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Discover Salterra: Blending Heritage with Modernism

Founder and CEO Michael Tibbetts discusses the vision behind the Turks & Caicos resort, where pristine beaches and thoughtful style create an unparalleled escape.

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The library room at Salterra is a space where guests can flip through the pages of their favorite book, or just take a moment to unwind. Photo by Hidden Cliffs / Courtesy of Salterra Resort & Spa.

Nestled on the pristine shores of South Caicos, Salterra Resort & Spa represents more than a luxury resort in the Caribbean. This carefully designed retreat, which welcomed its first guests just over two months ago, embodies thoughtful hospitality that honors heritage and innovation. We spoke with Michael Tibbetts about the vision behind the property and what makes it a distinctive addition to luxury travel.

The story of Salterra is rooted in the rich history of South Caicos itself. Its name is inspired by the “salinas” or salt ponds found across the island that turned Turks & Caicos into a leading salt producer - once known as the “Island of White Gold.” “We sought to honor that heritage while creating something entirely new: a refined escape where nature, culture, and design converge," says Michael Tibbetts, the Founder and CEO of Salterra.

Managing Director of Salterra Resort & Spa, Michael Tibbetts. Photo by Hidden Cliffs / Courtesy of Salterra Resort & Spa.

What sets Salterra apart from other high-end beach properties? For one, a  pristine beach with a direct view of its  beautiful salt ponds. It is a luxury that pays homage to the island’s roots, from the salt-rubbed fish at its fine dining restaurant Brine, to the Taíno symbols—one of the most influential indigenous groups in the Caribbean—carved in the entry door.

"At Salterra, you can expect a luxury experience that is deeply rooted in place," Tibbetts says. “It feels wild and yet, offers a level of luxury that's quietly considered, never overdone."

Photo by Hidden Cliffs / Courtesy of Salterra Resort & Spa.

One of Salterra's prized additions is its Assouline collection, curated by the brand's President, Alex Assouline. Housed in the central building of the resort, it's a space where guests can flip through the pages of their favorite book, or just take a moment to unwind. It naturally brings people together, while also offering a sense of calm and reflection.

Here, the books create an ambiance that goes beyond the traditional concept of a standard library, to a place that directly reflects the charm of Salterra. It’s a collaboration that Tibbetts describes as "a narrative, creative space, where every volume speaks to a different layer of South Caicos."

Each title reflects a characteristic of the island. Blue-colored volumes represent the surrounding ocean, black and navy evoke the endless night sky, gold captures both the sun and the salt, bronze reflects the sand, and soft pink honors the coral and flamingos that live in nearby waters.

"Salterra's curated library by Assouline was born out of a shared belief in storytelling," Tibbetts says. "At Salterra, we're not just building a resort – we're telling the story of the island."

Discover Salterra's Collection

The Legends Collection G: Glenn Spiro - The Art of a Jewel
Regular price
$195 USD
The Ultimate Collection The Impossible Collection of Design
Regular price
$1,200 USD
The Ultimate Collection Riva Aquarama
Regular price
$1,400 USD
The Legends Collection Golden Opulence: 500 Years of Luxuriant Style
Regular price
$250 USD

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