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The Somerset ON GRACE BAY | Overview
Nestled along the brilliant turquoise waters of Turks and Caicos, The Somerset offers a refined lifestyle where timeless memories await. Every nuance of this multimillion-dollar resort has been gracefully executed and beautifully brought to life. As a recent inductee into the Condé Nast Johansens’ prestigious luxury hotel guide for 2007 and one of the few select members of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, The Somerset will fill your days and nights with the indulgence of five-star luxury. Recapture your sense of paradise and play with an elegant array of family-oriented amenities and personal white glove services. Experience the crystal white sands of the world-famous Grace Bay Beach or swim in the reverse current lap pool or the vast infinity-edge pool. On-site casual and fine dining restaurants always make for an unforgettable affair, whether enjoying a relaxed family gathering by the pool or an elegant dinner for two at O’Soleil. At The Somerset, you can choose from three distinct accommodation types as you find your piece of paradise on the islands of Turks and Caicos. |
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The Somerset ON GRACE BAY | The Building
Living in paradise becomes a reality. Visit the paradise living the four amazing Estate Villas; Carlyle, Flintwick, Dundee and Welwyn.
The Somerset is more than a resort stay. It is a grand island escape. Each and every suite is appointed with luxury in mind. It begins with the British Colonial design within your private oasis. Neutral colors enhance dark natural woods. State-of-the-art Viking appliances in the gourmet kitchen are complemented by granite countertops and marble flooring. All of the regal bedrooms and luxurious master suites come complete with private bathrooms and the main living quarters feature surround sound, 42˝ plasma TVs, CD/DVD players, zoned AC and wireless Internet access. Here you will be treated royally, with all the elements of privilege you would expect — and some you wouldn’t. |
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The Somerset ON GRACE BAY | The Estate Villas
24 mid-ocean Estates. The Stirling House features 24 Mid-ocean Estates spanning graciously from 1,500 to 2,500 square feet.
For an enchanting retreat, choose from one of 24 ocean view suites in the Stirling House. With studio, and one to four bedroom options, these spacious suites overlooking the pool come complete with semi-private entrances, gourmet kitchens, terraces, and elegant living spaces — all of the modern luxuries you need to enhance your exclusive stay away.
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The Somerset ON GRACE BAY | English Cottages
A simple life. Kick back and choose a simpler life in one of our 13 English Cottages that feature 2,200 square feet of charming space.
Naturally exquisite, the 13 English Cottages with garden views offer two stories of charming elegance. The split-level floor plan features a front terrace overlooking the finely manicured croquet lawn and specialty garden. Spacious interiors come complete with a personal garage for the ultimate in privacy and convenience — everything you would imagine from this unsurpassed level of luxury.
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The Somerset ON GRACE BAY | Dining
At The Somerset, your every epicurean wish can be indulged — a casual lunch at the poolside bar or exquisite fine dining at O’Soleil. Or, simply enjoy drinks in the Zen garden accompanied by the soothing sounds of the water wall. Gourmet fare can also be prepared by a personal chef for a private meal overlooking the ocean. |
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The Somerset ON GRACE BAY | O’Soleil
Executive Chef Stephen McGarrie brings a world of culinary expertise and Caribbean roots to the new, sophisticated atmosphere of O’Soleil restaurant at The Somerset. With clean white lines and mahogany finishes complementing fresh island-inspired dishes, O’Soleil evokes the relaxed European elegance and charm that encompasses The Somerset’s enchanting surroundings. The perfect balance to O’Soleil’s magnificent setting is the Pearl Lounge, named for its exquisite mother-of-pearl inlaid bar top. The luxurious and spacious venue is accented by The Somerset’s natural beauty and is ideal for lounging alfresco and enjoying specialty cocktails under the stars. |
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The Somerset ON GRACE BAY | Recreation
Croquet, Lounging poolside, Sunset stroll What memories will you make today?
At The Somerset, the opportunities are limitless — as are the family-friendly recreational luxuries. The silky white sands of the Grace Bay Beach provide stunning views from every vantage point of The Somerset, especially the vast infinity-edge pool, which seems to cascade into the Atlantic itself. With the state-of-the-art underwater sound system and lap currents, this striking body of water invites you to refresh, reinvigorate or relax as the waiter brings you a cool drink from the poolside bar.
The pool deck is just one aspect of the refined lifestyle you’ll discover. Enjoy some friendly competition on the manicured croquet lawn or work off your indulgences in the modern fitness center. Feel the embrace of rare beauty in the specialty garden, complete with exotic flora, stone paths and tranquil surroundings. Sample the bounty of pursuits island holidays offer, including horseback riding on the beach, sailing, kayaking, snorkeling and diving. The Somerset also offers special concierge services, where on-site coordinators can help you plan everything from babysitting service and dinner reservations, to a meeting or wedding that you’ll always remember and guests will never forget.
A world of possibilities is also available just outside of the resort, where boat excursions to cays, sunset cruises, and world-class dining await on the island of Providenciales. |
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The Somerset ON GRACE BAY | Turcos & Caicos
Close your eyes and imagine coming home to miles of pristine white sand, gentle trade winds and spectacular vistas of turquoise tranquility and as the Chief Minister, I would be pleased to be the first to welcome you to the Turks and Caicos Islands.
The Turks and Caicos Islands can be regarded as one of nature's best kept secrets and our people remain committed to the principles of sustainable and responsible development as well as to the ongoing process of improving and streamlining our administrative procedures to make it easier and more efficient to support investors to our country.
The Somerset on Grace Bay represents the quintessence of our philosophy, combining Caribbean lifestyle with world-class amenities, on our glorious Grace Bay Beach. I invite you now to re-open your eyes and experience directly the realms of our paradise.
Again, welcome to the Turks and Caicos Islands. |
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The Somerset ON GRACE BAY | Where are the Turks and Caicos Islands?
Turks and Caicos is an archipelago country of eight major islands and numerous uninhabited cays located 575 miles south of Miami and 39 miles southeast of the Bahamas. |
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The Somerset ON GRACE BAY | History
The name Turks is derived after the indigenous Turk's Head "fez" cactus, and the name Caicos is a Lucayan term "caya hico," meaning string of islands. Columbus was said to have discovered the islands in 1492, but some still argue that Ponce de Leon arrived first. Whichever it was, the first people to truly discover the islands were the Taino Indians, who unfortunately left little behind but ancient utensils. Then the Lucayans eventually replaced the Tainos but by the middle of the 16th Century they too had disappeared, victims of Spanish enslavement and imported disease.
The 17th century saw the arrival of settlers from Bermuda, who established themselves on Cay and South Caicos. They used slaves to rake salt for British colonies in America, and were later joined by British Loyalists fleeing the American Revolution. The economy of the island revolved around the rich cotton and sisal plantations, their harvests sold in London and New York. Due to competition and the thin soil, however, the cotton plantations slowly deteriorated, most of them finally perishing in a hurricane in 1813. Solar salt became the main economy of the islands.
In 1766, after being controlled by the Spanish, French and British, Turks and Caicos became part of the Bahamas colony, but attempts to integrate failed and were abandoned in 1848.
Boats frequently visited Turks and Caicos, so links with Jamaica were well developed. The Turks and Caicos were annexed to Jamaica in 1874. The islands were part of the UK's Jamaican colony until 1962, when they assumed the status of a separate crown colony upon Jamaica's independence. The governor of The Bahamas oversaw affairs from 1965 to 1973. With Bahamian independence, the islands received a separate governor in 1973.
The 1976 elections were won by the PDM, the People's Democratic Movement, who were then to negotiate independence if they won the next elections in 1980. But the other main political party, the Progressive National Party (PNP), won the 1980 elections and plans for independence were set aside and the islands are presently a British overseas territory.
The Turks and Caicos Islands prides itself on having been stable for 250 years. |
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