Salterra, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, South Caicos

Our family had a wonderful New Year's Eve at Salterra, with an exquisite buffet by the pool under the stars and a 9:00 p.m. fireworks show that felt just right for the kids. S'mores on the beach were a lovely touch. The rest of the weekend was just as full of fun. The Adventures team arranged everything we needed for each outing: a scenic, exciting Jeep ride to a kayak launch, a sandbar with clear ankle-deep water, sea life and sand dollars, and a stop at the Felicity Ace lifeboat on a deserted island. The next day we went by boat to several snorkeling spots. All four children snorkeled vibrant reefs and a sandbar full of large starfish, which we'd never seen before. There was plenty for everyone back at the resort too. The pool was spacious, with good service and comfortable places to sit while the kids played and had some independence. We could keep an easy eye on them from a cabana or the restaurants around the pool. Kids camp had drop-in and scheduled activities like ice cream bars, beach games and scavenger hunts, where the children could meet other guests. Each evening they also looked forward to the sweets left for us. Our two-bedroom, two-bath suite worked well for the family, with a big living area, balcony and dining table. We were greeted on arrival with cold towels and warm smiles, and our bags reached the room while we toured the property. Momo, our butler, handled every request professionally and with real joy. Little gifts and handwritten postcards from staff each night made the stay feel personal. We ate well all weekend. Breakfast had buffet and à la carte choices, and dinner offered lots of variety across the restaurants. Cobo was a lunch favorite, especially for the kids. My youngest ordered the chimichurri steak bowl every day, and the conch salad and fresh ceviches were standouts. Staff were consistently friendly, professional and attentive throughout. This was the best family vacation we've ever had, and we can't wait to return to Salterra.

The quiet, secluded setting at Salterra was exactly what I wanted for my solo birthday trip. A month later, I'm still talking about it. I went for a peaceful beach break with some isolation, and it was a lovely way to start the new year and celebrate my birthday in the first week of January. The staff, from management onward, were incredible. I had daily yoga, a conch-making class and spa treatments. They celebrated me every day during my four-day stay, including with treats in my room. My one-bedroom suite was amazing, and I'm already counting the days until I visit the island again. The concierge team deserves a shout-out too, they were amazing. One small disappointment was the food. There was a new chef while I was there, and I hope the menu gets more elevated. Given how secluded Salterra is in the southernmost Caicos Islands, I think the food could be enhanced. The conch clam chowder was my favorite, but what I really wanted was snapper. It was on the menu, yet wasn't available on any of the days I stayed. With so much water around the island, that was a letdown.

My kite surfing lessons with Sam were a trip highlight. He was patient, professional and knowledgeable, and made the whole thing exciting while helping me feel comfortable. The Adventures team was outstanding too. Every excursion was fun, well organized and on time. I'd highly recommend booking one during your stay, it really adds to the vacation. I can't wait to come back.

We loved how relaxed and private South Caicos felt. Other guests we spoke with had been to plenty of Caribbean destinations, and some had just spent a week in Provo; they all said this was the most relaxed, private place they'd visited. We'll definitely be back. The resort itself was extremely well done, the staff we met were amazing, and the food was great at every restaurant we tried. We especially liked having a filtered water station in our room. We went diving a couple of times with Edgar and Marv, both great, and saw an amazing mix of sea life: a school of eagle rays, a shark, barracuda, lobster, sting rays and lots of other fish. Our snorkeling trip with Sam and Cam was awesome, with so many fish and beautiful coral. We also paddled a kayak to Plandon Cay from the top of the island with Cam. He knew the area's history and wildlife well and pointed things out along the way. It was a great, very relaxing trip.