The Palms, Turks and Caicos

The location on Grace Bay is stunning, probably one of the nicest spots on what is (in my opinion) the best beach in the world, away from the crowds and the massive AI hotels - I had stayed at this resort nearly 10 years ago and came back mainly for the beach. The pool is nice, although quite crowded/sometimes hard to get a lounger. The rooms are large, slightly older but no real issues and anyway we didn’t spend much time in the room. What really let this place down this time is the service. Staff are generally at best indifferent and at worst downright rude. There were a few notable exceptions (Whitney at the concierge was amazing, as was the bellman and the lovely lady in charge of omelettes at breakfast- unfortunately didn’t catch her name), but in general we were made to feel like a massive inconvenience every time we asked for something. Examples included: not showing us to our room on arrival, no baby crib even though we requested it in advance (we had to call three times before someone finally brought it 1.5 hours later, baby was grumpy after a long haul flight and wanting to go to bed), servers at restaurants standing around chatting to each other rather than seating guests at breakfast then getting annoyed when we requested menus, high chair etc, beach staff just sweeping rubbish, including glass, left by previous guests on the loungers onto the sand instead of removing it. There is a 12.5% service charge added to all bills then the staff expect to be tipped on top of that. The hotel was also being used for several US ‘corporate incentive’ reward trips while we were there (maybe explains the many positive reviews re service - I’d probably be less judgmental if it were a free trip rather than one I’d paid hundreds of dollars a night for!) so it was crowded and there were very limited dining options for non-corporate retreat guests. The outdoor beach restaurant was closed 4 of the 5 nights we stayed and we were told the only option was the fine dining restaurant- not ideal with a small toddler in tow so we ended up having to dine outside the resort but there is nothing in walking distance so it’s either a taxi or hotel shuttle to their sister hotels’ restaurants (where incidentally both the service and food was much better despite the other hotel being at a lower price point). All in all, I wouldn’t return again despite the stunning location as there are better options in Grace Bay and beyond.

Our visit was nothing short of perfect. The resort is beautiful and quiet. The dining options served delicious food. Staff and management were responsive and kind. We used the massage and got a couples massage and both of our massage therapist did an amazing job. After our massage we sat and were served champagne and chocolate covered strawberries. We travel often and usually the beach area is great or the pool in, in this instance both were wonderful! We took the complimentary bikes twice and road into town and it only took us 5-10 minutes. Our entire visit from beginning to end was wonderful. We will definitely return!

Johnte at the beach was amazing!! Unreal service and much attention to detail. Kept us hydrated all day and always with a smile and great conversation. They ran out of our favorite beer at the beach bar and he would literally run to the other bar to fetch our favorite.

A beautiful place with exceptional service! Everyone went above and beyond to make our visit one to remember. A special shout out to Jane - she was always happy and very helpful! I was disappointed with the snorkeling in the beach area - but I’m sure there are excursions available to good snorkeling areas.

Amazing huge breakfast with great coffee. Quiet, comfortable room. Beautiful grounds and never crowded pool and beach. Gated entry and always felt safe. Highlight for our 16 year old was the se up pool bar. Think he had 13 chocolate shakes in five days! Sherrie and especially Paula really made our trip!