Serenity House

Serenity House is right on the sand of western Grace Bay, 4,000 square feet on two levels inside a large private garden, with Coral Gardens Reef and Smith’s Reef a short stroll down the beach. From its beachfront patio you look out to the north shore reef and the yachts beyond it.

Twelve guests sleep in six bedrooms, each with its own bathroom. Two master suites with king beds overlook the beach and the ocean, and the other four look onto the gardens. We’d put it in front of families of up to twelve, grandparents included, who want to swim and snorkel a few steps from the door. Of the villas in Turks and Caicos we place on Grace Bay, it’s the one with two snorkelling reefs within a walk along the sand.

THE HOUSE

Past the entrance foyer you reach a great room with a wet bar, and a separate TV den. Glass doors from floor to ceiling open onto a covered patio by the pool, set up for eating outside. A formal dining room seats twelve and adjoins the gourmet kitchen with its breakfast bar. Elsewhere, a bar area with a wine cooler, a beverage fridge and an ice maker, a laundry with a washer and dryer, and a powder room for guests off the great room. Air conditioning cools the bedrooms and the main living area, and ceiling fans turn throughout.

THE BEDROOMS

Upstairs, on the second floor, are the two beachfront masters, both kings, plus a garden-view king and a garden-view queen. On the ground floor, two more garden-view rooms, one of them with twin beds. Every bedroom has its own bathroom, a TV and air conditioning. In the master bathroom there’s a walk-in shower and a double vanity, and one of the guest bathrooms has a tub with a shower.

THE BEACH AND THE REEFS

Fine sand, and the house right on it. Both reefs are close enough to swim out to from shore, and four adult sets of snorkel gear are at the house, sized small, medium, medium and large. From the patio you’ll see windsurfers and parasailers further out, and fishing boats past the reef line. The pool has large umbrellas, plenty of loungers and pool floats, and the house adds a BBQ grill and an outdoor shower; for the beach, portable chairs and umbrellas, towels and a cooler.

THE SERVICE

A seven-night stay includes one mid-stay housekeeping visit. A chef, grocery provisioning, babysitting or a masseuse can be arranged on request from an approved list of providers, and any outside provider has to be confirmed in advance.

THE RULES

Rates exclude the 12% government tax. Electricity is complimentary up to $550 a week, then billed at market rate plus 12% tax, and heating the pool is optional at $1,000 a week plus tax. Up to six children, infants or babies per booking; with four to six there’s a refundable $400 children’s deposit at booking, and a children’s liability form is signed on arrival along with one for incidentals. Parties, events and ceremonies aren’t permitted, and the house is for booked guests only, not visitors. Smoking and pets aren’t allowed either, and there’s no luggage drop before check-in at 4 pm. Check-out is by 10 am.

THE LOCATION

A short walk takes you to Turtle Cove, with restaurants, a marina, a casino and water sports. Shops, restaurants, golf, fishing and diving around Grace Bay are all close by. If you’re still deciding between this end of Grace Bay and Long Bay or Leeward, our comparison of Grace Bay, Long Bay, Leeward and Parrot Cay sets them out side by side.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is Serenity House on the beach?
Yes, on the western part of Grace Bay Beach, with two snorkelling reefs a short walk away.

Can we bring children?
Yes, up to six per booking. With four to six there’s a refundable $400 children’s deposit.

Is there daily housekeeping?
No. A seven-night stay includes one mid-stay visit, and other services are on request.

Is the pool heated?
Only if you ask, at $1,000 a week plus 12% tax.

To check dates or request a quote for Serenity House, write to [email protected].