Luxury Resorts
An In-Depth Guide
Grand Cayman, the largest of the Cayman Islands, is famed for its exquisite luxury resorts: The Ritz-Carlton, Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, and The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa. Let’s get into the details…
The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman underwent a significant renovation, with an investment of $50 million. This renovation occurred in 2021 and involved a comprehensive upgrade of various aspects of the resort. The project, taking six-and-a-half months to complete, included refurbishing the guest rooms, common areas, the hotel lobby, the Silver Palm Lounge, corridors, elevator lobbies, restrooms, an art gallery, and the ballroom.
To ensure the redesign resonated with the unique cultural and aesthetic sensibilities of the Cayman Islands, the resort collaborated with Champalimaud Design from New York. This collaboration aimed to fuse luxurious mid-century British Caribbean styles with classic Cayman cultural elements. An important aspect of this redesign was the focus on showcasing local Caymanian artistic talents, particularly in the reimagined art gallery, which now serves as a professional exhibition space.
The resort’s General Manager, Marc Langevin, emphasized the importance of incorporating and honoring the Cayman Islands and its people in the redesign. The renovation also coincided with the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, which had a significant impact on the resort’s operations.
This renovation reflects the commitment to maintaining the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman’s position at the forefront of the luxury market in the Caribbean, combining modern and traditional design elements and prominently featuring local artwork. This investment, particularly during challenging times, underscores the resort’s dedication to offering a top-tier luxury experience in the region.
Location & Amenities: A hallmark of luxury located along the stunning Seven Mile Beach, The Ritz-Carlton is known for its refined elegance. It features a Greg Norman-designed golf course, a luxurious spa offering La Prairie treatments, and fine dining venues, including the renowned Blue by Eric Ripert.
Unique Features: This resort is famous for hosting the annual Cayman Cookout and offers the enriching ‘Ambassadors of the Environment’ program by Jean-Michel Cousteau.
Average Cost Range: Room rates vary from about $700++ to $9500++ per night, this does not include taxes and fees. Please check with the hotels reservation system to get actual rates. These rates are subject to change without notice.
Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa
The Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, located on Grand Cayman, is a notable development in the realm of luxury resorts, marking a significant transition for the Kimpton brand towards luxury and international markets. Developed by DART Realty Cayman Ltd., the resort was Kimpton’s first venture outside the United States, and it also represented Grand Cayman’s first new, ground-up hotel development in over a decade.
The resort, which opened in 2016, has been significant for several reasons. It has set a benchmark for luxury design in Grand Cayman and continues to outperform other hospitality destinations in the Caribbean. The 266-room hotel sits on 500 feet of Seven Mile Beach and includes various dining options and amenities such as an 8,500-square-foot spa and 20,000-square-feet of social and event space.
In terms of design, the Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa emphasizes modern architecture blended with laid-back island luxury. The 10-story structures of the resort were designed with a contemporary architectural language, featuring clean lines, simple massing, horizontal design elements, and expanses of glass. The resort’s landscape design is inspired by the flow of water and natural island breezes, creating an immersive and harmonious environment.
The resort also stands out for its sustainable practices. It is certified LEED Silver, the first resort in the Cayman Islands to be awarded this sustainability certification. The development featured the recycling of concrete from the demolition of the former Courtyard Marriott hotel and employed sustainable technologies like geothermal air conditioning and a 170-kilowatt solar array.
The Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa reflects the evolution of the Kimpton brand, maintaining its unique culture and character while moving towards the top of the market. It offers a luxurious experience with a touch of personal connection and a focus on reflecting the local culture and environment of Grand Cayman
Location & Amenities: Set against the backdrop of Seven Mile Beach, the Kimpton Seafire exudes modern luxury. It boasts a contemporary spa, fitness center, beachside pool, and is pet-friendly.
Unique Features: The resort’s modern design, vibrant art, and The Nest rooftop bar offering stunning island views stand out.
Average Price Range: Prices typically range from $1100++ to $8800++ per night depending on season and room type. Please check with the reservation system of the hotel to get the actual rates of your stay. Also, these rates are subject to change without notice.
The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa
The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort and Spa, a popular vacation destination, underwent a significant $50 million renovation in 2017. This extensive makeover included transforming the lobby into a sun-splashed area ideal for relaxation, refreshing gift shops and a café, re-envisioning the pool area into a freshwater paradise, and upgrading all 343 guest rooms with new furniture and designer touches. The renovation aimed to enhance the overall vacation experience for guests at this renowned beachfront property.
The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort and Spa is popular for weddings due to its stunning beachfront location on Seven Mile Beach, providing a picturesque setting for ceremonies. The resort’s comprehensive amenities, including its acclaimed Hibiscus Spa, offer a variety of treatments that contribute to its appeal. The combination of luxurious accommodations, exceptional service, and the beautiful natural setting of Grand Cayman make it an ideal choice for both weddings and relaxing getaways.
Location & Amenities: Located on the serene Seven Mile Beach, The Westin is ideal for families. It features the island’s largest freshwater pool, the Hibiscus Spa, and sustainable dining options like the Beach House.
Unique Features: Renowned for its family-friendly environment, The Westin offers various activities for all ages.
Average Price Range: The cost per night ranges from $600++ to $3000++ depending on season and room type, this does not include taxes and fees. These rates are subject to change, please check on the Hotel’s booking engine for exact rates of your visit.
Comparative Overview
While all three resorts are located along the beautiful Seven Mile Beach, each offers a distinct flavor of luxury. The Ritz-Carlton is the epitome of classic elegance and exceptional service. The Kimpton Seafire appeals to those who enjoy a modern, vibrant setting. The Westin is geared towards families and those seeking a tranquil retreat.
Grand Cayman’s luxury resorts offer diverse experiences – from the timeless elegance of The Ritz-Carlton to the chic ambience of the Kimpton Seafire, and the family-friendly environment of The Westin. Each resort promises a memorable stay with world-class amenities, exceptional service, and breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea.
This article has been collaboratively crafted with the assistance of AI-driven insights and meticulously curated by Fevi Yu, our SEO Content Manager and Web Administrator. It has undergone rigorous editing and fact-checking by a Destination Editor-At-Large, who is also a resident of the Cayman Islands. Should you have any inquiries, require clarifications, or seek additional information, we invite you to contact us at [email protected]
