Rock House is designed for stylish relaxation, with an abundance of areas for lounging.
I have a bucket list of hotels and Rock House in Providenciales had been added soon after its opening in 2022. Something about it caught my eye. It was decidedly different from the other hotels on the island.
Providenciales is a place you would usually associate more with sand. It’s a beach-centric island in Turks and Caicos, with the majority of hotels lining the beautiful, seemingly endless sands of Grace Bay. Nestled between the Bahamas and Hispaniola, the Turks and Caicos islands are known for their low-key nature, abundance of water activities and variety of upscale accommodation.
Set on a ridge in the Blue Hills area of Providenciales, Rock House is a bit removed from Grace Bay – about a 15-minute drive from the main resort area. It’s built on a rocky outcrop that commands beautiful views of the Atlantic. The rugged landscape, ‘Eurobbean’ design and cosmopolitan vibe have been compared to hotels you might find on the Amalfi Coast, Côte d’Azur and even Santorini. But without the eight-hour flights, language barriers and currency confusion.
I was intrigued and decided this was where I wanted to celebrate a milestone birthday and work anniversary. Luckily, my husband was fully onside. If I was going to mull over my ambivalence towards turning 60, I could at least do so in grand style.
Overlooking the water, Rock House is constructed on multiple levels. Reception is at the top and the buildings and facilities are located closer to the water. It means several steps, but the property is laid out in such an appealing way that the descent to water level is softened by multiple, easy-to-handle stairs and well-placed lounge areas. A fleet of golf carts, always available and piloted by charming staff, make the journeys much easier.
Life at Rock House is centred around its stunning infinity pool and adjoining restaurant. A few steps down bring you to the Cave Bar – one of the nicest spots at the resort.
With abundant seating and well-placed lounges, the bar seems to naturally spill down to a pier, where there is access to a small sandy, shallow water beach – perfect for a quiet swim.
Rock House had my number instantly: cocktails named after 1980s pop hits (how could I pass up the Careless Whisper?) and a playlist guaranteed to lull and relax (Think Café del Mar song lists). And the rum selection was more than ample to entertain my somewhat fussy husband. There was something incredibly relaxing sipping a cocktail at the Cave Bar and looking out over the beautiful blues and greens that define the shallow Caicos bank.
Our room was in the entry level category: an oceanfront studio which was spacious, comfortable and fresh, with a small balcony, a mesmerizing view of the ocean and some much-appreciated amenities, such as fresh water, a Nespresso machine (a blessing for me) and kettle. Décor is in white and blue, with beige accents.
The dramatic infinity pool is the resort’s centrepiece.
Rock House is unapologetically geared to adults with its sophisticated vibe, but we saw young children enjoying the pool.
The onsite restaurant, Vita, served a generous included breakfast (l love when you can get a latte for breakfast with no trouble and no extra charge). Lunch and dinner are also served. The menu specializes in Italian cuisine, expertly combining the abundance of local seafood with freshly-made pasta.
An attentive and caring staff upgraded the Rock House experience immeasurably. This is a service-oriented hotel and any request we made was fulfilled efficiently and graciously. Whether it was arranging dinner reservations and transportation or serving complimentary treats around the pool and beach, we were spoiled.
I admit that when I add a hotel to my bucket list, it’s usually based on anticipation and expectation. In this case, I can honestly say that Rock House delivered!
Reflections…
As part of the Grace Bay Resorts group, Rock House is located in a quieter part of Providenciales, and it would be easy to just chill out and let the days dissolve pleasantly on the property. But we are glad we rented a car and pulled ourselves away for a lovely sunset cruise and visits to some of the beach bars and restaurants along Grace Bay. Providenciales is a beautiful island and worth exploring. But for me, there’s nothing like blissing out on the Rock House pier or in the infinity pool, drinking in 50 shades of blue.
The design aesthetic features throughout Rock House, including in the elegant Cave Bar.
NH 2025
