There are private island resorts, and then there’s Ambergris Cay. Set on 1,100 acres in the far-flung southern reaches of the Turks and Caicos Islands, this ultra-luxe, all-inclusive stay is the kind of place that just might be meant to stay a secret. It strikes a rare balance: remote but accessible, elegant yet laid-back, and defined by a kind of effortless luxury that’s hard to come by. Even well-versed travelers won’t stumble upon it by chance—Ambergris Cay is deliberately off the map, hugged by turquoise waters, powdery white sand, and wilderness more often occupied by flamingos and rock iguanas than fellow guests.
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Staying at this luxe hideaway is an experience in itself. For starters, once guests reach the property by private plane (complimentary transfers are arranged by the hotel from Providenciales International Airport), it feels less like checking into a resort and more like stepping into a fully serviced private island—and that’s because, well, it is.
In terms of accommodations, there are two options: beachfront bungalows and expansive villas. The bungalows (far more upscale than the name implies) are ideal for couples. They’re complete with vaulted ceilings, outdoor showers, and heated plunge pools just steps from the beach. At 1,600 square feet, they’re generously sized for two and impressively private.
Then there are the villas (12 in total), each one designed to suit different styles of travelers. With options for three, four, six, or 10 rooms, they’re perfect for families or small groups. These are full-scale homes, with sprawling layouts, full kitchens, and private pools that practically beg for dips at any hour of the day. Options range from Poseidon and Neptune, three-bedroom villas close to the tennis courts and Columbus Beach, to the ultra-exclusive Dream Estate: a six-bedroom showstopper with four heated pools (!), a private beach, and a full team that includes two chefs and butlers.
And since this is a true all-inclusive, nearly everything is covered. Daily restocks of the fridge with wine, beer, sodas, and water? Check. Nespresso machines and tea stations? Check. Each home is also stocked with binoculars for bird and whale watching, a telescope for stargazing, classic board games, VOYA bath products, fluffy robes, pool towels, and even a golf cart to cruise around the island. It’s all designed to feel effortless (and spoiler: it does). Oh, and did we mention? Every villa comes with its own butler, so whether it’s a fresh breakfast delivered to the terrace or a bottle of wine replenished before sunset, it all happens without lifting a finger.
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Speaking of food, dining on Ambergris Cay leans into the island’s laid-back vibe, but don’t mistake that for simplicity. Meals are fully à la carte, crafted with local, seasonal ingredients and tailored to individual preferences, whether that means fresh-caught lobster grilled to order or a chef-prepared pasta made off-menu just because it sounded good. Calico, the island’s main restaurant, anchors the food scene with ever-changing menus and toes-in-the-sand seating options (pro tip: come here for a sunset dinner), while Mahoney’s Bar serves up expertly shaken cocktails whenever the mood strikes. The Club House is home to wood-fired pizzas and casual bites, ideal for long, lazy afternoons by the water. And for something even more personalized, the Chef’s Table menu lets guests co-create custom meals with the culinary team.
One of Ambergris Cay’s most memorable experiences? The Hangover Bar, of course. A floating tiki bar bobbing just off Little Ambergris Cay. Accessible only by boat (the team will take you there, prep lunch for the ride, and might even join for a drink), this secret spot is equal parts castaway fantasy and cocktail-hour fever dream. Think: sipping a rum punch or Cosmopolitan while tanning on the bow or taking a dip between sips. Be sure to sign your name somewhere, it’s tradition.
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As for other activities, days on Ambergris Cay are as eventful, or as blissfully uneventful, as one likes. The all-inclusive approach isn’t just about food and drink; it extends to a vast menu of experiences that lean into leisure, nature, and play. Think sunrise yoga, pickleball or tennis lessons with a pro, or paddleboarding over gin-clear waters just off Monck Beach. For those feeling curious, guided nature walks and birdwatching tours are available, while the Explorer’s Hut at the Club House keeps younger guests entertained with games and treasure hunts.
Onshore bonefishing lessons, kayaking, snorkeling, and Hobie Cat sailing are all part of the stay, along with beach bonfires, s’mores at Calico, and sundowners at Whale Watchers Point. At the Club House, guests can cool off with poolside service or dive into billiards, ping-pong, and classic board games. For a deeper splurge, private boat cruises, desert-island picnics, deep-sea fishing, and spa treatments are also on offer (just note: they’re not part of the standard package). It’s just like a choose-your-own-adventure kind of escape.
Whether you're after laid-back luxury, days filled with tennis and sunset dips, or shoreside dinners at dusk, Ambergris Cay manages to feel both remote and entirely personal. For those who thought they knew what all-inclusive meant, this stay offers a complete redefinition.
Top Takeaways
Location: Ambergris Cay, Big Ambergris Cay, Turks and Caicos
Rating: Five-star
The vibe: Private, peaceful, and impossibly luxurious.
Our favorite thing about the hotel: The Hangover Bar—a floating tiki bar in the middle of the sea, only accessible by boat.
Food + Drink: Fully à la carte, all-inclusive dining options, including Calico, Mahoney’s Bar, the Club House, and a personalized Chef’s Table.
Amenities: Private butler service, heated plunge pools, water sports, guided nature walks, fitness pavilion, yoga deck, kids’ Explorer’s Hut, golf carts for exploring the island, and more
What’s nearby? Absolutely nothing. It’s a private island, after all!
Rooms: 29 bungalows and villas
Pricing: Starts at $4,700/night
Closest Airport: Providenciales International Airport (PLS)
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