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You’ve probably seen the photos. That iconic, zero-entry pool with the wooden "islands" floating in the middle, surrounded by people who look way too cool to be checking their emails. For years, that image was synonymous with the Gansevoort Resort Turks and Caicos. It was the "it" spot on Grace Bay. If you're looking for it now, though, you might get a little confused. The sign on the front doesn't say Gansevoort anymore. It says Wymara Resort and Villas.
Let's clear that up right away.
The name change happened back in 2019. It wasn't because the place went downhill or got sold to a faceless corporation. Honestly, it was more about identity. The owners, Rob Bergmann and Bruce Maclaren, decided to go independent, stepping away from the Gansevoort brand to lean into a more "boutique" Caribbean vibe. They basically took the bones of what made the Gansevoort famous—the chic, urban-meets-island aesthetic—and doubled down on the luxury.
What actually changed when the Gansevoort Resort Turks and Caicos rebranded?
If you stayed there back in 2015 and showed up today, you’d recognize the place instantly. The architecture is still that crisp, blinding white that looks incredible against the turquoise water. But the vibe has shifted. It’s a little less "South Beach party" and a little more "refined sanctuary."
The rooms underwent significant renovations. We aren't just talking about new pillows. They brought in high-end finishes that feel more permanent and less like a trendy hotel. Think rain showers that actually have pressure and linens that don't feel like they've been through a commercial washer a thousand times.
One of the biggest additions wasn't even at the main resort. They built these insane luxury villas over at Turtle Tail. It’s about a 10-minute drive away. If the main resort is for people who want to be seen at the pool, the villas are for people who want to disappear. They have their own private "ocean decks" carved right into the rock. It's wild.
The Pool Scene: Still the heart of the property
The pool is still the main character. It's 7,000 square feet of literal art. Back when it was the Gansevoort Resort Turks and Caicos, this was the undisputed king of social media spots in Providenciales. It still is.
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You’ll see people lounging on those signature pods. The service is snappy. You want a mojito? It’s there before you realize you’re thirsty. But there’s a nuance here that travelers often miss. Grace Bay is breezy. Like, really breezy. The resort's layout actually does a decent job of buffering the wind, but if you’re planning to do work on your laptop by the pool, maybe don't. Just enjoy the water.
Eating at Wymara: Indigo and Zest
Food is where a lot of Caribbean resorts fail. They get lazy because they have a captive audience. Wymara (the artist formerly known as Gansevoort) actually tries.
Indigo is the flagship. Chef Kerryann Pinnock heads things up here. It’s not your typical "resort food." They focus heavily on local seafood—obviously—but they do a lot with organic produce. It's expensive. Let's be real. You’re in Turks and Caicos. You're going to pay $40 for an entree and you're going to like it because the snapper was caught that morning.
Zest is the beachfront spot. It's more casual. Fish tacos. Salads. Rose all day. It captures that effortless "I’m on vacation" feeling better than almost anywhere else on the island. On Thursday nights, they usually do a fish fry or a BBQ on the beach. It’s a bit touristy, sure, but the smell of the grill over the ocean air is hard to beat.
The Grace Bay Factor
You can't talk about this property without talking about the sand. Grace Bay Beach is consistently ranked as the best beach in the world by TripAdvisor and various travel mags. The stretch of sand in front of Wymara is particularly wide.
Some resorts on Grace Bay feel cramped. You’re shoulder-to-shoulder with a family from Ohio. Here, there's breathing room. The beach setup is sophisticated. Umbrella service is included, and the staff doesn't make you feel like a nuisance for asking for more ice.
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Is it still worth the "Gansevoort" hype?
People still search for the Gansevoort Resort Turks and Caicos because that name carried a certain weight. It promised a specific level of nightlife and "cool."
Does it still have that? Sorta.
It’s definitely the most "adult" feeling resort on the beach. While kids are allowed, you won't find water slides or character breakfasts. It’s a place for couples, groups of friends, and solo travelers who want to read a book in a high-design environment. If you want the rowdy party scene, you might find it a bit quiet. If you want a place where the music is curated and the lighting is perfect, you’re in the right spot.
Logistics and what you need to know
Getting there is easy. It’s about 15 minutes from Providenciales International Airport (PLS).
- Taxis: Expect to pay about $30-$40 for a ride from the airport. Taxis in TCI are per person, which is a bit of a shock if you aren't expecting it.
- Booking: Prices fluctuate wildly. In the high season (December to April), you’re looking at $900+ a night for a basic studio. In the shoulder season, you can find deals, but remember that hurricane season is a real thing.
- The Villas vs. The Resort: This is the big choice. The resort is on the beach. The villas are on a cliffside with access to the water but no "beach" in the traditional sense. Most people prefer the resort for their first stay.
Real talk about the drawbacks
No place is perfect. Not even a former Gansevoort.
The price of everything on-site is high. Even by Turks and Caicos standards, the cocktails and snacks add up fast. Also, because it’s a boutique size, the gym is okay but not massive. If you’re a hardcore fitness person, you might feel a bit limited.
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And the wind. I mentioned it before, but it bears repeating. Grace Bay can be windy. Sometimes the red flags are up and you can't go out on the paddleboards. That’s just nature; the hotel can't fix that, but it's something to keep in mind if you have your heart set on kayaking every day.
Actionable steps for your trip
If you’re planning to head to what used to be the Gansevoort Resort Turks and Caicos, don't just wing it.
First, book your dinner reservations at Indigo well in advance, especially if you’re going during a holiday week. It fills up with people from other hotels too.
Second, rent a car for at least two days. While the resort is amazing, you’re doing yourself a disservice if you don't drive over to Taylor Bay or go to the local Fish Fry on Thursday nights (the island-wide one, not just the hotel version).
Third, check the Wymara website directly. They often have "stay 4, pay 3" deals that don't always show up on the big booking engines.
Finally, stop looking for the Gansevoort sign. Look for the Wymara logo. It’s the same stunning location, just with a more grown-up name and a better wine list. You’re going for the beach and the pool, and in those two categories, this property remains the gold standard on Providenciales. Pack more sunscreen than you think you need—the reflection off those white walls is no joke.