MONTREAL — Bruce McLaren still remembers very clearly that morning in September 2022, when he was travelling in South Africa. “I was on a safari when I heard the news: my hotel, which had held a 4-star Forbes rating until then, had just been downgraded to 3 stars.”
This Canadian from Ottawa, owner of the Wymara Resort & Villas in Turks and Caicos, tried to think about something else, anything else – but couldn’t. “I was so angry, so frustrated by the news!” he recalls. Something had to be done to win back that star.
“Two days later, after pulling myself together, I said to myself: forget 4 stars—we’re going to aim for 5!” Less than four years later, the entrepreneur can now proudly declare, “Mission accomplished!”
1-bedroom villa
LUXURIOUS NEW HEIGHTS FOR TURKS AND CAICOS
Wymara Villas is in fact the only private villa resort in the Caribbean to receive Forbes’ Five-Star honour, and it’s one of just 10 properties in the region to hold the Five-Star distinction, thereby strengthening its position among establishments offering some of the most exclusive luxury experiences on the market.
Even the Prime Minister of the Turks and Caicos, Charles Washington Misick, offered his congratulations to McLaren and his team. “This prestigious recognition elevates our national tourism profile and confirms that the Turks and Caicos rank among the most refined luxury destinations in the world,” he said. “By setting a new standard of excellence, Wymara Villas has inspired immense pride across our islands and reinforced our international reputation.”
It was this inspiring story of perseverance and the ultimate pursuit of excellence that McLaren shared earlier this week in Montreal and then in Toronto, at events hosted by Ann Layton and Tim Gallant of Siren Communications, which represents Wymara in Canada.
The goal of these events: to celebrate in grand fashion the achievement of this fifth star, and also to raise awareness of this prestigious resort among Canadians.
Tim Gallant and Ann Layton, from Siren Communications, are joined by Andrea Lowe and Bruce Maclaren, from Wymara Resort & Villas
THE FORBES TREATMENT
Here’s how Forbes sets the scene: “Wymara Villas, at Sunset Cove in the Turks and Caicos Islands, is a retreat perched above one of the most secluded stretches of coastline on the island. Nestled in the hills of Turtle Tail, these elegant glass-front villas offer panoramic views of the turquoise sea, with open layouts that blur the line between indoor luxury and outdoor serenity.
“Each bright, contemporary villa features a private infinity pool, an overwater swimming platform, and expansive terraces designed for soaking up the sun in complete privacy. But the experience goes far beyond the architecture. A dedicated villa manager and a personalized concierge team tailor each stay to your preferences, whether it’s arranging in-villa breakfasts, private chef dinners, spa treatments, or bespoke experiences like a sunset yoga session or a family movie night under the stars. You’ll also have access to an exclusive beachfront Beach Club, featuring a unique 130-foot ocean pool (similar to Icebergs in Bondi, Australia), a fitness centre, an outdoor games area and more.
“Nestled in the peaceful Turtle Tail area, the villas offer complete tranquility without distancing you from the action. You’re just a six-minute drive from the Wymara Resort and ten minutes from the lively Grace Bay.
“Tennis courts, pickleball courts, a bocce court, fitness centre elegant lounge areas – Wymara Villas has it all, as Forbes notes. “The standout attraction, however, is the ocean pool – a natural basin measuring 40 meters long and 9 meters wide, fed by the Atlantic.” The ocean pool debuted in 2023.
Two dining venues are dedicated to the villas: Alfresco Land + Sea offers ultra-fresh seafood, live entertainment, and ocean breezes by the water, while the classic Tiki Bar serves mai tais and daiquiris on an elegant overwater platform by the pool, complete with comfortable loungers.
Forbes notes that the One Bedroom Pool Villa combines 955 square feet of chic indoor-outdoor space with a private infinity pool and expansive views of the hills.
Meanwhile the four ensuite bedrooms of the Acua Villa face the sea, with retractable glass walls that open onto an interior courtyard adorned with the iconic Caicos stone. The villa features an infinity pool and a deep pool, an open living area, and a private dock with ocean access.
The Amuse Villas, also with four bedrooms, follow the same floor plan as the Acua but with a playful twist: a slide from the terrace overlooking the water that drops guests directly into the sea. “An excellent option for families seeking both luxury and fun,” says Forbes.
With five bedrooms, the aptly named Cinco Villa boasts two pools, a courtyard waterfall, a home theatre, a built-in fireplace area, a suspended bed above the ocean, and expansive retractable glass walls.
Then there’s the Azure Villa, spanning 10,000 square feet and featuring six bedrooms, each with a spa-worthy ensuite bathroom. Two pools, sun-drenched terraces, fire pits, lush landscaping, and an overwater platform perfect for hosting large groups complete this lap of luxury.
1-bedroom villa
FOUR STARS FOR WYMARA RESORT
In addition to Wymara Villas’ five-star distinction, the Wymara Resort, located just minutes away on the famous Grace Bay Beach, has once again received a four-star rating from the Forbes Travel Guide. The 97-room resort is one of only three properties on the island to earn this recognition.
“This is a moment of immense pride for the entire Wymara team,” said Shelley Rincon, General Manager of Wymara Resort + Villas. “It reflects the passion, care, and impeccable standards we apply to every guest experience and reinforces our mission to elevate and redefine luxury in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”
Wymara Resort + Villas is a member of Leading Hotels of the World. Additionally, Forbes Travel Guide recently awarded Wymara Resort + Villas the Verified Responsible Hospitality badge, recognizing Wymara’s compliance with over 100 strict standards designed to protect the environment and support the well-being of employees, guests and communities.
Lead image caption: Wymara Villas’ five-bedroom Amuse villa with two pools, a terrace and a water slide
