Luxury, Cayman Style

by Paris Permenter & John Bigley

Elegant condominiums and villas promise a romantic getaway in the Cayman Islands.

Looking for real luxury? The chance to stay on the beach in a villa with your own private cook and butler? The Grand Cayman may be just the place for the two of you.

The Cayman Islands have long been known for a thriving economy, one of the strongest in the Caribbean, and one of the highest standards of living in the world. Boasting an average household income is $56,000CI (US $68,292), a status as one of the top financial centers in the world, and a low unemployment rate, this destination is one that is a natural magnet for clients looking for a luxurious getaway.

Although Grand Cayman has long met the needs of its recreational and business tourists with top notch hotels, resorts, condominiums and villas, today the island recognizes that there's a definite market for true luxury properties as well. "A significant change is the number of deluxe villas now available," notes Penny Cumber, managing director for Cayman Villas, a company that manages some of the island's top dollar properties. "Many have their own pools and staff and are well equipped with central air, cable TV/ VCR, and all amenities such as washer/dryer, dishwasher, and microwave. They are all commissionable to agents including wholesalers." Cayman Villas offers winter specials; clients stay for four weeks and pay for three weeks.

The European market has especially taken to these luxurious properties. "We have seen a tremendous increase in the number of Europeans, especially Italians. There is an Italian permanently living on the island to help those who have a problem speaking English and who also works with a very large Italian wholesaler. We still get a steady flow from the UK as well. "

Cayman Villas's offerings include The Great House (http://www.caymanvillas.com) on Seven Mile Beach. This third floor apartment, used by The Firm filmmakers, includes three bedrooms and a den that can become a private fourth bedroom, including one king, one queen, two twin beds, and two day beds. Three and a half baths, satellite TV and VCR, kitchen with microwave, dishwasher, icemaker, wine cellar, and washer/dryer, dining room, and beachfront balcony are found in the apartment as well. Guests have use of a freshwater pool, tennis courts, and gym on premises. This luxury accommodation is one of those places if you have to ask the price you probably better look elsewhere--it is rented with a minimum of one month stay; the winter rate (including daily maid service, tax, and gratuity) is US$30,975 per month!

Cayman Villas also offers another luxury property away from the hustle and bustle of Seven Mile Beach. The Green House, located on tranquil Spotts Beach, is a new private home located on the beachfront about five minutes from the airport in George Town. The house includes four oceanview bedrooms (two masters each with king bed), four full ensuite bathrooms and a half guest bath, living and dining room with high ceilings and French doors to let in ocean breezes, kitchen with microwave, waste disposal, icemaker, and dishwasher, utility room, satellite TV and VCR, freshwater pool, and housekeeping services.

Grand Cayman offers almost twice as many condominium properties as hotels, and an increasing number are aimed at the luxury traveler. On Seven Mile Beach, The Avalon Condominiums are oceanfront properties, each with three bedrooms and three baths. Designed with tropical decor and each with a large, screened lanai overlooking Seven Mile Beach, the condos each include cable TV, fully equipped kitchens, and laundry facilities; guests have use of a fitness center, lighted tennis courts, freshwater pool, and Jacuzzi. Daily maid service is available except Sundays and certain holidays.

Although outnumbered by condominium properties, Grand Cayman offers several luxury hotels as well. The newest is the Westin Casuarina Resort (http://www.westin.com) on Seven Mile Beach. Tucked along with willowy casuarina trees that line the popular beach, this resort The hotel offers 340 guest rooms, most with breathtaking views of the sea from step-out balconies. The hotel has the feel of a conference property, with a slightly dress-up atmosphere in the main lobby. Clients looking for luxury will find it in the hotel suites. Twenty-four hour room service, casual and fine dining restaurants, pools, whirlpools, tennis, fitness facilities, beauty salons, masseuse and masseur are available. Guests can choose from deluxe, one-, and two-bedroom suites.