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Words you never thought you’d hear - live at the Mandarin Oriental, Turks and Caicos.

Yes, private islands may be an appealing purchase to some, but the idea of buying a mosquito-ridden piece of land miles from anywhere has always put us off. That was however before a little bird tipped us off about Dellis Cay, a private island that has utilized the talents of seven internationally renowned architects - Shigeru Ban, David Chipperfield, Carl Ettensperger, Zaha Hadid, Kengo Kuma, Piero Lissoni, Chad Oppenheim, in addition to the super luxury hotel group, The Mandarin Oriental. Better still it's only accessible by private boat.

Secluded and tranquil, Dellis Cay is uniquely chic. Their concept is to provide luxury and privacy in one of the most idyllic spots in the world. It's exactly what we've been searching for now that five star island resorts are synonymous with weddings in the sun.

The 560-acre private island, surrounded by the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean, and porcelain white beaches is situated in one of our favourite holidaying spots, the Turks and Caicos archipelago. Through a limited collection of private residences and villas the island aims to provide a new and rare living experience that we’re definitely book marking. The destination is not new of course, but the year-round sunshine, the great sea and their location just 575 miles southeast of Miami, 30 miles south of the Bahamas, and 90 miles north of the Dominican Republic makes the location convenient for when we’re stateside.

The island’s hotel, the Mandarin Oriental Dellis Cay is designed by Piero Lissoni. It’s intimate in size, with an emphasis on service with a twist. Highly personalized guest services (i.e. tailored to you and not the hotel) plus a fine dining restaurant, bar, cinema, library, business centre, and what every island needs – a cigar room. Five-star luxury whilst feeling shipwrecked. The 30,000 spa is set against the pools, and is actually natural in its setting (no gold, frescos, piped music).

The best part of the island however are the private residences. Piero Lissoni has also created nine 3-story buildings with sea views serviced by the staff of Mandarin Oriental. There are only six “Beach House Residences” per building, with two and three bedroom homes ranging from 2,000 to more than 3,000 square feet - many featuring expansive private terraces. Positioned around a central pool, the residences offer a variety of pools for relaxation and exercise - all interconnected by a series of lushly landscaped walkways that also provide direct beach access. Each one has a distinctive furniture package, state-of-the-art Boffi kitchen, spacious master suite and a lavishly equipped bathroom.

Then there are the twenty-four private residences at Mandarin Oriental Dellis Cay. Each of the Hotel residences are home from home and range in size from a one-bedroom duplex, an expansive two-bedroom residence, to a three or four bedroom penthouse with panoramic sea views and private terraces. The big advantage is that despite the Boffi kitchen, the hotel’s restaurant is only a few short steps away. Not a bad version of a take-out by any standards.

To get on the waiting list (such a bore, but essential this time) email info@delliscay.com or leisurely click on www.delliscay.com. It’s the last time you’ll need to lift a finger.

Kerry Olsen

 

 

Source & Photo Credit: Delis Cay
 

TAGS: dellis cay zaha hadid turks and caicos mandarin oriental private island five star beach house boffi private luxury shigeru ban david chipperfield carl ettensperger zaha hadid kengo kuma piero lissoni chad oppenheim