There are luxury resorts that offer privacy, and then there is Ambergris Cay, an all-inclusive private island resort spanning 1,100 acres in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Accessible by private plane and home to just 31 bungalows plus 11 private villas, the property has the space and limited number of accommodations to create a degree of seclusion that has become increasingly rare in the Caribbean. Luxe Getaways recently visited to experience the new Waterside Bungalows, the most significant expansion in the resort’s history and a striking new expression of contemporary Caribbean design. The accommodations may be the headline, but several days here reveal that Ambergris Cay’s greatest luxury is the remarkable sense of tranquility that permeates the entire island.
A Private Paradise
Ambergris Cay occupies a remote corner of the Turks and Caicos archipelago, and its geography has been instrumental in shaping the destination. The 1,100-acre island was originally developed as an exclusive residential community before evolving into the private-island resort that opened to guests in 2019, creating an unusual combination of luxury hospitality, private residences, and vast stretches of largely undeveloped coastline. Unlike properties concentrated around a single beach, Ambergris Cay unfolds across secluded coves, quiet roads, rugged shoreline, and pristine beaches that take time to fully explore. That sheer scale is fundamental to the experience, and outside of meals and organized activities, it is entirely possible to spend hours without encountering another guest.
Getting there immediately establishes a sense of separation from the outside world. Most guests fly into Providenciales International Airport on the main island of Providenciales, where a luxury SUV from Ambergris Cay is waiting to whisk them away for the short drive to a private airport, followed by a roughly 20-minute flight aboard one of the resort’s private planes. We highly recommend booking Fast Track TCI in advance, especially during peak travel periods, as Providenciales can have lengthy customs and security lines. For an even more elevated arrival, guests can charter or fly their own private jet directly to Ambergris Cay’s airport.
Arrival on the island is refreshingly effortless. Guests are welcomed with champagne, check-in is brief, and each accommodation is assigned a dedicated island host who becomes the primary point of contact for everything from dining reservations and excursions to having food or drinks delivered directly to the bungalow. A provided phone makes it easy to send requests to your host throughout the stay, while every accommodation comes with a golf cart for independent navigation of the expansive property. The system suits Ambergris Cay particularly well because there is little reason to continually return to a central lobby or concierge desk; service follows the guest, leaving the island itself at the center of the experience.
Inside the New Waterside Bungalows
The new Waterside Bungalows represent the pinnacle of Ambergris Cay’s accommodations from a contemporary design perspective. Set along their own peninsula facing calm, crystalline seas, the collection comprises six one-bedroom and six two-bedroom residences, with a protected cove directly outside that makes kayaking or paddleboarding as simple as stepping out the door. Clean architectural lines, floor-to-ceiling glass, and generous outdoor living spaces frame the surrounding Caribbean at nearly every turn. Open the shutters in the morning, and brilliant blue water becomes the backdrop to the entire bungalow.
The one-bedroom Waterside Bungalows encompass 1,600 square feet, while the two-bedroom layouts expand to 2,257 square feet, providing considerable room even by luxury Caribbean standards. Bathrooms are particularly impressive, with dual showers, soaking tubs, and outdoor showers creating spa-like spaces, while the bedrooms and living areas maintain a sophisticated, contemporary aesthetic. Outside, each bungalow features its own heated plunge pool, expansive terrace, and direct access to the sea, with kayaks and paddleboards close at hand. It is entirely possible to spend a full day here without going anywhere else, moving between the pool, the water, and the terrace while having meals and cocktails brought directly to you.
What makes the concept particularly successful is the way the Waterside Bungalows enhance a quality Ambergris Cay already possesses in abundance: solitude. Positioning them on a separate peninsula essentially creates another intimate enclave within an island that already feels remarkably removed from the world beyond it. The architecture also introduces a fresh visual identity to the resort while maintaining a strong connection to the natural environment. For travelers drawn to contemporary design, generous indoor-outdoor living, and immediate access to the Caribbean, Ambergris Cay represents a compelling evolution.
Other Accommodations at Ambergris Cay
The Waterside Bungalows may be the resort’s newest design statement, but Ambergris Cay offers considerably more variety for different group sizes and styles of travel. Beyond the 12 new Waterside Bungalows, there are 19 Beachfront Bungalows, offering a more traditional beachfront experience with direct access to the sand, as well as 11 private villas that provide families and larger groups with substantially more room to spread out. At the highest end, guests can reserve the Dream Estate, featuring multiple residences, swimming pools, a gym, and its own treatment room. This breadth makes the island particularly appealing for multigenerational vacations, groups of friends, and corporate retreats where resort-level service can be paired with the independence of a private residence.
Dining at Ambergris Cay
Dining is centered around two primary restaurants, each serving a distinct role throughout the day. Calico is the island’s main restaurant, serving breakfast and dinner in an elegant open-air setting, with focused menus that provide ample variety for different tastes and preferences. Dinner selections change nightly, allowing the culinary team to showcase fresh fish and seasonal ingredients while keeping meals interesting over the course of a longer visit. As Ambergris Cay is all-inclusive, guests are welcome to sample multiple dishes and explore each evening’s menu more fully.
Lunch shifts to the Club House, a relaxed beachside restaurant with a considerably larger menu that remains consistent throughout the stay. The location may actually make it our favorite of the two: tables sit just steps from the sea, with a bar and loungers nearby, making it easy for lunch to extend into a leisurely afternoon along the shore. Live saxophone performances are a regular feature at the island’s dining venues, adding an elegant touch to the atmosphere. Between Calico’s evolving dinner selections and the Club House’s expansive daytime menu, there is enough diversity to keep dining engaging over several days.
Adjacent to Calico, Mahoney’s Bar is a lovely spot for a cocktail, with a robust drinks list and a team of wonderful bartenders who quickly become familiar faces. Beverages are included in the all-inclusive experience, with premium drinks available for an additional charge. That familiarity extends across Ambergris Cay’s international staff, and over the course of a stay, service becomes increasingly intuitive as team members remember everything from dietary restrictions and allergies to a guest’s preferred cocktail. It is a personal approach to hospitality that suits the property’s intimate nature and lends the resort genuine warmth.
Activities and Wellness
For a destination defined by tranquility, Ambergris Cay offers an impressive range of ways to spend the day. The main infinity pool sits near Mahoney’s Bar with sweeping views across the sea, yet it is frequently so quiet that guests may find themselves enjoying the entire space alone. The fitness center is modern and exceptionally well-equipped, with cardio and strength-training equipment, accompanied by striking vistas of the coastline and the Waterside Bungalows. Upstairs, an open-air yoga deck transforms a morning class into a memorable wellness experience, with uninterrupted Caribbean scenery stretching toward the horizon.
The spa occupies an idyllic waterfront setting, with individual treatment huts extending above the crystalline sea and offering uninterrupted views throughout each service. The intimate layout is particularly well suited to couples’ massages, with the surrounding water creating a naturally tranquil atmosphere. Ambergris Cay is currently developing a larger spa near the fitness center, which will significantly expand its wellness offerings. In the meantime, the existing spa remains a distinctive part of the resort, with a setting that takes full advantage of the island’s remarkable natural surroundings.
The surrounding sea naturally plays an equally important role in daily life. Kayaks and paddleboards are available directly at the Waterside Bungalows, while snorkeling, sailing, fishing, and other aquatic pursuits provide numerous ways to venture farther from shore. One of our favorite excursions is the Hangover Tiki Bar, reached by a short boat ride to a floating tiki bar surrounded by warm, shallow water where guests can enjoy cocktails and snacks before stepping directly into the sea. It is also one of the island’s more social experiences and a rare opportunity to encounter a larger group of fellow travelers.
Back on land, the self-guided e-bike tour is essential. Exploring on two wheels reveals the true scale and untamed beauty of Ambergris Cay, leading to hidden coves, deserted beaches, and stretches of coastline that seem completely removed from civilization. Tennis courts are also available, with an included lesson that gives newcomers an opportunity to sharpen their skills before playing independently for the remainder of their stay. Experiences like these are important because they encourage guests to venture beyond the resort’s central facilities and discover the extraordinary landscape surrounding them.
Several additional experiences allow guests to explore Ambergris Cay beyond the resort’s core amenities. A sunset cruise circles the island as guests sip champagne and take in the coastline as the light changes across the Caribbean, while private boat excursions, snorkeling trips, fishing charters, and seasonal whale-watching excursions venture farther afield. On land, guests can take advantage of tennis and pickleball courts, guided nature walks, and additional opportunities to explore the island’s beaches and coastline. For a more intimate evening, a private beach dinner can also be arranged at the water’s edge, complete with a dedicated server, specially curated menu, and wine pairings.
Final Thoughts
It is easy to understand why Ambergris Cay has become such a compelling destination for honeymoons, anniversaries, and other milestone celebrations. The remarkable seclusion, intimate experiences, and sheer beauty of the surroundings make it particularly well suited to couples, but the resort also welcomes families, with activities for all ages and a new kids’ club currently being developed near the Waterside Bungalows. When it is finally time to leave, what lingers most is the extraordinary sense of tranquility Ambergris Cay creates. The new Waterside Bungalows build on that beautifully, introducing a contemporary way to experience the island while preserving the seclusion that has long defined it.
Beautifully appointed, remarkably peaceful, and surrounded by some of the most spectacular water in the Caribbean, the Waterside Bungalows are an impressive addition to an already distinctive private-island resort. Yet their greatest strength is how naturally they connect guests to the landscape, whether waking to the Caribbean just beyond the bedroom, stepping directly into the sea, or spending an afternoon beside the private pool. After a few days here, you understand what makes Ambergris Cay truly special. It doesn’t just feel private. It feels like it’s yours.
For more information visit ambergriscay.com and head to YouTube to see our in-depth video on the resort.