Wymara Villas Achieves Forbes Five-Star Milestone
Alexandra
The private shoreline at Sunset Cove includes over-water swim decks and direct ocean access that facilitate tender boarding and short yacht transfers, making Wymara Villas particularly convenient for guests arriving by sea or using local marinas.
Forbes Five-Star: what changed on arrival logistics and service
Wymara Villas, Sunset Cove has been awarded a Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star designation, the first-ever Five-Star for the Turks and Caicos Islands. That recognition reflects not just plush interiors and culinary excellence, but operational systems that support discreet arrivals, personalized transfers, and villa-level provisioning—basically a hospitality supply chain tuned to high expectations.
How the award ties to island transport and access
Forbes inspections emphasize seamless guest journeys. At Wymara, that means private valet and concierge coordination for inter-island flights, boat tenders and local water taxis, along with on-site resources to handle inventory for bespoke requests. These logistics improvements reduce turnaround time for villa servicing and allow captains and charter operators to coordinate dockside handoffs with minimal fuss.
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Operational highlights that matter to sailors and charter guests
- Direct sea access: over-water decks and oceanfront villas simplify tendering.
- Concierge coordination: transfers between private yachts and villas via pre-arranged tenders.
- Flexible provisioning: villa kitchens and private chefs can be stocked to order, useful for guests arriving by yacht.
- Exclusive beach and pool access: privacy for chartered groups and captains on shore leave.
Facility and culinary profile
The resort consists of 15 one- to six-bedroom oceanfront villas that blend clean-lined architecture with panoramic views. Select properties feature infinity-edge pools, Wymara’s signature over-water swim decks and waterslides that connect villas to the ocean edge. Those design elements are a boon for families arriving by private boat—kids jump straight into the sea, while adults keep an eye from the terrace.
Wymara’s culinary program, led by Executive Chef and Culinary Director Andrew Mirosch, includes the Land + Sea restaurant, notable for its oceanside setting and surf-and-turf focus. The resort also operates a Beach Club with the Caribbean’s only dedicated ocean pool, plus the new 111SKIN Spa at Wymara Villas, which supports wellness itineraries often requested by luxury charter groups.
Comparative snapshot: Villas vs Resort
| Feature | Wymara Villas (Sunset Cove) | Wymara Resort (Grace Bay) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation type | Private oceanfront villas (1–6 bedrooms) | 97-room resort |
| Forbes rating | Five-Star | Four-Star |
| Water access | Over-water decks, direct ocean access | Beachfront access on Grace Bay |
| Culinary & spa | Land + Sea, 111SKIN Spa, private chefs | Multiple restaurants, resort spa |
Industry recognition and strategic impact
The Five-Star accolade was called a “landmark accomplishment” by Charles Washington Misick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, and praised by tourism officials for raising the destination’s luxury profile. Bruce Maclaren, Owner and Developer of Wymara Resort + Villas, emphasized that the award proves a private villa resort model can deliver service at the highest levels.
Amanda Frasier, President of Standards and Ratings at Forbes Travel Guide, noted that Wymara’s design and tailored service set a new benchmark for residential-style luxury. Meanwhile, Shelley Rincon, CEO of Wymara Resort + Villas, described the recognition as validation of the team’s commitment to consistent excellence.
Broader credentials
Wymara Resort + Villas is also a member of Leading Hotels of the World, and Forbes has awarded the property a VERIFIED™ Responsible Hospitality Badge for adherence to environmental and employee well-being standards. Such credentials bolster confidence among high-value travelers and charter operators who prioritize sustainable and well-managed ports of call.
Practical takeaways for yachting and charter guests
- Coordinate arrival times with villa concierge to ensure tender transfers are seamless.
- Use villa provisioning services to reduce provisioning headaches onboard and ashore.
- Consider the Beach Club and spa as shore-based activities for charter guests seeking calm between sail days.
I’ll admit, as someone who’s booked a last-minute tender transfer for a charter, seeing a resort streamline those logistics takes a load off—the proof is in the pudding when your guests step off the boat and straight into a chilled cocktail without a second thought.
Milestone and national strategy
The Minister of Tourism, Zhavargo Jolly, and hospitality leaders including Shannon Knapp of The Leading Hotels of the World, highlighted how the Five-Star distinction aligns with the Turks and Caicos national strategy to attract high-value investment and raise standards across tourism offerings.
For captains, owners and charter brokers, Wymara’s recognition signals reliable service, private access, and upscale amenities that pair well with luxury yacht itineraries and shore excursions.
Summary: Wymara Villas’ Forbes Five-Star award recognizes operational excellence, elevated culinary programming, and veers the islands further into top-tier luxury Destinations. For the yachting community, the resort’s ocean access, concierge-led tender coordination and villa provisioning make it an appealing stop for yacht charters and superyacht guests. Whether planning a yacht charter, beach day, or marina call, these developments affect sailing, boating, and charter planning across the Turks and Caicos. In short: yacht and boat captains, charter brokers and guests can expect elevated service at Wymara—perfect for rent or sale negotiations, fishing and water activities, resort-to-boat transfers, and memorable days on the sea, gulf, or ocean near marinas in clearwater coves.
