According to AAA, 19 million people are expected to cruise in 2025, 34% of an increase since pre-pandemic levels. Nearly 75% will be headed to the Caribbean. Even if you aren’t a cruise person and just looking for some quiet beach time to get lost in a book or enjoy some drinks by a pool, it might not be as quiet as you might expect. Cruise ships will be pulling up to port daily and the throngs of visitors will likely be in your space. Want to avoid this? Visit Provo, short for Providenciales, in the Turks and Caicos instead.
Sure, cruise ships do stop in the Turks and Caicos. While many visitors associate Turks and Caicos with Grand Turk’s cruise terminal, the real gem of the archipelago is Providenciales (Provo), which is 75 miles away. Provo is home to the world-renowned Grace Bay Beach, luxury villas, and some of the best diving and dining in the Caribbean. Most hotels are smaller, with less than 100 rooms. And the best part? No gigantic cruise ships in sight, just miles of unspoiled stretches of sand.
Where should you stay in Provo?
South Bank: the perfect balance for families
For families, the newly opened South Bank is terrific. I recently visited and stayed at one of their Lagoon villas. These villas have five spacious bedrooms, most with their own private bathrooms too. The top rooms have balconies overlooking the water. I loved that it even had its own private pool I was able to relax in.
Plus each villa comes with an oversized kitchen with everything you need to prepare meals. You can even have them stock the kitchen ahead of time with everything you need. It is great for families because the man-made lagoon is shallow, perfect for younger kids to frolick. Older kids can wander and have their space but stil be engulfed in the property. Walk on the boardwalk across the lagoon and sit in one of the loungers overlooking the water and order a mocktail from the nearby restaurant.
The restaurant on site, Lua features a bevy of entree selections and the cuisine is mostly Mediterranean inspired. Another nice option is that breakfast is included daily with your stay. I loved the 3-egg omelet and delicious pancakes. I washed it down with a cranberry mimosa.
Personalized services including your own dedicated butler and the opportunity to have a private chef dinner (yes he will come cook for you and your family in your villa!) are some of the highlights of staying at South Bank. You can also have your butler organize a boat excursion too which was the highlight of my trip!
Rock House: Romantic Mediterranean Escape
Perched dramatically atop limestone cliffs, Rock House is a secluded oceanfront retreat that feels like a slice of the Mediterranean in the heart of Turks & Caicos. Spanning 14 lush acres with 600 feet of pristine ocean frontage, this intimate resort rises 95 feet above sea level, offering breathtaking, unobstructed views of the Atlantic. Reminiscent of the cliffside hotels along Italy’s Amalfi Coast, Rock House is designed for travelers seeking a luxurious yet tranquil escape.
A Romantic Hideaway with Mediterranean Flair
The 46 oceanfront villa-style rooms are thoughtfully crafted to blend seamlessly with the natural landscape, featuring sleek, modern interiors accented by organic materials. Private terraces, infinity-edge pools, and expansive ocean views create an atmosphere of pure serenity. For couples, this resort is the ultimate romantic sanctuary, with intimate spaces designed for unwinding and reconnecting.
Much like the beach clubs of Positano and Capri, Rock House embraces its rugged coastline. Instead of wide sandy beaches, guests can lounge on chic sunbeds along a pier perched over the turquoise waters, where the views are nothing short of spectacular. The resort’s signature infinity pool, seemingly carved from the cliffs, offers yet another breathtaking vantage point to soak in the beauty of the surroundings.
An Elevated Dining Experience
Dining at Rock House is an experience in itself. The resort’s signature restaurant offers Mediterranean-inspired cuisine with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, transporting guests to the coasts of Greece and Italy with every bite. Imagine indulging in grilled octopus, handmade pastas, and fresh seafood, paired with an extensive selection of fine wines—all while overlooking the endless blues of the Caribbean.
Like South Bank, Rock House offers private dining options, including an intimate meal in the privacy of your villa. Guests can also take advantage of private boat charters, snorkeling excursions, or paddleboarding in hidden coves.
Provo is the ultimate summer getaway for those looking to sidestep the cruise crowds, comparing its tranquil charm to the high-traffic ports that dominate most itineraries. In fact, there really isn’t a bad time to visit Provo as the temperatures are consistent year-round with low humidity. Plus, even during its busy season, it isn’t overcrowded as most hotels aren’t gigantic but smaller, boutique places that offer exquisite time to unwind and enjoy the perfectly blue water.
