Castaway--on North Beach
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| Details | |
|---|---|
| Bedrooms | 1 |
| Bathrooms | 1 |
| Sleeps | 2 |
| Villa | |
| Suitability |
|---|
| No Pets |
| Smoking Allowed |
| Suitable for Children |
| Suitable for Elderly |
| FlipKey traveler rating |
| 10 reviews |
| Stayed here? Write a review. |
Get the real scoop!
All reviews are written by verified travelers
Details
| Rental type | Villa |
| Minimum Stay | 3 nights |
| Living space | 800 square feet |
| Bedrooms | 1 Total |
| Bathrooms | 1 Total |
| Sleeps | 2 |
| Suitability |
Pet friendlyNo Smoking allowedYes Suitable for childrenYes Suitable for the elderlyYes Wheelchair accessibleNo |
Description from the owner
Four efficiency units on Salt Cay's beautiful North Beach, the only accommodation on this beautiful beach. Each unit has a king-sized bed on a raised platform, sitting room, kitchen and bath with a furnished deck overlooking the beach and sea. Open the glass french doors to the tradewinds, have dinner on the deck with the lights of Grand Turk in the distance or just step off your deck into the sand and step into the sea...truly the most beautiful view on the island is yours when you are Castaway--on North Beach, Salt Cay!
Amenities
Location
Castaway--on North Beach
Salt Cay, Turks and Caicos
(Property location is approximate) ?
What's Nearby:
Additional Location Information
Salt Cay is the smallest inhabited island in the Turks and Caicos archipelago. At 2.5 square miles it offers a beautiful beach, historic houses and a friendly atmosphere at the few local establishments. You can do as much or as little as you like, but at Castaway you will be about a mile from the hub of activity where you'll find 2 restaurants, a little grocery shop and the water sports center.
Rates
Rates shown in $ USD (change)
| Date | Weeknight | Weekend Night | Weekly | Monthly | Minimum Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate Summary | $195 - $285 | $195 - $285 | $1,296 - $1,895 | $7,000 | 3 nights |
| May. 15 2013 - Dec. 14 2013 | $195 | $195 | $1,296 | - | 3 nights |
| Dec. 15 2013 - Apr. 15 2014 Suite, Double Occupancy |
$285 | $285 | $1,895 | - | 3 nights |
| All Other Dates | $250 | $250 | $1,750 | $7,000 | 3 nights |
| Can't find rates for your travel dates? Contact the owner | |||||
Rental fees
- Golf Buggy rental - $100 / day - Other - daily rental
- Bicycle rental - $20 / day - Other - daily rental
- Service Fee - 10% of rental - Fee - Daily Maid Service
- Accommodation Tax - 11% of rental - Tax - Government Tax
Availability
AvailableUnavailable Last updated: April 02, 2013 ◀▶
What Past Guests Are Saying
Overall Rating
ExcellentVery Good
Average
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MrsSneezy
South JerseyBest beach in the world
Left on 04/17/2013 for a stay in April 2013
Our accommodations were extremely nice. The access to the most beautiful, cleanest almost private beach in the Turks and Caicos was completely World Class.
Staying at Castaways gives "beach front" an entirely new definition. -
VickiD343
Norman, OklahomaParadise
Left on 04/11/2013 for a stay in March 2013
The room was excellent, the view perfect and listening to the surf made sleeping easy. We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. Our trip started poorly with us airways losing our gate checked carry on luggage, but Porter and Haidee welcomed us, clothed us and went out of their way to make the vacation a success.
We recommend them and this cabin without qualification and plan to return. -
RCBSLB
Templeton, CaliforniaParadise Found
Left on 02/04/2013 for a stay in October 2012
If you are looking for an experience of a lifetime you will find it here at Castaway on North Beach!
My wife and I have stayed on Provo many times and decided to explore the beautiful little island of Salt Cay on our last vacation. I searched Salt Cay for accommodations and decided Castaway looked like the perfect spot. To sum up our experience, you will get great accommodations and attentive customer service on one of the most pristine beaches in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Castaway consists of 2 duplex studios that have basic accommodations (no TV or air conditioning) that are both clean and comfortable. If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of your life then this is the place to come and unwind.
Reservations were made through Porter’s Island Thyme ( www.islandthyme.tc )which was very easy. The owners, Porter and Haidee Williams, were wonderful to work with and made sure all our answers and needs were taken care of before we arrived. After arriving on the island we were picked up by Porter in his buggy and taken to Castaway on North Beach. Castaway is a good distance from the center of town so I would recommend reserving either bicycles or a buggy to get around.
There is a caretakers’ cottage next to Castaway so there is always someone around should you need assistance. The caretakers for Castaway are Kazi and Lali. They attend to all your needs during the stay, including a daily cleaning of your accommodations.
During your stay on the island you will most likely eat at Island Thyme Bistro which serves up some incredible dishes. The food is very good and the atmosphere is like no other. There is the usual crowd from the island along with visitors, who can enjoy open air dining next to the salt ponds or tables inside next to the bar. Lali (one of the caretakers for Castaway) cooks for the restaurant and you will meet apol who handles many of the operational duties when Porter or Haidee are away. Everyone is very nice and accommodating.
My wife and I also ate one night at Pat’s Place which is a restaurant at Pat’s home. This was a unique experience because it was like being invited into someone’s home for an incredible meal. Pat was fantastic and her food was wonderful. Make sure to try her famous Cracked Conch with jelly, something I wish I could have tonight!
All in all this was a wonderful experience and I would recommend Castaway as a great get away.Response from Haidee Williams - 02/12/2013
Owner
We are so happy you enjoyed your time on Salt Cay. It's a little piece of paradise, and we love it when our guests see all the reasons we've come to call this our home. We welcome you back next time you feel the beach calling...or maybe it will be Miss Pat's cracked conch that will be calling...either way...welcome back home! Haidee & Porter
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handymankram
Seymour, ConnecticutJust what the doctor ordered.
Left on 11/22/2012 for a stay in November 2012
Quiet,stress free,beautiful,hidden.My wife and I stayed in November and it is just what I needed.Diving was fantastic (Thanks Craig,from Salt Cay divers)Trip will be talked about and remain a great experience for a lifetime.Pricey, but to be expected since everything has to be brought in.Was worth the cost all day long.Locals can be a little "much" sometimes.Porters are Great and feel like old Friends.People are super friendly and its just a gorgeous piece of Earth.Will defiantly try to return one day.Felt like a big shot with the great service.Thanks to Lolly and staff also.Awesome cook,great massages,and fun to talk with.One of the most beautiful beaches Ive ever stepped foot on, and it was all to ourselves.Super reefs right in front of room.Lots of little nooks to explore.(Def. rent a buggy)It was "just what the doctor ordered" Peace and relaxing,stress relieving,stay.Thanks Island Thyme.
Response from Haidee Williams - 12/05/2012
Owner
We really enjoyed your visit and hope you WILL return one day. You experienced all the best that Salt Cay has to offer...with only one little exception. You should return when the humpback whales are here---then, can add swimming with the whales to your list of memories of Salt Cay. Happy Holidays to you and the whole family! Best, Haidee & Porter
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travelagentchristy50
780921Paradise Found on the island that time forgot
Left on 03/09/2012 for a stay in February 2012
Our recent trip to Salt Cay a month ago still has me wishing that we were still there. Salt Cay is not a lush, beautiful tropical island, but there is something about it that makes you want a longer vacation!
Castaway is probably one of the nicest rentals we've ever stayed at. The location and the view can't be beat. It's the only accomodation available on the beautiful north beach. A really comfortable king size bed is on a raised floor with a view you can't beat. Off the bedroom is a good sized closet area and the bathroom with shower only. Step down from the bedroom area and there is a little sitting area with 2 love-seat couches and several books and magazines about Salt Cay and the rest of the Turks and Caicos Islands. This sitting room opens to the kitchen, complete with convection microwave oven, stovetop and full sized fridge.
There are 2 sets of french doors which allow a nice breeze to keep the place at a nice temperature. There are screens on the door, however we did have some problems with the screens staying closed. As it turns out it wasn't an issue...the only bugs we saw were little butterflies and they never ventured into our little suite. We kept the doors open all day and night and no bug problems at all - very unexpected and a very pleasant surprise.
Note: no TV or internet access in the suite. You can sit on the caretakers back step and access his internet. I preferred to take my computer to town and use it at the restaurants.
Our suite was cleaned every day - including our dishes. I was not expecting this so it was a major bonus!
The beach is amazing. We explored many different sites from right in front of Castaways, all the way to the NW tip of the island. The water was pretty rough for a few days of our stay, so it was difficult to get in and out of the water. There is a bit of a drop into the water, so on these rough days, it would not be safe for young children. However, the first couple days of our trip and the last couple were just gorgeous. We hiked up to the top of the bluffs for an amazing view of the whole island - and all of the surrounding cays.
We opted to rent bicycles for our week long stay. Initially, on our ride from the airport we were thinking that maybe it was a mistake. But, we found that despite the bumpy roads and lack of street lights, we really enjoyed riding our bikes around the island. It was like an added adventure. Our bikes were equipped with a flashlight that we could use as headlights during our evening travels to and from "town". The extra exercise kept us burning the calories from all of our great meals at both Porters and the Coral Reef Bar and Grill.
The highlite of our trip was a whalewatching trip with Crystal Seas adventures. We had an amazing in water encounter with a humpback whale and her calf. I've posted a couple of video clips on yo tube - search for humpback whale swim Salt Cay and I'm sure you'll find it.
We also went diving with Tim of Crystal Seas. Due to rough seas, we were only able to get out diving 1 day. We made the most of it and did a 2-tank morning dive plus a night dive. One stretch of the reef on the south end of the island is really beautiful - very nice and healthy corals. The night dive was great - we saw a lot of the usual night-time critters.
As mentioned, we had amazing meals at both Porter's Island Thyme and the Coral Reef Bar and Grill. We love the outside seating at Coral Reef during the day. You can usually spot some whales passing by at some point each day. The best key lime pie ever - not to mention the peanut butter one too. Amazing lobster meal with yummy garlic mashed potatoes. Many evenings, Porters has special activities going on...Bingo night, poker night, etc. Most nights there was someone aspiring to be a zookeeper or to get their name on the wall! Very entertaining.
So what is it about Salt Cay that lingers in my mind and makes me daydream about going back? I think it is just the fact that everyone...locals and tourists alike were all super laid back and enjoying themselves. It's hard to put my finger on it. I've been to lots of places that I've loved the accomodations, food, experience, etc. But something about this tiny little island is calling me back. It's just a good fit for me, I guess.
As a travel professional I know this place isn't for everyone, but if you want to have the opportunity for great wildlife encounters, don't like huge resorts, and don't mind preparing a few meals for yourself or driving/biking or walking into town, it is worth visiting!Response from Haidee Williams - 03/12/2012
Owner
It was great to have you as our guest and we look forward to your return. It means so much to us when guests are able to experience both the beauty of the island and the friendliness of the community that welcomes you back again and again. Hope we see you on Salt Cay again soon!
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Emma
ProvidencialesPeaceful beach getaway
Left on 07/29/2011 for a stay in July 2011
In fact, very peaceful indeed. Salt Cay is a lovely island just south of Grand Turk. These cottages sit on a gorgeous untrammeled stretch of sand on the north shore. Snorkeling is first-rate on the very nearby reefs. The two cottages (each with two spacious one-bedroom studios) are very close to the airport and a 10 minute golf buggy ride away to the "town" which is more a collection of tiny shops and a great restaurant called Island Thyme run by the lovely, hospitable Porter and Haidee Williams. There are a couple of other very nice places to eat as well. Most restaurants double as either a home or store on this delightfully slow-paced island.
These Castaway cottages provide modern amenities with very good new kitchens, king-sized beds and a lovely porch to sit out and eat on while watching the waves crash on the beach. It truly is the most fantastic way to get away from everything.
Highly recommended. We greatly enjoyed the most laid back of holidays and enjoyed meeting the residents who are as friendly as they come and were delighted to make our stay very special. -
mlm1023
Grand TurkTranquility on a charming, friendly island
Left on 07/18/2011 for a stay in July 2011
A friend who has been coming to Salt Cay, Turks and Caicos, for years suggested we stay at these delightful twin cottages managed by hospitable Salt Cay couple Porter and Haidee Williams. We took her advice and spent an unforgettable weekend there in July with two children (7 and 10).
Haidee picked us up at the tiny airport (we flew in from Grand Turk on Caicos Express airways who also offer flights from Providenciales) and had our golf buggy ready for us. We followed her directions (see below for exact location) and easily found Castaways about a five minute drive north from the airport. We were blown away by the setting and the quality of the newly built cottages. We found ourselves in splendid isolation on a stunning beach (known locally as North Beach) in the north part of the island. The surroundings were simply perfect for us.
Each cottage was divided into two airy one bedroom studios with a porch overlooking the turquoise sea. The kitchen was well equipped with a full-sized fridge, microwave, stove and (joy!) a capsule coffee maker. The king size beds were divine.
We enjoyed incredible snorkeling just a short walk away in crystal clear aquamarine water, took beach walks, sunbathed and completely relaxed. We had the entire beach to ourselves.
As gorgeous as our surroundings and accommodations were, our experience was made truly unforgettable by the wonderful couple who manage the property, Haidee and Porter. They are affable, charming hosts who manage several rental properties on the island, and also run a restaurant and bar called Porter's Island Thyme. "Porter's" as it is affectionately known, turns out to be the social centre of the island with bingo, poker and basketball nights well attended by locals and visitors, adding to the friendly vibe. The food is truly excellent. We loved the house specialty, almond crusted snapper. The bar is well stocked and full of fascinating artifacts and strange-looking concoctions that may or may not be good for you. Porter creates a divine mojito (highly recommended and definitely good for you), and several fun virgin cocktails for the kids. Watch out though for something called "the Wolf" which sensible folk should avoid. if Porter ever offers you a free sample of this elixir, you should run for the hills (or salinas). It definitely seemed to unlock the inner wolf in those who were brave enough to try it. It is all in good fun though.
We loved Salt Cay and will definitely return to stay at the Castaway cottages.
About Salt Cay: The island is like a time capsule, which has not been reached by the modern world yet. There are only 60 residents. A large part of the island is covered with salinas (salt ponds) that were built in the 1700's but are now long out of use except by a wide variety of birds (stilts, terns, ospreys, pelicans, egrets and herons). A spiderweb of back roads provide access to many secluded corners of the island if you have a golf buggy (highly recommended). There are several quaint and well-kept churches, tiny convenience stores with basic groceries, and tiny restaurants. We suggest you shop in advance on Grand Turk or Provo and bring a cooler with as much of your own fresh food as you can manage to the island as the stores here sell mostly canned and boxed goods and you will want to cook your own meals some of the time.
What's good: The location of Castways is unsurpassed. The cottages are impeccably kept, clean and fresh with comfy king-sized beds. The kitchen is well equipped. The island is loads of fun to explore and spend time on. The hosts really understand how to make people of all ages feel welcome and comfortable. Our children were very well treated and were glowing with happiness the whole weekend.
What's not: It is a bit expensive (golf buggies are $75-100/day, dinner for two at Porters with a glass of wine each will set you back about $100). You cannot get fresh groceries easily on the island. We lost electricity for a short time one morning but didn't suffer any inconvenience. There are some sand flies and mosquitoes. Insect repellent is probably a necessity, at least in Summer. There is no air conditioning -- we found we didn't need it though as a constant easterly breeze kept us cool at night.
Exact location (Lat/Lon): 21 20' 31" N / 71 11' 45" W -
Exceedion
IndianapolisBreathtaking beaches, lovely accommodations and tranquility
Left on 07/06/2011 for a stay in July 2011
Castaways is the premier accommodation on Salt Cay located just steps from one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. It's hard to find words to describe the beautiful emerald green and aqua blue colors of the crystal clear waters. We enjoyed having the 1.5 mile North Beach exclusively to ourselves. You can walk off your porch and snorkel or drive your golf buggy into town to become a part of the local community at Porter's Island Thyme. Castaway was very clean with a full kitchen, marble bath, luxurious bed and decorated with local artwork. One tip is to bring plenty of insect repellant. The mosquitoes got the best of us the last few days. Overall, highly recommended and amazing.
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saltcaylover
Manchester, New HampshireHeaven on Earth
Left on 06/29/2011 for a stay in December 2010
North Beach, Salt Cay... there is nowhere else on earth like it. Glorious white sand, pristine turquoise waters, peaceful, with privacy and solitude you can find nowhere else. You can leave your worries, and for that matter, the rest of the world behind when you travel to Salt Cay, and North Beach is the best of it all. If you are looking to get away from it all, de-stress and still enjoy a luxurious vacation, this is the place for you.
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Genny Kale
ScottsdaleA hidden treasure
Left on 05/22/2011 for a stay in May 2011
What a gem. The view is amazing. The private beach is breath-taking. Put together with wonderful island color and amazing food. I really can't say anything bad about this place. If you want to get away from it all and have a vacation to remember for a lifetime Salt Cay is the place to go. Get away from it all...totally let me de-stress and relax!!
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