The idea of being almost in the Caribbean and yet struck by the greatness of the Atlantic Ocean strikes a romantic chord. A sort of exotic blend of sensual tropical in the hands of unadulterated nature. The alabaster silky beach near the resort stretches for an impossibly long mile and a half, while the diving here is rated as some of the most remarkable worldwide.

The beckoning Pavilions The design of the pavilions and surrounding spaces is not typically Caribbean. Architect Jean-Michel Gathy, the vision and flair behind the creation of Aman-i-Khas in Rajasthan and Amanwana in Indonesia, designed the resort in keeping with its craggy surrounds. He did also, however, add the soothing and tranquil reflective ponds that shimmer blissfully on the edge of each guest pavilion: a sensational design detour. Each guest pavilion has glass walls on three sides, yet maintains maximum privacy.

The Partial Ocean Pavilions are elevated roughly 6 metres above the waterline in tropical foliage (all native - century-old gumbo-limbos, green buttonwood trees and hardy locust-berry) along the shoreline, while Ocean Pavilions are positioned with full views of the enigmatic Atlantic. For those ‘in-themoney’, Pavilion 115 has unadulterated ocean views and direct access to a sandy beach cove.

All the structures, boudoirs and public spaces alike are linked by wooden walkways giving the impression that the resort is floating atop the reflective ponds. The striking and symmetrical buildings are mostly low-lying, constructed of kapur and balau wood with shingle roofs of slate-grey African wallaba. The tallest structure is the conical-roofed sunken bar, a genuine paradise-pleaser, with eight windowalcoves complete with reinforced reclining mats.

A comprehensive list of outdoor activities; from outstanding snorkelling right off the beach, to world-class scuba diving; plus wind surfing, Hobie Cat sailboats, ocean kayaks and boogie boards are also available. The Turks and Caicos take great pride in some of the finest fishing grounds in the region and Amanyara can organise both light tackle fishing and deep-sea game fishing.

The ocean and beyond... Apparently Adrian Zecha, Aman’s founding father, chose this spot because of its authentically stunning natural assets including its freefrom- the-rest-of-humanity outlook. From the limestone headland, 20 feet above sea level, the views are awesome: the endless expanse of luscious ocean; the iron-shore outcrops cradling sandy coves beneath; the abounding caster-sugar-soft beach... then the meditative horizon and, most importantly, not another building in sight. I’m off. American Airlines is a frequent flyer to the Turks and Caicos from Miami.

Read the full review and book online at www.luxuryexplorer.com