We had a chat with Stephanie Waxberg, content creator & brand consultant, about her recent trip to Turks & Caicos. Stephanie reveals where to dine, stay, and play and what she's packing for an island escape.
April 03, 2024 Written by Sequoia Etti
Destination Paradise: Turks & Caicos
How did you get started in the industry?
I began my career in fashion by studying design at university. Afterward, I worked with Roland Mouret and later at Celine with Phoebe Philo. Both experiences were incredibly different but equally memorable! Despite briefly transitioning into finance for a couple of years, I found myself missing the creative atmosphere of the fashion world. This led me to start my own brand consultancy business, where I could focus on what truly brought me joy. Today, we assist brands with strategy, operations, and content creation for their digital channels.
Over the past couple of years, my interest in wellness practices has grown significantly. Last year, I became a qualified sound healer, and I find it to be such a beautiful and grounding practice. I'm genuinely excited about sharing it with more people says Stephanie Waxberg!
What inspired you to choose Turks and Caicos as your travel destination?
We traveled to Turks & Caicos for our friend's wedding. While I've spent a lot of time in the Caribbean, I had never been to Providenciales. I love to explore at least one new destination every year, so it was a fantastic opportunity to discover the island! Our friend has been going there for 20 years, and I had heard such great things about the beautiful beaches and the clear blue sea.
Where To Stay?
We loved The Shore Club, a beautiful resort on Long Bay.
The Palms, which has a slightly more Caribbean feel, and is located on Grace Bay. Surrounded by numerous hotels and restaurants, making it perfect for those who enjoy exploring the island.
If you prefer a more modern property, Wymara is gorgeous.
For a secluded getaway, consider Amanyara, situated at the far end of the island.
Where To Dine & Must-Try Dishes?
For lunch, Omar's Beach Hut is a great spot for local dishes like conch fritters, coconut shrimp, and fish tacos. You can sit on the deck or the beach with your feet in the sand.
We also loved Rock House for a more European beach club vibe.
Blue Water Bistro at the Wymara resort for lobster tacos by the beach.
If you like sushi, you have to try Sui Ren at The Shore Club for the best Volcano maki rolls.
For dinner, our favorite place was Marine Room. It's a beautiful modern restaurant with a great atmosphere, and I loved the menu. We had the most delicious fresh crudo of local fish with a soy jalapeño dressing, and their signature sideways 20-layer tenderloin lasagna was incredible!
What To Do?
Turks & Caicos is renowned for its spectacular beaches, so we spent most days at Grace Bay. Additionally, we chartered a motor yacht and sailed through the nearby mangrove cays. The water was crystal clear, and the scenery was breathtaking! Later, the chase boat took us on a tour around the smaller islands, and we made a stop at Iguana Island to explore its deserted beaches at sunset. It was truly a special experience!
What To Pack?
Bikinis, swimsuits, and more bikinis! We spent a lot of time on the beach, so I lived in swimwear with an oversized shirt or sarong, a big sun hat, and a beach bag. I loved wearing the Sommer Swim Harper balconette bikini top with the Paloma tie-side bikini bottoms. A strapless bikini top is always great for beach days, so the Cece bandeau with the Gigi bottoms is perfect! For lunch, I like to cover up with a sheer maxi dress or crochet trousers, flat tie sandals or slides, and a cute wicker basket bag.
Any insider tips for travelers planning a similar vacation to Turks & Caicos?
It's super easy to stay in a beautiful resort, but I'd always recommend exploring the island. Pick up a morning coffee at Lemon 2 Go on Grace Bay Road, try a new restaurant each day for lunch, and take a trip to the different beaches the island has to offer. There are also some really cute activities, like visiting Captain Oak's Tiki Bar, which floats off Long Bay, or going horseback riding along the beach. If you're feeling really adventurous, you can hike the 2-mile journey through shallow water to the local shipwreck, La Famille Express, off Long Beach, or for a speedier trip, jump on a jet ski.
