REAL LIFE Fall 2010

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very day as I drive into work past coconut trees and gingerbread style homes watching the fishermen pull their catch to shore to sell by the roadside, I am constantly reminded that the Caribbean is one of humanity’s richest melting pots. Caribbean cultural heritage is as far-reaching as the sea that sustains it; its people as changing and diverse as the shifting sands. Each island’s autonomous character and indomitable spirit are reflected in its language, art and architecture, contributing to the rich contextual tapestry that is the Caribbean.

Our fall edition brims full of this strong Caribbean-wide aesthetic, flying in the face of globalisation, to celebrate the architecture of community so scrupulously nurtured in Grand Cayman’s newest hometown, Camana Bay. On page 28 we take you on a photographic odyssey of Fustic House – the former Bajan sugar plantation turned luxury escape made famous by iconic designer, Oliver Messel. While page 16 delivers an exclusive peak through the keyhole of one of Grand Cayman’s finest new homes: a show-stopping Asian-Caribbean fusion of dare-to-be-different design.

The legendary Bob Marley once cautioned, “Don’t gain the world and lose your soul,” a sentiment echoed by design sage India Hicks whose evocative island vibe has captured the imagination of a generation keen to dip its toes into the riptide of Caribbean dreaming, while contemporary artist Julio Larraz challenges preconceptions in his celebrated ‘thought images’. Oh, and did I mention jewellery designer to the stars, Orhan Gurhan’s 24 karat gold genius and our outrageously outré bathtubs? I hope you will agree, this is one issue you will not want to put down.

www.reallifecaribbean.com Vol 5, issue #4 Fall 2010

PUBLISHER

mc2 Ltd Melanie Roddam melanie@reallife.ky

EDITORIAL

Editor Kyle Fulton kyle@reallife.ky

Writer Juliet Austin juliet@reallife.ky

SALES & MARKETING

Sales Director Claire Harris claire@reallife.ky

Senior Account Executives Kimberley Bentley kimberley@reallife.ky

Aubrey Wells aubrey@reallife.ky

ART

Senior Designer Mike Johnston mike@reallife.ky

Designer Jaime Doak jaime@reallife.ky

CONTRIBUTORS

Tully Cornick Steve Mouzon Ron Shaw WEBSITE

Website Administrator Andrew Forster andrew@reallife.ky

DISTRIBUTION CONTACT

Kyle Fulton kyle@reallife.ky

The views expressed within this publication do not reflect those of mc2 Ltd, REALlife magazine or their employees. mc2 Ltd. and REALlife magazine accept no responsibility for the views contained herein.

Published quarterly. Š 2010 mc2 Ltd.

t. 345.946.1220 f. 345.946.1221 www.mc2.com.ky ADVERTISE WITH US For details of our extremely cost effective rates, or if you are interested in contributing editorial, please contact our sales team.

Email: ads@reallife.ky Tel: 1 345.943.REAL Skype: reallifecaribbean

contributors’ bios TULLY CORNICK Heading up the Corporate Finance division of KPMG in the Cayman Island and BVI, Tully has been advising private and public sector clients since 2000. Before coming to Cayman, he worked in London with KPMG Corporate Finance and, before that, with Citi Capital Strategies in the USA. Tully’s experience includes advising clients on acquisitions or disposals, debt and equity fundraising, strategic options reviews and valuations.

Join Tully on page 64 to learn about the current climate concerning investing in the Caribbean.

STEVE MOUZON Author and architect, Steve Mouzon is a well-respected maker of places. Opening his own architectural firm, Mouzon Design, in 1991, he is committed to the design principles of traditional vernacular homes and neighbourhoods and their link to culture, climate and region. Instrumental in creating new living traditions that support common-sense notions of sustainability, he has participated in the New Urban Guild’s SmartDwellings Project, as well as developing his own ‘Catalog of the Most-Loved Places’.

Turn to page 66 to catch Steve’s second instalment on Caribbean architecture.

RONALD A. SHAW, PQS, CET Canadian born and educated, Ron Shaw emigrated to the Turks and Caicos Islands in 1996, bringing with him sixteen years commercial and residential design and construction experience. Opting for an education in Quantity Surveying rather than Architecture, his certification has provided a broad technical foundation on which to support his passion for architecture. His years of design experience, coupled with his talents and skills, have led him to a highly respected position in architectural design. Testament to its outside-thebox approach to design, Ron’s eponymously named company, R.A. Shaw Designs Ltd., was recently honoured with an invitation to compete in the prestigious International Properties Awards in the UK. Find out more about Ron’s passion for architecture on page 68.

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Now or Never in Cayman

Fustic House – Bahamas

India Hicks, Island Heir

A private tour of an Asian-inspired plantation home in Grand Cayman uncovers an irrepressible ‘carpe diem’ spirit.

Cocooned under a canopy of mature shade trees, the Bajan wonderland continues to upstage after 260 years in the limelight.

Author, entrepreneur and self-styled design guru, India Hicks, discusses her “fierce individualism.”

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Must-Haves

Industry News

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Tables with a Twist

35 Bathing Belles A triumph of design and engineering: a new generation of showstopping baths.

40 White Out

56 Too Cool For Stools

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Resinating Style

Julio Larraz

Heart of the Hometown

One company’s expressive decorative resin panels promise to turn creative aspirations into design inspirations.

Discover the art of the Cuban-born master of metaphors.

Grand Cayman’s new hometown, Camana Bay, gets to the heart of Caribbean community.

58 Gold Fever Master goldsmith and iconic fashion jewellery designer, Gurhan Orhan, draws on ancient inspiration to deliver his provocative signature collections of pure gold.

64 Real Report Cloudy with a Chance of Sunshine

66 Losing the Plot Part two of our three part series on Caribbean architecture: Silencing the traditional architectural voice of the Caribbean vernacular.

68 Architect Profile Designer of dreams, Ron Shaw of R.A. Shaw Designs, reveals his passion for constructing Caribbean creations.

KPMG’s Tully Cornick delivers the forecast for investing in the Caribbean during turbulent times.

69 Real Estate Section 79

Directory and Useful Numbers

12 | INDUSTRY NEWS

The Audiophile Group Presents Vantage Controls Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands Integrating all aspects of your home’s electronic systems into one seamless control centre, Vantage Controls is one of the world’s most prestigious lighting control and home automation systems.

Imagine awakening to your favourite radio or TV station as it follows you from room to room. At the touch of a button lights dim, music plays, climate is adjusted or the home is ‘closed down’, reducing energy consumption and providing home security. Contact your house remotely for a security check or prepare your homecoming… the options are endless and easily accessible.

Located in Governor’s Square, Grand Cayman, The Audiophile Group sets the standard in custom installations for home cinema, automation and all things audio-visual.

Contact The Audiophile Group at www.isystems.ky or call (345) 746 4434 for a free consultation.

BCQS International Establishes Operations in Brazil

New Development Director Takes the Helm at Villa Del Mar Resort

Sao Paulo, Brazil With over forty years as the Caribbean’s largest property and development consultancy, BCQS International recently expanded operations into South America, opening its seventh office in Brazil’s business hub, Sao Paulo.

Headed up by twenty-five year company veteran, Director James Slattery, this new chapter seeks to capitalise on the near and long term potential of the South American market: “We have been looking at Brazil for quite some time. Having worked for clients in over twenty countries, we see South America as a continent that can expand that list.” The company is in the process of opening another South American office in the coming months.

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands Director of Del Mar Developments Ltd., Gregory Greatrex, announced the appointment of Alan M. Lawley as Development Director and Operations Manager of the Villa del Mar Resort. With over twenty years’ experience in the hospitality industry, Mr. Lawley began his career with Marriott Hotels in Banff, Alberta, he was instrumental in opening and operating several luxury resort properties including the world-renowned Emerald Lake Lodge, in Yoho National Park, British Columbia. Mr. Lawley will have responsibility over resort operations as well as development of the much-anticipated launch of Phase Two of the resort development.

For more information visit www.bcqs.com.

For more information visit www.yourvilladelmar.com or call (649) 331 7203.

UBS Bahamas Sponsors Artist Family Exhibition Nassau, The Bahamas As a part of renewed focus on The Bahamas and wider Caribbean markets, UBS (Bahamas) Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of UBS AG, Switzerland, will sponsor an art exhibition showcasing the critically acclaimed paintings of Eddie Minnis, his daughters, Nicole and Roshanne and son-in-law, Ritchie Eyma.

Working in a range of mediums including oils that, “vibrate with the bright colour and light of The Bahamas,” the Minnis family works have been exhibited internationally and are housed in private collections across the globe. The first in a series of events, the exhibition will be hosted in the foyer of the newly constructed UBS Bahamas Annex building, commencing with a cocktail evening on November 17th, 2010.

For more information call (242) 394 9300 or visit: www.ubs.com/bahamas.

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Cactus Stone Presents Semi-Precious Collection USA Importers and wholesale distributors of natural stone slabs, Cactus Stone now presents The Semi-Precious Collection® featuring 150 slabs in 24 vibrant colours. Offering 70 distinct precious stones in any number of custom combinations, gemstones are designed and assembled by craftsmen on the island of Mauritius.

Featuring a number of naturally translucent stones, the harder-thangranite material is suited to both horizontal and vertical applications and can also be incorporated into furniture designs.

For more information visit www.cactusstone.com or email stone@cactusstone.com.

Pictured here: Natural Agate – backlit. This installation highlights an award winning custom residential powder room, designed

by Lori Carroll, ASID, of Tucson, AZ.

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Fashion Tour de Force Arrives in Nassau Nassau, The Bahamas Hot on the heels of a successful inaugural tour of select US cities, Nassau stands poised to welcome the third Islands of the World Fashion Week coming November 11th – 13th following its final stop in Miami at South Beach’s fashion event “Funkshion.”

Featuring a host of Caribbean and international designers, as well as Project Runway star, Jay McCarroll, whose film Eleven Minutes will form the climax of the Fashion in Film series, the award-winning event’s In Search of the Next Oscar Competition has designers vying for the coveted award.

Continuing its efforts to highlight the plight of Haiti, the Fashion Cares for Haiti: The Relief Benefit Fashion Show showcases the creations of five Haitian designers.

For more information visit: www.islandsfashionweek.com.

Opens the Doors to Style Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands Time to find a watch that suits your style? Watch.Me may have just the ticket. Opening the first of two stores in Grand Cayman, Island Companies’ newly launched Camana Bay location will be followed by a second store at The Island Plaza.

Featuring fashionable, desirable and affordable watch brands, including G-Shock, Nixon, Fruitz, D&G, Guess and Michelle, the bright lights of this funky fashion-forward paradise will capture the imaginations of the young and young-at-heart alike and, with special promotions for customers buying three to five items, there is no time to lose.

“The Watch.Me stores will be the first of five new stores that Island Companies will deliver in 2010 with more to follow in 2011. Like our De Sunglass Man stores, Watch.Me will be Cayman’s centre for the very latest in styles and designs,” explains Alexandre Tabacoff, CEO of Island Companies.

For more information about Watch.Me and Island Companies, e-mail: customerservice@islandcompaniesltd.com or call (345) 640 5249.

Caribbean Tourism Organisation Hosts Inaugural Leadership Strategy Conference Barbados For the first time, the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) is hosting a high-level leadership strategy conference, taking place in Barbados, October 8th – 11th, 2010. Ministers, commissioners and directors of tourism, as well as senior officials of all tourism-related industries, are scheduled to attend. The event coincides with the CTO elections where a new chairman will be elected and allied members will choose representatives for the CTO Board of Directors and Executive Committee.

In addition to workshops, this first-of-its-kind conference includes a keynote address by Willie Walsh, Chief Executive Officer of British Airways as well as presentations by fellow industry heavyweights, Henry Harteveldt,

Principal Analyst of Forrester Travel Research Group, and renowned branding expert Tom Buncle.

“A conference of this calibre is a first in CTO’s history,” said Sylma Brown Bramble, CTO Director of Marketing. “Listening to the feedback from our partners and member nations at the CTO Council of Ministers Meeting in New York this past June underscored the importance of hosting an event of this magnitude; it is vital for the continuing evolution of our efforts to increase and improve tourism to the region.”

For information regarding registration and to receive updates about the CTO Leadership Strategy Conference, visit www.onecaribbean.org.

Try Before You Buy Real Estate Turks and Caicos Islands Specialising in luxury villa sales, Villa Real Estate Luxury Retreats Realty International, recently introduced a unique ‘try before you buy’ concept. Allowing prospective buyers to vacation at a villa prior to purchase, the novel offer gives buyers an opportunity to live the villa experience while carefully pre-evaluating their options.

What is more, with some owners willing to reduce the villa sale price by the cost of the rental fee if the sale goes through, buyers interested in a second home or investment property also get to enjoy savings.

‘Try before you buy’ villas include Coral House, Villa Patricia and Villa Alizee in the Turks and Caicos.

For more information visit: www.luxuryretreatsrealestate.com.

REAL LIFE and La Prairie

SUMMER CONTEST WINNERS Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands Congratulations to Mr. Carlos Farjallah from Tampa, FL., winner of the REAL LIFE / La Prairie Summer 2010 contest. Mr. Farjallah receives La Prairie’s nourishing Advanced Biology Marine Collection, including Tonic, Day Cream SPF 20 and Night Solution, offering an unprecedented age-fighting system that harnesses the miracles of the sea.

Also, receiving the Swiss beauty brand’s Gifts from the Sea 90-minute body treatment, featuring the Advanced Marine Biology collection, at Silver Rain a La Prairie Spa, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, is lucky winner Ms. Priscilla Miller.

For more information on the world of La Prairie, visit www.laprairie.com.

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14 | INDUSTRY NEWS

NCB Revolutionising Cayman’s Real Estate Market Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands Having built “communities of distinction” since 2002 and set the standard for the way real estate business is conducted, NCB’s full service real estate powerhouse stands poised to take business to a new level. According to Managing Director, Matthew Wight, “We have chosen to embrace the economic downturn to grow and diversify services; laying a strong foundation for the real estate upswing.”

Offering clients flexibility and confidence to choose from a gamut of services, NCB’s innovative one-stop-shop offers a business model unique to the Cayman Islands. Comprised of four individual companies: NCB Project Management, Bancroft Design Group, NCB Construction and, newest addition, NCB Property Services, the company assists clients across a diverse market through all stages of the real estate process from design and construction to project management and property services. “From condominiums, renovations, large estate homes or commercial developments, wherever you are in the process of property ownership, NCB is there to help make it a smooth endeavour.”

For more information call (345) 946 9622 or visit: www.ncbhomes.ky.

Tourism Officials Tour Limegrove Holetown, St James, Barbados Hosted by Paul Altman, Managing Director of Altman Real Estate – developers for the new Limegrove Lifestyle Centre – and Sales Director, Terry Hanton, senior officials from the Ministry of Tourism and the Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA) were given a tour of the latest developments in the project, scheduled to open its doors to the public this Christmas.

Described as, “A place where Barbadians and visitors can experience a variety of foods, entertainment and shopping options surrounded by a mix of wonderful contemporary and traditional architecture,” stores are built around three distinct courtyards, “offering everything consumers could desire in a model for contemporary living.”

With Barbados home to a number of internationally recognised brands, including Agent Provocateur, Armani A/X, Cartier, M.A.C, Louis Vuitton and Ralph Lauren, Limegrove will also feature a blend of successful Barbadian-operated businesses and with more retailers in the final stages of negotiations, the new facility promises to provide something for everyone.

For more information email: realestate@altmanbarbados.com or visit: www.limegrove.com.

Dragon Bay Cayman Islands Realty Becomes Christie’s Great Estates Cayman Islands Affiliate Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands Leading luxury real estate network, Christie’s Great Estates, has awarded affiliate status to Dragon Bay Cayman Islands Realty to exclusively represent the Christie’s brand in the Cayman Islands. Dragon Bay Cayman Islands Realty joins a carefully selected organisation of brokerages with proven records of success in both high-end property sales and exemplary client service.

Recognising a demand for the very highest in luxury services and amenities, founder of Dragon Bay Cayman Islands Realty, Mike Ryan and his team sought to set the standard for luxury property sales in Cayman, finding a natural fit in the partnership with Christie’s Great Estates.

Located at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman the local office is scheduled for an October 2010 opening.

For additional information on Dragon Bay Cayman Islands Realty listings, contact the sales office at sales@dragonbayrealty.com or +1 (345) 815 7777.

A Match Made in Paradise: CRABTREE & EVELYN Meets India Hicks A pioneer in botanical formulations for over 35 years, Crabtree & Evelyn blends the very best of nature and science, tradition and innovation, and luxury and comfort to create beautifully scented and benefit-rich bath, body and home care. The company’s eclectic product mix includes the award-winning Island Living and Island Night collections, inspired by Crabtree & Evelyn creative partner, designer, model, author, television personality, and goddaughter of the Prince of Wales, India Hicks.

For more information about Crabtree & Evelyn products, visit www.crabtree-evelyn.com or call 800.CRABTREE. Learn more about India Hicks, by turning to page 41 or visiting www.indiahicks.com.

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Governor Announces the Governor’s Award for Design and Construction Excellence Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands The Cayman Society of Architects, Surveyors & Engineers (CASE) and the Cayman Contractors Association (CCA), in conjunction with His Excellency Governor Duncan Taylor CBE, launched a new, national award – the Governor’s Award for Design and Construction Excellence in the Cayman Islands – at a reception on Friday 17th September to encourage nominations for the Award. In attendance was His Excellency, Governor Duncan Taylor CBE; Honourable Premier McKeeva Bush, Honourable Ministers Scotland and Adam, members of CASE, the CCA, other leading representatives from the construction industry and award sponsors: Kirk Home Centre/Kirk Enterprises; Cox Lumber Co.; Cayman National; AL Thompson’s Home Depot; CL Flowers and Sons; MC2 Design Group / REAL LIFE Magazine; and National Concrete.

The Governor’s Award aims to encourage, foster and maintain innovation, sustainability and excellence in the Cayman Islands construction industry. Any member of a project team, including the developer, may submit a project (large or small) for consideration. Submission deadline is 5th November, 2010 and entries will then be short listed and judged by His Excellency the Governor and a panel of judges on the following criteria: Design Excellence, Creativity and Innovation, Sustainability and the Environment, Value, Buildability and Cultural Response. The winner of this prestigious award will be announced at an award ceremony at the Governor’s residence on 2nd December 2010.

From left to right: Chairman of CASE, Mr Garth Arch, Chairman of CCA, Mr. Rayal Bodden and H.E. Governor Mr. Duncan Taylor CBE

Individuals and teams interested in finding out more about the Governor’s Awards should visit: www.GovernorsAward.ky or email: info@GovernorsAward.ky.

Cayman Motor Museum Opens its Doors Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands The realisation of a vision by businessman Andreas Ugland to have a showroom large enough to share his sizeable collection of exotic, rare and classic motorcars and motorbikes, the museum has 80 vehicles on display. The collection provides a historical tour of motoring throughout the world – beginning with the very first automobile ever produced, an 1886 Mercedes-Benz and an exact model of the first vehicle ever to be driven in the Cayman Islands – a 1905 Cadillac.

Of special interest is the original “Batmobile” from the ‘60s television show, a 1929 Yellow Rolls-Royce that appeared in the movie of the same name, Queen Elizabeth II’s first limousine (a 1956 Daimler DK400), along with Ferraris, Maseratis, Corvettes, Jaguars, as well as magnificent Rolls-Royces (including a 1930 ‘Phantom’) and Bentleys (including Sir Elton John’s 1963 classic), beckoning viewers back to an era of meticulous craftsmanship and unsurpassed luxury.

For more information, call (345) 947 7741 or visit: www.caymanmotormuseum.com

Design Cayman Brings Eco Expertise to Residential Architecture Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands Design Cayman Limited’s owner and managing director, Cindy O’Hara (MRAIC and LEED-accredited), and managing principal, Brian Macdonald (ARB, RIBA, ARIAS), are excited to introduce the firm’s latest endeavor in sustainable architecture: a contemporary Jamaican-style great house.

This benchmark model of eco awareness and practice illustrates the team’s passion for its craft and the protection of Cayman’s natural environment through the array of highperformance sustainable features and approaches incorporated into the luxury residence such as indigenous materials like Cayman stone, organic habitats lush with native flora, renewable materials and energy-efficient environmental systems. Located in Grand Cayman, the residence was submitted to planning in late September, but even in its earliest form, the Jamaican-style great house stands as a pillar of exceptional design sensibility and long-term preservation of place, making it Design Cayman’s flagship residential case study for guiding clients on greening existing and new spaces.

For more information call (345) 949 2800 or visit: www.design-cayman.ky.

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now or Never A private tour of an Asian-inspired plantation home in Grand Cayman uncovers an irrepressible ‘carpe diem’ spirit.

Words by Juliet Austin Photography by Martyn Poyner

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weeping up the circular cobblestone driveway of the main house, I am struck by its intriguing sculptural silhouette. Making an indelible mark against the inky horizon, the angled faรงades and pavilion-style structure of Now or Never are given wings courtesy of the clever

interplay of traditional hipped roofs, gable ends, wide overhangs, dual pitches and dramatic Polynesian forms, creating a unique three tier roofscape reminiscent of a small village.

Situated on the secluded Mangrove Point peninsula, this six-bedroom home features self-contained guest

accommodation, a triple garage, boat house and an abundance of entertainment areas spanning three floors. Each of the five linked pavilions is sized proportional to its use, harbouring its own unique character and hinting at the meticulous, personalised nature of the design. >

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Opening Spread: Quintessential Caribbean living – expansive shaded terraces are perfect for enjoying spectacular panoramic views.

Above & Right: Built in sympathy with the unique locale and microclimate, each pod can be accessed via a network of deep-set, wraparound walkways.

Opposite Top: The home’s third storey elevation adds an evocative top note in drama.

Opposite Bottom: Grand without being grandiose, the spacious Great Room forms the heart and soul of the home.

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NOW OR NEVER | 19

With a main living area elevated sixteen feet above sea level and two hundred feet of ocean frontage, uninterrupted views across the North Sound to the world famous Seven Mile Beach guarantee magnificent sunsets from the many terraces, rooms and gazebos, “with not a single high rise in sight. It is,” the owner tells me, “what water living is all about.”

With doors wide open, the mélange of Caribbean and Asian influences traverse boundaries, resulting in an ease of flow facilitated by the network of interconnecting wooden walkways with beautiful tongue-and-groove ceilings and spinning fans affording comfortable outdoor living. Viewing platforms and balconies conspire to draw the eye outward, past swaying palms and over walls of sun-baked natural stone to the ocean beyond.

Nowhere is this seen to more dramatic effect than the spectacular roof >

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Above: This Caribbean stairway to heaven leads up to a stunning viewing platform.

Left: The inherent beauty of stone, wood and natural fibres brings the outside in, resulting in visual harmony.

Right: Dangling from an outrageously high ceiling, the ‘had to have them’ Mexican lanterns exude warmth over the sixteen-foot-long poured concrete countertop and simple hardwood dining area.

NOW OR NEVER | 21

terrace – accessible via a customised spiral staircase by local craftsman Karoly Szücs of Artisan Metal Works – where I am hard pushed not to dally, gazing longingly across the mesmerising seascape in Caribbean French Lieutenant’s Woman fashion.

But do not be mislead by its somnolent ambience, Now or Never boasts ‘all guns blazing’ home automation with surround sound, audio-visual and security all at the touch of a button. Designed by veteran Caribbean architect and ‘imagineer’ John Doak with Project Technologist, John Yeo of John Doak Architecture, it embodies Doak’s telltale contextual ‘inside-outside’ signature. Painstakingly orientated to maximise prevailing breezes while offering resistance to hurricane-force winds, the pavilionised approach works in sympathy with the site’s unique terroir. Spanning the

width of the double lot, the crescentshaped estate capitalises on views and lushly landscaped gardens, while nestling a stunning vanishing edge pool with deep-set beach and ocean to the west. “Raising living areas above the flood plains and creating breezeways and sacrificial ground level accommodations gives the home a ‘king of the castle’ feel, combining the need for security with space for future expansion as the family’s needs grow or diversify...” explains Doak.

Favouring clean-cut lines, masculine forms and a rustic ambience, details such as the metal railings, square light fittings and statuesque columns assert a certain strength and assuredness repeated in the heavy mahogany front doors, custom cabinetry, window trim and furniture – handmade exclusively in Guatemala and installed on site.

Bespoke chairs dotted around the >

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22 | OPPOSITES ATTARACT

Top Left: Interesting ceiling detail adds a quirky touch to this rooftop room.

Top Right: Wood furnishings and a neutral palette offer the perfect foil for the classic Caribbean vista visible through walls of windows in the master suite.

Right: Island living at its best – fusing indulgence and functionality, the fully-equipped thatched gazebo is the ultimate room with a view.

Left: Soft swathes of fabric, pebbled flooring and intricate mosaic work deliver a feast for the senses in the master bathroom.

Above: Never far from the horizon, cosy window seats are perfect for curling up with a good book.

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CAYMAN’S OPPOSITES BLACK MAGIC MAN | 23 ATTRACT

terraces and in the striking thatched beach gazebo, are crafted from tree trunks, while floors and countertops inside feature stained poured concrete, displayed to full effect in the sixteenfoot-long kitchen countertop poured in one fell swoop by local expert, Gary Hollins. Opening onto the balconies, the low-maintenance, wood-look, hurricane rated doors with special impact glass from Germany and a roof of concrete ‘cedar’ shingles give the home a fortress-like façade, while inside wood-look ceramic and rubber tiles offer brilliant, practical alternatives to floorboards with no sacrifice on style – perfect for cavorting in the Caribbean.

In keeping with substantial proportions, the expansive, open plan Great Room boasts oversized seating, accented by throw cushions in vibrant greens and oranges, emphasising the

homely ambience and warm wood hues and making me feel instantly welcome.

Atmospheric recessed lighting highlights a latticework of exposed beams in a ceiling suspended to facilitate free air flow and camaraderie. Lit up at night, the magical seaside hideaway shimmers like a mirage – as glass and water reflect a galaxy of stars. Inside, the simple, hardwood dining area and unpretentious kitchen speak to authenticity – offering space and place for family and friends to gather. Add to this the humorouslynamed ‘Linga Longa’ bar atop the guest suite, in full bamboo splendour, and this may be one party palace you could be forgiven for forgetting.

Housed in their own pavilion, bedrooms seamlessly fuse functionality with creativity and indulgence: sumptuous fabrics, cosy nooks, idiosyncratic ceiling details and

unimpeded views make each room liveable and stylish, no more so than the master suite with its cathedral ceiling, wall-to-wall windows and scatterings of sensuous carved wood furniture.

Intent on seizing the moment, this visually daring home captures the essence of tropical living. With an intoxicating ‘joie de vivre’, Now or Never makes no apologies for what it is – a family home with heart, humour and humility at its core. Guided by the principles of architect Charles Moore, who said: “To make a place is to make a domain that helps people to know where they are and by extension, to know who they are,” Now or Never succeeds wildly in marrying luxury with authenticity, creating the ultimate home where the heart is. I leave feeling like I have spent the day at an old friend’s.

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24 | NOW OR NEVER

“It is what is all about.”

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twist 26 | MUST-HAVES

tables with a

By Kyle Fulton

1. SHINE ON Lustre up your livingroom with Barlas Baylor’s Grid Coffee Table. Forged out of solid claro walnut, and perched on a brilliant bronze base, this table shines with sex appeal. www.hudsonfurnitureinc.com

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4. ILLUMINATI Land some great design with the unconventional Bright Woods table by Giancarlo Zema. With an eye-catching glow radiating from within the wood and natural resin strips this table emanates grace from space. www.avanzinigroup.com

3. QUANTUM QUALITY With physics in its physique, the Geo Med table is an elegant equation come to life.

Art never looked so smart. www.oggetti.com

2. TIDAL WAVE A hand-finished sculptural table that delicately undulates across the floor, the Wave table’s organic appeal is matched by its meticulous craftsmanship. Bring the surf to your turf with this fluid find. www.kennethcobonpue.com

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5. PERFECT PLANK A beautiful slice of a table that radiates wild allure with its raw hunk of wood floated above an angular steel base. This is one table that you will be willing to walk the plank for. www.centuryfurniture.com

Fustic House Cocooned under a canopy of mature shade trees, the Bajan wonderland continues to upstage after 260 years in the limelight.

Words by Juliet Austin Photography by Byron Slater

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jewel of the Caribbean,” Fustic House lies in idyllic seclusion, shaded from the glare of the midday sun (and the heat of the paparazzi) by ancient groves of Mahogany, Flamboyant and Bearded Fig trees that allow even the world’s most visible, to wear a cloak of invisibility. Inspiring devotion from those fortunate enough to experience its rustic charm and peaceful solitude, the enchanting estate perches on a 500 metre-long forest ravine above Speightstown in the remote coastal parish of St Lucy, Barbados, commanding captivating views of the Caribbean Sea to its west and capturing the cooling Trade Winds from its elevated vantage.

Formerly a plantation house dating back to around 1750, ownership of the eleven-acre private estate fell to Charles Graves (brother of famed poet, Robert Graves) who, in the mid 1970s in a stroke of genius, called on iconic stage designer, Oliver Messel to marry the incumbent Colonial style with his distinctive ‘Messel magic’. Designing the Messel Wing and creating the distinctive lagoon pool, the flamboyant designer’s flair for whimsy and his affinity for the theatrical made him the perfect candidate to transform the old Great House into the exotic Bajan beauty that stands today. Subsequent owners built the Plantation Wing at the turn of the millennium, including design accents that echo Messel’s work such as the flattened arches and the indoor/outdoor sitting rooms, but it is the spirit of Barbados’ adopted son that lives on as the design nucleus of the estate.

Inspired by the warmth and vibrancy of the Caribbean, Messel’s dauntless spirit and his penchant for, “converting quite ordinary houses into wonderlands,” resulted in, “a jewel of a design” – around which the existing seven luxury suites have organically grown. With the spacious Great House >

Left: Oliver Messel’s signature low-key grandeur is an essential element of Fustic House’s enduring charm.

Right: With an artist’s eye for proportion and symmetry, Messel Green shutters and a wild fringe of tropical foliage frame tantalising glimpses of the Big Blue.

Below: Patina adds the perfect finishing touch to this sumptuous outdoor living room, complete with ornate fretwork and rusticated, tapered porch posts.

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30 | A SITE TO BEHOLD

at its heart – within whose walls lie the Master and Wisteria Suites – intimate flower gardens create a paradise on earth where one’s senses are nourished by the heady blend of exotic Rangoon creeper blooms, fragrant Jasmine and the visual spectacle of Heliconias.

Shady groves, carved out of the mature tree cover – home to green monkeys and a chorus of tree frogs – are punctuated by the vertical splendour of Royal Palms, orchids and swaying vines that hang from picture perfect Caribbean skies. Remodelled by Todd Longstaffe-Gowan, garden designer of Hampton Court Palace, winding paths and hedged walkways intersect the sprawling grounds, framing the 280 year old Mahogany park and weaving past the Messel and Plantation Wings >

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Opposite Top: In this shady terrace, accent tones of colour embolden the neutral palette played out in the combination of tropical hardwoods and natural woven fibres.

Opposite Bottom: Simple yet sublime – perfectly symmetrical flattened arches give way to the colours of the Caribbean creating a fourth wall reflected to full dramatic effect in an oversized exterior mirror.

Left: Coralstone steps, adorned by a jungle of frilly ferns, winding vines and lush palms, lead down to a tropical lagoon that will have you believing you have chanced upon nirvana.

Below: Revelling in nostalgic elegance, the pearwood dining table sits in front of a three hundred year old fireplace.

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32 | FUSTIC HOUSE

to the new Pavilion Suite added in 2009 by current owners, William and Usha Gordon and designed by UKbased architect Malcolm Ness.

At night, the lagoon-style pool, chiselled out of coral rock and festooned by dense, tropical foliage in ‘Hanging Gardens of Babylon’ finery, is lit from below by atmospheric lighting and above by dancing fireflies, leading you to imagine you have chanced upon some magical oasis. A sundeck, lodged high in the trees like some wooden aerie, affords panoramic views, while a moon viewing deck, treehouses, swings and newly discovered Arawak cave system cast you as an intrepid explorer on an enchanted isle. Add the cornucopia of unusual sculptures peppering the grounds – The Organ Pipes by Raymond Delamarre, a stone nautilus shell or the frolicking warthogs – and the illusion is complete.

The idyllic setting works symbiotically with the history of the house and the romantic character of the interior décor. In a salute to nature, Messel’s trademark exterior living rooms deliver imaginative statements – embodying the high culture and sophistication of the Colonial era set against a botanical backdrop of Cordia trees and the omnipresent seascape.

Shady terraces – ideal for a quiet read or pre-dinner drinks – feature trellises, flattened arches and rusticated tapered columns, framing sumptuous natural canvases reflected in vast mirrors hung from exterior coralstone walls.

Moving inside, Messel’s easy mix of classical and baroque influences are quintessentially Caribbean. White-onwhite furnishings, including plump chaises longues, caches of antiques and perfectly placed deep-seated sofas augmented by splashes of bright colour, are the perfect counter to flowing muslin curtains. Central arches, flanked on either side to create theatrical symmetry, give way to light, airy spaces with cool, cement floors scored to resemble tiling, Messel Green cabinetry and high, cathedral ceilings. A candlelit pearwood dining table sits in front of a three hundredyear-old fireplace built from stone arriving as ballast on the early ships carrying plant-hunters and sugarcane

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barons from Bristol. Pannier-style urns and wooden window awnings, so typical of Messel’s design vocabulary, work together to produce internal scenes that ooze character while accentuating the seamless unity between inside and out. “Restfully simple” bedrooms feature luxurious four-poster beds, bespoke handmade embroidered linens by Lyndsay Taylor Designs and contemporary lighting pieces by Foscarini and FontanaArte

side-by-side with Regency furniture made in Barbados; while showers are taken in outdoor courtyards filled with plants and shells.

Truly, Fustic House’s spirit smoulders rather than sparkles, testament to its centuries’ old grandeur – a world without end, where past and present, inside and out merge and fantastical dreams bear a beautiful new reality.

Without a shadow of doubt: ‘they don’t make ‘em like this anymore’.

Opposite Top: Restfully simple rooms are awash with natural light and decorated in an eclectic mix of handpicked antiques from Barbados and further afield.

Opposite Middle: Deep verandahs offer shade and respite from the midday sun and enough space to bring living areas outside Opposite Bottom: Open to the elements, this bathroom reveals a pretty coralstone courtyard where guests are free to shower au naturale.

Above: Luxuriating in the understated drama and lingering beauty of a bygone era, the estate plays host to an array of alfresco dining areas that feed the senses and nourish the soul.

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BathingBelles D

Designs

Words by Juliet Austin

ocumented in the colourful histories of each great civilisation, the art of bathing is long recognised for its vital social function, as well as its ability to promote health, wellbeing and peace of mind. From Turkish steam baths to the fashionable bathing emporiums of the Greeks and Romans, bathing rituals have been observed throughout the centuries and around the globe. Taking a nod from the past, several innovative companies are opening the floodgates on a new era in bathroom design, placing bathtubs centre stage in the bodacious boudoirs and wondrous washrooms of the fashion elite.

Keen to honour the steeped history of Humanity’s natural inclination to seek solace in water, bathroom design companies blend modernity with imagination, transforming the traditional ‘old soak’ into an autonomous design element.

Experimenting with fresh shapes, sizes and textures, avant-garde materials give these tubs license to splash out.

Designed to pamper, gone are the austere days of throwing the baby out with the bath water – the future, it seems, is about languishing in the lap of luxury. >

of Antonio Lupi Vasca Dune. Photo courtesy

A triumph of design and engineering, a new generation of showstopping baths transforms a scrub in the tub into manna from heaven above.

36 | BATHING BELLES

The shape of things to come In an effort to redefine the bathing experience, Tuscan firm, Antonio Lupi Designs goes outré, using a crop of premier Italian designers to produce statement pieces that pack strong visual impact. Combining minimalistic shapes and sinuous lines with the pragmatics of comfort and usability, whimsical limited edition masterpieces, like Anne and Patrick Poirier’s Vascabarca – a hand carved dream of a bath in the form of a solid stone row boat – delight alongside the soft, organic lines of Dune. Bereft of hard edges, it cradles the body in an oasis of wellbeing. Hollowed out of a single monolith, Arca’s smooth, elliptical moonstone curves juxtapose dramatically with a raw, textured exterior, while Cuna commands the room, its imposingly inclined backrest

and high sides as inviting and noble as a favourite winged-back armchair. The design capabilities of mineral-based, technologically advanced composite material, Cristalplant®, introduce an exciting dynamic. Pure white, light and airy, it offers an alternative to sculpted stone, allowing for changes in appearance, placement and usability in order to deliver custom styles in a range of colours, while remaining accessible in price and weight.

View from a bath Drawing on the age-old traditions of Japanese soaking tubs, where social bathing has less to do with cleanliness and more with spirituality, health and happiness, Diamond Spas’ custommade recycled stainless steel and copper baths are hand buffed, delivering jaw-dropping luxury within limited space. All Japanese baths come with a bench seat for comfort – perfect for bathing á deux. Corner tubs offer a modish design alternative, while the elegant, clean contours of the circular and oval soaking baths dazzle in their simplicity, their deep well design

Stainless steel Japanese oval tub. Photo courtesy of Diamond Spas

Audrey, designed by Massimiliano Della Monaca. Photo courtesy of SICIS

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which the company is renowned. Bold geometrics, expressive florals and stylised motifs can be customised to suit those with a taste for the unusual.

Described by Eleonora Milano of SICIS as, “An object of sculpture: beautiful to see and pleasurable to use,” Audrey tubs are not for shrinking violets.

Flamboyant and unashamedly hip, SICIS’ tubs scream decadence, no longer content to be restricted to the confines of a traditional bathroom but right at home in the spotlight of the living room, bedroom or even garden.

How far we have come from the painted terracotta bath discovered in King Minos’ palace; from the days of Pythagoras’ ‘eureka’ moment and Cleopatra’s milky wallowings. As each generation strives to combine form and function in ever more creative ways, seeking out the restorative power of water, one has to wonder how the future will top the innovative and visionary designs of these twentyfirst century masters, who invite us all to place bathtubs on a pedestal in order to rekindle the long lost art of bathing in luxury.

Arca. Photo courtesy of Antonio Lupi Designs

“it cradles the body in an oasis of wellbeing...” enveloping the bather in chest-high water and positioning them perfectly to enjoy spectacular views.

Resplendent, nestled in an intimate oasis of tropical foliage or perched on a deck overlooking the endless Caribbean sea... one only has to close one’s eyes to imagine the transformative powers offered by the freestanding pièce de résistance, the Atocha Copper Tub. Holding the promise of purification and healing, its elliptical shape, constructed using four inch strips of welded copper, is an irresistible retreat, but it is Italian design powerhouse, SICIS who take the prize for tapping into the ultimate hedonistic experience.

Let them eat cake With a capacity of over sixty-five gallons, SICIS’ Audrey range reconnects bathing with a bygone era

of Hollywood glamour. The brainchild of designer Massimiliano Della Monaca, the regal retro tub breaks the mould, taking the form of an outrageously high heeled stiletto, “like an oversized version of a classic Barbie shoe”, clad in precious, handmade mosaics in the infinite chromatic variations for

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40 | MUST-HAVES

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By Kyle Fulton

1. CIRCULAR LOGIC With scalloped edges and a high-lustre finish, the hand-carved pedestal Sunset Cocktail Table has a playful appeal that will spin circles around design enthusiasts. www.wandrlust.com 2. CARVE APPEAL A limited edition from Vladimir Kagan, this contemporary fibreglass design is a stunning study in contrasts.

Fluid, yet edgy, the simple sculptural chair is destined to become a classic. www.ralphpucci.net 3. RETRO REFLECTED Inspired by mirrors of a bygone era, this resin-cast mirror is catapulted into the contemporary with its fresh finish. This is one mirror that is ornate for a current date. www.olystudio.com 4. DISC JOCKEY With an eye to the future, this UFO-esque table

by Philip Edis twists and turns to create endless silhouettes while disc-guising its functionality. www.designhousestockholm.com 5. TIC TAC TOE Reminiscent of woven cane designs, the graphic nature of the Cube table has an airy, transparent quality, and with the intersecting linear pattern forged in sheet steel, the timeless design is rendered modern. www.leewalsh.co.uk

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6. FAUX FIND Romantic and cutting-edge, the whitewashed resin Vincent lamp is not wood, but it is just as good.

Sure to be a hit with style sticklers. www.olystudio.com

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India Hicks Island Heir Author, entrepreneur and self-styled design guru, India Hicks, discusses her “fierce individualism” and why she chose the path less travelled: life on a tiny Bahamian island.

Words by Juliet Austin

O

nce upon a time, on a faraway island surrounded by the sparkling Caribbean Sea, there lived a princess blessed with three gifts: jaw-dropping beauty, business savvy galore and a kickass determination to be true to herself no matter what.

Far-fetched? Perhaps. But given India Hicks’ impressive British pedigree – heir to the British throne, granddaughter of the deeply respected last Viceroy of India, Lord Mountbatten, goddaughter to Prince Charles and daughter of iconic interior designer, David Hicks – and her well-publicised escape from the rat race to a life of idyllic seclusion on Harbour Island in The Bahamas, it may hold more than a glimmer of truth.

Royally blessed, for the better part of a decade India Hicks was muse to the creative genius of Ralph Lauren and her picture perfect looks graced front covers of magazines from Elle to Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar.

Her books, Island Life: Inspirational Interiors and Island Beauty, testify to a keen sense of style, while her latest stint hosting Bravo’s reality design series Top Design is proof in the pudding that the India Hicks brand is on fire. So, why stop there? Hotelier, boutique owner, and most recently Creative Partner for Crabtree & Evelyn, India Hicks has become, it would seem, an unwitting lifestyle guru. With her unabashed, ‘hands on’ approach, the aristocratic mother-of-four insists on blazing her own uncompromising trail rather than resting on the laurels of any proverbial silver spoon: “I’ve chosen,” she states, “a less ordinary life.”

Less ordinary, perhaps, but authentic to the core.

Guided purely by instinct, Hibiscus Hill, Hicks’ plantation style home which she renovated with her partner, David Flint Wood, reinvigorates the beach house vibe: sepia walls bask in luminous Caribbean light while windows and doors are cast open, >

Photo by Joseph Montezinos courtesy of Crabtree & Evelyn

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Photo by David Loftus courtesy of Crabtree & Evelyn

Photo by David Loftus courtesy of Crabtree & Evelyn

42 | INDIA HICKS – ISLAND HEIR

taking in the “strident, muscular colour” of the tropics.

“It’s good to come indoors and rest your eyes,” she says, by way of explanation.

Inside, formal detailing combines with the casually classic and the deeply personal: a Victorian dining table encircled by chairs from New Orleans; a whitewashed antique chair with bold fuchsia upholstery; vintage fabrics cheek by jowl with thrift shop knickknacks and a Lord Mountbatten tester bed that, “carries personal history in its title.” The stuff of Robert Louis Stevenson – a smattering of straw sunhats on a ledge strike an artful pose; Olympia (the dog) plays with Batman (the cat) watched over by Jenga, (the parrot) who looks on, unbemused; a printer’s tray filled with treasures from the sea graces the guesthouse while an ever-evolving exhibition of family photographs spreads organically across a wall, compounding the effortless chic of a design aficionado who is clearly enjoying living life on her terms. “I choose not to spend my life organising the Hunt Ball or dazzling my ‘husband’s’ investment banking clients with my wardrobe and encyclopaedic knowledge of the hostesses of New York,” she asserts.

In fact, one look at her trademark ‘tablescapes’ tells you >

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Photo courtesy of Narratives/Jan Baldwin

Opposite Top: After a busy morning chasing fish in the shallows, Olympia, the dog, snoozes on the tropical hardwood floor overlooked by the chronicle of family photographs.

Opposite Left: Artfully arranged straw hats, curios and shelves of manila, paper-wrapped books frame a view of the classic Victorian dining table.

Above: Montages of much-loved objects are key to Hicks’ signature. Here, a printer’s tray full of sea treasures is surrounded by a vision-wall, adding colour and personality to the room.

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44 | INDIA HICKS – ISLAND HEIR

Right: Childlike but not childish: inspiring artwork and tableaux of toys create deeply personal spaces that are at once nostalgic and habitually chic.

Below: Two of Hicks’ brood play in the garden at Hibiscus Hill, the design aficionado’s Bahamian home on Harbour Island.

Photo courtesy of Narratives/Jan Baldwin

Opposite: Quirky decorative elements and vibrant upholstery create an elegant beach house vibe.

Opposite Inset: Classic Hicks: a carefully constructed tablescape in neutrals is invigorated with a flash of colour from hibiscus, exora and plumbago blooms.

Photo courtesy of Narratives/Jan Baldwin

“Who wouldn’t want to… in some way feel they had been dropped into an Ernest Hemmingway novel or expect Johnny Depp to come crashing though the window?”

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everything you need to know about India Hicks’ infectious appeal. Once a signature of her late father’s, her intriguing tabletop collections of complementary objects showcase a deeply personal, graphic quality. Adventurous and open-minded, her classic European sensibility anchors a design ethic informed by Asian, African and Caribbean influences. “Growing up with David Hicks as my father meant that almost every day was an education of one’s eye. [Many] of his traits appear in my homes, perhaps more tempered, but nonetheless inherited.”

What is more, the barefoot beauty also displays quite the eye for business. Capitalising on living the dream, Hicks essentially markets herself, offering through her signature award-winning collections, Crabtree & Evelyn’s Island Living and Island Night, the chance to be – in some infinitesimal way – connected to a lifestyle of sunshine, salty sea air and happy children.

With painstaking attention to detail, scents, soaps, lotions and potions evoke the fresh air and freedom of island life and, true to form, come full of nature’s goodness and free of “nasties.” Even the environmentally responsible packaging is inventively beyond the box: an elegant black glass decanter inspired by an antique of

SEEDS OF CHANGE | 45

Photo by David Loftus courtesy of Crabtree & Evelyn

Photo courtesy of Narratives/Jan Baldwin

her grandmother’s, handmade rattan containers and reusable natural-weave bags – not to mention the brass clasped wooden holder inspired by her great-grandfather’s duelling case.

Through her designs, Hicks cleverly captures the ethereal Caribbean experience that speaks to fantasy, sensuality and escapism. “Everyone loves a good story,” she explains. “Design is in many ways like theatre. Through all types of imagery, we tell stories… we are all looking for Neverland.”

As such, albeit by osmosis from a childhood spent observing her father’s visionary brilliance or by virtue of innate natural gift, Hicks’ well-honed eye invokes the sensibilities of a master storyteller. Her displays at The Sugar Mill – the Harbour Island boutique that she co-owns with Linda Griffin – buzz with an eclectic array of “carefully curated collections” discovered on her world travels from must-haves found at Haute Couture shows in Paris to flea market finds unearthed on the streets of Rio de Janeiro.

Recently lending her Midas touch to the transformation of

The Landing – an eighteenth century island inn turned swanky, boutique hotel – Hicks embraced natural island wisdom in historic context. Guest accommodations boast mahogany stained four-poster beds, sumptuous Ralph Lauren linens and Indian cotton accents. Waxed hardwood floors, seagrass matting, cosy sofas and wide verandahs, featuring Adirondack chairs poised for the sun to set on another day in paradise, combine to create a dream of a place. According to Hicks: “Who wouldn’t want to… in some way feel they had been dropped into an Ernest Hemmingway novel or expect Johnny Depp to come crashing though the window?”

Point taken.

Call it like you see it: Hicks has hit the nail on the head. Her wild success is founded upon the unshakable premise that we all dream the Caribbean dream – the difference is, she has made it her reality. Purveyor of dreams, custodian of Caribbean chic, the time has drawn nigh to crown India Hicks the incontrovertible island heir.

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resinating

STYLE One company’s expressive decorative resin panels promise to turn creative aspirations into design inspirations.

Words by Juliet Austin

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t was visionary artist and poet, William Blake, who observed, “What is now proved was once imagined,” a concept in which the innovators behind Veritas’™ ResinArt Panels must have been well versed. Concerned with, “redefining the possibilities of modern resin products,” the instigators behind the enlightened range dared to imagine a product with unlimited creative possibilities. Little did they know that in doing so, they were pioneering a new face for architectural and interior design.

Endlessly versatile, these resin panels offer differences in opacity and translucence for varying degrees of light penetration, while the infusion of decorative interlayers offers a tangible design solution to anyone who has ever dreamt of bringing the swaying grasses of the savannah into their living room or the intrinsic beauty of bamboo to their workplace. Using an unlimited colour palette alongside a wide array of standard and customised textures, gauges and patterns, a wealth of effects can be generated.

Fresh-faced and decidedly de rigeur, encapsulated textile interlayers – seen in designs like Harvest, Bonsai and Savannah – add unprecedented and compelling depth to interior and exterior environments alike by using materials such as luminous botanicals, perforated metals, real wood veneers, geometric patterning, and intricate weaves of glass and paper.

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1. Oasis Restaurant, Cooper University Hospital, Camden, New Jersey 2. The Hyatt Regency, Chicago. A custom print with a PureColor Film interlayer accomplished the goal of creating the look of a honeycomb 3. An installation of a Veritas Canopy Ceiling System 4. ‘Sycamores on the Creek’ at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino & Hotel complex, North Carolina 5. CineBistro – Swann Ave, Tampa, Florida 6. A sample of the myriad of mix-and-match options for hardware and panels 7. Amory House, Brookline, Massachusetts

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Furthermore, custom digital prints, screenprinted in solid and metallic inks as seen in the Links, Collage, Kaleidoscope and Lancet series, deliver style that is undeniably cutting edge. Some selections even lend themselves to vacuum forming, opening up a whole new range of applications for designers wishing to explore the dynamics of surface texture.

Made of an environmentally friendly proprietary polyester-based resin, containing no hazardous substances or heavy metals, with 40% postindustrial recycled content, the blend provides superior impact strength and chemical resistance for extra abrasion resistance. What is more, for those in Caribbean climes, the company’s UV inhibitor blend offers extra protection for applications where sun exposure is a consideration.

In a spirit not dissimilar to Thoreau’s, Veritas’™ resin panels revel in, ‘building castles in the air and putting foundations under them’, with textiles that redefine the limits of possibility and enable customers to become the designers.

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Julio Larraz master of metaphors Words by Juliet Austin

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JULIO LARRAZ – MASTER OF METAPHORS | 51

C

uban-born artist, Julio Larraz’s oeuvre is often described as ‘epic’ or ‘monumental’.

Hard to pinpoint or define, he is what author, Edward Lucie-Smith calls, “an experimentalist disguised as a traditionalist.”

Inhabiting the realm of the subconscious, his compositions invariably elicit more questions than answers. Elusive and multi-layered, deeply satirical themes and potent imagery frame meaning and address the emotional mind of the viewer.

Recognised as one of the greatest living contemporary Latin-American painters, Larraz grew up the son of a newspaper publisher in Havana.

Escaping with his family into political exile in 1961, Larraz’s mastery of caricature first earned him kudos as a political cartoonist in New York, with his depictions of key international players such as Richard Nixon appearing in Rolling Stone, Esquire, The Washington Post and on the cover of Time Magazine. By 1977, Larraz discovered what he considers a lifelong ‘vice,’ signalling a new epoch of artistic expression; using weapons more subtle and dangerous than cartoons, yet still focusing on concepts of social engagement veiled, as Edward J. Sullivan, Professor of Fine Arts at New York University notes, “in his often-enigmatic pictures in which dictators from unnamed countries consort with nefarious denizens of unknown origins.”

Compelled by “a polymorphously perverse” desire to paint, Larraz attributes, “elements of egocentrism, individualism, vanity and exhibitionism,” to his about-turn. Announcing his presence on the global arts’ scene as a man of metaphors, Larraz’s powerful recurring motifs and provocative ‘thought images’ – referencing ancient mythology to contemporary history – emancipated him from the normal vision of things in favour of the risky business of the figurative. Taking on a new Alice-inWonderlandesque surrealism (or ‘evocative realism’), he explains, “The artist sees what others do not... revealing that which reality conceals.”

Rejecting reality’s “despotic power” in favour of possibility, Larraz’s art implies multiplicity and simultaneity. “There is always another possibility.

We have to learn to see it, and this requires effort and discipline.”

Deeply cerebral, Larraz’s art is a game of sorts in which he plays the role of magi, uncovering the fragility of content by means of transformation and camouflage. Christopher Finch describes >

Previous Page: 'The Coven' (1980), oil.

Top: 'Poeta Submarino' (2005), oil on canvas.

Middle: 'The Crossing' (2004), oil.

Bottom: 'A Visit to the Oracle' (2008), watercolour and pastel on paper.

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52 | SEEDS OF CHANGE

Larraz’s virtuoso’s ability to conjure up the physical world: “He takes a poet’s delight in evoking imaginary universes... as if [each image] has been plucked from some epic that has yet to be written.”

Despite his place in the great Cuban Diaspora, Larraz credits Burt Silverman and other New York artists with teaching him the techniques that sparked his career. Drawing on American realists like Sloan, Sargent and Hopper as well as Velázquez and the Spanish still life painters, his allegorical style conveyed something unique: the mystery that he saw contained in even the most routine and ordinary. Exploring seemingly

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simple images – still life tableaux of fruit and fish, ships or bull fighting – Larraz obsessively imbued each image with new meaning, manipulating scale, perspective and light to elicit new interpretations. “Everything changes, is renewed or ends. As Ecclesiastes says, ‘Nothing is new under the sun.’ On the one hand I feel an attraction to things, on the other, I like to reinvent them...”

Yet critics like Sullivan are quick to highlight the “uncertainty and unease” – the intriguingly sinister, larger-than-life psychological element – evident in Larraz’s visual symbolism. Paintings and sculptures contain anonymous figures, featureless faces, body parts or partial

views. Approaching his characters with an entomologist’s spirit of observation, Larraz’s magnifying glass seeks to measure and quantify; to uncover secrets of underlying ‘intelligent design’ (or not, as the case may be). Exploring what is seen and unseen, knowable and unknown, his works transcend the canvas, painting the viewer into the role of unwitting spectator.

Despite the suggestion of place, Larraz rarely depicts exact locations – symptomatic, perhaps, of his earlier exile. Yet Sullivan points out, “It was his move to Miami that marked his symbolic re-connection with the light and atmosphere of his native Cuba

SEEDS OF CHANGE | 53

“There is always another possibility.

We have to learn to see it...”

and his ‘rediscovery’ of the Caribbean basin as a whole. His work is infused with the humid air of the Caribbean, its cloud formations... and the contested history of [its] nations. At times, he simply revels in the sensual landscapes of the places he most loves, evoking their tormented or placid ambience with his masterful use of colour and diaphanous paint.”

Sold in numerous US galleries and housed in public and private collections and museums across the globe, Julio Larraz’s images have travelled far beyond the confines of their frames on allegorical journeys of their own making. Challenging of the

senses, demanding of the intellect, his work speaks what author James Hillman calls, “life’s first unlearned language,” finding associations that initially seem alien, only to reveal in the energy charge that leaps between images a far deeper connection – undoubted proof of Aristotle’s assertion that, “The greatest thing by far is to be a master of metaphor... it is the mark of a genius.”

Opposite Top: 'Brigadier general Andres Malacara premio de la paz' (2005), oil.

Top Left: 'La alcaldesa de Point du Loup', oil on canvas. Photo by Bill Orcutt.

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To view more of Julio Larraz’s work, visit: www.reallifecaribbean.com

Top Right: 'La gracielona in the venetian room' (2009), oil.

Above: 'Cumae,The End of Winter' (2009), oil on canvas. Photo by Bill Orcutt.

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INTER IOR D ES IG N

Turks and Caicos Cayman Islands

F U RN I T URE

AC CE S SO R I E S

Regent Village 649.941.4848 The Strand

www.designstudio.tc

345.945.4977

56 | MUST-HAVES

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STOOLS

By Kyle Fulton

1. RIGHT ANGLE Made from die-cast aluminium, the Stool One is a modern marvel. Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, these new fangled angles are the right fit for your sit. www.luminaire.com 2. IRON WILL An oldie but a goodie, Harry Bertoia’s eponymously named stool is a classic for any kitchen. The delicate basket weave is seductively simple and oozes steel appeal. www.luminaire.com 3. ALL SCREWED UP An ode to 20th century French draftsman’s stools, this iron seat boasts authentic vintage engineering and a refined sensibility, making it a pleasure to settle in metal. www.wisteria.com

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4. RADIANT BEAUTY Gino Carollo’s Clip stool is a brilliant blend of modern mechanics meeting fine form.

The gas piston stem ensures maximum comfort and the naked-lampshade-shape provides the perfect perch to lighten your load. www.bonaldo.it 5. FLIGHT PLAN Combining a bold ethnic pattern of woven wicker with flamingo-like legs, the Flo stool is a solid structure of steel that takes flight as an edgy ensemble. www.unicahome.com

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gold

fever Master goldsmith and iconic fashion jewellery designer, Gurhan Orhan, draws on ancient inspiration to deliver his provocative signature collections of pure gold.

Words by Juliet Austin

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“Fate brings a woman and my jewellery together.”

Gurhan Orhan

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60 | GURHAN ORHAN – GOLD FEVER

n Gurhan Orhan’s world, all that glitters is gold – 24 karat gold to be exact. With his trendsetting designs adorning the slender curves and tanned bodies of the international glitterati, including red carpet fashionistas and stars of the silver screen, his single-handed revival of the ancient art of crafting this once forgotten pure metal have led to a modern day gold rush of sorts, straight to the doors of his exclusive upper eastside Manhattan workshop and a lifetime away from his roots in native Turkey.

For the disbelievers, Gurhan’s meteoric rise is living proof of the power of destiny. The auspicious moment his palm was crossed with pure 24 karat gold, was the moment he began down the ‘mellow yellow’ brick road as a pioneering, self-made goldsmith and internationally renowned jewellery designer. Entranced by the warmth and sensuality of the ‘noblest metal of all’, Gurhan sought out the wisdom handed down from ancient times, studying the practices of the Anatolian and Byzantine empires, including using the wooden and bone tools of the original masters. Honing his proprietary design skills, his once boyish fascination for tinkering, borne of an acute and analytical mind, enabled him to refine such time-tested techniques, solving the problems of malleability to ‘reincarnate’ the coveted and revered beauty of fine 24 karat gold jewellery in a tiny workshop nestled in Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar.

Developing the beguiling, hand-hewn signature style for which he is now held in such high regard – the characteristic natural imperfections resulting from hand hammering – a chance encounter in the early 90’s, saw Gurhan’s ineffaceable ‘fingerprint’ catching the eye of New York-based investment banker, Fiona Tilley. As the stars collided, so began a business partnership-turnedlove-affair that rocked the jewellery world and saw the GURHAN brand propelled into the stratosphere of international superstardom. As his on-trend, eclectic sensibility earned him accolades and awards for his

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distinctive aesthetic and fashion forward coupling of unusual stones and highly textural qualities, Gurhan expanded his repertoire to include signature collections in pure silver and platinum, including his revolutionary 2010 line named 4/24 featuring a unique combination of an early ottoman alloy containing 4 karats of gold and his signature 24 karat gold alongside his own distinctive diamond settings.

Yet his creative philosophy is simple: “First,” he explains, “I dream the woman, then I create the jewellery.”

Exploiting the sensual magnetism of the precious metal, each piece is intended to, “seduce a woman’s senses.”

Innovatively incorporating precious and exotic gemstones – amethysts and aquamarine to black pearls, rubies and labradorite – his perfectly imperfect hand wrought look is undeniably fashion savvy: alluringly novel while maintaining pure and timeless appeal. Easy-to-wear, bohemian stackable rings, Spring and bangle bracelets ooze understated glamour while delivering that all important wow factor. An avid collector of antiques and novelties, Gurhan’s clever coupling of precious metals with ‘found’ objets d’art and rare oneof-a-kind treasures – Victorian micro mosaics to Japanese Satsuma pottery and Byzantine coins – have lead to his latest carved antique lava cameo designs being forecast as one of fall’s hottest trends.

So, as GURHAN gold fever continues to grip the international design and fashion scenes, retailed in over fifteen countries by the likes of Harrods, Harvey Nichols and Liberty of London and paraded by Hollywood’s elite, from the style icons of Sex and the City, celebrities Angelina Jolie and Gwen Stefani and high profile big guns, Hilary Clinton and Queen Rania of Jordan, Gurhan’s radiant designs live to adorn his devotees, acting as the continuous thread that connects worlds, generations and lives by virtue of the man with the golden touch. As Gurhan himself states: “Fate brings a woman and my jewellery together.”

GURHAN is available exclusively at Island Companies, Cayman Islands and Joe’s International Jewelry, St. Maarten

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64 | REAL REPORT

cloudy with a chance of…

sunshine?

KPMG’s Tully Cornick delivers the forecast for investing in the Caribbean during turbulent times.

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iven the current economic climate, one could question whether investing in the Caribbean is a sensible thing to do. The short answer is: of course it is… but you will need to bring cash and tread wisely to avoid stormy weather.

The Caribbean, like most other regions on the planet, continues to face economic duress and a slow recovery from a severe global economic downturn. The region as a whole is heavily dependent on tourism and finance and, consequently, on the state of welfare of the Americas and Europe who account for many of the tourists and much of the invested capital.

Data from the Caribbean Tourism Association shows some of the jurisdictions that have been impacted by the decrease in tourist stopover arrivals from 2007 to 2009. These countries include: St. Vincent and the Grenadines (16%), Montserrat (19%), Bermuda (23%) and Anguilla (25%). Across the region the number of real estate projects has fallen from approximately 125 in 2008 to approximately 60 projects today.

Clearly, when the Americas and Europe suffer, so does the Caribbean.

As income from the Americas and Europe has diminished, Caribbean governments have been looking to prop up their economies with public spending, but many have found that they do not have the necessary headroom or access to capital to do all that they had desired.

As governments struggle to address their current fiscal constraints, attracting foreign investment back to island economies has become an increasing area of focus. The benefits are clear: foreign investment in the Caribbean equates to jobs, fees for governments, opportunities to develop infrastructure and local prosperity.

While the Caribbean has, to an extent, relied on its natural beauty, attractiveness as a tourist destination and, in some jurisdictions, its tax legislation to lure investors, it is the real estate sector that has historically attracted and benefited from foreign private and corporate investors. The number of tourism development projects – hotels, resorts and mixed-use developments – and the secondary housing market throughout the

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region are evidence of this. The likes of Limegrove in Barbados, Camana Bay in the Cayman Islands and Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic are wellpublicised examples. Many governments are keen to see continued development of projects like these and in some cases they are providing assistance. In Barbados, the government has guaranteed a portion of the debt for the development of a Four Seasons branded mixed-use resort.

In The Bahamas, the government has provided various concessions to the developer of Baha Mar, a multibilliondollar tourism investment project. In the Dominican Republic there has been significant spending on infrastructure to support Punta Cana. In the Cayman Islands the government will provide a 25 year Residential Certificate for Investment to those that meet certain criteria, such as, a net worth of at least US$6 million, investment of at least US$2.4 million in licensed, revenue-generating businesses that employ at least 50% Caymanian workers, and the investment must add to the economic life of the Cayman Islands, amongst others.

However, as one might expect, there are investments throughout the Caribbean that have not performed according to plan. A cursory investigation will reveal various developments that have not been completed or are in the hands of banks and administrators eager to exit the investment.

This does not necessarily mean these projects, or new ones, are not worth pursuing. Indeed, those with access to cash or financing may find themselves one of the privileged few who can acquire assets at a

fraction of their prior cost and benefit from the so called ‘second developer’ status; Baha Mar in The Bahamas and the Four Seasons in Barbados were both previously stalled projects. If one agrees with the view that the welfare of the Americas and Europe impacts the Caribbean, one can subsequently form a view as to when the West will come out of its current doldrums.

Earlier this year KPMG published the results of a survey with various lenders in the region who have a combined exposure in the Travel, Tourism and Leisure sector of US$2.58 billion. Lenders were asked about the key lessons learned over the past year.

In general, the responses revealed that cash support from promoters would be key going forward as well as a back-to-basics return to a conservative, long-term approach to lending. In the view of lenders, the primary cause for failure has been unrealistic projections or forecasting. Other reasons cited included lack of cash equity, poor cost control and a lack of strong management and financial control.

What has become increasingly clear, therefore, given the current challenging environment, is the importance of doing one’s homework. Although the Caribbean is seen as one region, its legal and cultural makeup is incredibly diverse. It is crucial that one understands the local rules and regulations regarding foreign investment. Certain jurisdictions, such as the Cayman Islands and The Bahamas for example, require local partners/ shareholders to have a controlling stake if a company is to be established and do business there. In Bermuda and BVI the laws on purchasing land are significantly different to other islands. Using a reputable local legal or financial advisor can certainly help eliminate some of the risks. Given the desire by many jurisdictions to attract foreign investment, during this time of tight liquidity, as well as the number of assets for sale and projects that need funding, this may be an ideal time for investors. The lenders in the region remain cautious but are still here and still lending. Just make sure that if you have not yet secured funding, you have a solid investment plan, a strong team, some cash equity and that you have completed your due diligence.

losing the plot Part two of our three part series on Caribbean architecture: Silencing the traditional architectural voice of the Caribbean vernacular.

Words by Steve Mouzon and Juliet Austin

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rchitecture is a powerful storyteller. Making spaces into places, local narratives are woven into the foundations, creating built landscapes that are alive and constantly evolving. Prior to World War II, you would have been hard pushed to find an architecture anywhere on earth so well-attuned to regional conditions, climate and culture as in the Caribbean. However, with the dawn of new technology, an increase in social and financial mobility and the power of tourism, the voice of the Caribbean vernacular has all but been silenced, relegating its architecture to a stylised pastiche.

Increasingly, Caribbean buildings are being torn down and replaced with construction that could be from anywhere rather than somewhere.

Today, a new building in most

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Caribbean cities might pass for one in any number of US states. Walk through many of the region’s cities, and you will notice two things: most of the old buildings are falling down, and the new ones look like they were lifted straight out of Orlando’s sprawl. These uninspired structures have no business being in the Caribbean. Yet perhaps the most mind-numbing aspect of this homogeneity is the monumental disconnect that has lead to an increasing loss of regional identity.

THE BUCK STOPS HERE Modernist architects of the early twentieth century advocated for an international architectural style not formed by any particular place, but rather by an industrial aesthetic. They promoted ‘factory made’ architecture: clean lines and sparse surfaces. New

LOSING THE PLOT | 67

more darkly-toned base, with windows and shutters in saturated greens or blues. Often the largest living spaces, heavily planted courtyards generate shade and are embellished with fountains which cool the air.

materials and technology certainly lead to a revolution of ‘better’ buildings but not to the evolution of better places.

With the architect assuming the role of authority, the living tradition of island wisdom was sidelined.

Concurrently, the construction industry’s attempt to remodel itself, rejected locally sourced materials and adopted a similar industrial paradigm.

Locally-available materials suited to climatic conditions and environmental factors were eschewed in favour of prefabricated items, signalling the end of individuality. No matter the differences in geographical characteristics, the unique demands for shelter and comfort dictated by temperature, topography or history. No matter the patterns of colonial rule or cultural influences. Contemporary architecture embraced a stylised Caribbean ‘look’ driven by the desire to encapsulate the ‘pleasure islands’ as a global icon. ‘Cookie-cutter’ architecture was born, flaunting Victorian gingerbread and a bright palette of colours so often mistakenly recognised as the Caribbean vernacular.

LOOKING INTO THE SEEDS OF TIME It would seem, therefore, that paradise is not all lost. With architecture returning to its roots, with designs that speak of people and places, there seems a growing willingness to adopt traditional wisdom in order to evolve contemporary structures shaped, as in times past, by climate, culture and locale. With history hiding in plain site, the endless anthology of Caribbean design stands ready to be reclaimed in favour of a more authentic telling.

Previous page: Trinidad de Cuba Above Top: Dunmore Town, Eluthera, The Bahamas

“IN THIS BRIGHT FUTURE, YOU CAN’T FORGET YOUR PAST…” Architect, Frank Lloyd Wright once commented that, “Without an architecture of our own, we have no soul in our civilisation.” Fortunately, some areas have avoided the fate of placeless architecture – some by being too poor in recent years to pull down their buildings and rebuild, others due to dedicated preservation efforts.

One such place is Dunmore Town on Harbour Island, The Bahamas. Situated just north of Eleuthera, Harbour Island looks east across the vast Atlantic, with almost no other lands between itself and Europe. There, Bahamian cottages are compact in plan, framed with porches looking toward the water to catch the sea breezes. Slender chamfered porch posts are connected with benches, enabling the porch to seat twice as many people as it otherwise might. Lit and ventilated with dormer windows, almost every cottage has an upper level tucked under the roof. Windows feature solid shutters to protect against hurricane winds, with the open shutters increasing the horizontal proportion of the dormers

Above Middle & Below: Trinidad de Cuba Left: Pedro St James, Grand Cayman

and accentuating the low sheltering feel of the cottages.

Similarly, Grand Cayman’s Pedro St. James is the finest building in the Cayman Islands. Long sitting in ruins, it was meticulously restored in recent decades from old photographs showing its ancient condition. Heavy masonry piers ring the lower level, while upper level columns are built of chamfered wood. Deep wraparound verandahs catch breezes coming from all directions making it possible to sit comfortably in their shade even on the hottest afternoon. Storing the cool of the night in the stone walls, louvers protect against the absorption of heat during the day.

In Trinidad de Cuba, economic austerity means that little has changed since the Cuban Revolution of the late 1950’s. Consequently, the historic centre is a treasure trove of heavy masonry courtyard buildings laid out in classic Spanish colonial fashion. Walls are earth tones and ochres above a

68 | ARCHITECT PROFILE

RONSHAW Ignoring its enormity and palatial demeanour, I think it is an incredible accomplishment of good proportion, stimulating geometric shape, and a perfect marriage of form and function in technology, topography, detail and nature.

Designer of dreams, Ron Shaw of R.A. Shaw Designs, reveals his passion for constructing Caribbean creations.

Why did you choose to become an architect?

Practicing architecture was not a choice; it was simply an extension of one of my natural born senses and yearnings. An architect is an artist who designs structures to enclose space for human shelter. My art started when I first discovered a pencil.

Who was your first mentor and how did he/she influence you?

My first mentor was a college professor by the name of Hans Miethig. He endured great hardship in the Second World War as a German soldier forced to fight in a war he did not believe in. Captured by the Russians, during his time as prisoner of war he vowed to repay society if he survived. I was blessed to be the recipient of his vow. He instilled in me the meaning and benefit of hard work, dedication, commitment and human decency.

His dedication, teachings, and morals have benefited my career immeasurably.

How would you describe your design sense or style?

I do not have a particular architectural design sense or style. Rather, I pride myself in being a very good listener and delivering the design and style that my clients request.

What is your favourite building in the Caribbean?

At the risk of sounding pompous and selffulfilling, it is a project I designed in the Turks and Caicos Islands known as Emerald Cay, a 30,000 square foot, US$40M +/single-family residence on its own island.

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What do you think is the most misunderstood thing about your profession?

The artist side of our profession is God given, while scale and proportion (form) comes naturally to talented architects. I think many people do not understand this and should not meddle with the architect on form. On the other hand, function comes from life experience. In many cases, our clients may bring more of this to the table and we, as architects, must respect this and not meddle with the client.

What are you working on at present?

The hub of Providenciales is Turtle Cove and the related yacht basin. We have tabled and received overwhelming client approval on a commercial/residential concept for the Turtle Cove Marina. This aside, we recently had approval on a residential concept for an ocean front property in Long Bay that I am confident will be a contender at next year’s International Properties Award competition.

What do you dream of one day designing if money were no object?

This is a question to ask of a developer.

I love creating architecture, but I leave the dreams to them. Turning their dreams around is what I do.

What inspires you to keep designing?

Two things: my passion for pencil sketching, and second; turning dreams into reality.

The gratification of working with clients to determine their ideals, attaining approval of my concept, and then sharing in the excitement watching their dreams and visions come to life, is a privilege I am very grateful for. Each experience inspires me for the next.

Emerald Cay

If you could work with any other designer or architect in the world, who would it be?

Hands down it would be Frank Lloyd Wright.

Wright preached the beauty of native materials and insisted that buildings grow naturally from their surroundings. As a very young child, I was awestruck with Wright’s Fallingwater, Kaufman House. Brilliant!

If you had a dinner party, name four people (living or dead) whom you would like to entertain.

Architecture – Frank Lloyd Wright; Business – Alan Greenspan; Politics – Ronald Reagan; Theatre – Meryl Streep. Oh! Can I invite just one more? My mother. She died when I was just 10; I have a lot to share with her.

Where would we find you on a Friday night?

As boring as it may seem I’m probably in bed. I am a runner who hits the road at 4:30am.

What is your favourite vacation spot?

New York City. What an amazing amalgamation of history, society, architecture, technology, culture and nature.

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Haiti, just 90 miles south of us, is in a desperate state. I have sponsored a young Haitian to attend College in Canada.

Underprepared, the odds of his success are stacked against him, but if he succeeds I will be the happiest man on earth.

What is your motto?

Treat others as you would expect to be treated.

real estate FEATURE PROPERTY Camana Bay, Cayman Islands..........................70 THE CARIBBEAN Christie’s Great Estates.....................................73 ANTIGUA Sugar Ridge .......................................................74 BARBADOS Godiva Realty ....................................................74 CAYMAN ISLANDS The Residences Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman ...83 Michael Joseph, RE/MAX Cayman Islands......84 NCB Homes......................................................84 TURKS & CAICOS Villa del Mar ......................................................77 Turtle Breeze Villa .............................................78 HAB Group........................................................78

70 | CAMANA BAY – HEART OF THE HOMETOWN

“The centre of town is the hub of life”

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heart

of the Hometown

Grand Cayman’s new hometown, Camana Bay, gets to the heart of Caribbean community. Words by Juliet Austin

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t the risk of sounding dramatic, revolutionary rumblings are afoot in Grand Cayman that could alter the social fabric of an entire region. Dart’s long anticipated Camana Bay – a compact, master-planned town spanning two bodies of water from the world famous Seven Mile Beach to the North Sound – has not merely dipped a toe into the warm waters of change but dived, full throttle, into a sweeping tide of architectural reform.

An antidote to the ‘loneliness of spirit’ permeating modern society,

Camana Bay has ‘gone back,’ to create a future revolving around community.

Embracing intimate, mixed-use neighbourhoods, the new town’s nostalgic return to traditional values cultivated with human scale and proportion at its core has schools, shops, civic facilities, parks and entertainment all within a stone’s throw of home. “We are not interested in perpetuating monocultures,” explains John Hillman, Director of Sales for Camana Bay. “There is something here for everyone. All can >

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72 | CAMANA BAY – HEART OF THE HOMETOWN

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Bay. As the cinema turns out, youngsters play in the magically illuminated fountains, spraying jets high into the night air. Diners eat under the stars; office workers stroll home, grabbing a drink en route or browsing the fresh, local produce at the evening markets. What other place, one has to wonder, would sacrifice prime waterfront real estate to incorporate parks, a boardwalk and The Island – where hand-picked palm trees create a quintessential tropical aesthetic?

Yet the logistics are remarkably straightforward: stick a compass point into the centre of town, draw a circle quarter of a mile in each direction and… a neighbourhood is born. A network of interconnected, tree-lined streets and biking trails serve vital social functions as places to see and be seen; children walk to school or pop to the park to play; neighbours exchange pleasantries and the human condition enters life centre stage.

Framed by architectural details that celebrate local history, climate, ecology and craftsmanship, numerous subtle signatures shape each streetscape… award-winning designs by Moore, Ruble Yudell Architects, OLIN Partnership and Duany Plater-Zyberk, to name but a few. Despite allusions to the regional vernacular, the town offers fresh architectural direction, honouring the essence of Cayman, but assuredly adopting its own innovative look. Light fixtures designed exclusively by L’Observatoire accentuate louvered façades, deep overhangs and shady porches, while infrastructural elements run underground, ensuring no unsightly blots on the landscape.

Features are designed to age gracefully, adding character, charm and patina to an aesthetic intended to grow organically long into the future.

Gone are the days of escape from the confines of small town living. Now, those who were once drawn to the lights of the big city are taking an introspective look at the value of knowing where they came from. And while the notion of ‘hometown’ is, for some, a distant memory, at Camana Bay, the heart of hometown has been returned to the people with the promise of ‘being the change in the world,’ that they wished to see.

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participate.” And with rentals at The Terraces leased out within one hundred days, participating they are.

Reigniting the lost heart of the hometown, Camana Bay initially focused less on individual housing lots and more on reacquainting people with a sense of community that has long lain dormant. Creating opportunities for social interaction via architecture, one quarter of the town centre’s total area was designated public space, meticulously orientated to maximise cooling breezes and promoting outdoor living by offering a wealth of annual events, exhibitions and workshops. As John aptly states, “The Centre of Town is the hub of life.”

Camana Bay has an energy of its own. Open in October, the Discovery Centre provides a discernable anchor to the growing community, offering a venue for friendly exchange and learning; a ‘creative laboratory’ showcasing the story of Camana Bay’s past, present and future. Inside, interactive touch-screens and concierge service encourage visitors to discover all there is to know about this burgeoning new town. Lounging chairs, sofas and a fully equipped kitchen send out a warm welcome note to all, while purpose-designed planters by Karoly showcase plants and herbs from the nursery, longestablished to supply mature landscaping to this vision of a place.

Little wonder that people are thronging to Camana Bay… not to a house or land, but to a place to call home.

Outside, ‘life blossoms’ around four central courtyards: Jasmine, Gardenia, Canella and Cassia. Casual seating areas, enhanced by tinkling water features by Fluidity, foster the natural inclination to gather. “The Town’s creation is like a garden, sowing seeds that will bear fruit for generations to come,” states Siân Cullen, Camana Bay’s Marketing Manager.

Interestingly, it is those future generations who are leading the charge, intuitively embracing change without the need for re-education on the nature of human connection. Amble down The Paseo, the pedestrian-only streetscape, and hear children’s laughter – uninhibited appreciation of the sensory experience that is Camana

For further detailed information on preparation, including a list of Caribbean shelters and national hurricane websites, please visit www.reallifecaribbean.com.

CARIBBEAN REGION ARCHITECTS Tony Brooks Architects Ltd., (Barbados) ...........................(246) 437 8881 Lee H. Skolnick Architecture ..............................................(212) 989 2624 OBM International Antigua.........................................................................(268) 462 1047 Bermuda......................................................................(441) 278 3550 British Virgin Islands .....................................................(284) 494 2148 Cayman Islands...........................................................(345) 949 8115 Miami ...........................................................................(305) 537 7100 Trinidad and Tobago ....................................................(868) 624 6449 Andrew Goodenough Architects, Antigua..........................(268) 460 1489 Brisbane N. & Associates, St Kitts Nevis.... ......................(869) 465 5111 John Doak Architecture .....................................................(345) 946 3625 Caribbean Design, Architects & Engineers, Barbados ......(246) 427 5696 Downing Roger & Partner Co. Ltd, BVI ..............................(284) 494 2762 Lancaster Associates, St Kitts & Nevis ..............................(869) 465 7931 Melon Design, St Lucia......................................................(758) 458 4605 ATTORNEYS O’Neal Webster, BVI....................................................(284) 494 5808 Ogier, BVI ...........................................................................(284) 494 0525 Lex Caribbean, Trinidad & Tobago.....................................(868) 628 9255 AVIATION & AIRLINES Arrindell Aviation Services, St Maarten ...............................(599) 546 7641 Biz Jet To Yacht (FBO 2000), Antigua ................................(268) 562 4347 Bohlke International Airways, St Croix ................................(340) 778 9177 I Am Caribbean Inc, Barbados ..........................................(242) 428 1704 I Am Jet Centre, Jamaica ..................................................(876) 971 9033 Island Air, Cayman Islands.................................................(345) 949 5252 Lloyd Aviation Services, Anguilla........................................(954) 804 4288 Million Air San Juan, Puerto Rico .......................................(787) 994 3200 MN Aviation, Puerto Rico ...................................................(787) 791 7090 Odyssey Aviation Asheville Regional Airport ............................................(828) 684 6832 Charleston International Airport ....................................(843) 414 9200 Chicago Midway Airport...............................................(773) 284 2867 Cincinnati Lunken Airport .............................................(513) 871 2020 Port Columbus International Airport .............................(614) 238 3900 Lafayette Regional Airport............................................(337) 234 3100 Lynden Pindling International Airport............................(242) 702 0200 New Orleans Lakefront Airport .....................................(504) 241 2800 Provo Air Centre, Turks and Caicos ...................................(649) 946 4181 St Thomas Jet Centre, St Thomas.....................................(340) 777 9177 BANKS & FINANCIAL SERVICES First Caribbean...................................................................(246) 367 2300 St. Kitts Investment Promotion Agency (SKIPA) .................(869) 465 1153 HSBC, Bermuda ................................................................(441) 299 6615 KPMG, Barbados ...............................................................(246) 427 5230 KPMG, Cayman Islands.....................................................(345) 949 4800 Royal Bank of Canada, Bahamas......................................(649) 941 4776 Royal Bank of Canada, Barbados .....................................(246) 367 2300 Scotiabank Private Client Group : Bahamas: ...................................................................(242) 502-5701

Cayman ......................................................................(345) 914-6274 Dominican Republic ...................................................(809) 545 8110 Barbados ....................................................................(246) 417 2004 Trinidad & Tobago .......................................................(868) 625 3566 Turks & Caicos ............................................................(649) 941 3971 Jamaica ......................................................................(876) 946 7215 UBS – Global Bank .....................................................(242) 394-9300 DESIGNERS Adriana Hoyos ............................................................(305) 572 9052 DCOTA: Design Center of the Americas ...........................(954) 920 7997 Marble of the World............................................................(954) 745 9700 Tucci...................................................................................(305) 634 5116 DEVELOPERS / CONSTRUCTION / SURVEYORS BCQS International Bahamas .....................................................................(242) 393 5352 Barbados.....................................................................(246) 428 8091 British Virgin Islands .....................................................(284) 494 7144 Cayman Islands...........................................................(345) 949 8644 St Lucia........................................................................(758) 450 7040 Turks and Caicos .........................................................(649) 946 4238 B.E. Groupe, Inc ................................................................(310) 300 4062 Decco Products Int’l Inc. ...................................................(305) 266 0104 Expert Roof (St. Martin) ....................................................+59 05 90 8717 Goldeneye Development, Jamaica ...................................(876) 297 7777 Mansail Development Group, LLC, USA ...........................(813) 254 3110 Rotherley Construction Inc, Barbados ...............................(246) 425 0950 St Kitts Nevis Anguilla Trading & Developing Co Ltd .........(869) 465 2511 Victor International ..............................................................(248) 364 2400 KITCHENS, BATHROOMS & CABINENTRY Downsview Kitchens of Dania ....................................(954) 927 1100 Downsview Kitchens of Juno......................................(561) 799 7700 Kitchen Design Studio in Dominican..........................(809) 541 7707 Briko One, Antigua.............................................................(268) 562 3528 Cactus Stone & Tile ...........................................................(602) 275 6400 Delta Faucets.....................................................................(317) 587 1248 The Italian Kitchen Company, Trinidad ...............................(868) 628 3045 Knoll ...................................................................................(877) 615 6655 Living Design, St Kitts ........................................................(869) 465 3223 Nolte Kitchens....................................................................(954) 929 0889 Scavollini........................................................................ (+39) 0721 4431 POOLS & LANDSCAPE DESIGN Aquatic Consultants, Florida ..............................................(305) 383 7266 David Tisherman’s Visual Inc., California ...........................(310) 379 6700 MKS International ...............................................................(345) 916 7612 REAL ESTATE AGENTS Godiva Realty (Barbados) ......................................... (246) 249 8032 Christie's Great Estates Anguilla .......................................................................1 888 226 4845 Antigua & Barbuda ......................................................(268) 562 6042 Bahamas .....................................................................(242) 322 1041 Barbados.....................................................................(246) 432 0840 Bermuda......................................................................(441) 296 0278

British Virgin Islands .....................................................(284) 494 2446 Cayman Islands...........................................................(345) 815 7777 Dominican Republic ....................................................(829) 473 0000 St. Martin................................................................(590) 590 51 02 85 Turks & Caicos.............................................................(649) 941 4105 US Virgin Islands..........................................................(340) 775 9000 St. Barth.................................................................(590) 590 29 88 91 HCL Group ........................................................................(868) 622 4925 Provaltur International – Dominican Republic ....................(829) 473-0000 Sotheby’s International Realty Group Anguilla ........................................................................(246) 498 0123 Bahamas .....................................................................(242) 362 4211 Barbados.....................................................................(246) 432 2470 BVI ...............................................................................(284) 494 3999 ..

Cayman Islands...........................................................(345) 623 1234 St Barth ........................................................................(508) 528 7727 St Lucia........................................................................(758) 285 5422 Turks and Caicos.........................................................(649) 946 4474 RESORTS / MARINAS The Estates on Sundance Ridge, St Kitts..........................(869) 466 1277 Caneel Bay, USVI ...............................................................(340) 776 6111 Canouan Resort, St Vincent & Grenadines ........................(784) 458 8044 Cap Cana, Dominican Republic ........................................(809) 227 2262 Nanny Cay Village, BVI.......................................................(284) 494 4895 Ocean’s Edge, St Kitts.......................................................(869) 466 7991 Oil Nut Bay, BVI .................................................................(800) 761 0377 Rosewood Little Dix Bay, BVI .............................................(284) 495 5555 Scrub Island, BVI................................................................(877) 890 7444 Sea Horse Ranch, Dominican Republic ............................(809) 571 3880 Sugar Ridge, Antigua.........................................................(268) 562 7727 The Crane Resort, Barbados .............................................(246) 423 6220 Turtle Breeze Villa ............................................................1 (866) 331 4269 SHIPPING Tropical Shipping..................................................................800 638 8767 SHOPPING, JEWELLERY & AUTO Little Switzerland Aruba ...........................................................................(297) 586 1166 Bahamas .....................................................................(242) 322 8521 Barbados.....................................................................(246) 431 0030 British Virgin Islands .....................................................(284) 494 3730 Cayman Islands...........................................................(345) 946 6292 Curacao.....................................................................(5999) 461 2111 Puerto Rico ..................................................................(787) 791 5723 St John ........................................................................(340) 715 5340 St Maarten ...................................................................(599) 542 2523 St Thomas ...................................................................(340) 776 2010 LVMH Global............................................................+33 (0) 1 44 132 222 Mercedes Benz International........................................+55 11141736611

CAYMAN ISLANDS ARCHITECTS Design (Cayman)...............................................................(345) 949 2800 John Doak Architecture .....................................................(345) 946 3625

Directory contd.

ATTORNEYS Conyers Dill and Pearman .................................................(345) 945 3901 J Barry Smith Attorney-at-Law ............................................(345) 943 7700 AUDIO VISUAL The Audiophile ...................................................................(345) 746 4434 AVIATION SERVICES Island Air ............................................................................(345) 949 5252 BANKING & MORTGAGES Cayman National Bank ......................................................(345) 949 4655 Fidelity Bank (Cayman) Ltd ................................................(345) 949 7822 First Caribbean International Bank (Cayman) Ltd ..............(345) 949 7300 HSBC Bank (Cayman) Ltd .................................................(345) 949 7755 CONDOMINIUM & VILLA RENTALS The Ritz-Carlton Luxury Rentals .................................(345) 326 1278 Cayman Villas, Vacation Rentals ........................................(345) 945 4144 Cotton Tree ........................................................................(345) 943 0700 CONDO/RESIDENCES DEVELOPMENTS The DeckHouses at the Ritz-Carlton (Grand Cayman)......(345) 815 7777 The Terraces at Camana Bay.............................................(345) 640 3808 DEVELOPMENTS / MARINAS Camana Bay ......................................................................(345) 946 2229 The Bacadere Marina.........................................................(345) 949 3743 DEVELOPERS Butler Property Development Group ..................................(345) 945 4977 Davenport Development Ltd..............................................(345) 949 4979 NCB Homes ......................................................................(345) 946 9622 Orion Developers...............................................................(345) 815 7777 INTERIOR DESIGN & DECOR Design Studio..............................................................(345) 945 4977 Sticks & Stones..................................................................(345) 947 8663 KITCHENS, BATHROOMS & CABINETRY Bon Vivant ..........................................................................(345) 623 2665 Pooley Design Studio ........................................................(345) 947 6780 Storage Solutions...............................................................(345) 525 2647 Work of Art Woodworking...................................................(345) 548 5141 MECHANICAL, ELECTRICAL, PLUMBLING Andro Group ......................................................................(345) 949 8000 PROPERTY INSURANCE Island Heritage...................................................................(345) 949 7280 REAL ESTATE AGENTS The Ritz-Carlton Resales & Rentals ...................................(345) 326 1278

Cayman Islands Sotheby’s International Realty .................(345) 623 1234 Crighton Properties Ltd ......................................................(345) 949 5250 Dart Realty..........................................................................(345) 943 3278 Dragon Bay Cayman Islands .............................................(345) 815 7777 IRG International Realty Group Ltd.....................................(345) 623 1111 Michael Joseph, RE/MAX Cayman Islands........................(345) 949 6170 Regal Realty.......................................................................(345) 943 0007 SHOPPING & JEWELLERY Island Companies Ltd........................................................(345) 640 5200

BAHAMAS AVIATION & AIRLINES Bahamasair ........................................................................(242) 377 8452 Cat Island Air......................................................................(242) 377 3318 Executive Flight Support ....................................................(242) 424 9598 Odyssey Aviation Bahamas ...............................................(242) 702 0200 Western Air.........................................................................(242) 377 2222 ARCHITECTS Artech Bahamas Ltd ..........................................................(242) 327 2335 Bruce LaFleur & Associates...............................................(242) 323 8421 BANKS Fidelity ................................................................................(242) 356 7764 Scotia Bank........................................................................(242) 502 5799 SG Private Banking ............................................................(242) 302 5000 CONCIERGE SERVICES Platinum Pineapple .....................................................(242) 393 4921 BYM & Simply Gourmet......................................................(242) 393 0905 Island Concierge Services .................................................(242) 362 6861 GOLF CLUBS & COURSES Cable Beach ......................................................................(242) 677 4175 INTERIOR DESIGN & DECOR Downsview Kitchens of Nassau..................................(242) 377 0004 Floral Arts ....................................................................(242) 325-3581 Paint Supplies & Jolly Rogers ............................................(242) 393 2836 RESIDENCIAL DEVELOPMENTS Bayroc Beach Residences ................................................(242) 327 0112 Lyford Cay..........................................................................(242) 362 4211 Ocean Club Residences and Marina ................................(242) 363 3000 Old Fort Bay .......................................................................(242) 362 6434 The Abaco Club on Winding Bay ......................................(407) 345 6175 The Balmoral......................................................................(242) 454 8528 Cave Heights Development...............................................(242) 327 8867

REAL ESTATE AGENTS Damianos Sotheby’s International Realty...........................(242) 322 2305 H.G. Christie.......................................................................(242) 322 1041 Mario Carey Realty .............................................................(242) 327 8867 Morley Realty......................................................................(242) 394 7070 Ocean Club Real Estate ....................................................(242) 328 7777 RESORTS & SPAS Compass Point ..................................................................(242) 327 4500 Dermal Distributions...........................................................(242) 327 6786 The Marley Resort & Spa ...................................................(242) 702 2800 Wyndham Nassau Resort ..................................................(242) 677 4115

TURKS AND CAICOS AVIATION & AIRLINE Air Provo Centre .................................................................(649) 946 4181 ARCHITECTS RA Shaw Designs ..............................................................(649) 941 4394 Simon Wood Associates....................................................(649) 946 5911 BANKS Fidelity ................................................................................(649) 941 5624 Hallmark Bank & Trust Ltd..................................................(649) 946 5524 Royal Bank of Canada .......................................................(649) 941 4667 CONTRACTORS Fountainhead Construction................................................(649) 946 4676 Norstar Group ....................................................................(649) 941 3600 Projectech..........................................................................(649) 941 3508 CONDO/RESIDENCIAL DEVELOPMENTS NorthWest Point Resort ......................................................(649) 941 8961 Regent Grand ....................................................................(649) 941 7770 The Estates of Grace Bay Club .........................................(649) 941 3900 The Gansevoort .................................................................(649) 941 7555 The Regent Palms .............................................................(649) 946 8666 The Sands at Grace Bay....................................................(649) 946 5199 The Shore Club..................................................................(649) 232 1067 The Vellagio........................................................................(649) 941 8900 The Veranda.......................................................................(649) 289 4487 Turtle Breeze......................................................................1 866 331 4269 Villa Renaissance ...............................................................(649) 941 5300 DEVELOPMENTS HAB Group ........................................................................(649) 946 5126 Regent Village ....................................................................(649) 941 4400 The Saltmills .......................................................................(649) 946 4238 GOLF CLUBS & COURSES Provo Golf & Country Club.................................................(649) 946 5991

TO ADVERTISE in REALLIFE CARIBBEAN CALL (345) 943 7325 or visit

www. reallifecaribbean .com

INSURANCE International Insurance Agency Ltd....................................(649) 941 3195 The Insurance Centre ........................................................(649) 941 4814 INTERIOR DESIGN & DECOR Design Studio..............................................................(649) 941 4848 Finishing Touch ...........................................................(649) 941 4393 FRK Belongings .................................................................(649) 941 8055 REAL ESTATE AGENTS Grace Bay Realty ........................................................(649) 941 4105 Hartling Realty ....................................................................(649) 941 4100 H.G. Christie.......................................................................(649) 231 2110 Turks & Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty ...................(649) 946 4474 Villa Del Mar......................................................................1-877-209-0506 SURVEYORS, VALUATIONS & PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Grace Bay Resorts.............................................................(649) 946 5050 Hartling Group....................................................................(649) 941 3339