The 11 best Airbnbs in Turks and Caicos for a tropical escape

Neighborhood: Long Bay

This is the sort of Turks and Caicos Airbnb that makes leaving the property feel almost unnecessary. Kailoa Villa is a sprawling, light-filled beach house with four bedrooms, huge windows and views stretching across the Caicos Banks. Outside, there’s an infinity pool, hot tub, shallow pool and plenty of space for long, lazy lunches, while the beachfront has its own kiteboard launch area. There’s even a tennis and pickleball court tucked into the gardens, so you can burn off some of that holiday eating without going too far.

Time Out tip: If your idea of a holiday involves handing over the itinerary entirely, this place has you covered. The concierge can sort private chefs, butlers, restaurant bookings and excursions, while daily housekeeping and evening security are included. In other words, you can spend your time doing the important stuff: swimming, eating and deciding whether it’s too early for another drink.

Sleeps: 8 guests.

Perks: Beachfront location, infinity lap pool, hot tub, shallow pool, four en-suite bedrooms, kiteboard launch area, tennis and pickleball court, daily housekeeping, evening security, air conditioning and concierge service.

Price: From $10,980 for 3 nights. 

Neighborhood: Grace Bay

Forget the giant group villa: this one is made for two. Beach Shack is a seriously gorgeous one-bedroom villa with its own stretch of Grace Bay Beach, a private infinity pool and a pared-back, Bohemian interior filled with high-end furniture and original artwork. The bedroom has a king-size bed, ocean and pool views and an ensuite bathroom, while outside there’s a pergola, daybed and lounging area for doing very little, very well. Snorkelling gear is included, too, so you can swap the pool for the Caribbean whenever the mood takes you.

Time Out tip: This is the kind of place where you can happily spend an entire day without making it further than the water. But when you do fancy leaving your private paradise, Turtle Cove Marina is close by, with waterfront restaurants for dinner. There’s also an on-site concierge to help arrange the finer details. Just note that pool heating costs extra, and air conditioning is charged beyond the included allowance.

Sleeps: 2 guests.

Perks: Direct beachfront access, private infinity pool, king-size bed, ocean and pool views, snorkelling equipment, pergola, daybed, outdoor lounge, on-site concierge, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, kitchen and free parking.

Price: From $5,020 for 3 nights. 

Neighborhood: Sapodilla Bay

If you’re after a Caribbean escape with a little less resort polish, La Mer Villa West is a pretty spectacular option. This five-bedroom villa sits right on the water in Sapodilla Bay, surrounded by lush tropical gardens and landscaped grounds. Inside, it’s all high ceilings, huge glass doors and polished Caribbean-meets-European interiors, while outside there’s an infinity pool, waterfront terraces and a private dock for getting straight onto the water. Complimentary kayaks and paddleboards are included, too.

Time Out tip: This is one for people who want the villa itself to be the holiday. Your stay comes with a butler, daily housekeeping and a dedicated concierge, and the host can arrange everything from airport transfers to a private chef. There’s also a barbecue pavilion, outdoor dining space and plenty of room around the pool, so you can quite easily spend a few days without going much further than the garden.

Sleeps: 12 guests.

Perks: Waterfront location, private heated infinity pool, private dock, tropical gardens, kayaks and paddleboards, butler, daily housekeeping, concierge, airport transfer, cinema, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, kitchen and barbecue pavilion.

Price: From $14,480 for 4 nights. 

Neighborhood: Turtle Tail

Sandy Shore gets the beach-house brief very right. This four-bedroom villa sits directly on the water in Turtle Tail, with views across the Caicos Banks and a sandy, shallow bay that stays protected from big waves and heavy winds. Inside, there’s an open-plan kitchen and living area, while all four bedrooms are suites—the main one gets the ocean view, and the others open onto private decks overlooking the tropical gardens. Outside, there’s a shallow lounge pool, plenty of space to stretch out and a stone pathway leading straight down to the beach.

Time Out tip: The bay is shallow enough to walk out towards the little cays visible from the beach, and because there’s very little foot traffic, it’s about as peaceful as beachfront gets without having to find a deserted island first.

Sleeps: 8 guests.

Perks: Beachfront location, four en-suite bedrooms, shallow lounge pool, beach kayaks, ocean views, private walk-out decks, outdoor lounge, fully air-conditioned interiors, Wi-Fi, five-burner gas grill, laundry facilities, free parking and midweek cleaning.

Price: From $8,190 for 4 nights.

Neighborhood: Leeward Settlement

Below Deck is made for bringing the whole gang. This place sleeps 10 and sits on a tranquil waterfront canal, where you can watch sea turtles from the garden before heading out on one of the kayaks or paddleboards. Inside, it’s smart but comfortable, with European design, a high-end sound system and plenty of space to spread out. Outside is where things get especially good: there’s a fire pit, professional BBQ area, outdoor shower, tropical garden and private dock, with the beach just a three-minute drive away (or why not take one of the bikes provided?).

Time Out tip: The complimentary concierge is genuinely handy here. They can sort everything from groceries and car hire to boat charters and private chefs, meaning you can arrive, swim, eat, repeat, and let someone else deal with the logistics.

Sleeps: 10 guests.

Perks: Waterfront canal setting, private dock, five bedrooms, four bathrooms, pool, kayaks, paddleboards, bicycles, fire pit, BBQ area, outdoor shower, gated parking, 24-hour security, Wi-Fi and complimentary concierge service.

Price: From $5,090 for 3 nights. 

Neighborhood: The Bight Settlement

Turtle Ridge Villa has five bedrooms, five bathrooms and enough space for 10 people, so nobody needs to negotiate over the good room. The main house has vaulted ceilings, an open-plan living area and views across Grace Bay, with shaded outdoor spaces and an infinity pool just outside. All five bedrooms have king-size beds and en-suite bathrooms; two are separate from the main living area and have ocean views and outdoor showers. There’s also a well-equipped kitchen, espresso machine, air conditioning and plenty of space to actually spend time together.

Time Out tip: The beach is about three minutes away on foot, down a slightly steep but hand-railed path. You’ll have six loungers and two umbrellas set up on a quieter stretch of Grace Bay, and you can walk along the beach to Smith’s Reef for snorkelling. If you’d rather stay put, reviews mention the house is so well set up that it’s easy to spend most of the day between the pool, kitchen and beach.

Sleeps: 10 guests.

Perks: Private infinity pool, five king-size beds, five en-suite bathrooms, private beach area, beach chairs and umbrellas, ocean views, outdoor showers, fully equipped kitchen, espresso machine, Wi-Fi, air conditioning, washing machine, tumble dryer, free parking and dedicated workspace.

Price: From $11,195 for 5 nights.