TCI News
Six Senses Resort and Spa returns for another try at Salt Cay, Cabinet considers the concept
#Salt Cay, Turks and Caicos Islands – Wednesday June 27, 2018 – For nearly a decade, Six Senses Resort has been angling itself for a unique presence in the Caribbean and had determined that tiny Salt Cay in the Beautiful by Nature Turks and Caicos Islands was ideal for the luxury escape.
Then major controversy struck and soured the prospect of the development which was touted to be ‘green’ and bring ‘green’ to the people of the island, often considered ‘forgotten’.
The names Mario Hoffmann and Stephan Kral – Salt Cay Devco, investors behind the Six Senses concept – were severely tarnished in the scandalous Commission of Inquiry of 2009.
Despite, the duo tried vigorously to salvage their reputation, to no avail.
In 2018, the Developers of Six Senses are back and have already made a presentation to the Turks and Caicos Islands Cabinet, piquing interests it seems as the investors have been asked to return with a more detailed plan.
A Cabinet report from the Governor’s Office on May 30, 2018 said this about the agenda item: “Considered a Proposal for the Development of a Six Senses Resort on the Island of Salt Cay and requested further information.”
Ever since, there has been a steady stream of inquiries to Magnetic Media to find out more about the development and what it proposes on the tranquil island, renowned for its laid back beauty, intriguing history, captivating coastal vistas and its animal life including endearing donkeys on land and awe-striking whales in the ocean.
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Articles from 2010, including a feature in Turks and Caicos magazine ‘Times of the Islands’ had featured the concept of a resort promoting zen-like villas, sultry spa, tennis court, restaurant and eco-friendly golf course as an opportunity for a resurgence of the island where the economy now is just as dry as its Salinas. Ironically, the 2.5 square miles used to be a financial life line to the people of the cay and the country, during the salt-raking era.
The Turks and Caicos Weekly News (newspaper) in an article on June 11 2018, reminded of the court battle and loss of Salt Cay Devco; where Mario Hoffmann had to return over 1,500 acres of land to Government, cover a percentage of the legal fees and surrender his Turks and Caicos Belonger status which was obtained under the Michael Misick government regime.
You get the feeling that getting this application and proposal approved will not be easy; but just maybe the timing is right.
A media release in 2010 announced that Six Senses Resorts and Spas was pegged to open its Turks and Caicos edition in 2013; five years later we are only told by the Investment Minister – Premier Sharlene Robinson – that there is no comment at this stage of the pitch. 
Hon Sharlene Robinson said to Magnetic Media: “It is a Proposal discussed and I am not able to share anything further as it is a matter before Cabinet. What I will say is that the residents of Salt Cay do not have opportunities to speak to the Government in the upcoming round of Town Halls and to benefit from.”
The 2010 article, published online at HotelierMiddleEast.com, among other websites said in part:
‘Designed to introduce the group’s ‘Slow Life’ philosophy, the project will comprise a total of 40 one- and two-bedroom villa suites and three-bedroom retreats, plus 13 four-bedroom residential villas.
In addition to various dining option, including an organic garden restaurant, there will be a jazz bar, an observatory, and Cinema Paradiso — an open-air area showing classic movies.
Leisure activities will focus on water activities, but will also include tennis and an eco-friendly golf course.’
The news story explained that the phase one investment on the Six Senses Resort and Spa would be $200 million.
Salt Cay residents are admittedly curious.
PROVIDENCIALES, Turks & Caicos Islands: — Beaches Turks & Caicos continues to lead the way in sustainability by cultivating a
culture of environmental stewardship across the Turks and Caicos Islands. Through the introduction of biodegradable alternatives, agricultural education and community partnerships, the resort is setting a new standard for eco-conscious hospitality. As part of its ongoing sustainability mission, the resort has replaced single-use plastics and certain chemicals with compostable, biodegradable products derived from natural sources, to reduce pollution and minimize the resort’s carbon footprint.
“At Beaches Turks & Caicos, sustainability is woven into every part of the guest experience,” said Managing Director, James McAnally. “From the products we use to the relationships we nurture, our goal is to make responsible environmental choices that benefit our guests, team members and the wider Turks and Caicos community.”
The resort also practices on-site composting, recycling fruit and vegetable waste from its kitchens to enrich soil and sustain its lush
landscaping. This closed-loop system reduces waste and promotes biodiversity across the property.
Beyond the resort, Beaches collaborates with local partners including schools, government agencies and NGOs to extend green education into the wider community. Through the Sandals Foundation, the resort supports projects such as the installation of water filtration systems, tree-planting activities and biodegradable workshops. Schools like Enid Capron Primary have expanded their farming projects and integrated agricultural science into their curriculum thanks to this partnership. Beaches also leads regular coastal cleanups and reforestation drives which inspires residents and students to play an active role in protecting their environment. “The Earth Guardian volunteers take pride in giving back to our schools and the communities we serve,” noted Public Relations Manager, Orville Morgan. “These initiatives create a sense of shared responsibility that strengthens both our communities and our natural resources.”
With its commitment to biodegradable innovation, sustainable education and environmental action, Beaches Turks & Caicos continues to set the benchmark for biodiversity and sustainability in the Turks and Caicos Islands.
Photo Captions
1st insert: Beaches Turks and Caicos and the Sandals Foundation celebrate with students at the Enid Capron Primary School in a Reading Road Trip experience where guests and students get to experience a cultural melting pot of activity.
2nd insert: Beaches Turks and Caicos resort Simone Woodfine from the Bar Department prepares to plant a tree at one of our schools to celebrate the mission of providing a healthier environment for the Turks and Caicos Islands
TCI News
Turks and Caicos Corporate Community Join Beaches Resort to Raise Funds for Jamaica’s Hurricane Melissa Relief
Turks and Caicos Islands, December 17, 2025 – Corporate partners in and around Providenciales recently joined Beaches Turks and
Caicos Resort raising over US $54,000 to support Jamaica’s Hurricane Melissa Relief effort. The fundraising dinner, aptly titled, ‘One Caribbean, One Family, One Love’ saw over eighteen companies gather on Friday, December 12 to support the recovery of families and the rebuilding of communities affected by the category 5 storm.
“When our Caribbean family calls, we will respond with love,” said Deryk Meany, General Manager of the Beaches Turks and Caicos resort. “Today it is Jamaica that is affected, but tomorrow, it could be the Turks and Caicos or another neighbouring island. We are committed to serving our brothers and sisters and are deeply grateful to everyone who have donated to the cause.”
Since the passage of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica on October 28, the Sandals Foundation has been working around the clock with local
agencies and international partners to provide shelter essentials, food, and clean water, restore schools, and provide medical support to hospitals. Funds raised at the recent benefit dinner will help bolster the next phase of the philanthropic organisation’s support to rebuild schools and livelihoods in affected communities.
“As we continue to provide essential first-relief support, we have already begun our long-term recovery response,” says Patrice Gilpin, Public Relations Manager at Sandals Foundation. “Many schools, which are the cornerstone of stability, learning, and emotional support for our young ones, require urgent attention. This donation will go a far way in restoring a sense of normalcy in the lives of our youngest and most vulnerable.”
The One Caribbean, One Family, One Love fundraising dinner featured, amongst other things a silent auction of Sandals and Beaches
Resort stays, airline tickets, spa services, catamaran cruise, and private chef dinner. The night’s four course meal was also spearheaded by the TCI’s 2025 Taste of the Caribbean silver medalist culinary team- all of whom volunteered for the event.
Managing Director of the Northern Caribbean and Curaçao, James McAnally expressed delight at the outcome noting, “The success of this event is indicative of the power of partnerships to effect real change. We are grateful to the TCI business community, resort guests and our resort team for coming together and making this moment count.”
Photo Captions
1st insert: Sandals Foundation Public Relations Manager Patrice Gilpin (centre) accepts the cheque from Beaches Turks and Caicos resort General Manager Deryk Meany (left) and Managing Director of the Northern Caribbean and Curacao James McAnally
2nd insert: Members of the Beaches Turks and Caicos resort’s entertainment team were on hand to provide scintillating performances at the event
3rd insert: Beaches Turks and Caicos resort General Manager Deryk Meany (5th left) poses for the cameras with representatives of the Graceway Communities as he personally thanked those who were in attendance
TCI News
Experience Turks and Caicos Projects Month-on-Month Growth of Stayover Arrivals for Winter Season
PROVIDENCIALES, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS – (December 17th, 2025) – As the Turks and Caicos Islands welcomes visitors for the 2025/2026 winter season, forward bookings for the peak travel period from December to March are projected to surpass those of the same period last year. Experience Turks and Caicos is also forecasting steady month-on-month growth throughout the first half of 2026, with forward bookings already tracking ahead of 2025 levels.
“This is welcome news for our tourism sector, which experienced modest declines over the last two quarters,” said Mr. Paul Pennicook,
Interim CEO Consultant of Experience Turks and Caicos. “One of the key drivers of this positive outlook is increased airlift, including a 19 percent increase in capacity from Canada for the winter season and a six percent increase from the United States.” Mr. Pennicook also attributed the improved projections to targeted marketing and trade engagement efforts led by Experience Turks and Caicos, particularly ongoing training and education for travel advisors and tour operator call-centre agents across all key source markets.
“We have maintained a strong presence through product launches and travel trade events such as Delta Vacations University, while significantly increasing the destination’s visibility through co-op advertising with major tour operators in our three primary markets,” he added.
Public relations activity has also played a critical role, with several hosted media visits from journalists in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Latin America, alongside proactive pitching efforts that resulted in more than 100 placements in travel trade and consumer publications in 2025.
Analysis of current booking patterns also indicates a notable shift toward shorter booking windows. “One major U.S. tour operator reports
that over the past several weeks, approximately 90 percent of bookings have been for travel within the next 60 days,” Mr. Pennicook noted. “Hoteliers are reporting similar trends, suggesting the potential for further growth as we move into 2026.”
Despite the positive outlook, October and November recorded declines in stayover arrivals. Preliminary data shows 30,508 air arrivals in October, representing a seven percent decrease compared to October 2024, largely due to reduced airlift from the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom as well as the impact of Hurricane Melissa on travel to the region. November recorded 52,547 stayover arrivals by air, a marginal one percent decrease year-on-year.
As the Turks and Caicos Islands welcomes visitors back to its shores this winter season, Experience Turks and Caicos would like to reassure that the island remains safe and welcoming. Statistics from the Royal Turks and Caicos Police Force show that overall crime is down, with a 40 percent reduction in murders. Experience Turks and Caicos is working closely with the police force to ensure tourism areas are well monitored and patrolled to enhance visitor security.
