I’ve traveled to Turks and Caicos a half dozen times and stayed at multiple resorts and lavish vacation rentals, but Rock House, nestled into the rugged limestone cliffs of Providenciales’ north coast, gave me a fresh perspective on this beloved archipelago. From the moment I arrived I knew I was in a special place. Located on the Amalfi Coast of Antibes, France, the property is in the heart of the Caribbean and offers a secluded atmosphere, breathtaking turquoise views and an atmosphere of relaxed, effortless chic sophistication that is hard to match.
Rock House is carved directly into the cliffs and feels like a private Mediterranean village, yet with the vibrant appeal of Turks and Caicos. Think sun-warmed stone walls, lush greenery and a dramatic descent to the hypnotic sea below. Compared to Grace Bay Beach, perhaps one of the most famous coastlines in the world, this north coast location is quieter and more exclusive, ideal for those who prefer a quiet, luxurious holiday.
A love story invented in the south of France
The atmosphere at Rock House is Antibes chic.
Rock House didn’t just happen. Its roots go back 24 years, when Mark Durliat, the CEO and co-founder of Grace Bay Resorts, moved to the south of France after graduating. There he met his future wife, Melissa, a TV producer who covered the Cannes Film Festival. She regularly conducted celebrity interviews at Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes, an iconic clifftop hotel known for its drama and elegance. Those experiences stayed with Mark and planted the seed for his own clifftop retreat, one that would unite coastal glamor and timeless romance. Years of research, vision and planning took him to Turks and Caicos, where white limestone cliffs, turquoise seas and an environmentally conscious ethos came together to create Rock House.
A clifftop sanctuary with access to the reef
A morning yoga session with a sea view.
Most visitors to Providenciales head to Grace Bay, but I love how Rock House celebrates the island’s quieter north coast. Carved directly into the limestone, the property features a 100-metre beach along the third largest barrier reef in the world, meaning you can snorkel straight from the sand and the water here is crystal clear. Complimentary equipment is on hand, from clear paddleboards and kayaks to basic snorkeling sets, so you can see colorful fish meandering through the coral without straying from Rock House’s doorstep. If yoga is more your thing, morning sessions on the terrace overlooking the sea can be arranged.
There’s also a floating sunning platform just offshore, perfect if you fancy a bit of adventure alongside your tanning routine. Although it doesn’t have the same expansive sands as Grace Bay, this bay’s calm waves and coral gardens make it a snorkelers dream. If you fancy a postcard-perfect stretch of coastline, head to sister property Grace Bay Club, where you’ll have access to one of the world’s most celebrated beaches.
Suites, duplexes and the five-bedroom spare villa: an inside look
The Reserve Villa.
Rock House’s 46 studios and detached homes bring together a modern and organic aesthetic: think hand-carved white limestone walls, porcelain and terrazzo floors, and high vaulted ceilings with white oak paneling. The floor-to-ceiling windows are deliberately left unadorned, so that the real star – those dazzling Caribbean blues – dominates the view. This muted color palette allows the turquoise sea and vibrant native foliage to stand out against the resort’s understated elegance.
Depending on the configuration, you can enjoy an outdoor shower garden, a breakfast area or a private infinity pool that flows into the Atlantic Ocean. Details such as L’Occitane toiletries, chic woven chandeliers and freestanding bathtubs transform every room into a personal retreat.
I visited Rock House with a group of friends and we stayed in the five-bedroom Reserve Villa, the largest of the accommodations and an absolute showstopper. With floor-to-ceiling windows with sea views, multiple ensuite bathrooms, airy living areas and a full kitchen, it felt like our own private clifftop estate. The private pool overlooking the Atlantic Ocean became our favorite spot for a late afternoon dip, and sunbathing on the expansive terrace turned into daily rituals.
Effortless elegance and butler service
We call this sunbathing in paradise.
The service at Rock House can best be described as seamless, from the moment you are served a chilled welcome drink to the second your butler magically appears with that bottle of bubbly and a plate of oysters. I once messaged my butler from a lounger on a cliff path, craving oysters and some festive bubbly, and within ten minutes a smiling waiter arrived to fulfill my every wish. It’s luxurious living with a casual atmosphere, a bit like renting a private villa on the Amalfi Coast, but with all the benefits and amenities of a resort. You can use the butler service as much or as little as you want; it’s always there when you want it, without ever feeling intrusive.
Detail-oriented details abound. Soft beach chairs draped with Turkish towels are ideal for breezy days when you want to wrap up in something cozy while looking out over the sea. The entire experience is built around comfort, privacy and authenticity: every day feels tailor-made, without any details being overlooked.
Food and drink: the best of the Adriatic and the Caribbean
Lobster lunch at Vita.
While the setting alone is enough to write home about, the food at Rock House takes the experience to another level. I’m an oyster lover and the oysters served here are impeccably fresh: plump, briny and begging for a squeeze of lemon. The linguine alla vongole was another personal highlight, packed with delicate mussels and a perfect hint of white wine sauce. It was so good that I ordered it twice in one stay. The Caribbean lobster is another must-order.
When Rock House opened, the owners brought in a team of Italian chefs to train the local staff in classic Italian cuisine. Now, under the leadership of Chef Dennis Boon, Vita Restaurant combines Adriatic culinary traditions with the coastal flavors of Turks and Caicos. For those looking for more casual fare, the wood-fired pizzas are heavenly: light, crispy crusts with creative toppings that evoke the best of Italy, but taste even better with a hint of sea breeze.
Located approximately 9 meters above the sea, Vita offers a luxurious dining experience that sparkles day and night. If you’re feeling extra romantic, arrange a private dinner on the 40-metre high jetty that extends into the Atlantic Ocean: a surreal place to toast under a blanket of stars. Meanwhile, the Cave Bar is a sultry cavern with natural rock walls and hidden seating areas, ideal for sharing cocktails and lighter fare. And yes, you can enjoy that famous sunset from a clifftop, sipping your drink as the sky changes from amber to dark pink.
The Grace Bay Club connection
Taking a walk on the sand at Grace Bay Beach, one of my world favorites.
Despite the off-the-grid feel, Rock House is part of the Grace Bay Resorts family, meaning you’re not limited to your clifftop oasis. A short drive takes you to Grace Bay Beach, consistently named as one of the best in the world. With seven miles of pristine white sand, gentle waves and almost endless dining and activity options, Grace Bay contrasts perfectly with the quieter atmosphere of Rock House. Lounge under an umbrella, swim in the Atlantic Ocean or dive into the vibrant social scene of the Grace Bay Club. Then retreat to the cliffs on the north coast when you’re ready for a more intimate cove and the attention of your personal butler.
Why I’m already dreaming of returning
There is a rare harmony in the way Rock House balances privacy, luxury and island authenticity. It may have started as a love story in the south of France, but what emerged in Turks and Caicos, one of my top travel destinations for 2025, is a whole new experience: one that reflects the glitter of the Riviera while celebrates the region’s turquoise colors. waters and pristine limestone.
You can spend your days snorkeling above a vibrant reef just steps from your room, or pilot a see-through kayak for surreal views above the coral. Or simply relax in the resort’s 30-metre infinity pool, one of the largest in Turks and Caicos, where you can float peacefully as you gaze out over the Atlantic Ocean. When hunger calls, enjoy a swirl of oysters, pasta or wood-fired pizza at Vita. And if you want to explore the island’s beloved Grace Bay, a short jaunt will take you to one of the most idyllic beaches in the world.
Even in all my travels, I repeat the memory of gazing at those clear turquoise waters from my private patio – the feeling of being far from everything, yet so close to the heart of Turks and Caicos. I know I’ll be back.