Designed to Travel: An Inside Look at COMO Parrot Cay
Interiors maven Christine Gachot and her husband, John, open up their travel diaries and share little-known secrets about a spectacular getaway
As New York’s winter chill has us retreating indoors, my mind drifts toward warmer days and a beloved corner of the Caribbean. Years ago, we were introduced to the magical oasis of COMO Parrot Cay when our design studio, Gachot, was invited to collaborate on the renovation of its guest rooms and beach bar. More than an exceptional project, it revealed itself as an extraordinary place, where quiet luxury unfolds effortlessly and time seems to slow to the calm tides of the sea.
Making an entrance…
Nestled within the lushest mature vegetation, the property is on a private island in Turks & Caicos. At the Providenciales airport, we breezed through customs then took a short drive to a charming little lobby where we were welcomed with snacks, water, and eucalyptus towels. At the launch, we were escorted onto a COMO-branded boat that took us on a lovely half-hour ride to Parrot Cay. It was our easy introduction to island life with sunshine, a salty breeze, and ice-cold beer. As we pulled up to shore, staff stood ready to greet us à la White Lotus.
We hopped into a Moke that took us up through the beautifully landscaped path to reception. It wasn’t until after we checked into our beach house that I realized our luggage had made its own journey—the exemplary COMO service having begun the moment we stepped off the launch.
Come hungry…
Healthy alfresco dining was our preference at COMO Parrot Cay and the hotel is set up perfectly for it: Green juice and an omelet for breakfast at Terrace with expansive views of the island; grilled fish tacos for lunch under an umbrella by the pool at Lotus; Caribbean snacks and cocktails at the bar at COMO Beach Club, either on bar stools for a reprieve from the sun or on chaises with our feet right
in the sand. We’d finish the day with dinner back at Lotus, where we sat in the covered area by the most beautiful wood shutters for exquisite sushi, papaya salad, and scallops.
Rest your head…
As if long days spent sunbathing at the beach and dining by the pool isn’t relaxing enough, on the other side of the island is the impeccable spa. From outdoor relaxation areas to the zen interiors of the treatment rooms, the entire spa experience is peaceful and restorative. I enjoyed a facial that rejuvenated my sun-exposed skin. A neighboring yoga pavilion and fitness retreat also put wellbeing at the forefront, which is to be expected given the COMO brand includes COMO Shambhala, a global wellness company that oversees that aspect of the entire portfolio. A wetlands nature reserve takes up a large portion of the island, adding to the peace and quiet of the magical setting that makes R&R so simple, people for the most part leave their cell phones in their rooms.
There’s no need to be overly social. Don’t expect to party, but expect a good time. Read a book, take an afternoon nap in the sun, play a game with your family, or chat with your friends. Though there’s plenty of opportunity for activity, there’s no pressure. It’s all about taking time to decompress and reset.
Make yourself at home…
A collection of extraordinary private residences is woven into the property, giving the island an unmistakable sense of home. Familiar yet elevated—that goes for the property itself as well as the people walking around it. Don’t be surprised if you see a familiar (famous) face at the poolside bar. The soundtrack to our stay was simple—we played the Rolling Stones Shine a Light on repeat because we were in room 1009. (It’s right there in the lyrics!) Steps from the softest sand and clearest water, our beach house had two bedrooms, a kitchen and dining room, indoor and outdoor living spaces, and our own private infinity pool.
The design is crisp yet inviting, blending warm woods, fresh whites, and natural textures, all thoughtfully pared back, giving way to privacy and nature as the true backdrop. Understated yet elegant. When Gachot helped with the redesign and light refresh, our intention was to keep it simple. Your senses are meant to go to the spectacular moments of the Caribbean island—the sounds of local fauna, the feeling of super soft sand between your toes, the sight of the sun setting over the ocean, and the most incredible sky full of stars.
That extra mile…
Though we’re not big on TV at home either, at Parrot Cay we didn’t turn it on once. As a family we played backgammon, went kayaking, and read books by the pool. Any thriller of the moment is my go-to beach read! Whether I brought one with me didn’t matter; our private butler could procure a good book for me, no problem. Everything was taken care of a moment’s notice, in a manner that was consistent with the caliber of the COMO collection. They’re attentive but not overbearing. And extremely discreet. The privacy you feel in your own secluded area of the island extends to the beach. It is simply pristine! One of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen, and there are miles of it. We’d set up scavenger hunts where we’d draw in the sand, pointing people in different directions.
The takeaway…
Pack for comfort! There’s nothing showy about the dinners here, no runway at the restaurant. I brought linen everything—lightweight drawstring trousers and tops. I wore a light linen sundress every day. You don’t have to pack a lot. Comfortable beach attire, bathing suits, workout clothes, big hats, and sandals. Even in the evening, people are just a breath of easy. COMO Parrot Cay is the perfect place to embrace a deeper experience. The spa treatments and fitness opportunities are as expansive as the food offerings are healthy and delicious. The lifestyle experience on the property is all about connection—to yourself, to the environment, and to whomever you’re traveling with. You don’t have to plan much, except to be very inspired.
Don’t miss…
Ask the staff if they’ll give you a tour of the whole property. Some of the spectacular residences are available for rent and sometimes available to be seen!
Next time…
As legend has it, the island was originally called “Pirate Cay” because it was inhabited by the female pirate Anne Bonny in the 18th century. What’s better than a pirate? A female pirate! I’d love to return for a weekend with my girlfriends next time. We’ll have long, uninterrupted conversations over nutritional meals and enjoy spa treatments every day.