When was the last time you actually unplugged? We're talking grab a beach read, out-of-office reply turned on and phone off. For some, this may induce anxiety. For others, this is a rare luxury. But at COMO Parrot Cay, this is just the norm.
"You come here to do nothing, and nothing is exhausting," says the hotel's managing director, Tapa Tibble. An idyllic composite of natural beauty, experiential offerings and brand values, COMO Parrot Cay is an oasis.
You'll feel a weight lift off your shoulders upon landing and boarding the 25-minute boat ride, delivering you to 1,000 acres of private island surrounded by nothing but azure waters. If this alone doesn't tempt you, here are ten reasons to add this to your Caribbean bucket list.
Its remote location
The island pauses for sunset, taking time to enjoy the pastel hues dancing in the sky above — Photo courtesy of COMO Hotels and Resorts
Upon landing at Providenciales Airport, one of the property's air-conditioned vans scoops you up for a 25-minute drive to the hotel's private pier. Sip on champagne while you check in, before hopping on another 30-minute jaunt, this time via boat to the 1,000-acre cay – truly a private sanctuary.
Next, you're swept away in a golf cart (the only method of transport besides bicycles on the island). Whether you're staying at the main property or settling into one of the beach villas, you'll feel far, far away from reality.
The villas are complete beach house goals
The exterior of the one-bedroom beach house encapsulates indoor-outdoor living — Photo courtesy of COMO Hotels and Resorts
COMO celebrated 20 years on Parrot Cay in November 2018 with a grand-scale renovation. The most noteworthy upgrade? The beach house villas boasting modern island decor, from crisp white-paneled walls to linen furnishings and driftwood accents. The three-bedroom Island Villa offers a sweeping infinity pool that you can quite literally roll out of bed and jump into.
Tucked back from the white sands and gentle waves, all villas include uninterrupted beachfront, and a plunge or infinity pool. You also have access to a full-time butler, who recounts your coffee order by the end of your first day, and what time to pop the champagne to enjoy with sunset in your private pool.
It's a celeb-approved private island
One of the beach villas popular with the Cay's celebrity guests — Photo courtesy of COMO Hotels and Resorts
Along with the hotel's stunning villas, there are a variety of private residences on property belonging to the notable names of Donna Karen, Bruce Willis and Keith Richards. The Cay has also hosted stars including Justin Bieber, Brad Pitt and Cindy Crawford.
Chances are if you're on the island, you'll be sharing it with a familiar name, but between the island lifestyle and royal treatment of your own, you may not be phased.
Their take on wellness
The meditation room is surrounded by the island's greenery, offering the perfect place for some oms — Photo courtesy of COMO Hotels and Resorts
Since COMO is a brand with an emphasis on wellness, some travelers may preemptively mislabel the resort but that is a mistake. Yes, wellness is part of the brand's identity, but it's an unforced approach to a balanced lifestyle.
The property's organic approach to healthful menu highlights throughout the day, combined with its remote location, encourages you to embrace the ease of well-being. And for the less wellness-enthused, you can still order coconut waffles at breakfast or skip evening yoga for sunset cocktails at one of the property's two bars.
The spa
Views of the wetlands from the spa lounge — Photo courtesy of Jillian Dara
The COMO Shambhala spa is a brand signature. COMO customized a brand-wide massage treatment that relies on full-body strokes to increase energy flow and an unparalleled level of relaxation. Aside from the must-have massage, the spa on Parrot Cay overlooks the lush wetlands that comprise 70 percent of the 1,000-acre island.
Separate changing areas offer a secluded hot tub and steam area to enjoy before or after your treatment. For a more social opportunity, there is also a camouflaged hot tub amidst the natural vegetation and common lounge as the ideal area to enjoy an iced ginger tea.
Hotels & Resorts: Immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty of Loreto, Mexico
The natural beauty
The calm, turquoise waters can be viewed from the majority of common areas throughout the resort — Photo courtesy of COMO Hotels and Resorts
Any Caribbean resort can easily frame the beautiful blue hues and fine sands of the renowned island it settles on, however, it takes a special property to exist in harmony with this natural beauty.
The COMO team carefully curated a resort to not only showcase its surroundings of turquoise waters, palms and wetlands but to also care for this nature by using glassware to serve water in the rooms, providing guests with reusable water bottles, reusable bags and no plastic straws.
The property also implements a palm planting program, encouraging guests to plant their own trees which will give back to future generations for raw coconut water and, of course, those coconut waffles.
They support the local community
The minimal exterior of the main resort and villas permit the island's natural beauty to thrive — Photo courtesy of COMO Hotels and Resorts
Along with caring for the Cay, the property cares for the locals. COMO Parrot Cay is the largest employer for northern Caicos, working with the community from a young age to educate them within the hospitality industry.
The property also sends employees overseas to further their career opportunities, from educational workshops to contracts at one of the COMO Hotels' other 15 properties. It's always comforting to stay at a property with soul.
The classes and experiences are worth it
On-site paddle boarding is just one of the activities offered at the resort; paddle across the bay into the mangroves to see a variety of marine life — Photo courtesy of Jillian Dara
If you want to take a break from beach or poolside lounging, the meditation, yoga and workout classes are led by highly trained experts. So whether or not it's your first time meditating or you're an experienced yogi, you'll reap the benefits of the variety of classes offered throughout the day.
The resort also has a number of excursions and experiences on property, including snorkeling, sailing, stand-up paddle boarding and onshore activities like tennis lessons. A double plus: COMO provides everything, so you don't have to deal with the stress of bringing equipment or scheduling while on vacation.
Their restaurants are high quality
Poolside dining is always an option in the resort's private villas — Photo courtesy of Jillian Dara
Oftentimes, resort food is not considered a must-try. At COMO Parrot Cay, however, daily rotating menus allow you to indulge in new dishes every evening, meaning you'll never get bored of the food on property. The restaurant incorporates local produce like bananas and coconuts, as well as fresh seafood, and vegetables and herbs from their onsite garden.
The beachside restaurant, Lotus, serves up Caribbean favorites like fish tacos and grilled daily catch, while the al fresco Terrace offers a Mediterranean-infused menu.
It's a chance to experience the COMO brand close to home
The resort's main swimming pool blends into the Caribbean horizon; surrounded by Lotus restaurant and the beach bar — Photo courtesy of COMO Hotels and Resorts
As only one of two properties in the Americas (the other in Miami), COMO Parrot Cay represents all the COMO brand offers in its eastern counterparts, with a twist of modernity from this side of the world. The elegant, minimalist decor is an ode to its locale of island life; a constant reminder to slow down and enjoy island time.
