Turkoise Turks and Caicos

15th time at Turks Village, for 2 weeks.
1- the beach and the sea are still unique, exceptional and THE reason why so many people come back year after year…
2- the GOs… new generation? Lack of leadership and coaching from the Chef of Village? They are not anymore motivated to create the ambiance notably the nights after the dinner and the shows. That said, after a strong discussion with the Chef of Village whom I met the 1st time after 4 days, the situation improved a bit: GOs started to say hello, smile and even be present at the main bar after 10pm… do not expect long parties; almost nobody after 11pm.
3- the food. Quality and diversity has decreased again while it had improved after a period of cost cutting… prices have increased but nothing can explain it.
4- at least sailing remains a fantastic activity with a beautiful area, good material and a nice team once they know you. With diving, this activity could justify to come back.

Should I come back a 16th time? Not sure… The Club wants to become a hotel. But in this business, many chains offer better service in the price range or even with a small difference. But Grace Bay is Grace Bay… let’s see then.

I had another great visit at Club Med Turks.

Nicolas just took over as CDV. Kevin left him with a strong team. Kevin actually was visiting as a guest. I was impressed with the fact that I observed him jumping in to perform village duties as a guest- the CM community effort runs strong.

Hector and Brenda have the kitchen and dining room running smoothly (kudos to Arnie and Nikki). I’m glad to see that Trova is on the path for a promotion. Nothing beats Betty’s smile.

Complaint number one- the gelato machine has been broken for too long.

Complaint number two- there is no reason to lines to form at the bar. Proactive measures should be taken to discourage bar lines- I have suggestions, but this is not the place.

Dalma has taken over as the yoga GO. I take a lot of NYC yoga-- Dalma is a pro. I also like that there’s now a 10:00 vinyasa and 4:30 yin class. Next time, I want to try the sound bath.

Potential for future CDV- Max (and Elise (hope she’s recovered from injury)).

I had the best tennis instructor Joel🎾 he was so kind and patient for a beginner player. Hopefully i’ll have more lessons

Returned to CM Turks after 12 years. The beach is still magnificent and the water clean, clear and fabulous. I swam around with my goggles and saw rays and barracudas as well as schools of fish - right off the shore! Later I went on 3 snorkel trips further out in the bay. CM has jobbed this activity out to a company called Sea-fari. They did a good job, were very friendly, safety first - and communicated in both French and English. The Club has added many more covered sitting areas on the beach, which is a huge improvement - they have one of the longest beachfronts of any of the American zone clubs, and the covered sheds stretch the length of the property. The hurricane rebuild expanded the pool area and now it's a big hangout (a bit inexplicable when the beach and ocean are the real stars here). The restaurant was also expanded with a larger outside raised terrace for dining. But the biggest change was Sharkey's, the outdoor beach bar that used to be the main place to watch the sunset and always had great live music. Back then it really was like a shack with a large deck featuring unfettered views towards the beach. Now it's become the only other place to eat besides the main restaurant (they open for breakfast after the main restaurant closes and offer good fresh juice drinks and smoothies). Now it feels more like a cafe than a beach bar, and the view has been obscured by the cooking area and the built-in stage. The live music is not held at sunset hours, but much earlier.

Nice to see they now had a bunch of pickleball courts in addition to tennis, and pickleball classes. Jose taught the class daily (he also teaches tennis) and he was great - very patient with beginners, good at hooking people up to play etc.

The person I was traveling with had a medical emergency while at the club. The nurse was very helpful, provided crutches and a wheelchair, and kept checking up on her. The dining staff was very helpful finding her a table where the wheelchair could fit, bringing her food, beverages, etc.

I had a private sail with Salu from sailing. He was wonderful, very pleasant, patient, and focused on safety first.

The musical acts were good. There were three duos, male/female. One was a local duo that played every Sunday, Latin style tracks. They did a great job getting people up and dancing. The other two played a variety of American/British music with some French interspersed.

The food was a bit hit and miss. Surprisingly, the fruit was lacking compared to other CMs. But the breads/breakfast baked goods are always fabulous and the salad bar ample and varied. The head chef was always around to answer questions. The CDV, Nicholas, was also around and often greeted guests at the restaurant entrance.

The rooms have not really been updated. They are okay (on the small side, with small showers), but while others have complained of it not being cold enough, our room was too cold for our taste. Yet we could not raise the temperature. Would have loved a terrace but only a few rooms have them.

All the GOs were very friendly - their interaction with the guests is one of Club Med's signature aspects. They do their best to make everyone feel valued and included.

in summary, if you can find a good deal to come to CM Turks, do it. You don't come here for the fabulous rooms and food, but for the beach, the vibe and the group collective comraderie that Club Med is famous for.