Located south of Cuba in the Caribbean Sea, the Cayman Islands is a self-governing British Territory and the largest of the three islands is Grand Cayman. There, a Ritz-Carlton resort recently went through a transformation inside and out assisted by Nick Darell and Courtney Brannan of Champalimaud Design, who specified products from Carlsbad Manufacturing's brand Stone Yard Inc. for the project.

The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, embodies a unique fusion of modern coastal elegance and mid-century British Caribbean style. Its complete renovation showcases an updated color palette inspired by the Cayman Islands' natural beauty: deep blues of the night sky, vibrant greens of local flora, whites and beiges of sandy beaches, and the sparkling turquoise of the Caribbean Sea.

The island's distinctive topography as the peak of a giant coral mountain means terrestrial elements never compromise the perfect clarity of the waters, which range from the palest aquamarine to deep tones of emerald and sapphire and every shade in between.

The resort's design is marked by textured inlays and crisp borders that highlight its Neoclassical architecture. The influence of the Caymanian people is evident in the design - welcoming, yet refined.

A Practice of Using Local Materials

 
All around the resort are echoes of Cayman's 19th century heritage, in which the craft of making rope from the dried leaves of the Silver Thatch Palm was the backbone of the economy in those days.

Also, evocations of intricately woven thatch patterns appear throughout the property, a reminder of the resilient Caymanian spirit that is alive and well to this day.

Grand Cayman's rich cultural connection with its surrounding islands is visually displayed by other materials used in the design including coastal hardwoods and rare, semi-precious, dark Caymanite stone found nowhere
else on earth.

Ebonized wood evokes the prized West Indian mahogany hardwood from which the great Caymanian sailing schooners were carved.

A Wealth of Greenery
While water is celebrated in the resort, the space never forgets the importance of the islands' native plants, trees and natural land-based resources.

The significance of palms in providing shade and shelter is honored throughout the grounds.

The guest journey begins with a scenic drive lined with palms, leading to an arrival court lush with tropical vegetation. Arched windows provide guests with views of the North Sound.

A Vibrant Art Scene
Concurrent with the Islands' enshrinement as a British territory in the 1960s was the emergence of a lively culture of visual arts which continues to thrive. The artistic community includes generational Caymanians, classically trained British and Commonwealth painters and creators from the more than 130 nationalities that make up Cayman's society today.

The resort's rejuvenated design incorporates works from both established and emerging local artists, underscoring the traditional elegance of the architecture and juxtaposing it with bold, modern expressions.

Visitors to the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman are treated to a resort experience that reflects the tradition of the islands' culture and history in the outdoor amenities and landscape as well as the interior design.