A New Way to Experience Turks & Caicos
If you’re searching for a more relaxed, nature-driven alternative to Turks and Caicos’ well-known Grace Bay, South Caicos offers a refreshing change of pace. Home to the newly opened Salterra resort, this lesser-known island blends uncrowded beaches, clear turquoise water and a strong focus on sustainability with elevated dining and a thoughtful spa experience. Whether you’re planning a girls’ getaway, family vacation or a couples retreat with a mix of adventure and downtime, South Caicos delivers a quieter, more intentional way to experience Turks and Caicos.
In February 2026, I was invited to join a Luxury Collection fam trip to experience Salterra on South Caicos, aka The Big South. For clients wanting a beautiful beach, stunning water, chill vibes, amazing food and a great spa, I highly recommend Salterra.
Maybe you've experienced Grace Bay's turquoise water and want to check out another perspective with fewer high-rises and more space. Salterra is a great resort for a variety of clients: girls' trips, family vacations and couples who enjoy fishing with a side of spa time.
Salterra is wonderful for families with its beautiful pools, beach and kids' activities. We loved our half-day excursion to Caicos Bay. Adventures by Salterra offers charters for groups up to 12 or individuals can jump on a planned trip with the on-site excursions desk. The large boats are spacious and comfortable for snorkel trips, beach picnics, island ambles and more. Bonus: they offer Vitamin D and great views on the top deck and shade below.
We also visited the marine biology outpost nearby for some science and sustainability talk. I really enjoyed learning about the School for Field Studies (SFS) and seeing where study-abroad students during a semester in this quiet paradise. (I once worked for the South Carolina Aquarium handling PR & marketing for their sustainable seafood program, and I've held on to my "honorary fish nerd" status.) The primary biologist on the property shared that the SFS is housed in the first hotel opened on South Caicos (in the 1960s), and he explained their coral restoration program and other ways they strive to keep The Big South as pristine as ever.
Speaking of natural settings and sustainability, did I mention that Salterra's solar panels power more than half of the resort's needs?
Pondering a girls' trip? Salterra is perfect for a 4-night girls' trip (Sat-Wed) or even a 3-night getaway would be restorative here (Wed-Saturday) if you opt for the twice-weekly flights from Miami directly to South Caicos. The big plane landing on tiny island is the way to go, and the spa at Salterra is a dream! If you're wanting club music until the wee hours, this probably isn't your place, but that doesn't mean vibes are lacking. We sipped margaritas by the pool with live music as the afternoon sun checked out. And chill beats emanate from speakers nestled among native plants around the property. Good vibes all around!
Food and beverage quality is exceptional: we loved the beachfront restaurant, a Mediterranean food truck, coffee shop and two other restaurants, actually 3, including BRINE, the most upscale one where we indulged in the tasting menu dinner.
Rooms are generously sized. I recommend the 1BR Suite with huge living area with pull-out sofa for 2 kids and room for another with a rollaway. Plus the bathroom in the 1BR suite is HUGE with two showerheads in a long rectangular shower and a deep soaking tub. There are lots of connecting room options as well as walk-out options with fastest pool access. The penthouse is stunning 3BR and can sleep up to 10. Views over the island and sea are dreamy!
I have to take my husband back because fly fishing South Caicos is one of the best places for bonefish (other anglers go for these in the shallows of Abaco in the Bahamas). This resort would be a great fishing getaway for couples (whereas most other places my husband fishes are not anything I can sell or would want to stay in and call "vacation"). Salterra has a couple of air boats that are great for fishing the shallows without disturbing the sandy ocean floor.
GETTING THERE: The best way is to take the new American Airlines flight from MIA to XSC, available on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Transfer from airport to resort is maybe 5 minutes. Talk about a soft landing in paradise!
A few of us who flew into PLS snagged a Caicos Express Charter to XSC, but that meant spending an extra 2-3 hrs in the overstimulating (small/loud) "domestic terminal" room for the 20-minute hop over stunning water. You could also split your stay with lively Grace Bay and wrap with the serenity of South Caicos, and fly direct home from XSC.
I can't wait for our clients to experience this special resort. Let us know when you're ready to say hello to Salterra.
