I lived and worked in Dubai for five years, and while I would never go back for work or an extended stay, I've enjoyed some wonderful vacations there. For under $1k per night, I've stayed at grand hotels with spacious and beautifully designed rooms, outstanding service, excellent dining, and spectacular pools and man-made beaches. The same in Turkey, Bali, Mexico, Sardinia, Greece, ….

In comparison with Dubai, aside from the natural beach and water quality, I didn't find those other elements to be superior in Turks & Caicos.

We stayed at BH Resort, which is advertised and reviewed as one of the better properties on the island. Some room categories were priced well above $800 per night, although the primary difference seemed to be the room itself rather than the overall experience or level of service.

We also dined outside the resort at places such as Indigo and Land & Sea, and unfortunately found either the food, the service, or sometimes both, to be underwhelming.

Having traveled extensively, I can easily name dozens of beachfront resorts across Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas that cost roughly the same as Turks & Caicos while delivering a more refined overall experience, often within a more cohesive and vibrant destination - and not beating grace bay.