Tantalizing turquoise
An extensive renovation and refresh adds to the allure of Club Med in Turks and Caicos
“Shark!”
Most people would panic when they hear someone yell “shark” in the middle of the ocean.
Not this group.
Decked out in snorkelling gear and flippers, our gang of excited journalists began frantically swimming toward the scream. We were all eager to get a look at the oftenfeared underwater creature.
But this five-foot-long reef shark wasn’t scary at all. It also wasn’t interested in socializing with a group of snorkellers and quickly swam away, disappearing into the blue-green water.
No matter; there were plenty of other things to look at. Grouper, snapper and parrotfish all hurriedly swam past our faces as we explored the world-famous turquoise waters off Turks and Caicos during a recent trip to Club Med Turkoise.
Club Med Turkoise is perfectly positioned to take advantage of the gorgeous aquamarine water thanks to the barrier reef that surrounds the archipelago known as Turks and Caicos. The reef is credited for keeping the waters clear, and the crisp white sand helps show off the many shades of blue.
The reef also makes the area a diver’s dream.
DIVING IN
I had never been scuba diving before, but as a lifelong water baby, I jumped at the chance to see the colourful coral up close.
Our lesson started poolside, where we were shown how to assemble and use our equipment. Then we headed over to the infinity pool to test it out. We did a number of safety exercises such as clearing water from our goggles and retrieving our breathing apparatuses if they float away. Now we were ready to explore the ocean.
Using the boat’s anchor line as a guide, we carefully and slowly made our way down about six metres.
We spent about an hour exploring the reef under the watchful eye of our instructor. Then it was time to head back to the resort and reward myself with a mojito.
THE RESORT
Club Med Turkoise is made up of a collection of brightly coloured bungalows located on the white sands of Grace Bay Beach, named the world’s best beach in TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards this year.
The all-inclusive adult-only resort reopened to visitors earlier this year following an extensive renovation project after sustaining damage from hurricane Irma in September 2017. Club Med wanted to focus on offering a more luxurious experience for guests.
All 292 rooms are completely refreshed, bringing the turquoise inside, with bright aqua walls, ruby red pillows and white accents. Balconies were added to 92 deluxe rooms so guests can get a better look at the beach. The resort’s common areas also received a makeover. The pool was redesigned with infinity edges and a seating area in the centre. The fitness centre was expanded and refreshed.
Ocean-view palapas were also added to offer seaside spa treatments. There’s nothing quite like the smell of salt water and the soothing sound of waves crashing while you’re getting a massage.
Club Med also made several changes to its food and beverage options.
The main restaurant received a new wraparound terrace, the main bar was renovated, and a smoothie bar was added to the beachside bar, Sharkies.
A new wine cellar was built beside the main restaurant, where sommeliers host nightly wine tastings unlike anything I’ve experienced at an all-inclusive resort. Wines from around the world are thoughtfully paired with hors d’oeuvres like ceviche with mango salsa or beer-braised chicken with pesto rice. The wine tasting experience is an additional cost of US$50 per person.