Ocean pools offer the best of both worlds. They provide swimmers all the poolside comforts with the thrill of a seaside swim. Add in breathtaking views, and it’s a win-win situation. While Australia’s coastlines are famously dotted with ocean pools dating back to the 1800s, until now, the Caribbean hasn’t embraced the natural appeal of ocean-fed pools. But Wymara Resort + Villas owner Bruce Maclaren had a vision.
Several years ago, Mr Maclaren set out to develop Wymara Villas perched on one of the highest points of the secluded Turtle Tail peninsula, a short seven-minute drive from Wymara Resort. Now an intimate community of one, four and five-bedroom modern masterpieces, each villa offers guests a private pool, expansive ocean views, and exclusive access to a state-of-the-art sports club. Next, Mr Maclaren set out to create a luxurious beach experience to compliment Turks & Caicos’ famed Grace Bay Beach where Wymara Resort is located.
The newly formed Sunset Cove Beach is now an aquatic oasis fringed by palm trees, an expansive manicured lawn, and the same blindingly white sand and crystalline turquoise waters the tropical island is known for. But Mr Maclaren, the Canadian born businessman who lived in Australia for over 20 years before moving to Turks & Caicos in 2008, wanted to take it one step further. Last year, he set out to construct the ultimate amenity, an ocean pool that measures 130 ft long by 30 ft wide, spanning nearly 3,900 square feet.
Now ready for guests to take a dip, the stunning swimming spot features a shallow end that is 3 to 5 ft deep (depending on the tide) and a deep end that plunges 6 to 9 ft, with a soft, sandy bottom throughout.
“While ocean pools aren’t just an Aussie thing, they do inspire a kind of fervor there that borders on the fanatical,” said Wymara Resort + Villas owner Bruce Maclaren. “They’re probably more in the public eye now than ever. Maybe it’s Instagram — they’re so seductive to photograph. But having experienced the benefits of ocean pools and the communities that evolve around them, I thought, well, maybe we can do this here.”
The natural swimming pool, which gets replenished with fresh seawater from the Atlantic, is carved out of the coastal rock and lined by an expansive timber deck that spans the entire length of the pool. Surrounded by stylish sun loungers and umbrellas for shade, guests can take breaks from sipping spritzes to dip in and out of the refreshing, salty sea while soaking in the serene views. The vibrant, rich colours of the pool’s sea-fed waters are the perfect spot to cool down, minus the need to worry about waves crashing into you.
At high tide, the natural stone walls framing Sunset Cove’s ocean pool disappear to seamlessly blend with the turquoise waters of the Atlantic, creating the thrilling illusion of swimming in the ocean. Its remote location gives a glimpse of privacy for swimmers, yet it’s close enough to Wymara’s 5-star amenities offering something for everyone.
Anchored by the iconic coastline, Maclaren’s ocean pool is a true labour of love at Sunset Cove Beach. It’s been built to facilitate an intimate encounter with the landscape while offering safe, sublime waters with boundless sea-and-sky views. Designed with a very sleek and modern vibe, it achieves the experience of soaking in seawater while overlooking the beauty of the ocean — albeit with a fancy drink in hand and limited potential of losing your sunglasses at high tide.
“I couldn’t be happier with the results,” said Mr Maclaren. “With views of the bay and up the cliff to Wymara Villas, it’s hard to imagine a more soothing setting to start or end the day off.”
Wymara Resort + Villas is a luxurious oceanfront getaway on the famed Grace Bay Beach. Guests are welcomed into a serene and stunning environment that prioritises wellbeing through intuitive, modern design, personalised service, and rewarding experiences. The resort features 91 newly renovated studios and suites, a 7,000 square-foot infinity edge pool, and full-service spa. Award-winning culinary experiences await guests from acclaimed Australian Chef Andrew Mirosch. With a focus on local and sustainable seafood and fine, fresh ingredients, Indigo ranks among the Caribbean’s best restaurants, while Zest and Pink Bar offer casual fare, creative cocktails, and ocean views.
Located a short drive from the resort is Wymara Villas. These modern-design masterpieces offer guests the best of both worlds, ultimate seclusion and access to all of the world-class amenities of the resort. The scenic villa grounds also encompass Sunset Cove Beach Club with its state-of-the-art fitness facilities including 25 meter lap pool, eucalyptus steam room, sauna, tennis, pickleball courts, and more.
Wymara Resort + Villas is a proud member of the Leading Hotels of the World, a prestigious collection of authentic and uncommon luxury hotels.
