This Destination Is THE Caribbean Escape for Black Women

Listen—the women on the island serve. These were not long-hair-don’t-care looks. These were sharp, breezy, heat-proof cuts and braids that spoke of confidence and climate wisdom. Seeing them made me rethink what “vacation hair” and “vacation glow” really mean. Here are Black-owned stylists, a skincare lab, and spa options within ten minutes of Grace Bay Beach, where a Black woman could get primped and pampered.

Gessie’s Hair & Beauty Lounge

Gessie’s is a Black-owned salon + barbershop run by Gessie Herilien, “GG,” who offers cutting, braiding, locs cleaning and styling, as well as weave touch-ups or installs.

Turquoise Paradise Spa and Salon

An amazing spa experience took place at Turquoise Paradise Spa and Salon, one of the islands’ only five-star spas, owned and operated by Natrice Williams, with over 20 years of experience. Located within a ten-minute Uber ride from Ocean Club Resort, their services can also be brought to your hotel, villa, or beach. Known for her intricate braid designs and afro‑kinky twists, the Turquoise Paradise Salon can also handle your massage needs while on the island, ranging from $160 to $200 USD for 60-minute sessions.

Wildflower Skincare Lab

Let’s just tell the truth: the skin of Turks and Caicos natives is heavenly moisturized and deep brown, which garners a great deal of confidence. Upon investigation, I came across a small, family-owned and operated company, Wildflower Skincare Lab, that creates all-natural skincare products using locally harvested crops of frangipani, bougainvillea, wild orchid, and gardenia. With products like Siar Tree Flower Smooth & Firm creams, which retail for $129 USD, and Bougainvillea Day Cream, which helps fight acne and brighten scars, retailing for $119.

Salt Cay Salt Works

A woman-owned business that uses the sea salt formed naturally on Salt Cay to make Bath Salts and culinary salts. Their bubble bath scents come in four flavors, and the Salt Scrubs are blends of sea salt oils, scents and coloring.

Style & Profile

In Turks and Caicos, thankfully, you won’t find the large U.S. brand department stores (like Macy’s or Saks Fifth Avenue) — shopping here is much more about specialized boutiques and curated collections. Most apparel shopping is concentrated around the Grace Bay beaches area in the Regent Village and Saltmills Plaza.

The Wellington Collection

In an effort to experience more craftsmanship from island natives, I came upon The Wellington Collection, a small studio, shop and art gallery with an amazing exhibit of artisan Wellington Michael Williams. The beaches, the sea and the natural materials of the islands obviously inspire his pieces. I picked up a Wellington’s signature turquoise ring encased in resin and fine metal. You’ll spend in the $30–$90+ range.

COCO Boutique

My immediate need for a swimsuit and chic yet comfortable attire was graciously met by COCO Boutique, a luxury resortwear store known for its curated selection of modern, island-inspired apparel. Located inside Grace Bay Club, COCO carries the cutest beachwear line, LemLem, which means “to bloom and flourish” in Amharic, the Ethiopian language. The brand celebrates nature with vibrant colors and stripes in one- and two-piece sets, casual dresses, tops, and flowy bottoms that can easily be mistaken for balcony loungewear.

Goldsmith Grace Bay

Goldsmith Grace Bay is another luxury boutique located in the Regent Village shopping complex that curates collections of authentic jewelry, watches, handbags and fragrances; all, of course, with personalized service.

Body Tight

Graceway Sports Centre

One morning, I hopped on a bike at Ocean Club West and rode all the way down to Ocean Club East to get some exercise when my body only wanted to sleep. Along the route, I passed Club Med Turkoise and pedaled past the people walking into their local gym at Graceway Sports Centre. That ride—both sweat-drenched and enlightening—felt like a mini-workout, giving me a true taste of island life, which isn’t so different from home.

Wrightfully Fit Gym

The Wrightfully Fit Gym, in the heart of Grace Bay Beach, offers a full-service fitness facility with personal training, group fitness classes, and nutrition counseling, alongside state-of-the-art equipment. Wrightfully Fit also runs Turks and Caicos wellness retreats, where you can spend four days participating in fitness and holistic health activities while exploring the island.