Guest Author - Kara Williams
After a lavish, whirlwind wedding in Paris, France, Desperate Housewives star Eva Longoria and San Antonio Spurs player Tony Parker escaped the media for a secluded honeymoon at Parrot Cay, an exclusive resort on the northwest tip of Turks & Caicos in the northern Caribbean.
At Parrot Cay, a private island, guests indeed getaway from it all. To reach the island, it's a flight to the capital city of Providenciales; a 15-minute drive to a marina; then a 35-minute boat ride to the luxurious resort.
Most guests seeking privacy and total relaxation don't leave the grounds for a week or more. Chances are, Tony and Eva spent their days walking the pristine, mile-long shoreline; soaking in the 5,000-square-foot infinity pool; exploring the trails on the 1,000-acre property; playing billiards (People magazine reports they picked up ping-pong paddles) in the game room; and perhaps borrowing a catamaran for an ocean sail.
Parrot Cay touts its "haute cuisine" at its two restaurants, which serve Caribbean, Asian and Mediterranean influenced menus. The Como Shambhala spa (and yoga retreat center) offers traditional massage therapy as well as algae and mud body treatments, acupuncture, fitness classes and more.
The lodging here is sleek and sophisticated, with simple teak furniture and white cotton accents. Choose from hotel-style rooms located about a two- to four-minute walk from the ocean, or more spacious stand-alone houses and villas right on the beach.
During its quiet season, June through October, the resort offers a special Summer Honeymoon Package. In 2007, the rate for week's stay for two in a one-bedroom suite is $8850. That includes airport transfers, daily breakfast and dinner, champagne in room on arrival, one half-day at the Spa Cottage, group fitness classes and non-motorized water sports. Stay in a garden view room, and the rate drops to $4900.
Parrot Cay is consistently ranked among the top resorts and spas in the Caribbean. The Robb Resort recently named it one of the "World's Top 100 Escapes."
