Big Ambergris Cay

"A private-island resort offering luxurious accommodations and a variety of activities, including golf cart exploration and dining under the stars." - Maria Diego

"Don’t let the “all-inclusive” descriptor fool you: this It List 2020 winner is the opposite of overrun or cheesy. It’s luxury in every sense of the word. Far from the lineup of hotels on Grace Bay Beach, the property’s nine three- to six-bedroom villas were built on a 1,100-acre private island in the southeastern corner of the archipelago. From check-in to checkout, nearly everything is taken care of, as guests are provided with a la carte meals, drinks, bonfires, picnics, games, guided nature walks, tennis lessons, paddleboards, and much more. Plus, there’s an island host at each villa who ensures the entire experience is seamless and picture-perfect." - Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel is a freelance writer with over eight years of experience editing and writing for both brands and online publications—with a particular focus on travel, fashion, and lifestyle. S

"Ambergris Cay is a private island resort with beach bungalows and multi-bedroom villas. Activities include water sports, yoga, tennis, pickleball, hiking, and biking. Beach bonfires, picnics, and cocktails at sunset are available." - Travel + Leisure Editors

"Located in the southwest Atlantic off the main chain of Turks and Caicos, the remote island of Ambergris Cay (not to be confused with Ambergris Caye in Belize) is equal parts luxury and adventure. It redefines “all-inclusive” with five-star food, zero up charges for top-shelf wine, and billionaire views to boot. On this (intentionally) underdeveloped island, look forward to serene azure waters, rugged nature, and a total of 17 oceanfront resort suites and 14 multi-bedroom villas—all butler-serviced and spaced out over the island’s 1,100 acres. The private island resort also houses one with the longest private-jet runway in the region (at 5,700 feet, it accommodates planes up to 28 meters long), fostering an escape for outdoor-minded billionaires and professional athletes whose ideal getaway includes as much deep-sea fishing and tennis as it does five-course dining, indulgent spa treatments, and fabulous residence-style accommodation. What’s more? The resort has been a good neighbor to local wildlife by partnering with the San Diego Zoo for regular research visits to maintain the scrubby cay’s indigenous wildlife populations, including flamingos, iguanas, and ospreys." - Paul Rubio

"Offers a guided whale-watching tour with a marine biologist." - Travel + Leisure Editors