Some Caribbean resorts ask you to see and be seen. Ambergris Cay takes a different approach. You arrive by private plane, and the runway is your first clue that this is not a typical Turks and Caicos getaway. At 5,700 feet, it is one of the Caribbean’s longest private airstrips. The plane touches down. A golf cart is waiting. Soon, you are heading toward your bungalow with nothing much between you and the sea.
That is the appeal of Ambergris Cay.
The 1,100-acre private island sits at the southeastern edge of Turks and Caicos. It is far from the resort concentration around Grace Bay. Most of the island remains undeveloped. Guests have plenty of room to explore, while the resort itself stays intentionally small. For travelers who have already done Turks and Caicos, this is a very different way to experience the destination.
Your Island, Your Way
Ambergris Cay started as a private residential community. The resort opened in 2019, but the private-home component remains part of its DNA. That gives the island an interesting mix. Some guests arrive for a few nights. Others own homes here. Everyone shares the same restaurants, activities and beaches.
There is a refreshing lack of resort choreography here. Want to spend the morning kayaking? Go. Prefer a long lunch followed by a pool afternoon? Also good. Take an electric bike and explore. Or, grab the golf cart and find a stretch of beach that feels like your own. The island features Columbus Beach, Monck Beach, and Hawkins Beach. There are also sandbars and smaller islands nearby. Island Hosts can help arrange everything from fishing to boat excursions. The idea is simple: you set the agenda.
The Bungalows Are the Move
The Beachfront Bungalows remain one of Ambergris Cay’s biggest draws. Each offers about 1,600 square feet, a private heated plunge pool and an outdoor shower. Then came a new option in 2026: the Waterside Bungalows sit along the island’s sheltered waterfront near the Club House. There are one- and two-bedroom options. Each has direct access to the calm water, plus a kayak and paddleboard ready to go. It’s a fun choice.
Beach or water?
The Beachfront Bungalows put you directly on the sand. The Waterside Bungalows put the water at your terrace. Both give you a private plunge pool and plenty of indoor-outdoor space. For couples, the beachfront version has obvious appeal. For families, the new waterside option makes a strong case. The resort is also adding a Kids Club later this year, making the island increasingly appealing for multi-generational trips.
All-Inclusive, Without the Buffet
Ambergris Cay is an all-inclusive resort, but it doesn’t feel like one. Meals are à la carte. Cocktails are made with premium spirits. House wine, beer, soft drinks and espresso drinks are included. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are prepared to order.
The Club House handles casual meals and island activities. Calico serves as the main restaurant and bar. Menus change, and the kitchen can accommodate dietary preferences with advance notice. Private dining and beach picnics are also available. And yes, there is pizza. It comes from a wood-burning oven at the Club House. It may sound like a humble choice next to lobster and ceviche. Yet, repeat guests swear by it.
Meet Your Island Host
Every bungalow and villa comes with a shared Island Host. Your host can help arrange activities, answer questions and make the little things happen. Need a bottle of rosé? Done. Want to book a boat? Easy. Feel like trying something different for dinner? Ask. The service is personal without requiring you to manage a schedule. That fits Ambergris Cay particularly well. The whole island operates on the assumption that your vacation should belong to you.
Then There’s the Hangover Tiki Bar
Eventually, your Island Host will probably mention the Hangover Tiki Bar. Go. The floating bar sits offshore, reached by boat. The scene is appropriately playful: tropical cocktails, music and plenty of opportunities to get into the water. It is one of those excursions that gives Ambergris Cay its personality. The island takes luxury seriously, but it doesn’t take itself too seriously. That balance is part of the charm.
Wellness With a View
The Fitness Pavilion sits above the island and offers Peloton and Precor equipment. There is also a rooftop yoga deck. Elevate Spa sits closer to the water. Treatments include massages, facials, body treatments and nail services. (A new spa facility is also planned near the Fitness Pavilion.)
Still, the best wellness amenity may be the island itself. Go for a swim. Take the kayak out. Walk the beach. Ride your bike across the property. Or, do absolutely nothing for several hours. All are valid forms of self-care here.
Bring the Whole Crew
Ambergris Cay works particularly well for groups, because the accommodations can scale up considerably. The villa collection includes residences from 3 to 6 bedrooms. At the top is the 11-bedroom Dream Estate, designed for large groups and multi-generational stays. It comes with dedicated chefs and butlers, turning the private residence into its own resort-within-a-resort.
The Luxury Is the Space
That may be the real story here. There are more than 1,100 acres to explore. The accommodations occupy a small portion of that landscape. You can have a private plunge pool, a shared Island Host and dinner prepared to order. Then you can hop in a golf cart and disappear down a sandy road.
That is Ambergris Cay’s particular appeal. It gives you five-star service without making you feel like you are on a five-star schedule. And when you are ready to head home, the private plane awaits.
Photos courtesy of Ambergris Cay
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FAQs
Q: What isn’t included in Ambergris Cay’s all-inclusive rate?
A: Spa treatments, motorized water sports, scuba diving, private dining and certain premium excursions cost extra.
Q: How do guests get around the island?
A: Golf carts and electric bikes make getting around the island easy. Guests can also use kayaks and paddleboards for exploring the surrounding water. The Island Host team can arrange transportation for excursions and other off-island activities.
Q: Can you spend your entire vacation at Ambergris Cay without leaving the island?
A: Yes. With multiple beaches, restaurants, a spa, fitness facilities, water sports, trails and a variety of included activities, there is plenty to keep guests occupied without booking off-island excursions.
