For the first time in nearly 100 years, the approximately 11-square-mile, 6,000-acre island of West Caicos will open its shores to a new settlement.  West Caicos features some of the most sublime, virgin beaches and brilliant azure water in the Caribbean.  It is home to the 500-acre Lake Catherine, a natural wildlife sanctuary and breeding ground for pink roseate flamingoes, as well as Molasses Reef, rumored to be the final resting place of Columbus' Pinta and ranking among the world's top dive sites.  Reachable only by boat, small plane, or helicopter, transportation on-island will be primarily by electric vehicle and bicycle.

A new, exclusive resort community, West Caicos Reserve will include Molasses Reef, a Ritz-Carlton Resort; Ritz-Carlton-branded villas; secluded single-family homes; custom homes; cottages; and marina townhomes.  Molasses Reef, a Ritz-Carlton Resort, along with the first phase of the Ritz-Carlton villas (approximately 30) and the marina, are expected to be completed in two years. Completion of other elements of West Caicos Reserve will follow.

Turks & Caicos Islands, a group of eight primary islands - including Providenciales ("Provo") on the Western end of the archipelago - and many smaller cays, are located 575 miles southeast of Miami (an hour and 20 minutes by plane).  A former sea salt-producing and sisal-growing site and home to historic Yankee Town, West Caicos is six miles from Provo.

"A unique, comprehensively planned public-private collaboration with the Turks & Caicos government, West Caicos Reserve will be an idyllic destination for visitors and residents who want to experience the ultimate unspoiled environment," commented Honorable Dr. Michael Misick, Chief Minister of Turks & Caicos Islands.

Barefoot Luxury with Minimal Environmental Impact

To ensure that the island remains unspoiled, approximately 90 percent of the acreage will stay permanently undisturbed and the projects slated for development will all be low-density.  Access to West Caicos Reserve will be primarily via boat (a 20-minute ride) from a private launch dock, a short ride from the international airport.

Through an environmental stewardship program, residents of West Caicos will be fully involved in efforts to preserve the environment, cultural heritage and archaeological treasures, as well as education in these areas for children and adults.

"West Caicos Reserve will be the reality of a vision ten years in the making that was inspired and initiated by 'belongers' [natives to the Turks & Caicos Islands]," explained David Hartshorn, Principal of Logwood Development Company (named after the cargo that so often drifted ashore West Caicos following shipwrecks).  "We are thrilled to be able to offer such a special place that truly pays homage to the unspoiled heritage around which it is built."

Molasses Reef, a Ritz-Carlton Resort

The centerpiece of the residential community of West Caicos Reserve will be the 125-suite boutique hotel, Molasses Reef, a Ritz-Carlton Resort, featuring two restaurants and a full-service spa.  Oceanfront guest suites, all with private terraces, will be configured in one- and two-story groupings, spread over a half-mile of pristine beachfront. The resort will blend traditional Caribbean influences with "sense of place" design elements, including verdant garden courtyards and secluded plunge pools -- all to ensure a singular, intimate resort experience.

"Molasses Reef, a Ritz-Carlton Resort, is unique for our brand: a low-density development in a truly extraordinary location featuring innovative design and relaxed recreational offerings," said Simon Cooper, president and chief operating officer of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company.  "Consistent with Ritz-Carlton's standards, but with a distinct personality, Molasses Reef, which will provide our guests and residents with an exclusive, 'one-of-a-kind' experience throughout the resort, from guest suites to the spa to dining," added Mr. Cooper.

Alongside the hotel -- on one-third mile of beachfront -- will be 60 Ritz-Carlton-branded villas, which will include access to all hotel services, including housekeeping, spa, dining and concierge.

A Blending of Old and New

In addition to Molasses Reef, a Ritz-Carlton Resort, and villas, the residential component of West Caicos Reserve will feature a limited mix of estate homes, cottages and custom building lots.  Rounding out the development will be a full-service marina and waterfront village (featuring shops and restaurants) and marina townhouses.  The marina will accommodate ferry service from Provo, as well as a variety of boating vessels from Hobie Cats to yachts.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. of Chevy Chase, MD, (USA) currently operates 58 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa.