Wymara Villas has made history in Turks and Caicos, becoming the first property in the destination to achieve the highly coveted Five-Star rating from Forbes Travel Guide. This significant recognition underscores the resort’s unwavering dedication to delivering an exceptional guest experience, characterized by unparalleled service, world-class amenities, and meticulous attention to detail. The elite honor was bestowed upon Wymara Villas after a rigorous evaluation process, where it met and surpassed Forbes’ stringent criteria for luxury hospitality.
Setting a New Benchmark for Luxury in the Caribbean
This groundbreaking achievement, announced during the 68th Annual Star Awards, positions Wymara Villas at the pinnacle of luxury accommodation in the region. As the sole private villa resort in the Caribbean to earn this distinction, Wymara Villas joins an exclusive group of only 10 properties across the wider Caribbean holding the esteemed Five-Star designation. This accomplishment solidifies Wymara Villas’ reputation as one of the Caribbean’s most exclusive and luxurious destinations.
The Honourable Charles Washington Misick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands, lauded the achievement, stating, “Congratulations to Wymara Villas on achieving the first-ever Forbes Five-Star designation in the history of the Turks and Caicos Islands—a landmark accomplishment reflecting world-class excellence and impeccable service. This prestigious recognition elevates our national tourism profile and affirms that Turks and Caicos stands among the world’s finest luxury destinations. By setting a new benchmark for quality, Wymara Villas has brought immense pride to our islands and strengthened our global reputation.”
Bruce Maclaren, Owner and Developer of Wymara Resort + Villas, expressed his pride, saying, “I am proud of Wymara Villas being the first resort in Turks and Caicos to be officially recognized by Forbes Travel Guide as Five-Star. As the first private villa resort in the Caribbean to receive this distinction, it confirms that a villa resort can deliver service at the highest levels.”
The Rigor Behind the Five-Star Rating
Forbes Travel Guide’s Five-Star rating is reserved for establishments that consistently provide outstanding service and exceptional guest experiences. The evaluation process is famously thorough and anonymous, with inspectors scrutinizing properties against hundreds of exacting criteria. Only those establishments that consistently exceed expectations in every facet of luxury, comfort, and hospitality are awarded this prestigious honor. Amanda Frasier, President, Standards and Ratings, Forbes Travel Guide, commented on the significance of this award for the destination, noting, “With Wymara Villas, Sunset Cove earning a prestigious Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel award, Turks and Caicos now firmly positions itself to travelers seeking the upper echelon of modern luxury. The Villas set a new benchmark for residential-style luxury through thoughtful design, seamless service, and experiences tailored to each guest.”
An Oasis of Sophistication and Serenity
Nestled within the exclusive enclave of Sunset Cove, Wymara Villas offers a collection of 15 private oceanfront residences, ranging from one to six bedrooms. Each villa is a masterclass in design, seamlessly blending sleek, minimalist architecture with breathtaking expansive ocean views. Guests are treated to an atmosphere of both sophistication and tranquility.
Select villas are further enhanced with features such as infinity-edge pools, Wymara’s signature over-water swim decks, and exhilarating waterslides, creating a unique and immersive connection with the ocean. This distinctive combination of architectural brilliance and natural beauty crafts an unparalleled escape for discerning travelers seeking privacy, luxury, and a profound connection to the sea.
Culinary Excellence and Wellness
The culinary program at Wymara is spearheaded by Executive Chef and Culinary Director Andrew Mirosch. His recently launched restaurant, Land + Sea at Sunset Cove, has rapidly become a destination in its own right, celebrated for its stunning oceanside setting and refined surf and turf offerings. Guests at the Beach Club enjoy exclusive access to the Caribbean’s only ocean pool, alongside state-of-the-art sports and leisure facilities. Adding to the luxury experience, the recently unveiled 111SKIN Spa at Wymara Villas offers a sanctuary for wellness and rejuvenation.
A Dual Accolade for Wymara’s Commitment to Excellence
Complementing the historic Five-Star award for Wymara Villas, Wymara Resort, situated a short distance away on the iconic Grace Bay Beach, has once again earned Forbes Travel Guide’s Four-Star rating. This resort, featuring 97 rooms, is one of only three properties on the island to receive this prestigious recognition, further solidifying Wymara’s position as a leader in luxury hospitality.
Shelley Rincon, Chief Executive Officer of Wymara Resort + Villas, expressed her team’s collective pride: “This is an incredibly proud milestone for the entire Wymara team. It reflects the passion, care, and uncompromising standards we bring to every guest experience, and it reinforces our mission to elevate and redefine luxury in Turks and Caicos.”
Global Recognition and Responsible Hospitality
Wymara Resort + Villas is recognized globally as a distinguished member of The Leading Hotels of the World, an esteemed collection of the world’s finest independent luxury hotels. Shannon Knapp, President & CEO, The Leading Hotels of the World, remarked, “We are pleased to congratulate Wymara Resort + Villas on its Five-Star recognition in the Forbes Travel Guide 2026. This is a milestone achievement in Turks & Caicos, a destination that continues to be a favorite among LHW travelers. Distinctions like this reinforce our members’ ability to consistently deliver best-in-class quality and experiences, and Wymara Resort + Villas is a great example of a property that embodies this.”
Furthermore, Forbes Travel Guide has awarded Wymara Resort + Villas the ‘VERIFIED Responsible Hospitality Badge.’ This accreditation highlights Wymara’s commitment to upholding over 100 rigorous standards focused on environmental stewardship and the well-being of its employees, guests, and the surrounding communities.
