Grace Bay

Providenciales: The Somerset on Grace Bay / The Somerset on Grace Bay (home page) Pristine white sand and turquoise sea lie just beyond the verandas of The Somerset on Grace Bay, the newest luxury resort on beautiful Grace Bay Beach. This residential hideaway designed for discerning travelers is situated on 4.5 beachfront acres enhanced by fountains, towering palms, and a Grand Lawn bordering a formal orchid garden. An elaborate pool complex is the focal point of the beautifully manicured grounds featuring a grand infinity-edge pool with waterfall and underwater audio, a counter-current lap pool and a children’s wading pool. Other leisure facilities range from a fine dining restaurant to a croquet lawn with two turreted viewing towers. This is a perfect choice for couples, families and groups seeking expansive accommodations on a world class stretch of beachfront. Enter an oceanfront world of majestic surroundings and unparalleled sophistication in these beautiful suites, strategically placed to bring the tranquil waters of Grace Bay as close as possible to your veranda. The 69 suites and cottages contain up to 5,200 square feet of luxurious living space, lavished with exquisite details including marble and Peruvian hard wood flooring, granite counter tops, hand-forged iron railings, pre-wired audio systems, ceiling crown and base molding details, central air and everything you’d expect to find with this distinct level of luxury. Select units provide terraces, private Jacuzzi area, full kitchens and the services of a personal chef upon request. Reviews: Tripadvisor.com Wheretostay.com

My Chic Holiday at Curtain Bluff in Antigua / The view from my room Grace Bay Suite For the past 12 years my family and I spend the Christmas/ New Years holiday at Curtain Bluff in Antigua. This is the only time of the year when we can be together for a little rest and relaxation. I must be honest… it’s not my most favorite vacation- merely because “relax” is not in my vocabulary. I’m better in the fast paced globe-trotting mind set. This self-contained oasis is a blessing for those who do not want to move from the premises. My family is in heaven as there are a myriad of water sports and great tennis if you want to be active, and finally for me, a beautiful spa if you just want to chill. Susan and buddha on the path to the Spa   Susan discussing the various delicious treatments - ask for Made  Relaxing at the Spa before my deep tissue massage  It is also a visual pleasure to spend time at a resort where the majority of the guests truly care about their appearance. Days begin with the perfect breakfast, a fluffy egg-white omelet to light pancakes with fresh fruit. If you are not an early riser, a simple breakfast can be had as late as 10:30 am. Morning activities include singles or doubles tennis at a serious yet fun level or scuba diving or snorkling or lap swimming in the pool or the bay. Intense yoga classes as well as a personal trainer are also available. Every year all the guests enjoy the traditional New Year’ s Eve Sailing Race.   Here are Anjali Melwani and Susan before the sailing race  Sailing Race The Scrambler Elizabeth Tabak joined me for my private yoga session on the terrace of Grace Bay Suite           After a “tough” morning of exercise many guests choose to relax or chat on the beach before proceeding to a sumptuous lunch presented at bayside. Fresh fish, salad and veggie wraps highlight a healthful menu with a plethora of choices.After lunch, those “in the know” tend to move to the oceanside of the hotel where the luscious Caribbean breezes highlight the pleasures of being alone with 3 unread copies of The New Yorker and a good book. Afternoon tea is served at 4 o’clock on the veranda. This is a time where one can find the most interesting conversations ranging from politics to the latest book one is reading. If you are looking for more activity, a pick-up basketball game starts at 5 o’clock as well as evening tennis. Hors-d’oeuvres are offered at 6, although I must say I never made it for cocktail hour.   Susan in Ralph Lauren, earrings by Verdura Unfortunately the most disappointing aspect of Curtain Bluff is the quality of the dinners. Stick to the simple choices and order plenty of steamed vegetables. The wine list, however is “world class”. The owners have built a wine cellar over the years that parallels some of the greatest wine cellars in the world. Where else in the Caribbean can one indulge in interesting Cote du Rhones or see terrific verticals in first growths like that of Haut Brion. The real piece de la resistance is the Grace Bay Suite. It is the most luxurious room in the hotel. I spend most of my day there either doing my yoga on my huge terrace or just “relaxing” on my chaise lounge listening to the sounds of the waves. And last but not least, are the great friends I have made at this resort. It is a wonderful way to bring in the New Year.                       Chic Couples   Anjali in Miu Miu and Prakash Melwani   Sylvia and Bob Rafford enjoying a coffee on the patio after dinner.                                                           Chic Chicks Jemima Chadwick and Elizabeth Tabak in Brian Reyes                                                                                                                                                       New Years Eve    Prakash Melwani and Susan   Susan and Andrew Liveris, CEO Dow Chemical                                                                                                                        Chic Kids Alexis in Naf Naf, Susan in Dior, Elizabeth in Miu Miu, Philip in Ralph Lauren                                                                                                                                               Chic Friends Andrew Liveris, Paula Liveris in Collette Dinnigan, Jeffrey Tabak in Givenchy, Susan Tabak in Dior, Anjali Melwani in Gucci and Prakash Melwani.

Grace Bay / George and I had the opportunity to go diving with Provo Turtle Divers at Grace Bay. We had an incredible dive at the site call the Aquarium, with few friendly nassau and tiger groupers. Unfortunately the second dive got cancelled because bad weather. (more…) Share This