacle course which is ready for you to conquer.
Try out the many ways to relax and unwind.
Golf carts are the only mode of transportation around the island, so feel free to use these carts to keep yourself mobile.
You may also hang out at the Club House on Monck Beach which houses Mahoney’s Bar. Enjoy free-flowing drinks and challenge fellow patrons to board games or a round of billiards while you’re there.
Once you’re done with the day’s activities, head over to Elevate Spa, where highly trained massage therapists provide the necessary treatments to help you unwind after a busy day.
Even kids will have a great time.
Kids might end up ditching their gadgets in favour of exploring the island and seeing what the resort has to offer. With all the outdoor activities, games, and water sports available, the last thing they’ll want to do is stay indoors and on their respective screens. The Club House even has video games, a playhouse, and an Explorer’s Hut for younger children.
Try out activities off the island.
If you feel like going shopping on Providenciales or checking out the golf courses there, complimentary transportation will be arranged so you can come and go conveniently.
Feel safe, secure, and connected.
You may be on a private island but that doesn’t mean you have to be isolated from all the modern conveniences that make your life comfortable. Ambergris Cay has its own fire department, construction workers are on the island to help with building new homes and addressing issues in the resort, it has its own power generation system that relies partly on diesel and solar power, and high-speed internet is also available. But with the array of activities on the island and its sheer tranquility, reconnecting with the world may be the last thing on your mind.