Wymara Villas Becomes TCI’S First Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Resort

Wymara Villas, Sunset Cove has made history as the first property in Turks and Caicos to earn a Forbes Travel Guide’s Five-Star award.

Wymara Villas comprises 15 one- to six-bedroom oceanfront villas.

The recognition underscores the exceptional standard required to achieve a Five-Star distinction and marks a significant milestone for luxury tourism in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The achievement was announced today as part of the 68th Annual Star Awards.

 Wymara is the only private villa resort in the Caribbean to achieve this honor and one of just 10 properties across the region to hold a Five-Star designation, reinforcing its position among the most exclusive luxury experiences in the market.

 “Congratulations to Wymara Villas on achieving the first-ever Forbes Five-Star designation in the history of the Turks and Caicos Islands—a landmark accomplishment reflecting world-class excellence and impeccable service,” said The Honourable Charles Washington Misick, Premier of the Turks and Caicos Islands.

“This prestigious recognition elevates our national tourism profile and affirms that Turks and Caicos stands among the world’s finest luxury destinations. By setting a new benchmark for quality, Wymara Villas has brought immense pride to our islands and strengthened our global reputation.”

 “I am proud of Wymara Villas being the first resort in Turks and Caicos to be officially recognized by Forbes Travel Guide as Five-Star,” said Bruce Maclaren, Owner and Developer of Wymara Resort + Villas. “As the first private villa resort in the Caribbean to receive this distinction, it confirms that a villa resort can deliver service at the highest levels.”

 Forbes Travel Guide’s Five-Stars are reserved for properties that deliver exceptional service and extraordinary guest experiences, evaluated through anonymous inspections against hundreds of exacting standards.

 “With Wymara Villas, Sunset Cove earning a prestigious Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel award, Turks and Caicos now firmly positions itself to travelers seeking the upper echelon of modern luxury,” said Amanda Frasier, President, Standards and Ratings, Forbes Travel Guide. “The Villas set a new benchmark for residential-style luxury through thoughtful design, seamless service, and experiences tailored to each guest.”

 Privately situated on the ultra-exclusive sanctuary of Sunset Cove, Wymara Villas comprises 15 one- to six-bedroom oceanfront villas. Each villa blends clean-lined architecture with sweeping ocean views. Select properties feature infinity-edge pools, Wymara’s signature over-water swim decks and waterslides, creating a unique connection to the ocean.

 Wymara’s award-winning culinary program is led by Executive Chef and Culinary Director Andrew Mirosch. His new Land + Sea restaurant at Sunset Cove is already a top destination restaurant, acclaimed for its spectacular oceanside setting and elevated take on surf and turf. At the Beach Club, guests enjoy exclusive access to the Caribbean’s only ocean pool, sports and leisure facilities, as well as the new 111SKIN Spa at Wymara Villas.

Milestone Moment

In addition to Wymara Villas’ Five-Star accolade, Wymara Resort, located a short drive away on iconic Grace Bay Beach, has once again earned Forbes Travel Guide’s Four-Star award. The 97-room resort is one of only three properties on the island to receive this distinction.

“This is an incredibly proud milestone for the entire Wymara team,” said Shelley Rincon, Chief Executive Officer of Wymara Resort + Villas. “It reflects the passion, care, and uncompromising standards we bring to every guest experience, and it reinforces our mission to elevate and redefine luxury in Turks and Caicos.”

Global Prestige, Independent Excellence

Wymara Resort + Villas is now firmly recognized among the world’s most respected hospitality brands. As an esteemed member of Leading Hotels of the World, Wymara belongs to a curated collection of the world’s most distinguished independent luxury hotels.

​​Additionally, Forbes Travel Guide recently awarded Wymara Resort + Villas the 'VERIFIED™ Responsible Hospitality Badge,' recognizing Wymara’s adherence to more than 100 stringent standards designed to protect the environment and support the well-being of employees, guests, and their communities.

These acknowledgments by Forbes Travel Guide reinforce Wymara’s reputation as a premier destination where luxury and world-class hospitality converge. To learn more or book a stay, visit wymara.com.

Hon. Zhavargo Jolly, Minister of Tourism, has hailed the new accolades that Wymara has achieved, noting that all of the Turks and Caicos Islands celebrates with the resort.

“This recognition confirms that the Turks and Caicos Islands can compete at the very highest level of global luxury tourism,” the Tourism Minister noted. “A Forbes Five-Star designation is not given lightly, and Wymara earning this distinction reflects the quality of product and level of service we are deliberately positioning the destination to deliver. It aligns squarely with our national tourism strategy, which is focused on attracting high-value investment, raising standards across the sector, and strengthening the long-term competitiveness of the destination.”

In the meantime, Shannon Knapp, President & CEO, The Leading Hotels of the World, pointing the resort has exhibited first class service that meet the expectations of the guests. She pointed out that due to the quality service and natural beauty, the Turks and Caicos Islands continues to be a hit with the discerning traveller.

 “We are pleased to congratulate Wymara Resort + Villas on its Five-Star recognition in the Forbes Travel Guide 2026,” Knapp said. “This is a milestone achievement in Turks & Caicos, a destination that continues to be a favorite among LHW travelers. Distinctions like this reinforce our members’ ability to consistently deliver best-in-class quality and experiences and Wymara Resort + Villas is a great example of a property that embodies this.”