THE RITZ-CARLTON, GRAND CAYMAN has been renovated, with extensive work to the rooms, suites and public spaces giving a slant of island style.

Four-poster beds follow the theme of British West Indian style.

From the ebonised wood to the palette of Caribbean colours featured throughout, the updated design and décor marries the classic elegance of the brand with Cayman’s heritage and culture.

Guest rooms have an unmistakable British West Indian look, with luxurious fabrics the shade of the soft, white sand beaches that frame the coastline.

The king-sized four-poster beds continue the theme – a definite nod to old-world island charm. Homages to the Cayman Islands’ national tree, the silver thatch palm, are also found bookending balcony doors and in art pieces throughout the hotel.

Ebonised woods can be found through the rooms and public spaces.

LOCAL ART

The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman has always championed local artists, whose work is displayed in The Gallery suspended over the Seven Mile strip, joining the land and beach sides of the property.

Now, the new-look resort has put them front and centre, with some of the islands’ most celebrated photographers, painters and sculptors finding their creations in prominent spaces.

Popular local artists are prominently represented throughout the property.

There is no greater example of this than the wall elevated to cathedral ceilings – a stunning feature residing off the main thoroughfare between the lobby and the ballroom.

Woodwork artist and designer John Bird has created individual ‘coconuts’ from red cedar with poplar stalks and leaves, mounted on what has subsequently been transformed into an open canvas.

Bird also built the stunning inset wooden cabinet – positioned in the Silver Palm Lounge – which houses life’s luxuries, including an impressive range of cigars, rare rums and indulgent chocolates.

Works from storied names such as Julie Corsetti, Avril Ward and Shane Aquart (aka Dready) can also be found, along with pieces from their renowned fellow artists, in the corridors and sitting areas, enhancing the new décor.

Ebonised woods can be found through the rooms and public spaces.

REIMAGINED INTERIORS

The reimagined interiors of The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, have been brought to life by Champalimaud Design, an internationally-revered atelier that has transformed some of the most iconic hotels and resorts in the world, along with magnificent private residences, restaurants and spas.

No detail has been overlooked in the $50 million renovation, which was carried out amid the challenges of the COVID pandemic, quarantine requirements and global supply chain shortages.

The ‘coconut’ wall feature by woodwork artist John Bird.

Just as the world was starting to return to some sort of normalcy, with people resuming travel and exploring exotic destinations, so The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman had been welcoming back its treasured guests.

Now, even those who are perennial visitors will be reintroduced to a resort that, as General Manager Marc Langevin stated, is “virtually brand new, (yet) maintains the charm of the beloved original”.

They will walk through the dark-wood main entrance doors, be welcomed in the lobby, and make their way into a lounge boasting Champagne tones and vibrant greens in true Caribbean style.

After a moment to relax, drinking in their surroundings, they will traverse the corridors of guest rooms, with doors painted in twilight-sky blue, leading to luxurious lodgings.

Once the cases are unpacked, all that’s left is to open the balcony doors, step outside, and revel in the views. Whether they are of the aquamarine seas, the immaculate Great Lawn, or the Harbour Club Pool, one thing is clear: One of The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman’s greatest assets is Mother Nature.

This article appears in the Spring/Summer 2022 issue of InsideOut magazine, now available at magazine stands and delivered to select homes in eco-tote bags sponsored by LIVING.KY.