Grace Bay Resorts, the boutique developer and operator of some of the finest luxury resorts and branded residences in Turks and Caicos,
is pleased to announce the appointment of Atilla Cimsit as general manager of South Bank, the island’s newest residential luxury resort and mega yacht marina situated on 31 acres of peaceful shoreline on Long Bay, set to open in late 2023. Developed by Windward, the creator of exclusive residential and resort waterfront communities in Turks and Caicos, the unprecedented new development will feature four distinct contemporary neighborhoods as well as access to South Bank Marina. With nearly 30 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Cimsit will oversee the pre-opening of South Bank.
“We’re confident Cimsit will lead a successful opening for South Bank and continue to help us drive the results and recognition that have positioned Grace Bay Resorts as the Caribbean’s premier luxury operator and developer,” said Nikheel Advani, COO & Principal, Grace Bay Resorts. “With Cimsit’s luxury expertise and extensive knowledge, we look forward to working closely with him on this important opening for our brand.”
Born in British Columbia, Canada, Cimsit graduated from Cukurova University in Adana, Turkey with a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management and began his career in the luxury cruising industry with Crystal Cruises. Cimsit continued to expand his hospitality expertise by serving in food and beverage roles with Tigh-Na-Mara Resort and Aviawest Resorts on Vancouver Island. He led the pre-opening of The St. Regis Istanbul before his first stint as a general manager at Qualicum Beach Inn in British Columbia. In 2018, Cimsit moved to the Turks and Caicos Islands and joined the team at COMO Parrot Cay as the private estates manager and subsequently as the director of guest experiences. In his free time, Cimsit enjoys traveling internationally to destinations where he can enjoy water sports and biking.
“I am honored that Grace Bay Resorts and Windward have entrusted me to open South Bank, which will be unlike anything ever seen in Turks and Caicos,” said Atilla Cimsit, general manager, South Bank. “With the island’s first manmade lagoon and incredible residences that appear to be floating atop blue waters, paired with the handcrafted hospitality experiences that Grace Bay Resorts is known for, South Bank is sure to become a highly sought-after destination.”
With its first phase opening in late 2023, South Bank will offer one- to seven-bedroom waterfront residences scattered among four low-density neighborhoods with their own personalities, including the just-launched Arc, a groundbreaking six-story luxury residential building designed by world-renowned architect and designer Piero Lissoni. The homes at South Bank, from beachfront villas to boathouses with their own private docks, will exude a modern and sophisticated Caribbean aesthetic and promote seamless indoor/outdoor living through sweeping waterfront views and natural design elements. South Bank will provide owners an endless-vacation lifestyle and access to transformative amenities, including a fully serviced boat concierge and marina; a calm, one-of-a-kind swimming lagoon; outdoor pools with a fire pit lounge; a chic white sand beachfront; fine dining establishments; and a spa and energizing fitness center overlooking the lagoon and its landscaped relaxation islands.
“The team at Windward is also extremely excited to have Atilla leading the opening for South Bank,” said Ivor Stanbrook, Director of Windward. “With his experience in owners relations and guest experiences, we are confident that he will help make South Bank one of Turks and Caicos’ gems and a destination in itself.”
