We have just returned from Pine Cay, where the Meridian Club has opened for the season.
We are lucky to have traveled and stayed at some of the world’s most beautiful locations, and I’m guessing that many visitors to Pine Cay are also well-traveled guests. We recognized this magical place was utterly unique when we first visited several years ago, and we’ve been back numerous times since our island love affair began.

We usually stayed at the Sand Dollar Cottage. It was charming with its stone floor and sunken shower, and we absolutely loved it, but it was in some need of a refresh. Last year the cottage was completely rebuilt from scratch, and while I can picture other repeat guests shuddering at the thought of modernity, let me say there is no need for concern. The cottage is spectacular in a just right way. Subtle, tasteful and chic. A soothing palette of neutrals – whites and wood and ikat pattern pillows that don’t compete with the real star of the show, which is nature. I loved the tiny touches like the white, wooden hangers in the generous closet, white-washed wooden door handles and peak-a-boo wooden dividers placed by the vanity, so one can still have the amazing ocean view while getting ready. The bed is super comfy, the screened in porch, outdoor seating area and outdoor showers are perfect. You can wash off the sand when returning from the beach using the shower located on the beach side of your cottage or take a more luxurious shower by walking outside from the master bath, where you can hear bird song. There is now a second cottage called Sea Biscuit, so one has two options when wanting to stay in the most luxurious accommodations. We had an opportunity to try one of the new rooms, and we loved it. While the cottages offer more privacy, being detached, the new rooms are every bit as elegant.

The grounds around the cottages and the hotel were recently updated. The new landscaping is lush and verdant. Specimen trees and plants work in harmony with the new plantings. If you stay in one of the cottages, you will walk on a pathway through a beautifully manicured jungle paradise. Oleander, frangipani, bougainvillea -oh my! You are transported to another level of relaxation as you hear the breezes blowing through the trees. A sensual auditory experience. Night blooming jasmine was planted, so again, you’re intoxicated by the heady scent as you stroll. Purple flowering vines have been placed by each room adding a very exotic touch. The pond front area near the hotel has been improved and looks better than ever. The frogs were in full voice during our stay, and it was fantastic to hear their frog choir ushering in nightfall. New palm trees were planted, and we’re excited to see them once they get established.

The spa has been completely updated, and you can now face the ocean while getting a treatment. There is even a new gym! The weather was too nice to be indoors, but great to know it’s there! The club brought in a husband and wife management team (Kirk and Patti) last year, and we can see some nice touches that have further enhanced the barefoot luxury that is Pine Cay.

One of those refinements is the cool, scented towel and glass of water you’re offered at the dock upon arrival. We noted that the dock has also been updated. Last year an antique cannon was placed by the welcome tiki. Now that the dock has been revamped, the canon makes an even more dramatic first impression.

When shown to your room, Lean (head of housekeeping) will introduce you to her staff (many of whom have also been with the club for decades) who will be tending to your room. They will show you how to use the lights, a/c, if you want it, (and you probably won’t), and generally make you feel pampered and welcome. Sumptuous fluffy towels are provided, and the refillable shower soaps, etc. are all very pleasantly scented! You will immediately feel the difference between this island and every other place you’ve been. The smiles here are genuinely warm and welcoming. If you want total privacy, you have it. If you want to socialize at the clubhouse or at the bar, you can have that experience too. We’re always happy to see and give hugs to Melissa (front desk), Wesley (head waiter) and Bang Bang (head bartender) every time we return. Both men have been with the Meridian Club since the earliest days.
There are some new staff members on Pine Cay, and we had the chance to meet them on this trip. Everyone was great!

Hearing the dinner bell that announces the meals never gets old! My husband and I always chuckle by the Pavlovian response the sound elicits. You feel yourself starting to salivate knowing the tasty meals that await, and you float towards the dining room on auto pilot.

Chef Carlos will have you eating every course on your plate even though it may have been your intention to just take a bite. Impossible! His cooking is just too good to resist. A new wine list has been introduced, and it includes some extremely nice selections by the bottle.

Everyone here has a story to tell, and if you’re interested in engaging with the staff, you can hear lots of interesting tales. Bang Bang has a big personality, and you can’t help but smile when hearing his infectious laughter. If you can bear the thought of leaving the island, I understand that he will be offering guests tours of the neighboring islands. We look forward to taking one in the future.

I was reluctant to write a review, because like every other person who has been seduced by this island, I selfishly don’t want to see more than 3 people on the beach at a time. However, it is so special that I finally decided I had to share my comments with fellow like-minded travelers. Since there are only 13 rooms, I don’t see a danger of the beach becoming over run at any given time.

We typically visit from December to May, however, we just returned from a November visit at the start of the season. We’re happy that we did. We had the feeling of being invited to a private preview. Kayaking at the Aquarium is surreal at this time of year. The water is like glass. We kayaked over to Water Cay where we spent several minutes in the company of a crane and then engaged in turtle watching. It was unbelievable. Not a soul around. Can this place really exist?

There is the always fun and delicious jump up BBQ on Saturday where hotel guests have an opportunity to meet some of the homeowners and fellow guests. The homeowners are an interesting, eclectic group of people from all over the world.

I’ve seen other guests refer to this idyllic place as the way the Caribbean used to be before the development on Provo. I agree. It’s intimate, laid back and, most importantly, unspoiled by tourism. Pine Cay is a true island paradise that needs to be experienced! If you want to see the starriest sky, walk on the most beautiful white sand beach in the world, swim in crystal turquoise water, have a possible dolphin sighting, observe exquisite cloud formations that look as if a cherub from a Botticelli painting took a paintbrush to add droplets of violet to the always mind-blowing sunsets, converse with fellow nature lovers and aesthetically tuned in people or totally disconnect from the rest of the world, you need to know Pine Cay and the Meridian

I honestly don't think words can express how wonderful this place is. From the moment you get on the boat at Provo to take you over to the island, you are handed a glass of rum punch and from that moment on are taken care of.

We stayed in the Sand Dollar Cottage, which has been renovated to allow for air conditioning. The shower in this room is amazing, and the view cannot be beat. The beaches are incredible. Truly just perfect sand, perfect water, nice and shallow with little waves. We spent every day walking on the beach, sitting under our own private tiki umbrella, or walking through the water to find sand dollars.

The food is really incredible, and we enjoyed the happy hour every evening, as that was actually the one time during the day we interacted with anyone. For the most part you don't see anyone else during the day. I also did get a massage while I was there, and it was fabulous.

We truly enjoyed the fact that the SDC came with its own golf cart - we drove that thing everywhere. Even to dinner every night. :) To make up for the lack of walking to dinner, we did play tennis a few nights on the tennis court there.

Overall, we enjoyed the beauty and privacy of this resort, but also the incredible food and service that we received the whole time. Every time you looked up and looked out at the view, it was hard to believe we were so lucky. It felt so incredibly private the whole time.