Two very different takes on a Turks and Caicos vacation have earned recognition at the 2026 World Travel Awards. Ambergris Cay has been named Caribbean’s Leading Private Island Resort, while Alexandra Resort has received the title of Turks & Caicos’ Leading Family Resort.
For Ambergris Cay, the award marks a fourth consecutive win in its category. For Alexandra Resort, it is a first World Travel Award, recognizing a beachfront property that has continued to expand its appeal to families and multigenerational travelers.
Both are part of the Ultimate Resort Vacations portfolio, and both offer all-inclusive stays. Their settings, however, give travelers distinct ways to enjoy the destination: the space and seclusion of a private island or the social energy of a resort directly on Grace Bay Beach.
Ambergris Cay: A Private Island with Room to Unwind
Set on a 1,100-acre island at the southeastern edge of Turks and Caicos, Ambergris Cay combines bungalows and private villas with personalized service and access to the surrounding water. Its accommodation collection ranges from beachfront retreats to larger residences suited to family gatherings and milestone celebrations, including the Dream Estate.
One of the newest additions is a collection of 12 Waterside Bungalows at Ambergris Cay, which debuted in June 2026. Available in one- and two-bedroom layouts, the bungalows feature private heated plunge pools and direct water access, creating another option for guests who want the sea close at hand throughout their stay.
The wider island experience brings together outdoor activity and time to relax. Guests can explore options including kayaking, snorkeling, fishing, and boating excursions, alongside tennis, pickleball, a gym, a yoga deck, and spa offerings. Dining draws on Caribbean influences, with personalized service helping shape each stay around individual interests.
That flexibility makes the resort relevant to several kinds of trips, whether a couple’s quiet escape, a gathering of extended family, or a celebration with friends.
New Family, Dining, and Wellness Experiences
Ambergris Cay’s next additions will broaden the ways guests can spend their days on the island.
For the 2026 holiday season, the resort plans to introduce Wylder, a new kids club for children and teens, together with a padel court, an additional pickleball court, and two food trucks. Private dining experiences, including curated island picnics and a sushi experience, are also part of the planned enhancements.
A larger wellness expansion is further ahead. Construction began in September 2026 on a new spa and wellness complex planned for 2028.
The developments build on the resort’s existing focus on privacy and personalized stays while adding more choices for active travelers and families.
Alexandra Resort: Family Time on Grace Bay Beach
On Providenciales, Alexandra Resort offers a lively beachfront setting with the convenience of an all-inclusive stay. Its location directly on Grace Bay Beach puts the shoreline at the center of the experience, supported by a lagoon-style pool, multiple dining venues, water sports, a kids club, and evening entertainment.
The resort has 144 studios and suites, with layouts that give families room to settle in. A four-bedroom penthouse introduced in December 2025 adds another option for larger groups and multiple generations traveling together.
Recent improvements have also expanded the activities available during a stay. An enhanced kids club is complemented by programming such as Street Fest and Foam Party events, bringing together live entertainment, music, games, and activities. Interactive experiences, including sushi-making, offer another way for families to spend time together beyond the beach and pool.
For readers exploring the property, DRIFT’s coverage of the all-inclusive Alexandra Resort on Grace Bay offers further background on its accommodations and setting.
One Stay, Two Resort Experiences
Alexandra Resort’s Stay at 1, Play at 2 program extends the experience to sister property Blue Haven Resort, giving guests access to its dining and amenities.
For families spending several days in Turks and Caicos, that access adds variety without requiring a hotel change. It also complements Alexandra’s broader appeal: spacious accommodations, organized activities, and dining choices that help simplify a trip involving different ages and interests.
“Above all, these awards reflect the teams behind both properties and the hospitality they deliver to guests every day,” says Miriam Niembro, director of marketing and communications at Ultimate Resort Vacations.
Whether the priority is a secluded bungalow, a villa for a special celebration, or a suite close to the beach and family activities, the two resorts offer distinct starting points for a Turks and Caicos getaway.
Further property information is available at Ambergris Cay and Alexandra Resort.
