Salterra, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, South Caicos — Hotel in East Caicos

My recent stay at Salterra Resort and Spa, a Luxury Collection property on South Caicos, was nothing short of spectacular. This beachfront haven combines serene eco-luxury with exceptional service, making it a standout destination in the Turks and Caicos.||The rooms at Salterra are a true highlight, offering a perfect blend of elegance and comfort. We stayed in a one-bedroom suite, which spanned an over 1,000+ square feet, featuring a spacious living area, kitchen, and a massive bathroom with a soaking tub and tumbled stone shower. The ocean-facing balcony provided breathtaking views of the Beach, enhanced by floor-to-ceiling windows that flooded the space with natural light. Every detail, from the hand-carved furniture to the sea-inspired decor in cerulean and sandy hues, reflected the island’s natural beauty. Thoughtful touches like a Nespresso maker, reusable water bottles, and plush robes elevated the experience, making the suite feel like a luxurious home away from home.||The staff at Salterra went above and beyond to ensure our stay was unforgettable. From the moment we arrived, their warmth and attentiveness shone through. Standout team members like Mey at Cobo Bar & Grill, Hannegil at the concierge desk, and Lofton in transportation made us feel genuinely welcomed, offering personalized recommendations and accommodating special requests with ease. The pool and beach attendants, including Veldinio and Gregory, were quick to provide towels and refreshing drinks, while the front desk team, like Deep and Pison, handled every inquiry with professionalism. The general manager, Santiago Senega, even took time to share the island’s history during a sunset gathering, adding a personal touch to our experience. Despite a few minor service hiccups noted in early reviews, the staff’s dedication and friendliness were exceptional.||Salterra’s culinary scene is a delightful exploration of Caribbean flavors and global influences. With six dining options, there’s something for every palate. Brine, the fine-dining restaurant, impressed with its al fresco terrace and dishes like perfectly cooked lobster during the season, paired with a curated wine list. Cobo Bar & Grill offered laid-back Latin-inspired cuisine, with the conch ceviche being a must-try. The Flamingo Café served refreshing smoothies and homemade gelato, perfect for a quick beachside treat. We also loved the craft cocktails at Sisal, the elegant lobby bar, and the fresh watermelon juice at the pool. Chef AG’s attention to detail ensured every meal was a highlight, though some guests mentioned occasional understaffing at dinner during the off-season. Overall, the food was consistently delicious, showcasing local ingredients and creative flair.|Amazing Water Sports|Salterra’s Adventures by Salterra program is a water-sports enthusiast’s dream. The resort’s location on the pristine Caicos Bank makes it a world-class destination for activities like bonefishing, snorkeling, and kayaking. We ventured out on a snorkeling excursion to explore ancient coral formations and vibrant marine life, guided by knowledgeable staff who ensured a seamless experience. The bonefishing trip was a bucket-list adventure, with expert guides helping us spot elusive fish in the flats. Kayaking to nearby uninhabited cays and paddleboard clinics added variety to our days, while the resort’s watercraft rentals made it easy to explore at our own pace. The turquoise waters and untouched reefs around South Caicos are unmatched, and Salterra’s curated excursions brought them to life.|Awesome Kids Club|Traveling with young children, we were thrilled with Salterra’s kids’ club, which kept our little ones entertained and engaged. Designed for ages 4 to 12, the indoor and outdoor club offered educational and fun activities, from kayak and paddleboard clinics to snorkeling adventures and field trips to the School for Field Studies for hands-on environmental learning. At check-in, our kids received a sketchbook with missions to complete, earning stamps and rewards like a “Story of Salt” picture book or a Salterra stuffed animal upon completion. The staff’s thoughtful approach ensured our children were safe and happy, allowing us to relax knowing they were in good hands. The kids’ splash pool and lawn games on the beach were additional bonuses, making Salterra a family-friendly gem.|Final Thoughts|Salterra Resort and Spa is a luxurious retreat that balances tranquility with adventure. The spacious, beautifully appointed rooms, genuinely caring staff, high-quality dining, thrilling water sports, and exceptional kids’ club make it an ideal choice for families and couples alike. While the resort is still refining some aspects, its potential to be an elite destination is undeniable. We left feeling rejuvenated and already planning our next visit to this South Caicos paradise. Highly recommended for those seeking a quiet, upscale escape with all the amenities to make it...

I didn’t know what to expect after reading the mixed reviews before arriving. But let’s face it, the property opened less than 2 months ago. If you’re worried, give it a few months for them to finish/get into the groove of things. But I can tell you from my experience being there 6-days, the hotel is luxury in paradise.

What’s not finished: The spa. We were told it will be open in 10 days. Spa services still available but in a small, temporary room. Half the hotel rooms. There are 4 total buildings. 2 are in use/complete. Restaurants. Only 3 are complete. I think there eventually will be 6 or 7 total. But the 3 restaurants that are open provide enough variety for a week trip. Activities. There are some activities that aren’t available yet. Keep in mind, South Caicos doesn’t have a ton to do as it’s quite remote/untouched (which is part of what draws people to South Caicos - there are only 1,000 people on the island). See photos attached for what they do offer. They have a brand new, beautiful, dive boat and was told a brand new snorkeling/sunset boat is on the way. Pickleball. Court is finished but no nets/fence yet.

The resort itself is beautiful. From the pool, to the brand new rooms, they’ve done a great job. We got upgraded to the lanai suite which was massive. It had a working safe (seeing reviews their room did not).

Where to eat off property if you’re looking to check out the local town (highly recommend). Just keep in mind, there are literally 3 restaurants on the entire island, a few very small convenience stores, and 1 ATM that may or may not work. When they say South Caicos is untouched, they mean it. Triple J’s - only open Fridays and Saturdays starting at 6:30/7p. Great BBQ. Credit card or cash. Sunset Cafe. Open everyday besides Sundays. Mixture of food. Cash only.

A few things to highlight: ATM. The 1 ATM on the island is hit or miss if it works/has cash in it. But Salterra allows you to take out USD at the front desk and charge it to your hotel room bill which is very convenient. Includes a 5% fee. Free pickup and drop off to the airport in a brand new, air conditioned van. If you take a boat in/out of South Caicos instead, they can pick you up at the ferry port. The ocean/beach. The beach Salterra is on has quite a bit of seaweed. The water and beach is completely clean but don’t expect the turquoise popping blues as the seaweed makes it look greenish/brown. If you’re looking for some spectacular waters in South Caicos, go to Jerry Camp (on Google, type in the old US Coast Guard which is at the East tip of the island). More info on this below. Jerry Camp. Wow. It’s beautiful and worth the trip. The resort offers a kayaking experience for $200 USD per person (Northern Cays Paddling Exploration) with Jeep ride. We did not do this tour. We actually biked there. Took about 75 minutes each way (you pass SailRock Resort on the way). Keep in mind, South Caicos is pretty flat but the challenging part with biking there is there are zero, and I mean zero, paved roads. It’s all dirt and rocks. We loved doing it, fun 1/2 day adventure, but it’s not for everyone. Bikes. The hotel offers free bikes to use. Whether for Jerry Camp or to bike to dinner in town, it’s a fun way to explore the island. Ferry. The main ferry from Provo (North Caicos) to South Caicos is no longer offered. There is talk it will resume soon. We stayed in Provo on Grace Bay for a few days before coming to South Caicos. You can take a small plane to get here from Provo or if you want a very local experience (which we did) you can take Russel’s small boat who goes back and forth each day between Provo and South Caicos to transport people and supplies (https://www.visittci.com/providenciales/south-caicos-ferry). It worked well for us, but don’t expect anything fancy. Direct flight. American offers flights on Saturdays and Wednesdays - so convenient! Gym. Hotel gym is complete and great. All brand new equipment. Staff. The hotel staff were great.

Great trip -...

Salterra Resort, South Caicos – Honest Review After a June Stay Arrival & Check-In • Pre-arrival communication was excellent. Both Head Concierge Devon and Agent Hannegil answered all our questions about Salterra Adventures and scuba diving. • Upon arrival, Hannegil greeted us personally and gave us a thorough resort tour. • One drawback: After landing, we had to wait outside the hotel shuttle in the hot sun until all guests and luggage were loaded and then found the inside of the vehicle to be pretty hot. Not ideal, but our first impression improved once we reached the beautiful resort. Accommodations • We enjoyed a spacious one-bedroom suite booked through Marriott Bonvoy (Titanium status), with daily breakfast included. • The suite was spotless, comfortable, and featured a relaxing lanai. It exceeded our expectations. • Marriott Bonvoy Platinum and above: Free breakfast is honored here. Dining • Dinner at Brine was exceptional—definitely book a reservation. • Flamingo Café’s Americanos and pastries were a highlight, thanks to Marlyn’s cheerful service. • Cobo’s server, Lovely, made us feel genuinely welcome each evening. • Riti and Rose at breakfast remembered our coffee order daily, adding a personal touch. • Room for improvement: Limited fresh seafood and few daily specials, which is surprising given the island’s fishing industry. Amenities & Activities • The resort offers fantastic saltwater pools, a beautiful beach, pickleball courts, and courtesy bikes for exploring and birdwatching. • We enjoyed daily programs like wine tastings with Max, the sommelier, a cocktail mixing class with Vincent, the head bartender, and a fascinating coral reef rehabilitation program with Anna, the director of Conservation and Experiences. • The visit with Anna to the coral rehabilitation lab at the School for Field Studies was a unique highlight. Scuba Diving • Our main reason for visiting was diving, but wind and waves meant we only were allowed to complete two days out of four planned. • The custom dive boat is new and comfortable. Captain Dwayne (“Cap”) and dive master Edgar (a former Philippine Navy SEAL) were professional and made us feel safe and welcome. • Suggestion: Offer fruit or light snacks on the dive boat. Service & Staff • Staff were a standout: Hannegil, Marlyn, Riti, Rose, Lovely, Cap, and Edgar all delivered exceptional service. • Tony, our butler, arranged private transport for our departure, making up for the arrival hiccup. • Housekeeping sometimes arrived early with little notice. Also, only one chocolate truffle at turndown for two guests—a small detail, but worth mentioning. Communication & Guest Experience • WhatsApp communication was set up, but notifications about cancelled activities weren’t always timely. • Management responded sincerely to feedback and worked to address our concerns. Fees & Pricing • Be aware: Salterra charges a 5% resort fee (percentage-based, not fixed), a 10% service fee on all charges, plus a 12% government tax. These are separate from discretionary gratuities. • With all fees and tips, your bill can end up nearly 47% higher than expected. • Suggestion: Including these fees in the room rate would make pricing more transparent. Final Tips • Use the privacy button and deadbolt when in your room to avoid early housekeeping visits. • If you’re diving, bring your own snacks for the boat. Overall Impression Despite some disappointments—weather, communication, and the confusing fee structure—our stay at Salterra was memorable. The thoughtful design, excellent amenities, and genuinely warm staff were consolation for the missed dives. We recommend Salterra for travelers seeking quiet relaxation, attentive service, and a bit of adventure in South Caicos. Would we return? Yes, with a few reservations. The staff and amenities are top-notch, but we hope to see more transparent pricing and a few tweaks to the...