Exclusive Escape: COMO Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos
COMO Parrot Cay is what private island dreams are made of. It has the turquoise waters, long stretches of sandy beaches, and tropical wetlands that you’d expect from an island getaway. Except what truly sets it apart is the added focus on holistic wellness, spiritual balance, and warm hospitality. The Indonesian aesthetic brings an authentic taste of the East to the West. Touches are weaved into every aspect of your stay. The minimalist, low-lying architecture, Balinese inspired spa treatments, and attentive staff (many who come from Bali) make you wonder if you’re in the Caribbean or time zones away.
Location // How to Get There
COMO Parrot Cay is located on a 1,000 acre private island in the British West Indies, right off the coast of North Caicos, Turks and Caicos. Fly into Providenciales International Airport (PLS), the main international hub. A private chauffeur will greet you at the airport and will drive you 15 minutes to Leeward Marina, where COMO Parrot Cay has a private dock and waiting lounge. Freshen up with a lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus scented cold towel and get a glimpse of the relaxed luxury that awaits. Check in with a beer or glass of champagne in hand before boarding the half hour speed boat ride to paradise. Once you arrive on Parrot Cay island, another staff member will take you to the main resort area via an electric golf cart.
When to Go
Turks and Caicos is considered a year-round destination, but COMO Parrot Cay usually closes for the month of September, the rainiest month. We stayed in early November and though we had some unseasonal rain, it did not ruin our time there at all.
Resort Details
Nature, world-class cuisine, and mind-body wellness are key elements at COMO Parrot Cay. The resort design blends harmoniously into the natural environment. It is set up to provide quiet moments of relaxation, reflection, and connection. COMO Parrot Cay does an impressive job preserving the native habitats. Approximately 85% of the island is retained as pristine marine wetlands, mangroves, and beaches. It feels lush, untouched, and exclusive.
Fresh seafood from the surrounding waters can be enjoyed daily. Favorites of mine included the cracked conch, red snapper, ahi tuna, and North Caicos lobster. The complimentary breakfasts are lavish too. You can order the whole menu if you want! I started the mornings with an energizing ginger shot, green juice, and an acai bowl from the Shambhala menu. I was in heaven. You know how sometimes you feel like you’ve overdone it after a few days of indulging? It’s the opposite at COMO Parrot Cay. The food was nourishing, multiple Aryuvedic massages relaxed my body and mind, and the natural island setting was blissful. I felt sooo good after 5 days at the resort, even with many cocktails in the mix.
There are two massive infinity pools in the main resort hub. One is family friendly and one is adults only, right by the vibey beach club. The fitness center has another outdoor pool too with scenic views of the wetlands. The Beach Houses, Villas, and Estates also have their own plunge pools if you want the ultimate privacy.
The ultra-cool COMO Beach Club is the focal spot to kick back with a drink at any time of day or night. Sundowners are especially beautiful as it transforms into a candle-lit beach bar. COMO Parrot Cay even has an evening ritual to promote connection to yourself and nature:
Join us each sunset at COMO Beach Club as we light the evening fire with Palo Santo reestablishing balance and peace within. This sacred wood and its purification tradition combined with the magic of the setting sun over the turquoise waters of COMO Parrot Cay is the perfect way to re-establish mindfulness and reconnect with your inner self.
The COMO Shambhala Retreat, a center for peace and harmony, offers immersive restorative experiences that enable real and lasting improvements in health. The focal goal is to seek a balanced lifestyle by practicing yoga, relaxing in nature, and enjoying Ayurvedic spa treatments. The highlight of the gorgeous retreat is the tranquil spa overlooking a sea of mangroves. The Asian-inspired spa methods and architecture, fresh-picked frangipani, and the deliciously potent ginger tea transport you straight to Bali.
Room Tour
Over half of the rooms are located up on the hillside, a few minute walk from the beach. Though the Garden View Rooms and Ocean View Rooms are the most basic rooms, the minimalist Indonesian style creates a sense of space. The soaring, vaulted ceiling made from white-washed teak draws your eyes upwards. A four-poster bed draped with a billowing mosquito net is both practical and beautiful, adding to the airy atmosphere. The white marble bathroom with dual sinks and a large closet, equipped with a yoga mat, plush robes, and flip flops makes you want to move in and never leave. Every room has sliding glass doors that open up to a private balcony, with a chic daybed for lounging and soaking up the view.
If you can splurge on a Beach House, it’s worth it. You’ll live like royalty for a few days, with your 24-hour private butler catering to every need. Design wise, the Beach Houses have that same simple elegance as the lead-in rooms, with white and teak interiors. Though they are in a prime location, just steps from the beach. They are also almost twice the size with a kitchen, living room, and two bathrooms. Outside there is a private deck with a heated plunge pool, rainfall shower, stylish cabana bed, and lounge chairs, always prepped with fresh towels. And then there is my favorite aspect, the screened in patio with the coziest daybed that I need to replicate in my own home. I ate breakfast there, took midday naps, enjoyed afternoon reads, and listened to the evening storms.
I had the opportunity to explore the COMO Parrot Cay Estates, owned by celebrities, fashion designers, and socialites. These stunning estates are available to rent when the owners are not there. With a private beach and dedicated butlers to cater to all requests, these multi bedroom retreats make it easy to hide away and get inspired by the timelessness of nature.
Things To Do
Experience complimentary water sports like snorkeling, windsurfing, hobie cat sailing, kayaking, and stand up paddle boarding
Go fishing and ask the chef to prepare your catch for dinner
Book a scuba diving charter
Get a massage or facial at the COMO Shambhala spa and then relax in the tranquil jacuzzi garden
Bike around the island; explore the sandy paths, coconut groves, and mangroves
Plant a coconut tree and come back years later to enjoy the fruits of your labor
Enjoy a romantic castaway picnic
Walk along the beach or on designated nature trails
Explore neighboring islands
Have cocktails at the COMO Beach Club or by the pool
Play tennis or hit the fitness center
Practice yoga or pilates
Ayurvedic therapy and treatments
Simply do nothing at all
COMO Parrot Cay offers one of the most exclusive experiences in the Caribbean, with prices to match this standard. It’s the perfect place to spoil yourself and celebrate a special occasion. It has an unforgettable barefoot luxury ambiance and impeccable service that makes you feel like you belong amongst the celebs for a few nights.