Turks and Caicos has no shortage of beautiful places to stay.
The more interesting question is what a resort does with that beauty once you arrive. At South Bank, Grace Bay Resorts has built its answer around the water itself. The 31-acre residential resort and marina on the southern shoreline of Providenciales spans four waterfront neighborhoods, trading the conventional hotel rhythm for a more private, spacious and self-directed experience. Accommodations range from the Boathouses, Lagoon Villas and Ocean Estates to the forthcoming Arc, complemented by a full-service marina, white sand beach, swimming lagoon, wellness and fitness facilities, racquet sports, water activities and on-site dining.
That concept is now expanding with Arc, a new beachfront neighborhood created in collaboration with architect Piero Lissoni, and the recently launched Family Club, which adds complimentary and concierge-curated programming for travelers with children. Both build on what already distinguishes South Bank: a resort designed less around a central lobby or pool and more around the freedom to experience the property on your own terms. To look beyond the physical product and explore where South Bank is headed next, I spoke exclusively with Nikheel Advani, chief operating officer and co-founder of Grace Bay Resorts.
MK: South Bank is entering a new chapter. What about the property are you especially excited to spotlight now, including additions travelers may not yet know about?
NA: We are especially excited about the debut of Arc, our newest beachfront neighborhood designed in collaboration with renowned architect Piero Lissoni. Arc represents a new chapter for South Bank, blending striking architecture, elevated design and luxury amenities in a way that further enhances the guest experience. We’re also proud of the recent launch of our Family Club, which offers complimentary and concierge-curated experiences designed specifically for families traveling with children.
MK: What inspired South Bank’s residential resort and marina concept?
NA: Our vision was to create a vibrant waterfront resort where guests experience the Caribbean as more than just a destination and instead experience it as a way of life. South Bank was designed around biophilic living, seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor spaces while embracing the natural beauty of the island. From the world-class amenities, one-of-a-kind manmade lagoon, picturesque beachfront and marina to the waterfront residences, every element encourages guests to slow down, connect with the water and enjoy a coastal lifestyle.
MK: How do guests choose the South Bank neighborhood that best suits their stay?
NA: Each neighborhood offers a unique experience tailored to different travel styles. The Ocean Estates are ideal for larger families and groups seeking expansive oceanfront residences with sweeping Caribbean views. The Lagoon Villas overlook our one-of-a-kind swimmable lagoon, making them especially appealing for families with young children looking for calm, protected waters as well as offering private pools and complimentary butler service. The Boat Houses offer spacious townhouse-style accommodations that are perfect for mid-sized groups who appreciate direct marina access. Completing the collection is Arc, featuring private pools or jacuzzis for many residences, seamless indoor-outdoor living, dedicated amenities for Arc guests, a fully serviced beach and two distinctive dining concepts.
MK: How does South Bank define luxury for today’s traveler?
NA: Today’s luxury traveler is seeking more than just beautiful accommodations. They’re looking for meaningful, personalized experiences that create lasting memories. Luxury is no longer defined solely by where you stay, it’s about how a destination makes you feel. At South Bank, we focus on delivering exceptional service, thoughtfully curated experiences, bespoke culinary concepts and authentic connections that guests can’t replicate elsewhere.
MK: How does the Lagoon Villa combine residential living with five-star resort service?
NA: From the early design stages, the vision for the Lagoon Villas, as well as all the villa-style accommodations at South Bank, was to create a true luxury waterfront home rather than simply a larger hotel suite. The three-bedroom villa spans two
stories and was thoughtfully designed with expansive indoor- outdoor living areas, a full residential-style kitchen, private ensuite bedrooms, and its own pool, giving guests the space and comfort of a private residence.
At the same time, guests enjoy all the benefits of a luxury resort experience, including dedicated butler service, daily housekeeping and access to South Bank’s amenities including dining experiences, the Spa at South Bank, family club, the South Bank Marina and more. It is the combination of privacy, independence and personalized service that really defines the South Bank experience.
MK: How do guests use the Lagoon Villas differently than a traditional luxury hotel?
NA: The Lagoon Villas’ biophilic design and positioning alongside the lagoon encourages guests to enjoy a slower, more personalized vacation itinerary. Rather than planning each day around a hotel schedule, guests staying at one of these villas are able to create experiences, with the help of your own butler, that truly feel their own. South Bank features Turks and Caicos’ first ever man-made lagoon, bringing a unique twist to luxury waterfront vacationing. Guests can step outside and immediately enjoy the calm waters with complimentary non- motorized water sports. The spacious layout gives all guests room to spend time together without ever feeling crowded. For an even more private outdoor experience, the private pool, fully equipped kitchen and outdoor living space, with optional private chef services, make it easy to never leave the villa. For those who’d like to dine solo, Lua Beach House is conveniently steps away from the villa’s doorstep.
MK: How does dedicated butler service elevate the Lagoon Villa experience?
NA: At South Bank, butler services are highly personal and intuitive. While a traditional concierge typically helps guests plan activities or make reservations, the butler becomes an extension of the villa experience, helping ensure every stay unfolds seamlessly from arrival through departure.
Whether coordinating dining reservations, arranging in- villa experiences, assisting with booking excursions or simply helping to steam a wrinkly pair of trousers, the butlers at South Bank allow guests to focus entirely on enjoying their time together. Plus, the butlers strive to include small surprises to make a stay feel special. With many guests traveling as larger family or group units, having a dedicated point of contact creates an effortless experience where every detail feels thoughtfully handled while still preserving the privacy and comfort of a private residence.
MK: Who typically chooses the villa, and why is it so popular?
NA: One of the greatest strengths of the Lagoon Villa accommodations is its versatility. We see multigenerational families celebrating milestone vacations, couples traveling together who want shared gathering spaces without sacrificing privacy, and groups of friends looking for a luxury escape that’s both social and relaxing.
Each bedroom features its own ensuite bathroom, while the generous common areas allow everyone to come together comfortably. Parents appreciate the calm swimming lagoon and spacious layout for younger children, while adults enjoy the privacy, outdoor entertaining areas and easy access to the water.
For even more versatility, South Bank also offers Ocean Estate Villas that can accommodate up to 14 guests for those looking to travel with larger groups or multiple families and couples, as well as the Boathouses which can accommodate between 2-6 people depending on the number of bedrooms. Amid its December 2026 open, South Bank’s Arc features studio suites through five-bedroom penthouses, perfect for couples looking for the full suite of amenities and privacy without the unnecessary space. There is a perfect villa style for every type of group at South Bank.
Taken together, South Bank’s additions expand on what already distinguishes the resort: choice. Arc brings a new accommodation style, while the Family Club adds support for parents without changing the broader character of the property. Guests can fill their days with dining, wellness and excursions or simply settle into a villa where the pool, lagoon and butler service make leaving optional. As South Bank evolves, its appeal remains straightforward: more ways to stay and experience the resort, with the water always close and the freedom to enjoy it on your own terms.
By Merilee Kern, MBA
