Let's start with the absolute strongest positive (of many). Having traveled extensively in the Caribbean, Grace Bay had the longest, bluest, flatest, most temperate waters we have ever seen for three straight days. And the condo we rented was fewer than 100 feet from the beach.
We originally intended a long weekend away for four adults, one couple and two of our siblings. We purposely sought three bedrooms and, hopefully, as many bathrooms. The goal - total chill as the world emerged from Covid. Our decision to go to Turks and Caicos related to the proximity to the US for a long weekend and warm water. None of us had been to TCI before and we searched many potential properties. Jai's condo, #101, seemed the best choice.
It is one of 27 Venetian condos. This unit is on the ground floor with essentially a beach walk out. The hotel faces West, allowing amazing sunset views and all three bedrooms are spacious with en suite bathrooms. There is even a "guest" bathroom in the unit. The beach is incredible. Each morning we could walk for miles and hardly pass a soul - though the property was supposedly full. The Venetian is the last hotel/Villa on Grace Bay and in one direction there is tranquil privacy. The other direction takes one past the Tuscany (sister property), Ocean Club, Club Med and then to the "heart" of the bay with Seven Stars, Villa Renaissance, soon the Ritz, and others spanning the several miles of the white sand and Cerulean blue waters.
The Venetian has an upscale beach set up on a first-come, first-served basis with lounge chairs, low tables and umbrellas positioned in groups of four. For our entire stay, there were always available chairs and nothing was crowded. Powerful foot jets and on site float rafts make the beach experience excellent (more to come...).
The facility itself is gated, serene and lovely. Handsome, mature bushes, palms and flowers escort the walkways and spaces. A large pool sits central in a quad bounded by the Gate house, twin covered garage buildings (openings for vehicles on the outer side so nothing visible in the pool area), and the majestic Condo/Villa building closest to the beach. Again, the pool has lounge chairs, umbrellas and group chaise chairs. The property has bikes for guest use, a small gym, and eco-friendly filtered water stations to refill your complementary Venetian thermos.
The kitchen is large, upscale modern and well lit. Relaxing spaces in the Villa include a dining area and large liv