One Year of Ritz Carlton TCI celebrated with Junkanoo & Artisans

By Dana Malcolm

Staff Writer

#TurksandCaicos, June 27, 2022 – The Ritz Carlton Turks and Caicos marked its one year anniversary in a special way on June 22, launching a new program which invites Turks and Caicos artisans and vendors to ply their wares on property.  “This was an idea by the Hon. Saunders, (deputy premier) to invite the local vendors to be on property so that guests could see and buy some of the local craftwork that they might not be able to see otherwise.”

At the anniversary, the set-up of the vendors was a hit though hotly rivalled by the stunning view of World’s #1 Beach Grace Bay, the sweeping luxury structures of the Ritz Carlton and the pulsating rhythm of We Funk junkanoo, which brought a live parade to the property.

“We are very proud of our ownership group, Dessarollos Hotelco they built this wonderful property and won an award last year.”

Outstandingly, the Ritz-Carlton, Turks and Caicos was named Development of the Year 2021 at the Caribbean Hotel & Resort Investment Summit (CHRIS); the prestigious prize was announced on May 17, 2022, at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.

“The thing for Ritz-Carlton is tying in with the Caribbean authentic-ness and genuine-ness of the people.  Turks and Caicos is now known as one of the top luxury destinations in the world.  Grace Bay Beach was rated #1 in the world, so to be here at this location is a tremendous thing for Ritz Carlton, to be a part of it.”

Mira also credited the warmth and authenticity of staff for the hotel’s extra flair.

“We’re very pleased about this one year anniversary after all that we went through opening the hotel right in the middle of the pandemic.  But the Ladies and Gentlemen have been tremendous with their warm, sincere hospitality that’s what really brings the Ritz Carlton to life.”

The rooms range from the affordable to the fabulous; the Residences at the Ritz Carlton can go for as much as $16,000 per night.  Mira attributed the range and the success to the “fabulous view.  I mean when you look out there at those crystal clear, blue, turquoise waters.  It’s a picture that you can’t imagine or you see that in magazines, but here, you’re seeing it in real life.  That’s what our guests just absolutely love.  To put their feet in the sand and to be able to get into those beautiful waters is heaven to them.”

Mira admits it was Finance Minister, E. Jay Saunders, also the TCI Deputy Premier who suggested that the hotel bridge the gap between guests and local vendors and Ritz Carlton was all for it.

Nikki’s Trinkets, with authentic creations capturing sand and ocean and native flora in eye-catching wall and table artworks; Earthy Essentials, useful herbs and bushes fused for tasty, healthy concoctions; EkFraseis, which takes the Turks and Caicos Islands and their unique shapes and carves them out for fun, colourful jewelry and Le Bead Aime Jewelry, where its creator styles thousands of miniature beads into a jewelry collection ideal for the tropics and anyone who wants to be adorned in Mother Earth.

The idea was well received by the guests at the hotel who could be seen dancing along with the junkanoo band in the short ceremony.

The Ritz has a very open operating style. Residents in the Turks and Caicos are allowed to visit the restaurants and single bar on property, which they have been frequenting.  Mira says only about half of their food clientele are guests.