Beach Enclave- Private Villas in Turks and Caicos

I don't write reviews often as I'm just a terrible writer (Don't fault me, English is my second language). You see, I'm sort of a blacksheep amongst my Asian contemporaries. While they were busy with math and Harvard applications, I was playing basketball and tryiing to win votes for Prom King. Somehow, Jeremy Lin managed to do both well. His parents must love him more than mine loves me.

But, as there's really not much feedback on Beach Enclave Villas, I wanted to throw some quick thoughts together from my recent stay/inspection...

Important note: 

Beach Enclave has villas at the north shore beach for renting at the moment and is where we stayed..but I lost my memory card that had those photos so I'm actually posting photos of their brand new villas that are just being completed in the Long Bay area and will welcome guests in Nov. But this will still give you an idea of the experience, I hope. They also just borke ground in Grace Bay as well and those villas will be ready in 2019. 

See, even that was dreadful to read, so I will reward you with a photo...

This swing bed is just off of the main floor guest room and integrated with the exterior terrace and pool. 

We were also visiting the Villas at Shore Club Resort so Beach Enclave had sent a driver to pick us up. Very friendly local driver and polite. Offered us cold bottled water for the 10 minute drive to Beach Enclave. 

The Villas are within a private/gated community and our driver pulled up directly to our villa. We were warmly greeted by our butler with rum punch and cool towels. Easy and quick. Driver and staff quickly brought luggage into villa but I had to personally take it to my room, so that was a bit odd. Aside from it, all else was great during the process. 

Another piece of candy (photo)...stay with me...

Rooms are stunning...high quality finishes and really a sense of residential feeling that you just can't get at a resort. I didn't believe in love at first sight till we arrived here. Unforutantely, my wife didn't find the statement as amusing and we are still not on speaking terms. 

Again, top notch finishes. 

We had a butler, as one would when staying in a villa. But we all know that "butlers" is a very losely applied concept. At the Shore Club, I saw my butler on arrival and the day of depature. Impossible to find her in-between. Absolutely useless/pointless. She must have been a stud in hide and seek as a child!

However, here, it was executed soooo much better! Our butler (Ann) was warm and simply wonderful. Her background in hospitality originates from Thailand, so that's a plus and it showed! 

First order of business was to jump into our pool and Ann ensured that everyone's glass was never more than half empty. No exaggeration. I rarely drink soda at home but on trips, all bets are off...It's like my version of West World. I asked for a glass of Coke and there was none since I didn't pre-stock the pantry and fridge prior to arrival (which I'd strongly recommend). Half an hour later, the fridge was fully stocked with Coke and few other beverage selections. The pro-active gesture was much appreciated! 

Okay, more photos...hang in there...

Ann noticed some wrinkles in my shirt and asked if she can iron it for me. Ann for the win!!! There were many of these little moments where our butler really took notice of our needs and was pro-active to ensure we exhausted as little amounts of effort as possible. 

No photos to reward you here, so feel free to skip it...For ther rest of you who stayed and are enjoying the eye abuse...

Our first evening, we decided to use the in-house chef (at an additional fee) to prepare a customized meal. Long story short, it was lovely and great quality. It was so nice to arrive on the first day, swim, relax and just have an intimate meal in the villa. This would also be perfect for Thanksgiving or Christmas holiday stays. 

A continental breakfat is included. OJ, coffee/latte/tea, fruits, pastry, smoked salmon, etc... You butler will come in the morning and serve it...You can always pay additional for something more grand or have the chef to come and prepare something. 

My suggestion would be to maybe hire the chef for 1 or 2 days here and go out the other days or just whip up something from the pantry during lunch (Ann also makes a mean Pad Thai, we were told). 

As mentioned above, BE has 3 different locations: North Shore, Long Bay (photos shown here) and Grace Bay (complete in 2019). All within its own private community of villas. The Long Bay and Grace Bay developments will also feature cottages that are next/attached to various villas as well. I believe this is to allow more flexibility of accomodating to larger groups or if individuals within a group want more privacy, they can choose to shack up in the cottage away from others within the villa. 

The North Shore Villas are lovely but it's starting to show its age a bit. Carpets are worn in, some stains on the white sofa...still great but not as stunning as the new villas, naturally. Most importantly, the beach/water by North Shore has rocks throughout the shallow end of the water and I can see this being an issue for families with small children. Long Bay has a much better beach in my opinon, but the shallow end does extend far out. If you want to dive into the ocean, you will walk a bit into the ocean before there's a drop off. This is great for Kite Surfing and just lounging, though. The Grace Bay, when finished will obviously have the best beach of the three properties but will of course cost more as well. 

There's nothing within walking distance so you will need to taxi to dinner or anything off property. Each villa does come with a golf cart to drive within the communty to the gym or morning Yoga. 

In conclusion (how I wrapped up all my C+ essays in college), I was really impressed by the villa experience and think this is a great value for the right client. If you're looking for privacy, a more bespoke expeirence, then I think this is for you. BE also partners with some of the best vendors. Our excurison booked through BE's parnter, Big Blue was simply amazing. A fab boat by two lovely captains that took us to private beaches for snorkeling and diving. The on board food and beverage presnetations were great and delicious. They are also working to find a great kite surfing instructor. The Yoga instructor is also fab, which I'm told...I was too busy walking on the beach in the mornings. 

Also, the value here can be fantastic. For example, during low seasons, a 3 - 5 bedroom villa can range from $2,000 - $3,000 per night. You'd pay more just for 3 - 5 standard rooms at a resort for an inferior hard product (and possibly soft product as well). In speaking with the BE management, I do think they will be having an attractive promotion for the Long Bay property when it does open for Nov. I'm working to get final details from them as I write and you read. However, if your family enjoy people watching and walking to multiple dinning venues, then this is clearly not the right choice for you.

I hope to book myself here for this upcoming Thanksgiving, so I can escape the in-laws :) YAY!!!

If anyone has any questions, plesae feel free to PM me as I only covered the high level items.

Okay, I think I may still have a few photos...