REAL LIFE Caribbean | Fall 2018 by REAL LIFE Caribbean

ON THE SHORES OF SOUTH SOUND... PHASE I & II - SOLD OUT â&#x20AC;¢ PHASE III - ONLY A FEW REMAIN!

Davenport Development ltd SALES OFFICE (345) 949 4979 info@davenport.ky davenport.ky

ARVIA COMING TO the shores of GRAND HARBOUR LUXURY CANAL FRONT CONDOS - reserve now!

Sparkling MARINA views Varied villa floor plans Visionary Architecture & Design Olympic length swimming pool PRIVATE DOCKS IN SAFE HARBOUR BOAT ACCESS TO NORTH SOUND Resort style amenities On-site property management Concierge Services Secure, gated community ADJACENT TO THE SHOPPES AT GRAND HARBOUR

Vol 13, issue 2, fall 2018 PUBLISHER MC2 LTD. Melanie Roddam - melanie@reallife.ky EDITORIAL Editor - Kyle Fulton - kyle@reallife.ky Assistant Editor & Writer - Natasha Were Writer Lindsay Thompson

SALES & MARKETING Sales Manager Vanessa Singleton - vanessa@reallife.ky DESIGN Melanie Roddam - melanie@reallife.ky DISTRIBUTION CONTACT Vanessa Singleton - vanessa@reallife.ky WEBSITE www.reallife.ky

BE A PART OF THE NEXT REAL LIFE For advertising, editorial contribution, products or Showcase Properties please contact us at: (345) 943 7325 or email: info@reallife.ky The views expressed within this publication do not reflect those of mc2 Ltd, REAL LIFE or their employees. mc2 Ltd. and REAL LIFE do not accept responsibility for the views contained herein. Published bi-annually. © 2018 mc2 Ltd.

LIAM DAY is the Managing Director of BCQS International with extensive Caribbean knowledge having worked in the region for over 30 years. In this issue he covers Caribbean Market Trends on page 82.

Georgie Loxton An Oxford graduate and CFA charter holder; Georgie is a long-term resident of Cayman who started her career in London. In this issue she asks Does Money Buy You Happiness? on page 102.

Aneal Sobie Manager of Information Security at CNB has over 14 years of experience in Information Security. Aneal holds several certifications and an M.Sc. in Information Security. He shares his online security tips on page 84.

DarrEn trickett has over 25 years experience in the financial services industry and is now the Sales and Relationship Manager of Island Heritage Pensions. He shares his thoughts on retirement plans with us on page 86.

As 2018 edges to a close, many of us reflect upon yet another year gone by. We find such contemplation is easier under gently stirring palms with a sundowner in hand. At REAL LIFE we explore the Caribbean to reveal the best the region has to offer, with sneak-peeks inside remarkable homes and profiles of the talented and intriguing characters that live amongst us. In this issue our cover home, Casa del Cielo, takes a different approach to the indoor-outdoor living concept by opening the roof to the sky. Also in Cayman, we reveal Villa Mango, a majestic modern home packed with travel curios and playful design features. Join us to explore Villa Utopic in St. Baths, a spectacular abode that stands out for its clever use of colour and seamless transition between indoors and outdoors. Meet the legendary songwriter and producer Eddy Grant and view the vibrant work of Bajan artist Vanita Commisiong. We’ve also scoured the region to bring you the best places to rest your head (whether over-water or in the treetops), the region’s top chefs, unique wines from around the globe, organic spas and more. Keeping you connected to the Caribbean and beyond, this issue is jam packed with alluring editorials, so sit back beside the gin-blue waters, and enjoy!

Cheers & enjoy!

CASA DEL CIELO

VILLA UTOPIC

VILLA MANGO

ARVIA

THE RESIDENCES OF STONE ISLAND

OTISAIR A FRESH APPROACH

MUST-HAVES Above the Mark - Benches

PROFILE Lydia Uzzell of Lydia Uzzell Interior Design

SMALL SPACES Design Tips

Design Den

profile

REAL REPORT

Mikki Chin of OBMI

Are We There Yet?

LUXURY REAL ESTATE

MUST-HAVES Tropical Haven

rEAL REPORT Caribbean Market Trends

Green Scene Indoor Plant Styling

rEAL REPORT Stay Secure

EDITOR'S OBSESSIONS

REACHING NEW HEIGHTS

DESIGN IS SCENE

STYLE MEETS SUSTAINABILITY AT THE RESIDENCES AT SEAFIRE

100

DISCOVER YOUR OASIS

BEYOND ELECTRIC AVENUE EDDY GRANT

102

107

Does Money Buy You Happiness?

Jill Palmer of No.11 Spa

103

108

REAL REPORT

POSTCARD

PROFILE

ORGANIC SPAS

From Bonaire

104

Caribbean resorts Above All Expectations

106

Must-haves Wish List

110

TIME TO UNWIND

112

JUICE IT UP, SMOOTH(IE) IT DOWN

114 ACKEE

122 VIVACIOUS AND VIBRANT, VANITA

115

CULINARY MAGIC

118

KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

120

WINE-SPIRATION

126

INDUSTRY NEWS

128

DIRECTORY

Casa del

Cielo

A family home in Vista del Mar takes a different approach to the indoor-outdoor living concept, by opening the roof to the sky. Words by Natasha Were. Photography by Heather Holt.

hen Chris and Kristy Capewell began to discuss designs for the house they would build together, light and openness were key concepts – but a glass roof was not initially on their list of ‘must haves.’ It was one of Chris’s more outlandish suggestions, which along with an indoor koi carp pond and the glass-fronted wine storage, found their way into the final design. With three young children, many of the Capewell’s priorities were practical a central open plan kitchen and dining area, the family’s bedrooms all on the same floor, a play room that was easy to supervise and outside space where the kids could kick a ball around - but Kristy’s art and design background, Chris’s creative ideas, and the guidance of architect Tim Peck and later Mikki Chin of OBMI, enabled them to incorporate some striking design features into this functionality. Tim envisioned the initial design concept, then Mikki helped translate it into reality working alongside Phoenix Construction to ensure it was built to the client’s original vision.

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“The original concept was based upon a reinterpretation of the traditional Mediterranean villa, centred around a courtyard as the active hub of the house,” Tim explained. “In this case the courtyard became enclosed and conditioned, with all social spaces and the upper circulation gallery leading off this ‘courtyard’.” A double-height dining room thus occupies the courtyard, with the kitchen, sunken living room and playroom leading off it, and the master suite and children’s bedrooms are accessed from the first floor gallery. Although the courtyard was originally designed with a flat roof, set above narrow windows that would allow light to filter through, Chris’s radical idea of replacing the solid roof with a glass atrium transformed the design into something spectacular.

“Tim was amazing to work with because of the way he absorbed and realised ideas like this so effortlessly,” Kristy says. Now, not only do they have the light and airy quality they wanted but they can sit indoors and see aeroplanes, storm clouds, and frigate birds passing overhead by day, and revel in the sight of the moon and stars at night. Occupying this central space is a stunning dining table, topped by a single slice of sustainably sourced chamcha wood, with a cluster of spherical pendant lights, made from wispy strands of fibreglass, suspended above it. “We always eat at the table in this house because it is where everyone wants to be,” the owners note.

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Due to the covenants governing Vista del Mar, the exterior is Mediterranean in style and is finished in earthy, terracotta tones, whilst the interior aesthetic is fresh and bright. The high gloss white kitchen cabinetry, installed by Pooley Cabinets, and the pale wood-look floor tiles from ITC create a crisp, clean background that offsets the lush greenery visible through the large windows. A few steps down from the dining room, a snug living room with a family-size corner sofa opens onto an outdoor dining patio with pull down fly screens, ideal for entertaining. For family nights in, a home cinema, complete with seats salvaged from Camana Bay cinema, make movie nights a special occasion. Kristy’s own artwork, much of which follows an ornithological theme, with colours cleverly matching the tones of the furniture, adds personality and colour, whilst the bold use of hardwood softens the clean, contemporary lines. “I love the warmth and texture that the natural materials bring,” Kristy says. “The touches of wood sit so beautifully beside the modern glass features.” RL RL

Oversize rustic wooden barn doors slide across to close off the playroom from the dining room when not in use and in the master bedroom, the same doors complement the solid hardwood bed, sourced on island from Absolutely Fabulous. The ingeniously designed open staircase, with custom made cantilevered timber treads, that winds all the way up to a third floor office and roof terrace, only found its full expression as the build progressed. Wrapping around a stairwell lit by the same hanging lights as the dining room, it was only when the concrete was being poured that it occurred to the owners to put a pond and fountain at the base. Although an afterthought, the soothing sounds of trickling water, they say, greatly enhance the sense of calm inside, whilst a security system installed by The Security Centre affords them peace of mind. For Chris, an avid fisherman, having a dock for his boat was essential, and with young children, a safe neighbourhood where they could play outdoors was key. The lot at Vista del Mar ticked both boxes and was large enough to put in a pool, lawn and a section of Astroturf for the kids to play on. Moreover, because the land had not been cleared, they were able â&#x20AC;&#x201C; with the help of Vigoro Nursery â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to preserve many of the established trees at the front of the house, providing a habitat for the birds they love.

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Encouraged by both OBMI and Phoenix, Chris and Kristy were very involved throughout the design and construction process. With changing skies always visible overhead, the relaxing trickle of an indoor fountain and verdant, green surroundings, the Capewells have created a family haven perfectly tailored to their personalities. Better still, Kristy says, the house has given her the space, light and inspiration to pursue her painting more seriously and she is slowly reclaiming the butlerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pantry off the kitchen as her art studio.

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VILLA UTOPIC The simple lines of tropical modern architecture are transformed by pops of Caribbean colour at the magnificent Villa Utopic in St. Barthelemy. Words by Natasha Were. Photography by RomĂŠo Balancourt and GĂŠrald Tessier, courtesy of St. Barth Properties, www.stbarth.com

Carved into a hillside on the west coast of St. Barths, above the still-traditional fishing village of Corossol, Villa Utopic stands out for its seamless transition between indoors and outdoors and clever use of colour. Completed in 2016, the villa was designed in large part, both inside and out, by the owner. The selling point of the piece of land was the sweeping views, which take in green forested mountains and clusters of red rooftops, shallow bays with boats at anchor, white sand beaches and, in the distance, the world-famous harbour at Gustavia.

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The design therefore had to take full advantage of the cinematic vista as well as the tropical climate. The owner worked with local architecture firm Architectonik to create the construction documents, taking inspiration from the work of celebrated Brazilian architect, Marcio Kogan, and self-taught Japanese designer, Tadao Ando, both of whom favour simple, modern styles, ample use of concrete and a sensitive integration of indoors and outdoors. Because of the steep incline, the home is only one room deep, resulting in a stretched design that extends along the hillside. Access to the villa is via a driveway from below, so the more utilitarian aspects – parking area, garage, gym – occupy the lower level. Above this is the main living space, where the kitchen and living room are positioned on either side of a covered dining terrace, and look out across a palm tree studded deck and infinity pool to the bay below. In order to offer maximum privacy each of the three bedroom suites are located in an independent pavilion: one above the kitchen, the second above the living room and the third at the end of the pool terrace. Spanning the length of the lot, the home is long and low-slung, providing every room – including the bathrooms – with sensational, unobstructed views. Magnificent Sky-Frame frameless sliding glass doors and windows replace entire walls on the ocean-facing side of the kitchen, living room and bedrooms, so that even when indoors, one can be immersed in the views. When fully open, the kitchen and living room merge seamlessly with the covered deck, where a vast live-edge dining table is the entertaining hub of the home. From the dining area one steps down to the sun terrace, where plush double daybeds are lined up in the dappled shade of the palm trees, along the edge of a 70-foot pool.

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As well as fully embracing the views, the design creates sightlines that reach from one end of the property to the other, lending it a sense of flowing continuity. Nothing jars or interrupts the eye either inside or out, and the flawless expanses of concrete, wood and glass compliment the sense of harmonious calm. In the bedrooms, king size beds sit centrally under vaulted ceilings from which elaborate OLED chandeliers from BlackBody hang, and sliding glass doors envelop one in the same panoramic views. Spacious bathrooms are equally pared back with designer floating vanities and walk-in rain showers by Antoniolupi sitting against crisp white backgrounds. Because the property is set into the hill and is not overlooked, the bathrooms too benefit from large windows whilst being totally private. The kitchen is a masterpiece of clutter-free space, with black countertops and natural wood cabinetry cleverly concealing appliances, sockets and stovetops. In keeping with the understated contemporary style, the furniture is minimal and the colour palette based on muted pale greys but, with an obvious flair for design, the owner has changed the tone of the property dramatically with the simple addition of bright, candy-coloured accents. Pink, teal, lime and blue chairs surround the central dining table and equally vibrant throw cushions and towels adorn sun loungers and bathrooms, introducing flashes of carnival-style fun and elevating modern minimalism to something altogether more celebratory. RL

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Having vacationed on the island regularly over the course of several decades, the owner has seen St. Barths evolve from a sleepy backwater into the glamorous celebrity haunt it is today. The home he has constructed there is a microcosm of this unique island: it is unerringly refined and sophisticated, yet still embraces the tropical climate and playful spirit of the Caribbean through its use of bright, vivid colour.

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Villa Mango

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Simple but sophisticated on the outside, spacious and light-filled on the inside, and packed with playful design items picked up on their travels, Maya and Rich Lewis’ majestic home at Clipper Bay is all them – from the overall design down to the smallest detail. Maya shares the journey from concept to completion. Words by Maya Lewis. Photography by www.heatherholt.com

hen we put down a deposit on a piece of land back in 2014, I never would have believed that just four years later we’d be living in our dream home. Growing up in a family of architects (Mum, Dad, grandparents, aunt and godparents) I suppose design was somehow in my blood. Much of my childhood was spent repainting and reconfiguring my bedroom, designing furniture for my dad to build and helping my mum with DIY projects, so building a home was always an aspiration - but I never expected it to happen in my early 30s. My Dad’s professional motto is that “a good architect should never make you compromise” so when it came to designing our dream house, there was no question who our lead designers would be. Armed with pages of inspiration from Pinterest, Rich and I sat down with my parents to list our must-haves. We wanted contemporary, open plan spaces that flowed from one to another, designed for entertaining and easy living. We each wanted a place to work without being separated from the rest of the house and we wanted storage without creating tight or cluttered rooms. As outdoorsy people, we definitely wanted lots of glass and patio doors to create a seamless connection between the interior and

exterior of the house, all while keeping the prevailing northerly breeze and sunlight in mind for a sustainable and efficient home. The layout is in its essence a simple square cube with a cantilevered pop out on one side, set over three floors, each offering a different function – open plan living on the ground floor, four spacious bedrooms on the second, a home gym and roof terrace offering sweeping 360˚ views of the island from Seven Mile Beach to the North Sound on the third. The roof terrace is also home to 42 solar panels, which should eventually lead to a net neutral power bill. It took months to refine our designs before we engaged Peter Plunkett from Core Construction to project manage the build, alongside Stace McGee and a team of local engineers and electricians to ensure my parents’ vision met Cayman’s building regulations. That’s when the real fun began in finalising the building’s interior and exterior specifications and finishes for planning approval. Rich dreamt of having a “secret room” masked from the rest of the house with a custom-made bookcase door on one side, and a zebra poster frame door on the other, while I had set my sights on a show-stopping staircase and signature light fittings. RL

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Entering through the imposing front door, framed by elegant cladding above, the handmade, wooden staircase greets you with its fun and contemporary design, light dancing through the stainless steel rods suspended from the roof – a feat of engineering and perhaps a reflection of our stubbornness combined with Core Construction’s knowledge and experience in

bringing the seemingly impossible to life. It was a labour of love – especially for Jacob, the carpenter who made the treads, and Karl from J&E Welding, who made the steel rods - and is the centrepiece of the house, linking the central corridor of the ground floor with the sunlight beaming in from the floor to ceiling windows three floors above.

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If the stairs are the centrepiece, the kitchen is the heart of the home. Designed with input from the talented team at Pooley Cabinets to maximize storage space and hide the extractor hood to maintain clean lines, the sleek and simple layout and finish was chosen to serve as a bright and functional backdrop for socialising and entertaining. A series of island lights that I fell in love with on a trip back to my native home, London, add the perfect pop of colour, which is echoed in the luxurious velvet bar stools, colourful kitchen accents and accessories weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve collected on our travels around the world. The work surfaces are topped with stunning slabs of Caesar Stone, skilfully cut and installed by ITC, concealing pop up power sockets to give the 12ft wide island a durable and sophisticated finish. Each of the four bedrooms has its own identity and style. The master is a spacious, Zen-like place to relax and unwind at the end of the day, while the other rooms are bright and fun, designed with guests in mind. We chose a neutral, cement-look grey tile and used it through the whole house to give us a clean, blank canvas for styling, with vibrant furnishings and textiles from Guatemala, Mexico and Morocco adding character and colour.

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The 'hotel' room is our favourite – a mature space where adults can feel like they’re in a five-star hotel. The sophisticated bathroom features double sinks that stand atop a custom made wooden vanity and a rain shower with a floor to ceiling opaque window. We had so much fun picking out every tap, sink and accessory ourselves, shopping both locally at A.L. Thompson's and off island at Ferguson and Wayfair, to create the exact look we wanted for a price we could afford.

The whole house is a reflection of our personalities and lifestyle. We knew that we were building a house that we wanted to live in for some time, so what others might see as a waste of space, such as the double height ceiling above the living room, we see as a design feature that delights us every time we step into it. Suspended above the living room is the “brain” of the home – my mezzanine office is the perfect place to indulge my creative side

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while remaining in direct contact with the whole house. The 20ft tall space opens up to the garden and boat dock below, while the dining room leads straight out to the outdoor kitchen, perfect for alfresco dining by the pool. The entire house was wired for sound and linked to a home automation system by The Security Centre so we can blast our favourite music through the property and out onto the patio, as soon as we step over the threshold. Perhaps the most obvious expression of our playful approach to design is in the powder room. I scoured the globe to source the hand-painted Moroccan sink, which sits atop a simple, Lusso Stone vanity shelf against dramatic peacock blue walls. I curated and hung an Instagram wall of over 100 photos from our travels in individual frames, an idea that is repeated in other picture galleries around the house. These galleries display memories that would otherwise be lying dormant on a computer hard drive and are often a talking point among guests. The rooftop is an oasis away from the rest of the world. When we were designing the house, people told us that we wouldn’t use our balconies – but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Whether it’s coffee on our bedroom terrace in the morning, lunch by the pool or sunset cocktails on the rooftop, we regularly use them all and I can’t imagine the house without any of them. A few times we’ve had dinner under the stars up on the roof and it’s the best restaurant in Cayman.

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The sense of satisfaction when we’re pulling up in the boat after a morning wakeboard, or watching the sun set over the horizon from the rooftop, is almost overwhelming. The house is an inspiring place to wake up and a joy to come home to. It’s proof that dreams really can come true.

REACHING NEW HEIGHTS From fitting out ice cream stores and hair salons in Miami to designing ten-storey luxury resorts, since relocating to the Cayman Islands, architect Mike Stroh’s career has reached heights he had never dreamed of, but always aimed for. Words by Natasha Were. When Mike Stroh, founder of Trio Architecture, decided to move to the islands he did so not for professional but for personal reasons. He and his wife simply wanted their children - now 13, 11 and 8 - raised in a healthier environment. Fortune was on his side though, and the move has seen both this family and his career flourish. Originally from Colombia, Mike completed his training in Boston, and spent several years working for other architectural firms, before launching his own company, Trio Architecture, in Miami in 2006. Much of his work at the time was for strip malls, fitting out stores and restaurants. Business was going well - until the economy crashed in 2008. However, having built good relationships with clients, work continued to trickle in and he was able to weather the storm over the next couple of years. But by then the dream of another lifestyle and location was taking shape. Miami to the Cayman Islands When the Strohs arrived in Cayman in 2011, the construction industry was still sluggish. Although Mike would have been happy to work for another architectural firm on-island, no one was hiring. So instead, he opened a Cayman branch of Trio Architecture, but with few local jobs scheduled, continued to work in Miami, flying back and forth each week. “During that time, due to the fact that I wasn’t busy at all, I decided to build a home in Cayman. I knew that as an architect, designing a home for my family was going to take a long time, so this was the perfect timing for me to concentrate on this project,” he recalls. “We decided to RL

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hire Phoenix Construction for the build and that was where the stars aligned: Phoenix had closed down their architecture service so I started doing architectural work for them.” Over the next four years, he worked alongside Phoenix on a variety of residential design-build projects, the success of which he attributes largely to his clients’ imagination and willingness to explore different aspects of architecture. “No good architect can succeed without great clients,” he says. The real turning point came in 2016 when he was asked to take on the task of turning the former Treasure Island into a Margaritaville resort. A huge project both in scale and complexity, it set his career on a new course. A host of other hotel and resorts projects followed in quick succession: a 42-room business hotel, Locale, due to open in late 2018; another 129-room hotel in Cayman; an 85-room hotel in Playa del Carmen;

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a new residential development at Camana Bay and, most ambitious of all, the complete design, from the ground up, of the 357-room, ten-storey, five-star Grand Hyatt Hotel & Residences, at the southern end of Seven Mile Beach. A threefold approach The name Trio stems partly from Mike’s initial concept of providing a service that included the three key elements of architecture, structural engineering and interior design. But the name also applies to the three aspects he strives to balance in any design: functionality, aesthetics and budget. “I always approach every design in a very practical way,” he explains. “I first find out how families function – their particular dynamics and how the spaces will work – before we talk about style. It’s not just about a home that looks spectacular. It also has to work well, and the occupants of the house have to feel they belong there.” Although he doesn’t align himself with any particular architectural style and his portfolio includes everything from Mediterranean to Caribbean and

Polynesian, getting the aesthetics right is an organic process. You have to let the design “speak to you,” he says, and see the direction a building “wants to go in.” Woven into this is a commitment to deliver a design that meets the clients’ budget. A design that delivers everything a client wants, but exceeds the budget will ultimately leave homeowners feeling they have to sacrifice something to stay on budget. By designing within the budget, Mike ensures no dreams need be compromised. On board for the long haul The Trio approach stands out for other reasons too. For most architects, their responsibility ends when their designs are granted the necessary permits and construction can begin, but for Mike that’s only the beginning. Mike stays involved throughout the construction process – participating in meetings, updating plans when required and ironing out the wrinkles – up to the moment clients move in. “Other architects offer this as an additional service but I don’t give it as an

option, it’s included anyway,” he says. “If I design a house and I don’t participate throughout the construction process, to me, that’s like having kids and someone else raising them.” For Mike, whether in his personal or professional life, it’s all about relationship building. His family have embraced the social scene in Cayman and couldn’t be happier with island life, and these connections have in turn led to new projects. Whether he’s working on a threebedroom house or a 300-room hotel, Mike says, his priority is to connect with clients and colleagues. “No matter how you slice it, there’s always an artistic and emotional component to these projects,” he says. “If you invest in building relationships with all those involved, all that energy – all that synergy – shows in the final product.”

For more info contact Trio Architecture: Call: 1.345.525.0777 Email: mike@trio-design.net Visit: www.trio-design.net

design is scene

IDG, creating spaces for your best life

elebrating 15 years of design, IDG continues to create spaces that are uniquely you, for your best life. With a solid reputation as the interior design firm of choice in the Cayman Islands, what many residents don’t realise is that IDG offers a wide range of exciting and innovative services, all designed to save clients both time and money regardless of the size of the project or budget. Retail Stores for all Budgets For those who want to see and feel furniture and accessories first hand, IDG operates two retail stores in Grand Cayman with same day delivery. Catering to those looking for great quality and great prices, Dwell by IDG is where the story of your home begins. Located at 119 Dorcy Drive, Dwell by IDG features two floors filled with favourites from Bernhardt, Modloft, Calligaris and more. Ideal for first time buyers and returning clients alike, Dwell by IDG is where you’ll find quality mainstream brands at affordable prices. Meanwhile, HOME by IDG located at 7 Mile Shops, is where residents find those ‘particularly perfect’ home furnishings. Specialising in high-end lines and custom pieces at the luxury end of the scale — think Baker, McGuire, Holly Hunt, Palecek, and Natuzzi Italia - HOME by IDG brings exclusive designer pieces to the island helping you create that casual luxury space in Cayman.

Personal Shoppers Make Wish Lists Come True For those who want help finding that exactly right piece, even if you’re not quite sure what that is, the personal shoppers at HOME by IDG and DWELL by IDG can source and search for you. IDG’s personal shoppers are adept at identifying items from your pinned photos and, because IDG has exclusive vendor contracts, they are able to order and ship goods directly from the manufacturer to guarantee you both the best pricing and the fastest turn-around. IDG does not limit customers to the brands or manufacturers in stock: step into either showroom, enjoy a complimentary coffee and use their Wi-Fi while compiling a wish-list of pieces you love; then simply have a personal shopper take it from there. IDG’s team of experts handle international shipping, customs, receiving, delivery and installation for a seamless service from sourcing and logistics through to installation. Come home to a room transformed What if you could come home from work to a different room? When clients are too busy to reconfigure and refurnish a space, or need to give a room a makeover in time for a special event, IDG takes care of it. As well as receiving and storing orders at their warehouse, the delivery and installation service means your goods can be transported to your address,and your order unloaded, installed and packing materials cleared away, without you having to do a thing. Simply come home and enjoy.

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Interior Design Services You may have a vision of your future home but want a professional eye to ensure it all ties together, or you may have only vague ideas and need an expert to take charge. Either way, the design team at IDG INTERIORS is highly qualified in everything from remodelling to furniture planning and procurement and will provide innovative, functional and stylish design regardless of budget and without ever compromising quality. Far from being an extravagance, hiring a designer can mean spotting errors in layout, functionality and flow at the beginning stages, and thus saving the cost of correcting mistakes further down the line, when they can become very expensive. Even if you’re not sure an interior designer is what you need, it’s risk-free as your first session is complimentary and honest. IDG INTERIORS will tell you if all you need is their personal shopper service. Committed to meeting all your design desires, IDG is the design firm you didn’t know you needed.

For more information contact, IDG: Call: 345.745.4300 Email: info@idgcayman.com Visit: www.idgcayman.com

| MUST-HAVES

Kreiss’ sophisticated Moderne Bedroom Bench makes an elegant addition to the bedroom or reading nook. Available in a wide array of finishes and textiles, its linear form is rounded off by two lumbar pillows for the ultimate laid back luxury. www.islandinteriors.com.ky This Red Dot Award-winning piece is artfully constructed with a metallic matte interior and finished in soft walnut. The Belmont Bench is truly the ideal marriage of design, comfort and utility. www.idgcayman.com

ABOVE THE MARK Words by Linsdsay Thompson

Constructed from the highest quality leather, crocco inspired and finished with an intricate top-stitch, the Modloft Carey Bench is sure to impress. Its distinctive canoeshape and stainless steel tube frame make the perfect posterior perch. www.idgcayman.com

Make a statement in midnight blue with the Rikard Bench. A bold combination of metallic structure, soft wood grain and feel-appeal fabric will invite any derrière to linger longer. www.huiscayman.com

Add a golden touch with the scaffolded stainless steel, Celia occasional bench. Its architectural style is topped off with a generously tufted cushion, pushing it above the bar. www.huiscayman.com

Thinking of updating your breakfast bar? Look no further than Moriville’s counter height Gray Upholstered Bench cushioned with a textured polyester seat. It places comfort, function and class as priority. www.ashley.ky

SMALL SPACES

Small homes present big challenges when it comes to design and decoration, but limited space needn’t mean sacrificing style. Interiors guru Mia Parres of Design Studio shares her top tips to help you get maximum functionality out of minimal square footage. Words by Natasha Were. Pale palettes Whilst you can’t gain extra square feet you can create the illusion of more space – and a light, neutral background is your starting point. Dark colours will make a space feel more enclosed, whereas pale tones reflect light, making it feel brighter and more airy. It need not mean a bland interior: add pops of colour with boldly patterned textiles, cushions and bright accessories. Storage sense In small homes and apartments, finding space for all your belongings is key. Build in storage space wherever you can – custom made book cases, hanging shelves, or even window seats become part of the walls, freeing up valuable floor space and providing a place to display possessions in an orderly manner.

Flexible Furniture In smaller quarters, every piece of furniture has to be fully functional – and if it can serve multiple functions, so much the better. Look for pieces that can do double duty, like beds with built in drawers, an ottoman that offers hidden storage or a folding table that can double as a desk and dining table.

Table Talk Because glass table tops allow you to see right through them, they make a space appear larger and airier. Glass is easy to clean and maintain, and works in both traditional and contemporary settings. A glass-topped coffee table that incorporates shelving or drawers in the base for added storage and display space, is a great way to fuse function and form.

Mirror, mirror It may be the oldest trick in the book, but that’s probably because it works. By hanging mirrors on the wall, the surroundings are reflected back at you, creating extra light and the illusion of more space. Multiply the effect by positioning a mirror to reflect the view through the window - it will give you even greater depth and fill your space with beautiful natural colours. Light it up Floor and table lamps take up valuable real estate on your surfaces. Swap them out for space-saving pendant lamps and wall sconces to reclaim precious space. Together these two options will direct light up and across the ceiling as well as downwards onto your table or countertops – the ideal combination.

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MAKE A statement The temptation with small homes is to choose pint-sized pieces of furniture, but lots of these together add up to a busy, overcrowded room. It’s far more effective to choose fewer, larger pieces – a four poster bed, a sumptuous couch or an oversize piece of artwork – that make a statement and inject a little grandeur into even the tiniest interiors.

Host with the most Entertaining is probably the single greatest challenge that small home dwellers face. Placing slim-profile banquette seating up against the wall allows you to move the table

Sliding doors The space a door requires to swing open is space that can be reclaimed. Replacing traditional hinged doors with sliding barn-style doors maximises space, and adds a rustic, organic touch to interiors. closer in, gaining you a few extra feet of floor space. Likewise, cube-shaped ottomans can be used both as extra seats and as small side tables, and bar carts can do double duty providing a bit of extra countertop space. Head for height Space works vertically as well as horizontally, so take advantage of the under-used space between the top of your furniture and the ceiling. Cabinetry and bookcases that extend

all the way up increase the sense of height, as does hanging drapes just a few inches from the ceiling. Pare it back Reduced spaces are inevitably prone to feeling cluttered as all the bits and pieces of your life vie for space. The best way to avoid this is to edit down your possessions. If you haven’t used something in the last year, you can clearly live without it, so let it go. You’ll appreciate the serenity of the space more than you will miss the clutter.

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HOT TROPICS This is not the wallpaper of your grandmother’s era. High performing and washable, the La Palma Wallpaper from the Marjorelle Collection by Catherine Martin is a paper based light vinyl that is pre-embossed to offer dramatic tropical design that’s built for island life. www.jamesdunloptextiles.com

DUST IT OFF Dust bunnies beware! Thanks to the fan-shaped double ended Crack & Corner Brush no space can escape cleaning. Especially great for tight nooks and crannies when you can’t move furniture, this brush is a clean rush. www.thebestbrushes.com

SNAPPY DESIGN The Caiman and Espiral rugs by charlap hyman & herrero from Patterson Flynn Martin are handcrafted from natural coiled abaca. Made-toorder, the striking rugs elevate the ordinary into something fun underfoot. www.pattersonflynnmartin.com

By Kyle Fulton

FITS THE BILL In this digital age where memories reside inside a phone there’s nothing better than displaying your life for all to enjoy. Find these quirky Duck Feet Frames and more in Cayman at Design Studio. www.designstudio.tc

in reflection Transforming a humble everyday object into a statement piece, the COEXIST Standing Mirror fuses marble, brass and glass into an elegant item that reflects good design. www.slashobjects.com HOLD IT! It’s the jar you wish your kid made in pottery class: quirky, cute and useful. A perfect hold-all in the bathroom or kitchen, the Sketchwork Ceramic Jar improves countertops with its simple stoneware design and leather pull. www.leifshop.com

A DOG'S LIFE Throw your pooch a design bone with a gorgeous woven bed from Baba Tree. Crafted by Ghanaian artisans who receive a bonus with each purchase, these fair trade baskets are made from all natural materials for a dog bed that barks good taste. www.babatree.com

MIKKI CHIN POWERED BY PASSION

Mikhail, known to most as Mikki, is the Senior Architect at OBM International (OBMI) and is licensed to practice in New York and Florida, she is also a PMP holder and LEED AP. Originally from Jamaica, she has travelled extensively, studying at the Caribbean School of Architecture and the University of Miami, then working in the US, India and Malaysia, before moving to Cayman. An active volunteer in the community, when not designing homes Mikki is heavily involved with Rotary Central and teaches 'reading construction drawings' at the prison's Freshstart programme. A creative through-and-through when not at work you will find Mikki with either a paint brush or a colourful Bob Marley cocktail in hand. RL: Why did you come to the Cayman Islands to further your career? MC: I always intended to return to the Caribbean and Cayman is exciting because of its synergy of classic Caribbean architecture and modern, contemporary designs. As an architect, it offers me the best of both worlds.

RL: What are you working on at present? MC: I’m currently working on several high-end residential projects in Cayman. These homes are extraordinary not only because of their sites and unique design elements but because they have allowed me to combine the latest smart home technology with sustainability features and luxury amenities.

RL: What are you trying to achieve with your designs? MC: Building a home is a very personal experience, and I enjoy getting to know my clients and turning their dreams into something tangible that they will live in and love for years to come. RL: What is the new direction in architecture? MC: Although not new for OBMI, there is a general industry shift toward more environmentally responsible designs. One of the reasons I joined the OBMI team was because of their respect for the land, people and culture in which they work. RL: What is the most important lesson that you have learned? MC: It’s essential to learn about the client’s lifestyle when designing. Most of my job is listening to the client’s dreams, aspirations and budget concerns, then applying my skills and experience to create their vision. I take on the role of a detective, putting the puzzle of their dream home together.

RL: What has been your favourite OBMI project? Why? MC: We recently completed a beautiful home in Vista del Mar. Working with the clients was wonderful as they were very energetic and engaged. This level of involvement on the homeowner’s part helps to move things along smoothly and ensures they can realise their dreams in the design. RL: What trend in architecture is here to stay? MC: In traditional residential architecture, every room had a specific function. Today it’s far more common for clients to request open floor plans which allow natural light to filter across spaces, create a greater ease of movement and making it more conducive to entertaining – so I believe open floor plans are here to stay. RL: What are the hallmarks of an OBMI build? MC: OBMI prides themselves on designs that work with their environment rather than sitting on top of it. Although it

can be challenging to pull off, we strive for sustainable designs that are an extension of their environment, enhancing them while also providing living spaces that are comfortable, memorable and personal. RL: How do you achieve your 'feel good factor'? MC: I am a strong believer in contributing to society. Cayman has been good to me so it feels good to be able to give back to the community. For the last two years I have been heavily involved in Rotary Central and volunteer on a biweekly basis at the prison teaching inmates how to read construction drawings, via the Freshstart program with our partners Phoenix Construction with the ethos of giving second chances. For more information about OBMI, visit www.obmi.com or call the Cayman office 1.345.949.8115

MIKKI'S TOP TEN Architect – Glen Murcutt Design App – REVIT Artist/ Artwork – Barrington Painting by Mikki Chin Watson 'Conversation' Author – I'm really interested in other countries and international authors, currently Jhumpa Lahiri is one of my favourites. Hotel – Alila Hotel, Indonesia Restaurant – Italian Cafe, Jamaica Holiday – Bali, Indonesia Book – The Architects Apprentice by Elif Shafak Cocktail – Bob Marley Way to spend the day – Blissfully, painting

LUXURY REAL ESTATE | 65

luxury real estate Feature Properties Arvia, Grand Harbour................................................................................... 68 The Residences at Seafire, Seven Mile Beach........................................... 66 The Residences of Stone Island, Yacht Club............................................. 70

Sales and Rentals Arvia, Davenport Development.............................................................. 3, 68 Aura, NCB Group........................................................................................... 77 Azure Realty Ltd............................................................................................ 72 Cannon Place................................................................................................. 80 Cayman Villas................................................................................................ 76 Caymans Luxury Retreats........................................................................... 79 Engel & Voelkers, Alvin Sluchinski............................................................. 78 Periwinkle, Grand Harbour.......................................................................... 74 RE/MAX Cayman Islands, Kim Lund ........................................................... 5 REM Services................................................................................................. 78 Provenance Properties/ Christieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Real Estate ............... IBC The Residences at Seafire, Cayman Islands................................................ 7 The Residences of Stone Island, Cayman Islands................................ 8, 70 Vela, Davenport Development...................................................................... 2

Style Meets Sustainability a t T h e R e s i d e n c e s a t S e a fi re

Seven Mile Beach has long been the most coveted stretch of real estate on Grand Cayman. Featuring powder white sand, tranquil waters, luxury hotels and beachfront residences, it’s the ideal place to own a vacation home or serve as the address for your primary residence.

ew on the beach is The Residences at Seafire, Dart Real Estate’s premier resort-residential development – a 10-storey property housing 62 residences and the first condominium on Grand Cayman built to LEED® Silver standards, one of fewer than 200 such properties in the world. A prime example of Dart Real Estate’s thoughtful and sustainable developments, The Residences at Seafire’s exceptional design has environmental responsibility woven into every aspect. Examples of this include the property’s solar array – one of the largest on island – which makes the most of the country’s abundant sunshine, its electric car charging stations, LED lights that keep energy consumption low and outdoor turtle-friendly lighting. Sustainability is found both inside and outside of this thoughtfully planned residential property. Interiors are efficiently cooled by a geothermal air-conditioning system and no rainy day is wasted, with rainwater harvested for irrigation. Designed to be distinct, the property shares a lushly landscaped 12-acre site with the adjacent AAA Five Diamond-rated Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, offering the privacy of a luxury residence in the amenity-rich environment of an award-winning resort. Owners

can enjoy resort perks such as room service, dining at three signature restaurants, a cascading oceanfront pool, non-motorised water sports, a fitness centre and organic spa treatments at the 8,500-squarefoot Spa at Seafire. Homes in this residential oasis range from 800-square-foot studios to 3500+-square-foot five-bedroom residences offering a space to suit every buyer. Exclusive to Seafire Residences is access to a private owners’ rooftop terrace, a rarity in Grand Cayman real estate. Those who love entertaining will be at home on The Nest, the exclusive 3,500-square-foot owner’s rooftop terrace at the highest man-made point on island. Designed by noted British interior designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard and featuring a signature basket weave bar, comfortable contemporary furniture and outdoor kitchen, The Nest is the most coveted rooftop on Grand Cayman. Generously set back 500 feet from the water’s edge and elevated to 25 feet above sea level, each residence features private terraces with unique water views over Seven Mile Beach or the North Sound. Selected residences feature NanaWall sliding glass doors, maximising the views and allowing for a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living. However, views are only part of the attraction.

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Signature interior design by Bullard makes a dramatic style statement in the building’s common areas, while the residences themselves feature open-plan living areas with light-filled great rooms; kitchens with gas cooktops, top-of-the-line Miele and SubZero appliances, and luxury finishes throughout in palettes of cool or warm, offering owners a blank canvas to create their vision of a contemporary Caribbean dream home. All this style and sustainability is also perfectly situated with direct access to the clear waters of Seven Mile Beach, walking distance from Cayman Islands Yacht Club and only a short drive from the business and entertainment hubs of George Town and Camana Bay. Whether you’re looking for a permanent residence, vacation home or rental property, The Residences at Seafire offer an excellent opportunity to own prime real estate on one of the world’s most coveted beaches. Owners also have the option to rent their property long-term or short-term via a rental programme managed by Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa. For more information on buying at The Residences at Seafire: Email: sales@seafireresidencescayman.com Call: 345.640.7000 Visit www.seafireresidencescayman.com

Arvia

- Luxury Canal Front Living made Easy -

avenport Development presents their latest project: a collection of upscale contemporary condos on the canal. Tucked away behind Hurley’s at Grand Harbour, this new development delivers luxury residences with optional boat docks, and an array of resort-style amenities, in one of the most convenient locations in Grand Cayman. The Condos The single-phase development, located on Grand Harbour Canal, Arvia will be comprised of 96 condos, distributed across 12 three-storey buildings. The condos are positioned around a small marina-like set of docks, providing every home with views of the waterway and the option to purchase or rent dock space for their boat. Buyers can choose between two bedroom, two bathroom ground floor residences or three bedroom, three bathroom duplexes. Ground floor condos feature porches facing the gardens and canal, a private courtyard off the master bedroom, and open-plan kitchen, living and dining areas. The duplexes will comprise of two bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open-plan kitchen, living room and balcony on the lower level, plus a huge master suite and roof terrace on the top floor. High ceilings and generous proportions inside and out, combined with top quality Bosch kitchen appliances, natural

stone countertops, and high design bathroom accessories from Kohler and Delta will create elegant, modern spaces suitable for couples or families. The Amenities A home at Arvia is more than an individual condo. The community amenities make this a place to not only live, but to thrive. A 50-metre pool lies between the lush gardens and the canal, offering plenty of space for swimming laps as well as shallow shelves and pool cabanas for a more relaxing experience. For those with active lifestyles, a doubles tennis court, a large, fully equipped gym and a yoga room ensure multiple ways to keep fit without having to leave your gated community, while storage for kayaks and SUPs, and the option of mooring one’s boat outside one’s home, make the most of waterfront living. Thoughtfully planned for busy professionals, shared facilities also include a meeting room and a clubhouse where events can be held and, for those who are short on time, a concierge service is available to take care of chores and a property manager is on site to handle maintenance issues. The Construction Behind the fine finishes and impressive amenities lies Davenport’s trademark quality construction. Walls built with Insulated Concrete Forms, poured concrete roofs and insulated

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impact windows all combine to create well-insulated spaces that are hurricane resistant and also energy efficient. Designed to be homes for the future, the condos are also all smart wired and fibre ready, and a full security system and video entry system further add to owners’ peace of mind. The Location This waterfront hideaway also enjoys one of the most convenient locations on the island. Not only is there a grocery store, pharmacy, bank and restaurants within a few minutes’ walk, but the Grand Harbour neighbourhood also offers schools, churches, service stations and more. And as well as being an easy commute from George Town, it is only a short boat ride from the clear blue waters of the North Sound. Reserve yours now Priced at between $505,000 and $695,000, Arvia offers modern luxury and an excellent location at very affordable rates. A 10% deposit is required to reserve. Those who purchase prior to construction pay stamp duty only on the land value – a saving of up to $40,000.

For more information contact Mark or Paul at Davenport Development Ltd.: Email: arvia@davenport.ky Call: 345.949.4979.

Prestigious waterfront living on a private peninsula Words by Natasha Were

onceived and developed by the visionary team behind The WaterColours on Seven Mile Beach, The Residences of Stone Island elevates exclusive waterfront living to new heights. The setting is Stone Island, a private, gated peninsula that is beautifully landscaped and equipped with an unparalleled list of lifestyle amenities. The Residences are 44 elegant, high spec homes positioned along the shoreline, featuring open-concept living spaces, breeze-cooled terraces, private plunge pools and double garages. Ideally located in the sought after Yacht Club neighbourhood, it offers an enviable island living experience: owners can moor their boats outside their homes and be cruising out into the North Sound within minutes of arriving home, strolling over to the white sands of Seven Mile Beach via a pedestrian walkway, playing a game of tennis before dinner or swimming laps before work in the expansive infinity edge pool. The Residences Built to exacting standards, with top quality materials and superb finishes, The Residences are designed in a refined Caribbean vernacular. Large glass doors and windows, multiple terraces and waterway views promote gracious outdoor living whilst interiors are spacious, airy and inviting, with floating staircases, open plan kitchen, living and dining areas, and all en-suite bathrooms. Covering approximately 4,500 square feet, owners have the option of adding upgrades including built-in barbecues and residential elevators and early investors can customise finishes of choice to suit their personal style.

Showhomes In order to give potential purchasers a true example of life at The Residences, three showhomes have been completed and are available to visit. To illustrate how these homes can be adapted to different family situations and individual tastes, the developers have partnered with interior design firm IDG to fully furnish and decorate these residences. Each is designed with a distinct aesthetic and floor plan, to demonstrate the different ways in which potential purchasers could personalise their home. The Ultimate Lifestyle Community Stone Island is far more than a collection of luxury homes: it’s a lifestyle. The developers have put as much care and consideration into the community’s common areas and shared amenities as they have the individual residences. As well as being fully gated with 24-hour security, this private residential community features an amenity building for residents’ use where owners can host private events and gatherings, making use of the state-of-the-art wine storage, professional kitchen, waterfront conservatory, private screening room and tennis court. At the water’s edge a boardwalk hugs the perimeter of the island, doubling as a dock for residents’ boats; away from the water, the island is lushly landscaped and creatively designed with serene courtyards, shady walkways and secluded gardens. Undulating terrain adds to the sense of privacy and at the highest point, an expansive mosaic-tiled pool with sunbathing decks, barbecue pavilions and a large cabana is the social and recreational heart of the community.

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No detail has been overlooked at this prestigious residential development and the quality is second to none. With prices starting at US$2.3 million, these homes represent excellent value for money and an enviable example of elegant island living.

To view the showhomes, contact: Email: info@stoneislandcayman.com Visit: www.stoneislandcayman.com or contact your Broker.

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| REAL REPORT

Calm Waters or StormY SEAS ahead? Caribbean Market Trends

Words by Liam Day, Managing Director for BCQS International

iven the impact that hospitality has on the construction and development sectors in the Caribbean, we should always have one eye on the performance of the region’s tourism industry, to help forecast the future outlook for resort and related development. While tourism across the region grew steadily from 2011 through 2016, the data points to a levelling off in 2017, with the number of stayover tourists increasing by just 1.19% over the previous year. Key performance indicators for the industry suggest this trend was continuing in the first quarter of 2018. Stayover tourist numbers are directly linked to the availability of hotel rooms: when the Marriott Beach Resort in Curaçao closed temporarily for renovation and expansion, stayover visitor numbers for the island went down. Conversely, in St. Lucia, Jamaica, Barbados and the Dominican Republic, an increase in room inventory means visitor numbers to these destinations have risen the most. Despite the levelling off of growth, it is still

worth noting that in 2017 there were 47 million international visitor arrivals to the Caribbean, which contributed US$57 billion to the gross domestic product (GDP) of the region and supported 2.4 million jobs. In September 2017, hurricanes Irma and Maria caused widespread destruction across the region. Twelve out of 32 Caribbean islands were affected by the storms, causing billions of dollars worth of damage to infrastructure and property, which inevitably impacted tourism. So what does this all mean for construction and development sectors? Good news! New hotels continue to be built across the region and the number of resort projects either in planning or under construction is unprecedented. There are currently 83 new projects in the pipeline which will create over 19,000 new hotel rooms. The growth in stayover tourist numbers has a knock on effect for infrastructure, necessitating the expansion of airports to accommodate increased arrivals. Airport expansions have recently been completed in St. Vincent, Antigua, Bahamas and San Juan,

are currently underway in Cayman, Curaçao and Sint Maarten and are planned for Aruba, the British Virgin Islands and Tobago. Along with new resort developments and infrastructure works, there are significant re-building efforts underway in the islands affected by the hurricanes which, based on known damage and expected building timeframes, are forecast to take up to four years to complete. All this should ensure the construction and development sector remain buoyant and busy for the foreseeable future. Despite the hurricanes, the Caribbean is recovering and, provided the region can market itself effectively and stimulate further growth, it should make for vibrant construction and development sectors. It really does looks like calmer waters ahead.

To learn more, contact BCQS: Email: info@bcqs.com Visit: www.bcqs.com Statistical Information provided courtesy of the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) and Smith Travel Research (STR).

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| REAL REPORT

STAY SECURE

Words by Aneal Sobie, Manager - Information Security at Cayman National Bank Ltd.

here's no doubt the Internet has changed the way we live, but the convenience of all this connectivity doesn't come without risk. Cybercrime is an ever-present threat and it’s essential to take some basic precautions to safeguard your personal data. Steps you can take to improve your online security include:

links. These appear to be a legitimate request for information, but your details are then harvested and sold or used in an attack. If you receive an email you suspect to be a phishing scam, one response is to contact the sending organisation directly (do not reply to the original email) and verify the legitimacy of the request.

Secure Passwords Make sure your passwords are strong. Dictionary words or the names of a loved one are not secure. Recommended practices include: Using a passphrase: this involves choosing a phrase which is easy to remember, condensing it and swapping out some letters for special characters. Avoiding using the same password for different websites and apps: password managers can help keep track of your credentials. Using multi-factor authentication: this combines the password requirement with a biometric such as a fingerprint or a one-time code that is generated on your device or sent via SMS/email.

Backup your data To avoid losing any critical data (photos, documents, music) back up regularly. If you do suffer a data loss, a recent viable backup can be a lifesaver. Backups can be done to the cloud or to an external hard drive. Several cloud services offer backup services, and these can provide redundancy but will require an Internet connection to access your data. An external hard drive can be useful if the Internet isn’t available, but be sure to encrypt your data.

Update devices Keeping your devices updated is a vital part of being secure. It’s also important to reboot at least once a week. New vulnerabilities are continuously being discovered and may be exploited. This also applies to any third party software such as Adobe or Java. It is imperative to also update your AntiMalware and run scans on a regular basis for it to be effective. There are several free AntiMalware programs available or you can sign up for a premium version which may have additional features. Free Anti-Malware programs available which can be of use are: Bitdefender Antivirus Free Edition (www.bitdefender.com), AVG Antivirus Free (www.avg.com) and Malwarebytes Anti-Malware (www.malwarebytes.com). Beware Phishers Social engineering is a major online threat, which is mainly done via phishing emails and RL

Secure Wi-Fi Leaving your Wi-Fi open can expose your devices to attack. This isn’t limited to laptops and phones, many appliances now connect to the Internet and can be exploited or used to launch attacks against others. Your Wi-Fi should be secured by using a strong passphrase and controlling which devices are allowed to connect. Monitor your accounts Detection and prevention go hand in hand, and the earlier you can identify if an online account has been compromised, the more likely it is that you can limit or prevent fraudulent or malicious activity. Make it a habit to review your bank and credit card statements for any suspicious transactions. Some banks offer a transaction notification service which can alert you if your card details have been used for a purchase or ATM withdrawal. Similarly, there are online notification services, e.g. from Google, which can alert you if they see a login from a new device or IP address. These can be important indicators of compromise and should be heeded.

What to do after a compromise Despite our best efforts we may still fall victim to an attacker and have to take steps to limit or remediate the potential damage. There are several steps you can take if this occurs: Change your passwords: If you discover an account is compromised, you should at the very least change the password for that account. However, our online identities are so linked, it would be advisable to change all of your passwords. Email especially can be used for this, we often have an email address set for password recovery, if that email is compromised, your passwords can be reset and access to your accounts can be gained by the attacker. File a police report: If you believe your identity or card information has been compromised, contact the local police, whether here in Cayman or if travelling abroad. This is a crime and you should alert law enforcement, as you may need a report when informing your financial institutions of the compromise. Contact your financial institutions: You should alert your banks and other financial institutions that your account has been compromised and there may be the possibility of fraudulent transactions. You may want to go as far as putting a freeze on your cards (if your details have been stolen) to prevent their misuse. At the very least you can ask that they closely monitor your account for unusual transactions. These steps can help improve your online security, making it more difficult for a successful attack. However, they are most effective when working together, as attackers will use several methods for gaining access. While no system is ever 100% secure, by improving your security you may deter an attacker from targeting you.

For more information contact Cayman National: Call: 345.949.4655 Visit: www.caymannational.com

| REAL REPORT

ARE WE THERE YET? Words by Darren Trickett, Pension Sales & Relationship Manager, Island Heritage.

spent my summer holidays this year doing something a little out of the ordinary - for our family - driving across Canada in a RV. The constant question from the kids while travelling from one destination to the next was, “are we there yet?” Returning home, having fully enjoyed the freedom of the trip, I couldn’t help but daydream about enjoying that lifestyle more permanently - in retirement. Do you ask yourself when you’ll get there? When will you be ready for retirement? And what will your life look like once you do? Outside of saving for a home, saving for retirement is the primary financial priority for many people. However, due to the long-term nature of retirement and all the variables that go into determining its potential success or failure, it is often the most difficult financial goal to plan for. How do you balance your quality of life today with the quality of life you want in the future? The four main factors that make retirement goals even more difficult to plan for are inflation, healthcare expenses, market volatility and longevity. Inflation can be defined as an increase in prices over time, causing a reduction in the value of money. When we are working, inflation is often offset by an increased salary. In retirement, inflation reduces the purchasing power of our income drawndown from our ‘nest egg’, as goods and services increase in price, hampering our ability to support our desired standard of living. Healthcare is a major expense in retirement and is one of the most consequential, yet unpredictable, facets of retirement planning. It

is not certain that healthcare costs will continue to rise faster than other costs in the future, but increasing our savings rate during our working years can go a long way to combat higher premiums and out-of-pocket expenses that may occur in retirement. Market volatility is a key stimulus behind bad behaviour i.e. people buying high and selling low. Emotion and behaviour have a lot to do with how we make financial decisions. Research has found that asset allocation was responsible for 90 percent of a diversified portfolio’s returns over time. An appropriate asset allocation mix that offers exposure to several types of investments will help us meet our financial goals while keeping our investments in balance and on track through periods of market volatility. Finally, no one can predict how long he or she will live. In fact, human beings have never lived as long as they are living today. This complicates retirement planning since as retirees we have to secure a sufficient stream of income for an unpredictable length of time. Good planning to address this concern starts with determining a realistic prediction of life expectancy and choosing an appropriate withdrawal rate from our portfolio to help ensure that our portfolio lasts our lifetime. The good news is, retirement planning is all about developing a strategy. Trade-offs and tough decisions will be required but with a little guidance and the right strategy, your path will become clear and you can be confident about when you’ll get there. To learn more about pensions planning, contact Island Heritage: Call 345.949.7280 or visit: www.islandheritageinsurance.com

OTISAIR A FRESH APPROACH

Testament to the company’s exceptional growth in recent years, OtisAir’s new business premises showcase their design and installation expertise and set the stage for continued expansion. Words by Natasha Were.

resh, bright and welcoming, the new premises for air-conditioning and refrigeration specialists OtisAir are a world away from their previous home – a dusty little industrial unit on Sleepy Hollow Drive – and a far more fitting base for such an innovative, forward thinking business. For General Manager, Sean Hill, there was no need for the public face of the HVAC industry to be messy and oily, so instead they built themselves new offices and a warehouse that are slick, contemporary and - needless to say - cool. “We’ve come a long way in four years,” says Hill of the company, “and this building represents everyone’s hard work and success. This is our home for the future.” Designed by Kariba and built by Arch and Godfrey, the facility comprises of a 10,000 square foot warehouse and 5,000 square feet of office space, all of which is highly insulated and energy efficient. Decorated in lime greens and gun-metal greys and furnished with contemporary seating and desks, the office space was conceived to provide staff with a pleasant, upbeat environment to work in and, with the company poised to expand into other Caribbean markets, the ability to accommodate their future needs with training rooms and a boardroom.

The building is also the ideal showcase for their work: OtisAir designed and installed their own low-consumption, inverter-driven air conditioning system, the building management systems, access control and security, and thanks to the modern industrial aesthetic with exposed pipes and ductwork, clients can see both the quality of workmanship and the range of equipment used, for themselves. Contractors too can now go straight to the service counter to purchase equipment and materials and seek advice. The warehouse meanwhile is equipped with a sophisticated inventory software system enabling them to locate any part easily, and provides space to keep a huge stock of parts, equipment and materials on island, to efficiently serve the large commercial buildings that are the core of their business. The Watercolours, Butterfield Place, Caribbean Club, Cayman Corporate Centre, Bayshore Mall and the DMS building are just some of OtisAir’s commercial clients. OtisAir’s focus on providing premier service is particularly evident in their hurricane-proofing. The entire facility is raised 10 feet above sea level, built with hurricane rated doors and windows, and the warehouse can accommodate the company’s entire fleet of vehicles so that in the event of a storm, they can be on the road and operational again in record time.

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Although OtisAir has been offering refrigeration and air-conditioning services since 1993, the turning point for OtisAir came in 2012 when the company was awarded the Linc Service franchise. As a Linc Service Contractor the company was able to dramatically expand its commercial division, thanks to the franchise’s proactive, preventative approach to maintenance. In contrast to traditional maintenance models, where service providers profit from breakdowns and equipment failure, a Linc Service Contractor offers all-inclusive maintenance agreements, whereby they assume the risk on equipment and thus maintain it to the highest of standards. This extends the life span of the equipment and ensures its continued smooth operation whilst reducing operating costs for business owners. OtisAir also offer a unique retrofit consulting service, which includes energy modelling, equipment replacement and ROI packages, tailored to specific building requirements.

In August 2018 OtisAir received the Linc Service Contractor of the Year award for the fourth consecutive year – an impressive achievement considering it was up against some 200 other Linc contractors around the world, many with several hundred employees. With such a track record, it should be no surprise that OtisAir has already opened a branch in Jamaica, and has set its sights on spreading its HVAC maintenance service model throughout the region.

For more info about A/C sales and services contact, OtisAir: Call: 345.945.7167 Email: sales@otisair.ky Visit: www.otisair.ky

“WE'VE COME A LONG WAY IN FOUR YEARS AND THIS BUILDING REPRESENTS EVERYONE'S HARD WORK AND SUCCESS. This is our home for the future.”

discover your OASIS Creators of perfect outdoor living environments, Oasis Pool & Spa goes beyond pools and maintenance: they also design and construct outdoor entertainment facilities, from cabanas, patios and outdoor kitchens to fire features. Established ten years ago by James Bussey, the business is a three-time winner of the Governor’s Award for Design and Construction Excellence.

RL: How was Oasis Pool & Spa (OP&S) formed? OP&S: I came to Cayman in 2007 for a two week vacation to escape the cold Canadian winter and loved the island so much I never left. A few months later, I founded Oasis Pool & Spa and, with lots of hard work and long hours, grew the business into what it is today. RL: What makes OP&S stand out? OP&S: We pride ourselves on being the best – not the largest – design, construction and service company. We have a team of 18 dedicated, hardworking employees who take pride in providing only the best quality for our customers. RL: What trends are you seeing in terms of pool design? OP&S: Negative edge and perimeter overflow pools are very popular. This configuration, which creates a sleek appearance, can turn a simple pool design into a work of art. RL: What products help your pool run more cost effectively and efficiently? OP&S: The Pentair ECO select equipment is the most energy-efficient and environmentally responsible pool equipment on the market today. Energy efficient variable speed pumps and LED lighting can greatly reduce operating costs; cartridge filters that do not require backwashing save water, and salt water chlorine generators eliminate the use of harsh chemicals. RL: Tell us more about salt water versus chlorine pools. OP&S: This is one of the most commonly misunderstood terms in the pool industry. A salt water pool is a chlorine pool but rather than adding chlorine

to pool water, one adds salt. The pool water then passes through a cell where the salt is turned into chlorine through electrolysis. The level of salt used for this system is so low you cannot taste or feel it. RL: How can building a pool be made more affordable? OP&S: The best way to save on pool costs is to avoid cutting corners during construction. This always creates unexpected costs later. We’ve been called in to repair pools less then a year old that have literally cracked in half. RL: What are the most important technological advances you have seen in the industry? OP&S: The biggest development in pool technology has been automation systems. Chemicals, energy usage, temperature and lighting can now all be adjusted remotely. Pool controllers have become more affordable and are now compatible with all Apple or Android devices and even Amazon Alexa. 'Alexa, turn on the spa and play my favourite song,' is one of my favourite commands. RL: How does OP&S ensure that the whole process of building and maintaining a pool is stress free? OP&S: From design to construction, we guide you through the entire process. After your project is completed we maintain your pool and equipment to ensure it is always ready to use and trouble free.

For more information contact, James at Oasis Pool & Spa: Email: james@oasis.ky Call: 1.345-945-7665 Visit: www.oasispoolscayman.com

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Top pool tips Use a professional pool designer, builder and service company, when building your pool to ensure the right measures are taken. Properly size your pool equipment â&#x20AC;&#x201C; inefficient systems are costly and can damage pipes and equipment. Proper pool maintenance will keep you safe and prolong the life of your pool or spa.

| MUST-HAVES

Chill out with the Orca Cooler, this keeper of cool has extendable flex-grip handles and an easy-flow drainage spout allowing for smooth transport and easy cleaning. Available in a cool range of colours and sizes. www.althompson.com

A throne of your own, welded by hand and finished in an oil-based golden glaze the Gala Gold Lounge Chair is made to withstand the elements without compromising on royal sophistication. www.cb2.com

TROPICAL

HAVEN Words by Lindsay Thompson

The Dreamweaver Teak Hammock is the ultimate tropical hang-out. Hand-crafted from solid reclaimed teak, this doublesize hammock adjusts for comfort, creating a spacious cradle whilst its woven finish allows for blissfully cool air circulation. www.poolpatrol.ky

Let there be light. Scattered in pairs or solo, these iridescent Capiz-white and gold framed glow domes will add a touch of grandeur to your outdoor space. www.cb2.com

Make the outdoors great, come rain or shine, with Arcadia's innovative roofing system, the louvers rotate 170Ë&#x161; to provide shade in accordance with the location of the sun. Compatible with your smart home system or mobile device allowing for easy control from the hammock. www.apexindustriesky.com

Wave hello to the Bazza Chaise, durable and lightweight in design this armless aluminum double sling lounger is attractive, functional and ideal for sharing. Available in a wide range of finishes and options. www.marksons.ky

GreenScene Integrate houseplants into your interior design by creating living art out of leafy companions. Plant-stylist, Blair Webb Ebanks shares her 'how-to-tips' with us. Words by Natasha Were.

lants have always had the ability to enhance interiors, but they’ve largely remained a half-hearted afterthought in the design process. A rose in a vase or a couple of pot plants can certainly give a lifeless space a bit of a lift, but new design trends are putting plants – with all their rich textures, exotic shapes and endless tones of green – at front and centre, turning them into design features that literally live and breathe. Bringing some of this living art into the home isn’t as simple as buying a few plants and scattering them around. It takes research, planning and design.

POTS & PLANTERS Next, choose your pots and planters. To make your interior design really tie together, match planters to the rest of your decor: choose materials like bamboo, wood and rattan for tropical-style interiors, terracotta pots for a more Mediterranean ambience, or select simple, unembellished shapes in striking materials like concrete and glass for

GREEN ZONING Before you go out and purchase a dozen plants, work out the placement. Think about where you have space and what you want to achieve with the plants in that space: do you want a big, bold statement piece of a plant, or small plants to accessorise a surface or wall? Are you using plants to hide a flaw or create a screen? Or can you use them to frame a view or a piece of art? THE RIGHT SPOT Once you know where they will go and what sizes you will need, research which plants will thrive in your home environment, whether that be warm and humid, cool and dry, sunny or shady, and make sure you get plenty of variety in terms of colours, sizes, shapes and textures.

a minimalist, modern home. You can find a great selection of styles at Vigoro. Again mix up the sizes and shapes: go for tall and narrow, broad and shallow, and a few things in between. You don’t have to limit yourself to traditional plant pots either: try up-cycling old bottles, pieces of driftwood or old wine cases.

STYLE IT UP Now comes the fun part: the artful arrangement of plants and their pots. A room with a single plant looks a little sad and forgotten so more is more when it comes to indoor plants. The rule of thumb is to group plants in odd numbers: clusters of three, five or seven add visual interest, whereas twos and fours can look bland and uniform. Combine feathery ferns, trailing vines and plants with dinner-plate size leaves for a pleasing effect. Think about how you can use different sized plants. Use tall plants to add drama, fill an empty corner or divide a space and smaller plants to accessorise other design features: to frame a picture, brighten up an empty table top, or fill a windowsill. Direct the eye upwards and create a ‘curtain’ between spaces with hanging plants, or play with pattern and form with arrangements of spiky cacti and plump succulents. LIVING ART Or, to use plants as living art in its truest sense, rather than hanging a painting, consider creating a ‘living wall’, or even grow a vine up a wall instead of wallpapering. The possibilities are endless. Experiment, explore your creativity and watch as your living art grows and changes over time. For more info contact, Plant Based Studio: Email: plantbasedstudio@gmail.com Facebook or Instagram: plantbasedstudio

HATS OFF Call it kitsch, but I like that the Cella Jane sun hat also comes in kid sizes so you and your half pint can match it up at the beach. Finely woven with a wide brim and adorned with festive pom poms, it’s perfect for sun-safe selfies by the sea shore. www.hatattack.com

DIVE IN Splash around with the Doheny Rashguard in Blue Oasis. Designed by a surfer from recycled polyester and spandex, this UPF-rated sun shirt features an extra-long and slim-cut body so you can safely play all day. www.theseea.com

OIL UP Created by Matthew Milèo to soothe his grandmother’s chemotherapy ravaged skin, this wild-crafted line of luxurious Elixir Oud comprise of premium organic botanicals that offer four distinct solutions: brightening, clarifying, soothing and detoxifying, with uncompromising results. www.mileonewyork.com

obsessions editor's By Kyle Fulton

SWEET TREAT With the holiday season upon us, these cocktail candies are the perfect hostess gift to have on hand. With flavours ranging from champagne and rosé to tequila and vodka, these sophisticated sweets are bonbon. www.sugarfina.com

FRAME GAME Handcrafted in Japan from sustainable materials, these unisex shades sport polarised protection and shatter-proof lenses. With a portion of each purchase given to education programmes, these peepers frame a good cause. Voyager 30 model shown. www.westwardleaning.com RL

WALK THIS WAY Elevate your feet with the Clio Pearl sandal. Handmade using ancient Greek techniques and fashioned from chemical-free natural leather they are embellished with pearly stones for a casual glamour that goes from sunrise to sunset. Available in multiple colours. www.ancient-greek-sandals.com

PLAY ON Adventure smart with Surf Mud Pro, a high-performance reef safe sun stick created for the face. Chockfull of antioxidants to fight free radicals and cocoa butter for deep hydration, this ocean friendly sunblock redefines holistic luxury. www.eirnyc.com

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Beyond e c n a is a l P o t n r u t e r Eddy Grant’s . y Grant and Ice Records Photos courtesy of Edd Words by Falene Nurse.

hen interviewing a living legend, there’s a great deal to cover - and Edmond Montague Grant (or Eddy as he’s known) has done it all, from leading a revolutionary band at 17 and surviving an unexpected heart attack and collapsed lung at 23, to founding a record label, opening a recording studio and achieving international success as a solo artist with his politically motivated lyrics. Although born in Guyana, like many Caribbean nationals in the 60s, Grant’s parents moved to the UK to work, sending money home to fund their son’s education. At age 12, Grant too moved to London, where he attended Acland Burghley Secondary Modern and learned to read and write music. He was still a teenager when he formed the quintet The Equals, one of Britain’s first interracial bands that blended the local guitar rock sound with calypso and reggae beats. “From a cultural standpoint there had never been anything like The Equals at the time,” Grant explains. Visually flamboyant, their brightly coloured clothing stood out from their peers’ sea of dark suits and Grant, ever the showman, enjoyed dressing in an outrageous blond wig or bleaching his hair. By 1971 they had two hit albums and five top 40 singles under their belts - including the number one hit Baby Come Back when Grant’s career as their energetic front man was abruptly cut short. The teetotal vegetarian and avid sportsman suffered an unexpected heart attack and collapsed lung due to an undiagnosed genetic issue. At the ripe old age of 23, he had to quit his beloved band – but one of his most pivotal life events was yet to come.

In April 1981 the infamous Brixton Riots took place, when the Afro-Caribbean communities of South London took to the streets to protest poor living conditions, racial tensions and inequality. It was a simple Brixton street sign that Grant saw in the months following the riots that inspired the smash hit Electric Avenue. A sociopolitical single, it achieved multi-platinum success in Britain and America and launched Grant’s solo career. Politically aware and determined to fight for social justice and equality, in 1988 Grant released his anti-apartheid anthem, Gimme Hope Jo’anna. The track was banned by the South African government and not legally played again until Mandela’s 90th birthday when Eddy performed in Johannesburg. “Part of the beauty of writing songs is that you can couch anything with words and music ” he says. In Electric Avenue, the lyrics “now in the streets there is violence”, referred more to the crime that was prevalent at the time in Brixton than to the riots themselves. It was, he says, about the violence that occurs “whenever a community of people inherits the belief that they are not as worthy as their fellow man.” Although Americans knew nothing of the significance of the street name and it’s connection to the Brixton riots, Grant thinks it would not have mattered if they did. “It would have still charted high because it was a song and music video of the time.” A quintessential maverick, Grant is also an industry pioneer. The Founder of Ice Records, he is the first black artist to have complete ownership of his entire musical back catalogue, including copyrights, master tapes, and publishing, both from his first band The Equals and also as a solo artist.

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Owning the rights to his music makes his creative decisions personal rather than commercial. He could easily ride the current wave of 80s nostalgia, re-releasing a re-imagined, Romancing the Stone and Do You Feel My Love, if the mood takes him. But for Grant, there has to be a creative reason beyond simply cashing in. “Unless myself or another artist were going to bring something different, innovative and new to the table, I wouldn’t agree to a cover or bother re-releasing a hit just for the sake of a popular trend.” A true artist, when talking about music, passion resonates in every word. “Most people are really not interested in music,” he laughs, “they are more interested in the phenomenon that comes from it, the fame.” Although he originally planned to go into medicine, Grant was undeniably drawn to music. It was something he had to do. The ever-youthful songwriter and producer turned 70 in March 2018 and shows no signs of slowing down. Last year, for the first time in more than a decade he released a new album, Plaisance, a concept album named after his childhood home in Guyana. “It was difficult to find the exact emotions, the right lyrics, music and tempos, with something as personal as your life,” he reflects. “Musically it [from age 8 to 12] was one of my most important periods.” It was where he experienced his first rhythm and style influences and where his Caribbean roots lie. Although two decades of living in London have turned his thick West Indian drawl into a mellow transatlantic lilt, Grant’s heart belongs to the Caribbean. He visits often, but has never returned to Guyana permanently. In the early 1980s he moved to Barbados with his wife and four children, not only due to his aversion to the cold but because “there’s a certain warmth to the islands” he notes, which goes beyond mere temperature. “For me, the Caribbean is going to be (if it’s not already) one of the greatest places to live on earth. Humanity, divinity, a sense of connection. Very few places have such beauty.” Another reason he chose Barbados was to restore a dilapidated historic plantation and convert the outbuildings into the recording studio Blue Wave. Over the years he has hosted everyone from The Rolling Stones, Sting and Elvis Costello to calypso royalty the Mighty Gabby and Grynner. Because the timeline of his travels and music has coincided with some of the most culturally relevant events in recent history, such as mass immigration to London from the islands, the end of apartheid, Nelson Mandela’s birthday celebrations and others, his latest project is to turn Bailey’s Plantation House (his Bajan home) into a “magnificent cultural and historically-rich experience” for locals and visitors. Investors envisage a cultural centre on par with Disneyland in size, but with a far more educational slant. Grant has channelled an abundance of talent into a lifetime of achievement. Recently, The Equals’ number one, Baby Come Back marked its 50th anniversary, at the same time that his other homeland of Guyana issued four stamps in his honour (another first). He continues to share his love of music on United DJs’ station of the stars (internet radio), with some of the UK’s most celebrated hosts. He’s travelled the world and lived unforgettable experiences. As his Grandma once said, “if you truly want to see… you have to go to a high place.”

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| REAL TITLE REPORT HERE - 3 COL LEFT

Does money buy you happiness? Words by Georgie Loxton, CFA, Founder, Liberty Wealth Partners

es, no, maybe, sometimes, it depends. The reality is, it’s complicated. The question has been tackled by some of the smartest brains from Socrates to recent Nobel prize winner Richard Thaler, and we still don’t have a clear-cut answer. There is a link between money and happiness, but it’s weak and it holds only up to a certain point. A 2010 research paper by Daniel Kahneman and Angus Deaton (two Nobel prize winners) showed that beyond an annual income of $75,000 there is no improvement in emotional well-being. On the other hand, poverty does seem to be associated with emotional pain. But if more money enables people to live longer and healthier lives, to have more control over their time and to spend less time worrying, then why aren’t wealthy people happier? Society has taught us that happiness is related to how much we have and that more is better. Sadly, there is a basic lack of knowledge about what drives and sustains happiness. Elizabeth Dunn, author of ‘Happy Money, the Science of Happier Spending,’ wrote “money is an opportunity for happiness, but it is an opportunity that people routinely squander because the things they think will make them happy often don’t.” RL

Dr Thomas Gilovich, a psychology professor at Cornell University, has been studying the question of money and happiness for over two decades. He says “One of the enemies of happiness is adaptation. We buy things to make us happy, and we succeed. But only for a while. New things are exciting to us at first, but then we adapt to them.” Research suggests that if we want to use our money to live a happier, more joyful and purposeful life then there are a few things we can do:

Buy lots of small pleasures Studies have shown that people who are able to enjoy the little things in daily life are happier than those who are not. The problem with wealth is that, by giving access to much greater experiences, it can undermine the ability to savour small pleasures.

Buy experiences over things This has been shown over and over again to boost our happiness. One reason is that our possessions are not part of us – they are separate from us. Our experiences form part of our identity; they shape us and they connect us with others.

Spend money to buy free time A 2017 research paper showed that using money to buy time can protect from the time famine of modern life, and therefore increase happiness.

Spend money on others This has a powerful impact on social relationships. Harvard have conducted the longest study of happiness (it started in 1938) and they conclude that close relationships, more than money or fame, are what keep people happy (and healthy) throughout their lives.

Delay gratification WHEN possible Research has shown that anticipation is a source of ‘free’ happiness. The wait for something can bring more pleasure than the experience itself.

The research seems to support the idea that you can increase the correlation between money and happiness by being more thoughtful about your spending. Just having it certainly doesn’t guarantee that you will be happier than someone with less. And as the old adage goes, the best things in life really are free. To learn more, contact: Georgie Loxton, Founder of Liberty Wealth Partners at: Email: georgie@libertywealth.ky Visit: www.libertywealth.ky

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postcard from

Bonaire

A wild paradise in the southern Caribbean with blue skies, gentle breezes and serene, mutli-hued water. A diver’s paradise with a vibrant underwater world, in Bonaire, you just relax and enjoy the ride.

AIR MAIL

Words by Monica Walton

IMMERSE

yourself in the vibrant world under the sea. With pristine coral reefs close to the shoreline this desert wonder is one of the best spots in the world to dive and its certainly earned its place. The National Marine Park protected area offers more than 90 official dive sites with over 300 species of tropical fish and over 120 different types of coral.

MARVEL

at the stunning salt pans in Bonaire. Green, blue and stunning pink, the flat shoreline on the island allows the sea to fill shallow pools, known as salinas. As the salt water sits, the sun and wind evaporate the water, leaving the salt behind to crystallize and form the iconic, colourful pools against a backdrop of white salt pyramids. It’s Bonaire’s oldest industry and a unique feature on the island.

PARTY

at Coco Beach, one of the most popular beach bars on the island. Watch the sunset over Klein Bonaire while sipping on a cool cocktail. Stay until late and the bar gets packed with tourists and locals dancing to everything from soca to beachy house music with their toes in the sand.

WINDSURF

One of the things that truly makes Bonaire stand out is the bright blue water that frames the island. Visit one of the many beautiful beaches to kiteboard, soak up the sun or – one of the must-do’s while you’re in Bonaire – windsurf in the iconic shallow turquoise waters of Sorobon Beach.

TASTE

the local delicacies in Bonaire and you won’t be disappointed. The traditional krioyo cooking unique to the Dutch Antilles includes flavours from Africa, Europe & Spain. Try the Stoba Kabritu – kabritu (goat). This delicious stew, based on the island’s local goat meat, is loved by every Antillean.

KAYAK

through the calm waters on the windward side of the island. Cruise though the mangroves at Lac Bay and you'll see beautiful wildlife and marine life in and around this peaceful lagoon.

CLIMB

down the famous landmark on the island - One Thousand Steps, which earned its name from divers climbing the 67 steps with tanks on their backs, making it feel like a thousand. Take in the glistening Bonaire waters at this gorgeous viewpoint nestled in the cliffside or trek down to the bottom and you'll find a great dive site and a charming hidden bay.

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ABOVE ALL EXPECTATIONS Some travel for immersive experiences, others to enjoy luxurious surroundings. But what if you could have both? A handful of visionary Caribbean hoteliers are pushing boundaries like never before, offering over-water bungalows and treehouses for grownups. Words by Lindsay Thompson

SECRET BAY, DOMINICA Peeking above the forest canopy on Dominica’s north shore, Secret Bay simultaneously immerses guests in the island’s rich biodiversity and envelops them in blissful elegance. The six stunning tree-house style villas are beautifully designed, offering far-reaching views through floor to ceiling windows, state of the art kitchens and outdoor showers. Add to this swaying hammocks, private plunge pools and the jungle soundtrack and you may well have all you need; if not, there’s a beach, a restaurant, a spa and a wellness pavilion for your indulgence. www.secretbay.dm

Aruba Ocean Villas, ARUBA Aruba’s first Tahitian-style over-the-water bungalows have quietly made their debut on the island’s south coast. Located on an idyllic white sand beach, the artist owner has created an intimate little hideaway, with quirky surprises at every turn: bamboo-screened showers where water pours from conch shells, dining pavilions set over the sea, and lush landscaped gardens dotted with art installations. Each bungalow is different and furnished with an eclectic collection of mosquito net-draped beds, free-standing baths and hardwood antiques – but all have wraparound decks where one can relax in perfect seclusion. www.arubaoceanvillas.com

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KANOPI HOUSE, JAMAICA Hidden amongst 100-foot tall banyan trees deep in the Jamaican rainforest is a cluster of luxurious treehouses that redefine green living. Constructed from local, renewable materials without felling a single tree, all are beautifully designed with louvered walls opening up to views of the treetops. Furnished with hand-carved beds, decorated with paintings by island artists, and serving home cooked food, Kanopi House is a celebration of Jamaica’s nature and culture. Ideal for adventure- seekers, it’s well off the beaten path, but a stroll through towering bamboos and ginger lilies brings you to the Blue Lagoon – a perfect swimming hole and base for watersports activities. www.kanopihouse.com

Sandals Grande St. Lucian, ST. LUCIA Situated on a private peninsula, Sandals Grande St. Lucian offers the ultimate seaside escape with a collection of palapathatched bungalows on stilts, stretching into a calm blue bay. Glass panels in the floor are perfect for watching aquatic life from your king size bed, open air decks feature built-in hammocks suspended over the sea and double soaking tubs for bathing under the stars. With a fully stocked bar and bistro set in-room, attentive butler service, 24-hour room service and spa therapists that come to you, there is no need to leave this earthly paradise for the duration of your stay. www.sandals.com

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| MUST-HAVES

Superior craftsmanship blends with elegant design in the timeless Amulette de Cartier necklace. Available in a dazzling variety of semi precious stones or yellow gold, the collection’s padlock shape is a lucky charm that holds good fortune and unlocks desires. www.kirkfreeport.net

Wish List By Kyle Fulton

Crafted from an antique Venetian coin, the Baby Lion Cub necklace was inspired by Dante’s Divine Comedy and is intended to provide courage when worn. Made-to-order from 24-karat gold plated bronze, the talisman offers stylish comfort during the wilds of life. www.alighieri.co.uk

Revealing signature superior attention to detail, the Hammered Station Necklace with Diamonds from John Hardy blends hand-hammered texture with dazzling pave diamonds and polished gold to sophisticated effect. A celebration of endless love and infinite possibilities, the Dot Collection is as unique as it is enchanting. www.kirkfreeport.net

A contemporary take on a traditional keepsake, the Round Diamond Locket by Loquet London allows for complete personalisation with gorgeous collectable charms and precious symbols. Hold special memories close with this bespoke heirloom. www.loquetlondon.com

Stylishly ward off malevolent spirits with Anita Ko’s Emerald Evil Eye Chain Bracelet. Delicate and distinctive, the fine piece mixes precious stones for an decadent protective charm. Also available with a ruby or sapphire eye. www.anitako.com

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Jill for a moment

After 15 years working in the beauty industry Jill Palmer launched her own holistic medical spa and healthy skincare boutique, No. 11 Spa, in 2017. Passionate about helping her clients look and feel their best, she spends her days dealing directly with clients, researching the best ethical, natural beauty products and developing signature spa treatments. In her downtime you'll find Jill taking on London, dining in New York or chilling at Goldeneye in Jamaica with an Aperol Spritz. RL: What makes No.11 different to other spas? JP: Our spa menu is centred around healthy skincare but we also offer a variety of cosmetic services that work in harmony with our holistic practices to help your skin to stand the test of time. We are also the only spa certified in Dien Chan Facial Reflexology, a noninvasive Vietnamese method of acupuncture. RL: What makes your products stand out? JP: Our luxury organic retail products range from skincare, make-up and hair care to handmade candles and robes. Each brand is carefully researched and tested to ensure it is the right fit for our tropical climate, and No.11's ethical standards. RL: What ingredients do you like to work with? JP: We’re firm believers in the power of plants and we incorporate fresh, local produce, flowers, herbs and healing ingredients into some of our signature treatments. RL: How does No.11 incorporate modern techniques into treatments? JP: We offer various medical skincare services that help prevent ageing and repair blemishes.

Anyone in doubt about going down this road can schedule a complimentary consultation with our medical nurse to discuss the options. These can be complemented with holistic, athome therapies, like jade rolling, facial cupping and Gua Sha as part of any anti-aging routine. RL: What are your best tips to help keep skin healthy in between appointments? JP: Double cleanse at night: Proper cleansing is key. Josh Rosebrook's Complete Moisture Cleanse removes even the highest SPF sunblock, while Indie Lee’s Brightening Cleanser keeps pigmentation under control. Get a good night’s sleep: Night-time is when your body heals and repairs; we even encourage clients to try sleeping in an Orgaid organic sheet mask. Exfoliate & mask twice a week, or more if your skin allows: Pick up samples or even browse the products with a facemask on, at the spa, (we do this often, really!). Avoid stress: Stress inflames the body making skin more reactive and sensitive which can lead to breakouts, dry patches, and premature aging. Maintain your cool!

Clean your cell phone: Use disposable alcohol wipes to clean your screen every day. Your phone might just be the most cherished, and filthy, item you own… Cleanse your gut: Drink a glass of fresh celery juice every morning on an empty stomach. Our friend and local nutrition coach Nadine Dumas also has a brilliant and simple DIY Ginger and Turmeric Collagen Shot that is super effective. RL: What is your goal for your clients? JP: Getting people to think a bit differently about skincare. We’re creating a beauty community where we’re not just talking at our clients but we’re really engaging with them. We spend a lot of time discussing what clients want to achieve from their skincare routine, so that we can curate a bespoke spa experience, or recommend a range of products, that will boost the long term health of their skin. For more information contact, No.11 Spa: Tel: 1.345.526.6611 Email: info@no11spa.com www.no11spa.com

DID YOU KNOW? Our name is inspired by the Number 11 mango, part of our logo and a nod to the local produce we use to create custom spa treatments.

JILL's TOP TEN Beauty essential: Botox In my suitcase: A large scarf, hydrating mist and plenty of skincare minis! Hot-spot: Ilili, New York City escape: London, UK Stress balancer: Spin at Ryde Cayman Food & drink: Lebanese & Aperol Spritz Book: Cosmetrics by Romana De Vries Designer: Kelly Wearstler Weekend getaway: Goldeneye, Jamaica Can’t live without: Snow RL

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ORGANIC SPAS

Whether it’s a full-day immersive spa experience or a simple mani-pedi you’re after, these organic spas are sure to leave you feeling pleasantly pampered. Words by Lindsay Thompson.

No. 11 SPA

No.11 Spa takes a unique approach to health and beauty by blending indulgent spa treatments with medical aesthetic procedures, all offered in a tranquil soothing environment. Facials, body polishes and relaxing soaks are all bespoke and the highly trained staff custom design treatments for your particular skincare needs, utilising a range of botanical products and world class skincare lines. Beyond feeling good, No.11 Spa helps you look your best with a range of aesthetic treatments that include Dien Chan Facial Reflexology, sclerotherapy and mesotherapy. To enable you to maintain the glow, the skincare boutique stocks a range of organic, plant-based skincare products that have been selected for their quality, natural ingredients and proven results. www.no11spa.com

BOTANIKA UNION

Located at the Grand Cayman Marriott, the recently opened Botanika Union offers a unique take on the traditional spa experience, focusing on both physical health and spiritual wellbeing. Face and body treatments all use products and protocols from Naturopathica, a company dedicated to organic, sustainable beauty inspired by nature’s pharmacy. Alongside intuitive facials and herbal massages, customers can have their hands and feet buffed and polished and enjoy holistic treatments such as reiki, aromatherapy and guided meditation. In addition, Botanika Union offers a small retail space selling Naturopathica balms, an Apothecary Table featuring candles, tinctures and teas, and a Vitality Bar serving kombucha and other natural elixirs to nurture your skin from within. www.marriottgrandcaymanbeachhouse.com

THE SPA AT SEAFIRE

Created to bring the beauty of Cayman’s outside in, the Spa at Seafire is adorned with botanical elements and aquatic accents throughout, including an impressive private soaking tub. Treatments are equally inspired by the natural surroundings and combine cutting edge science with the healing power of nature: warm sand, marine minerals, herbal teas and nut oils all feature in the signature treatments. Spread across 8,500 square feet, the spa features seven serene treatment rooms where massage therapists, reflexologists and trained aestheticians create magical moments of pure indulgence. Catering to every need, treatments can also be enjoyed in the privacy of one’s suite or outdoors in a private cabana, and if time is limited, a series of 30-minute treatments will give you the boost you need, in record time. www.seafireresortandspa.com

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Time to unwind

Even in a tropical paradise, stress can be an issue. However idyllic the setting, there are still the demands of work and family, financial pressures and relationship responsibilities to contend with. REAL LIFE consulted David Keighley, director of Therapy Retreats Ltd, on the causes and strategies to combat stress on a Caribbean island. Words by Natasha Were.

Be your true self

Contact with nature

From childhood, people’s sense of ‘self’ has often been constrained by external factors, David explains. Between the demands of parents, the challenges of schooling and the desire to be accepted by our peers, we lose sight of who we really are and what we are really doing. Make time and space to focus on the ‘you’ you were meant to be, not the one others tried to make you.

The therapeutic effects of spending time in nature are well documented and accessing the great outdoors is never hard in Cayman. Numerous studies have found that proximity to the ocean induces feelings of calm. It’s not only the soothing colour and the sound of waves lapping at the shore that relax us, but also the negative ions in sea air that reduce anxiety and depression. So take a beach walk, or even just sit and watch the sea, for an easy and immediate mental boost.

Breathing and Meditation Breathing exercises and meditation are a powerful way to calm the mind. When we experience stress our pulse accelerates and our breathing becomes faster and shallower. By consciously breathing slowly and deeply we can reverse these physiological reactions and induce a state of greater relaxation. Yoga classes are a good way to combine physical activity with deep breathing and there is no shortage of options including rooftop or paddle board classes. Better still, regular meditation trains the mind to slow down, allowing us space to sort out what is causing anxiety and how we can deal with it.

Be present Life is often lived in the fast lane, our thoughts dominated by future anxieties of what we need to do, or past regrets about what we have or have not done. Mindfulness, awareness, living in the ‘now’ – whatever you call it, if you can live fully in the present, past and future worries fade into the background. One of the best ways to live in the now is to practice an activity or sport that demands your full physical and mental focus – think surfing, dancing, diving, even rock climbing - so that there is no room for other thoughts.

Give back Many of the great thinkers and philosophers of the world have proclaimed the value of giving. Helping others doesn’t only make a difference to the recipients, it also benefits the giver: it creates a sense of purpose, puts one’s own troubles into perspective, shifts the focus away from the self to something greater than oneself, and gives one a sense of fulfilment. Countless excellent charities and service organisations do sterling work throughout the islands, so whether it’s walking dogs, visiting the elderly or helping children in need, there are plenty of opportunities to touch, or change, a life for the better.

For more info about Therapy Retreats Ltd. visit www.therapyretreats.com RL RL

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Juice It Up! Smooth(ie) it down!

Vibrantly coloured juices and thick, creamy smoothies.... all are undeniably Instagrammable – but which is really better for you? Words by Charlotte Beales-Hart, www.islandnourish.com

Juicing and blending are both convenient, tasty ways to pack your recommended five-, six- or eight-a-day into a single, concentrated shot of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. But is one healthier than the other? And what nutritional differences do the various options offer? Juices & Smoothies – what’s the difference? Whereas smoothies consist of several ingredients all blended together into a thick liquid, juices are the result of separating pulp from juice, so are much more liquid and contain no fibre. Benefits of juicing Because they have had the fibre removed, juices are easy to digest so nutrients are more quickly absorbed into the bloodstream. Advocates argue that juicing gives the digestive system a ‘rest’ and allows it to eliminate toxins more efficiently. Juicers, whether centrifugal or pressing, can squeeze juice from the least juicy sources – including vegetables. Carrots, bell peppers, beetroot, celery, spinach, kale, broccoli – all can have their nutritional value quickly extracted in liquid form – and it is much lower in sugar than fruit juice. Disadvantages of juice You need a LOT of fruits and vegetables to produce a single glass of juice. Once the pulp is extracted the left over juice is only a fraction of the volume, so juicing can be costly and time consuming, when you factor in regular trips to the grocery store to stock up. Benefits of Smoothies Because they are fibre-packed, smoothies are slower to digest, so they release nutrients steadily into the

bloodstream and do not cause the blood sugar spikes that can occur with juices. For those trying to lose weight, smoothies may be the better option, as they keep you feeling full for longer, so can curb hunger pangs. Smoothies make use of the entire fruit or vegetable, so there is no waste and you get plenty of output for your input. It is also easy to increase the fibre and nutritional content of a smoothie by adding protein powder, chia or flax seeds, oatmeal and more. Disadvantages of Smoothies It can be quite tricky to incorporate vegetables into a smoothie, so they are often fruit-heavy, and thus higher in sugar and calories. As these blended fruits can create a very thick mix, sometimes milk, juice or yoghurt are added to loosen it, which in turn add even more calories. Go Green If in doubt about the healthiest choice, whether it’s a juice or a smoothie, go for a green one. We all know leafy green vegetables are incredibly good for us, and the greener a juice or smoothie, the more of the good stuff it’s hiding. Cold Pressed Juice Some of the cheaper home use centrifugal juicers create heat and introduce oxygen during the process, which destroy important enzymes and nutrients. To get maximum nutritional benefits opt for cold pressed juice. Cayman’s Green2Go (green2go.ky) use an industrial centrifugal juicing machine which slow presses the juice over a 6-8 hour time period, producing no heat and ensuring the result is as nutrient-dense as possible.

HOME MADE Even if you only have a basic blender, you can whizz up a glass of goodness at home: MintY Green Blend the following: 1 large handful of greens (spinach, collard greens or kale) 1 handful blueberries 1/2 frozen banana 3 ice cubes Handful of fresh mint 2 cups non-dairy milk

BEET BOMB Blend the following: 1/2 beetroot 1 stalk celery 1 inch raw ginger 1/4 lemon raw 2 strawberries 1/2 raw apple 1/2 Banana 1/2 cup almond milk 1/2 cup water Optional additions Protein powder, 1 tablespoon almond butter, or 1 tablespoon of ground flax

green machines ALL-IN-ONE The Breville Juice Fountain® Duo pairs juice extracting excellence with pureeing power to give you the best of both worlds. Blend delicate berries, bananas and soft fruits for smoothies and turn apples, carrots and beets into liquid elixirs. Breville products available on island at www.bonvivant.ky

GET IT ALL FOR LESS The KitchenAid Maximum Extraction Juicer (Slow Juicer) gives you more juice with less prep work, the patented system slices and presses hard and soft fruits and leafy vegetables, and three pulp screens allow you to choose your texture. KitchenAid products available on island at www.althompson.com

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ACKEE

Words by Natasha Were

curious and contradictory Caribbean staple, ackee is a fruit that is cooked as if it were a vegetable, finds its perfect partner in fish, and that is highly toxic before it becomes wholesome and health-giving. Although not native to the region – it is thought to have arrived on a ship travelling to Jamaica from West Africa in the 18th century - the pear-shaped fruit with its soft texture and mild flavour quickly became one half of the country’s national dish, ackee and saltfish. Dangerously delicious, ackee is only edible fully ripened, when the outer pod turns from green to red and splits open, to reveal glossy black seeds partially covered by creamy flesh. Pick it before it has reached this stage and you could well succumb to the infamous Jamaican vomiting syndrome. It’s worth the wait, however, as ackee becomes not only tasty, but highly nutritious: the high fibre content aids digestion, vitamin C levels boost immunity, it’s rich in potassium which helps reduce blood pressure and full of complex carbs that regulate blood sugar levels and protect against type II diabetes. With its spongy texture and buttery flavour, ackee can be added to soups, salads and fritters, and is gaining a rapid following among plant-based eaters as it makes an ideal vegan substitute for scrambled eggs.

ackee & CRAB SPRING ROLLS

Recipe by Chef Kerryann Burnette of Lobster Pot, Grand Cayman

INGREDIENTS 300g Alaskan king crabs 540g ackee (1 dozen) 1 tbsp. vegetable oil 2 cloves garlic 1/2 cup spring onion 1/2 chopped onion 1/2 cup mixed peppers 1 chopped scotch bonnet pepper 1 tsp paprika 1 tsp black pepper 1tsp thyme 1 tsp all-purpose seasoning 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes Spring roll wrappers METHOD Clean and cook ackee until tender, approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Prepare crab meat, clean and shred. Pour 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a frying pan on a medium high heat. Fry onions, garlic, spring onions and scotch bonnet for 3 to 5 minutes. Add prepared crab meat into frying pan and cook for 10 minutes. Add paprika, black pepper, thyme, all-purpose seasoning and cook together. Add peppers and mix with the crab meat. Make room for ackee. Carefully place ackee into frying pan and cook for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and cool for half an hour. Make rolls by placing 2 tablespoons of mixture into the spring roll wrapper, seal and deep fry until golden brown. Serve with your favourite dipping sauce. RL RL

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CULINARY MAGIC Having enthusiastically embraced the use of local, sustainable ingredients, the region’s top chefs are now scaling new heights of culinary creativity, artistic presentation and superb settings. These are some of the Caribbean’s most acclaimed chefs. Words by Lindsay Thompson.

Chef Eric Ripert

Blue, The Ritz-Carlton, CAYMAN ISLANDS The only AAA Five Diamond restaurant in the Caribbean, Blue by Eric Ripert takes sublime seafood to an entirely new level. Under the guidance of the multi-award winning French chef, the kitchen embraces his philosophy of serving fresh fish, simply prepared, with à la carte options divided into Almost Raw, Barely Touched and Lightly Cooked options. World-class cuisine is enhanced by flawless service, an extensive list of rare wines and the incomparable elegance of The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. www.ritzcarlton.com

Chef Peter Schintler

Marmalade, Puerto Rico Ethically motivated and endlessly inventive, Marmalade is widely acknowledged as one of the best restaurants in Old San Juan. Chef Peter Schintler seeks out small-scale producers and local suppliers who share his vision for sustainable food production, and turns their goods into a menu that defies classification. Spanning vegan and raw dishes, hearty, slow cooked meats and sinful desserts, his tasting menus promise surprising combinations, explosive flavours and a few timeless classics - but the undisputed star on any menu is Schintler’s white bean soup with truffles and pancetta dust. www.marmaladepr.com

Chef Simon Christey-French

Sheer Rocks, Antigua Perched on a sunset-facing bluff overlooking Ffryes Bay, with wooden decks terraced into the hillside, Sheer Rocks is an irresistible mix of romance and hedonism. Complementing the laid back vibes are top-notch eats, masterminded by British Chef Simon Christey-French. Named Chef of the Year in 2010, the talented young food whisperer brings experience in Michelin-starred establishments and a stint as Sir Richard Branson’s private chef to the table, and is now working with local farmers and fishermen to infuse his tapas and tasting menus with fresh, local ingredients. www.sheer-rocks.com

Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichter

Dune, THE Bahamas Set on a sandy bluff with arresting views of turquoise seas, Dune is worth a visit for the location alone. Conceived and overseen by successful restaurateur and chef Jean Georges Vongerichter, the menu is influenced both by Jean Georges’ classic French training and his experience across Asia. Working in a stunning display kitchen, the culinary team whip up fabulous fusion creations, flavoured with herbs and spices from the resort’s organic gardens. Diners sit under the soaring timber roof of the colonial-style dining room, or out on the breeze-cooled terrace – ideally preceded by cocktails at the adjacent bar. www.jean-georges.com

Chef Massimo De Francesca

AVE & AVECITA, CAYMAN ISLANDS Located at the Kimpton Seafire Resort, Ave and Avecita share the same elegant, modern design and fivestar service, but offer distinct dining experiences. Chef Massimo de Francesca, whose culinary journey has taken him through kitchens in Italy, Canada and the US, blends global influences with seasonal ingredients and locally caught seafood. At Ave, fine fare is given a sophisticated Mediterranean spin, whilst at Avecita, a restaurant within the restaurant, discerning diners can sit at the chef’s bar and watch the culinary team conjure up tapas-inspired delicacies over a wood fired grill. www.seafireresortandspa.com RL

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Is it possible to love a coaster? If so, meet your soul mate – The Blue Night Fringed Coaster. Using traditional methods, weavers knit together coloured sisal and sweet grass into bold designs for drink mats that don’t belong on the bottom. The Blue Night Fringed Coaster and Peached Pink shown. www.kazigoods.com

From creative genius Patricia Urquiola Kartell’s Jellies Family drinkware is good to the last drop design. Available in pink, blue, yellow or clear, the Italian made, dishwasher safe, PMMA plastic ensures that taste isn’t sacrificed with these fun original pieces. Part of a comprehensive line of tableware. www.kartell.com

Eschew tacky plastic for a copper plate that will endure Mother Nature’s moods. Designed by Andrew Crace, the permanent markers are easy to engrave with a ballpoint pen and will mature over time to a beautiful verdigris that blends well with the garden. Also available in other woods and metals. www.alitags.com

Kitchen Confidential By Kyle Fulton

Wedgewood’s Wonderlust collection is a site to behold. As beautiful and exotic as the far flung locales that inspired it, the range includes everything from trays and tea sets to picture frames and side plates. All crafted from fine bone china, pieces from the eyecatching collection are perfect for marking important occasions or given as a gift. www.kirkfreeport.net

Don’t crack under pressure when the kids help in the kitchen with Yolkpig. A playful way to separate eggs, the plastic piggy sucks the yolks up his snout isolating them from the whites to make cooking silly and simple. www.peleg-design.com

Bon Vivant is more than the island’s goto kitchen shop for reliable gadgets and kitchenware. It also regularly hosts educational classes for adults and children who want to improve their culinary skills. Whether learning how to make pasta from one of the island’s top chefs or teaching kids how to chop, flip and mash their way through fun and healthy recipes, the courses are a great way to spend time with friends or family while learning new tasty tricks. www.bonvivant.ky

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wine-spiration

Most of us love to explore our adventurous side. For wine lovers, trying a unique bottle of wine is akin to venturing out into the world in search of new experiences. Yusuf Farouk from Jacques Scott gives us his take on a few wines for those wanting to journey into the world of wine. Words by Yusuf Farouk.

cin cin!

À VOTRE SANTÉ

One of Italy’s most stunning wines is Donnafugatta’s ‘Mille e Una Notte’ or ‘One Thousand and One Nights.’ An exotic and robust red from the Mediterranean island of Sicily, the base of this powerful blend is a grape that’s seldom seen outside of Italy, Nero D’Avola, which gives the wine deep and brooding notes of bramble fruit, chocolate, almonds and balsamic spices.

If you’ve never been to Provence in France, I invite you to journey there. Here many producers grow Rosé wine – and few are as delicious as Domaines Ott Clos Mireille. Made from Grenache and Cinsault, it has gentle raspberry, strawberry and lemon tones, and when chilled well it can feel almost ethereal. The perfect wine for hot weather!

Sure you’ve heard of Champagne – but what about Franciacorta? This sparkling wine made near Milan – the fashion capital of Italy – uses similar grapes to those used in Champagne. Ca Del Bosco, makes an immaculate bubbly, the Cuvee Annamaria Clementi, with flavours of golden apples, apricots along with delicious pastry tones. Very fashionable indeed!

Gesondheid! Stellenbosch is a South African paradise, not just for its rustic scenery but also for its excellent wine. A sterling example from the region is Rust En Vrede’s Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. Incredible quality exists in this delicious red, which displays notes of blackberry, cassis, bell peppers, liquorice and pipe tobacco. Not far from Stellenbosch, the Hemel-en-Aarde Valley is a pristine wilderness that is home to several fantastic wineries, including the award-winning Hamilton Russell Vineyards, creators of the indomitable Frenchoaked Chardonnay beaming with pear, lime, pineapple and tightly-wound mineral flavours.

Vouvray in the Loire Valley is a captivating place with its picture-perfect 17th century chateaux and rolling green hills. Sweet wines are made there, like the Huet Le Haut Liu Premiere Trie, a luscious but not overly-sweet dessert wine with hints of marmalade, caramel, hazelnut, citrus and salt.

¡Salud! Rias Baixas on the western coast of Galicia, Spain is brimming with gorgeous seascapes, pine trees and seafood restaurants. A wine that pairs particularly well with shellfish is the Pazo Senorans Albariño, which delivers bright flavours of peach, apricot, apple and mango with crisp citrus tones. On a massive plateau in northwest Spain is the region of Castilla y Leon. Here, along the romantic Douro river are several amazing wineries. Old vines are cultivated to make powerful oak-aged reds, like Ramiro’s Wine Cellars, who makes an incredible Tempranillo brimming with flavours of macerated fruit, cocoa, vanilla cream and earth. Wines like Ramiro’s are the reason some people travel at all.

¡Salud y amor y tiempo para disfrutarlo! The arid, alpine region of Mendoza in Argentina is a fascinating destination with towering mountain ranges and unique olive gardens. It’s well known for its reds, primarily the Malbec. Achaval Ferrer’s Finca Altamira may be the ultimate expression of Malbec wine in the region; hand harvested in extremely low quantities, the deeply expressive flavours in this wine are as boundless as the mountain skies. RL

Grown on the steepest and most daring slopes of the intrepid Apalta winemaking region is Montes’ Folly Syrah. Often called the ‘best Syrah in Chile,’ it’s true adventurer’s wine: savoury and spicy, raw and supple, grandiose and complex – all at the same time. It would be a ‘folly’ to miss out on this one.

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vivacious AND Vibrant, Vanita

Large in scale and rich in colour, Vanita Commisiong’s paintings are a radiant celebration of Bajan life. Words by Natasha Were.

Painted in vibrant hues with broad brushstrokes, Barbados based artist Vanita Commissiong’s canvases are full of life and movement. From dancing women and carnival stilt men to fishermen on the beach and lush tropical foliage, each painting is exuberant and spirited, the subjects swirling and swaying to a silent rhythm. Unless she has been commissioned to paint something specific, when she starts a new painting, Vanita often has no idea what the subject will be. She begins by using leftover paints to prime her canvases. She doesn’t sketch anything out first – she’s never been good at drawing, she says – but applies loose brushstrokes in different colours, then lets her intuition guide her. “Once I’ve applied a wash of paint, I’ll sit back and look at it, and I’ll see forms and figures start to show up,” she explains. “The composition appears out of the paint.” “Painting is meditative for me. I might get lost in it for five, six, even ten hours at a time, and when I stop I am physically aching and broken from bending over the canvas, but I don’t notice while I am working.” The daughter of East Indian immigrants, she recalls having her

Indian horoscope read as a child, which suggested she would become an artist. Nobody took the prediction seriously, however, and at school she was not permitted to take O'Level art, as her drawing was not considered good enough. Instead, she went into retail and later studied accountancy. It was an exhibition of Haitian art that rekindled her creative urges. Although she could ill afford it, she ended up purchasing four paintings one of which was by Claude Dambreville. “I just loved his work so I had to buy the paintings,” she recalls. “And when I looked at them, I thought, ‘I could do that’.” Inspired, she joined an amateur painting group that met weekly and, although she received no formal training there, some of her work was exhibited in a local gallery and sold almost immediately. Vanita never looked back. Although she has developed her own unique style - one that is vivacious and vibrantly coloured - the busy, populated scenes, where people are often viewed from behind, or their faces are undefined, have clear echoes of Dambreville’s work.

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At first, Vanita worked from photos but, she says, besides the fact the result was too posed, she found that people didn’t always like being photographed – hence the tendency to paint them from the point of view of an unseen observer. And because it is their gestures, how they stand and move that fascinate her, their facial expressions are redundant. Women in particular feature prominently in her extensive body of work. This, she believes, may be a subconscious expression of her own feminist tendencies. “Being brought up in a patriarchal household was not easy for someone like myself,” she muses. “There was always this idea that I would become a housewife through an arranged marriage. But I didn’t, and I think this may be why these strong, proud women turn up on my canvasses.” A hugely prolific artist, over the course of more than three decades has completed over a thousand paintings, most of them on canvases measuring four by five feet or more. As well as showing her own work alongside that of other local artists, in the three galleries she runs in Barbados, she has had exhibitions in Trinidad and England, and her paintings have found homes around the world. Now, for visitors who cannot fit her over-size originals in their luggage, she reproduces some of the most popular artwork on giclées, accessories and household items. Although she has experimented with different paints and her style has evolved over the years, from canvases to beach totes, the sunny, buoyant quality of Vanita Commisiong’s artwork is a constant. Whether it is people, places or activities that she renders in glorious Technicolour, it is her ability to capture that quintessential Caribbean zest for life that make her paintings such a joy to behold.

To view more of Vanita Commisiong's artwork visit: www.veryvanita.com Title page: Gully Chat, acrylic, 2016 Previous page, top left: Gully Stilts, acrylic, 2013 Previous page, top right: Rucous Stilts, acrylic, 2016 Previous page, bottom left: Sail Away, acrylic, 2017 Previous page, bottom left: Hanlon Hats, acrylic, 2006 This page, top left: Red Maypole, acrylic, 2012 This page, top right: Net Ladies, acrylic, 2012 This page, middle: Catch Sale, acrylic, 2013 This page, bottom left: Gully Walk, acrylic, 2015 This page, bottom right: Cane Cutters, acrylic, 2015

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| INDUSTRY NEWS

A.L. THOMPSON’S NOW STOCKS GOLD QUARTZITE FLAGSTONES The Outdoors at A. L. Thompson’s, George Town, now stocks gold quartzite flagstones for landscaping. Available by the 2-ton pallet of 400 sq. ft., they work well with natural lawns, pebbles and artificial turf, are also available in the store. www.althompson.com • (345) 949 8622 ALVIN SLUCHINSKI ACHIEVES DIAMOND STATUS WITH ENGEL & VÖLKERS Alvin of Engel & Völkers and has been in the Cayman real estate industry for 14 years and recently achieved Diamond status within the Cayman firm. Focused on all aspects of real estate, he is continually honing his knowledge of Cayman’s premium real estate. alvin.sluchinski@engelvoelkers.com • (345) 525 8850 APEX INTRODUCES ARCADIA ROOFING SYSTEM APEX Perimeter Protection introduces Arcadia, a roofing system that allows you to enjoy your outdoor space in any weather condition. Louvers rotate 170˚ to provide shade as the sun moves throughout the day. It can be controlled via a switch or mobile device or added to your smart home system. perimeter@security.ky • (345) 949 0004 BOGLE INSURANCE CELEBRATES 30 YEARS Bogle Insurance Brokers is proud to be celebrating 30 years of service to the Cayman Islands. The company has expanded operations significantly since 1988, now employs 15 staff members, services over 2,000 clients and has increased its office space by 3500 sq. ft. www.bogleins.com • (345) 949 0579 CAYMAN VILLAS NOW OFFERS PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SERVICES Cayman Villas is expanding into new areas of the short-term rental industry, and now offers high-end Property Management Services at competitive pricing to owners with properties in: West Bay, Seven Mile Beach, South Sound and Bodden Town areas of Grand Cayman. www.caymanvillas.com • (345) 945 4144 OLEA at camana bay TO BREAK GROUND in 2019 Camana Bay’s first for-sale residential project features Caribbean-contemporary waterfront condos, townhomes and duplexes. Located within walking distance of the Town Centre and Seven Mile Beach, this community of 124 residences will include beautifully landscaped common areas, a resort-style pool, yoga lawn and gym. OLEA is a joint venture between Dart Real Estate and NCB Group. www.camanabay.com DAVENPORT DEVELOPMENT PRESENTS: ARVIA This single-phase development, located on Grand Harbour Canal, will be comprised of 96 upscale contemporary condos, distributed across 12 three-storey buildings, positioned around a small marina-like set of docks, providing every home with views of the waterways. arvia@davenport.ky • (345) 949 4979 DESIGN STUDIO LAUNCHES ONLINE SHOP Newly launched, www.designstudiointeriors.shop is an online resource that gives customers full access to Design Studio's incredible furniture and home décor resources from the comfort of home with an easy delivery service. www.designstudiointeriors.shop

ENCOMPASS LTD. DELIVERS ANOTHER EXCEPTIONAL PRODUCT Phase II of Tranquility Cove will unveil a new level of luxury for this private villa collection. Guests will be greeted via a Welcome Centre, joined by a contemporary 7 bed/8.5 bath, detached oceanfront villa and a four unit condo site. Development is underway and scheduled for completion in 2020. www.encompasscayman.com ENVIROSHAKE now OFFERs ENVIROCOOL ROOFING Enviroshake, leader in composite engineered roofing, is pleased to offer Envirocool: a cool roofing product designed to maintain the authentic look of cedar, while offering enhanced solar reflective qualities and can save you up to 30% on your energy bills annually. www.enviroshake.com • (519) 380 9265 FIZBO offers A NEW WAY TO SELL PROPERTY Fizbo aims to bridge the gap between selling alone and hiring a traditional, commission-based agent. For a flat rate, Fizbo offers all-inclusive marketing packages that include photography, staging, virtual tours, social media, web advertising, local classified listings, print ads and signage. Fizbo does all the work to get your property sold. info@fizbo.ky • (345) 926 4666 Fuse-In Designs launches DIY DECORATIVE electrical panel covers FUSE-IN's designs are now available with an adhesive backing, allowing you to trace, cut and cover wisely on your own. Find a selection in A.L. Thompson's or visit their online store to peruse a vast range of designs, alternatively have a custom design created to match your style or living space. www.fuse-indesigns.com THE GRAND HYATT GRAND CAYMAN RESIDENCES OFFERS LIMITED OPPORTUNITY The Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman Residences embrace the best in luxury beachfront living that includes premier Grand Hyatt services, generous resort amenities and prestigious owner privileges at remarkable value starting at US$533,000 with limited opportunity. kim.lund@remax.ky • (345) 949 9772 GREEN 2 GO OPENS IN CANNON PLACE Green 2 Go, purveyors of fresh, locally sourced smoothies, has planted roots at a new location: 116 Cannon Place. Designed to help you get your daily quota of greens, the product line up includes 100% cold-pressed juices, superfood-shakes, cold-brew coffees and more are available at their new store or delivered. letstalk@green2go.ky • www.green2go.ky IDG RE-BRANDS to define their three company services IDG has re-branded their three companies IDG Interior Design, HOME by IDG and Dwell by IDG in addition to the new, www.idgcayman.com. IDG believes in living your best life, in the best spaces, and creating a space that is uniquely you. www.idgcayman.com • (345) 745 4310

INDUSTRY NEWS | 127

ISLAND HERITAGE LAUNCHES PENSIONS Island Heritage has launched its Pension products in Cayman, through parent company BF&M Limited. With over 30 years’ experience and over US$1 billion of assets under management, Island Heritage is able to offer greater economies of scale and a wider choice of investments. www.islandheritageinsurance.com • (345) 949 7280 JACQUES SCOTT OPENS IN FRANK SOUND Jacques Scott’s brand new store is located within the new Silver Thatch Plaza, 846 Frank Sound Road. This new store is convenient for those in the North Side and East End areas of Grand Cayman. Jacques Scott also provides online shopping and free delivery to all their customers island-wide. www.jacquesscottonline.com KIRK FREEPORT OPENS CLEARANCE CENTRE Kirk Freeport is making space for new season merchandise and is offering discount pricing on a wide range of china, crystal, jewellery, watches and accessories in a brand new clearance store. Located in the Town Centre Plaza, next to Burger King in George Town, new stock will be added weekly. www.kirkfreeport.com • (345) 949 7477 NCB ANNOUNCES LATEST RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT - AURA NCB Group is pleased to announce the launch of their latest residential development – AURA. This stunning South Sound retreat was designed by Robert Towell and is comprised of 39 two- and three-bedroom condos that span over one and two-storeys, each featuring incredible ocean views. www.aura.ky NCB COMMENCES CONSTRUCTION ON LUXURY BOUTIQUE HOTEL Ideally situated between George Town and Seven Mile Beach, this unique oceanfront hotel features 2- and 3-bed options with lucrative investment opportunities. Guests will enjoy unsurpassed amenities including a spa, wellness activities and farm-to-table dining. info@ncbgroup.ky NO. 11 SPA CERTIFIES IN DIEN CHAN FACIAL REFLEXOLOGY Cayman’s only holistic medical spa has added Dien Chan Facial Reflexology to its suite of services. Unlike traditional acupuncture, this Vietnamese method of reflexology uses multireflex tools made of natural materials that don’t puncture the skin whilst promoting energy flow, blood circulation and release muscular tension. www.no11spa.com • (345) 526 6611 OBMI UNVEILS REFRESHED LOGO Leading architecture firm OBMI recently unveiled their refreshed logo to better reflect the firm’s commitment to authenticity, innovation and design excellence. The bold new logo mirrors the latest designs the firm has been showcasing in Cayman with several modern, contemporary residences recently finalised. www.obmi.com THE PHOENIX GROUP WELCOMES INTERIOR DESIGNER BIANCA HUNT The Phoenix Group’s newest member, Bianca Hunt, has over 10 years’ experience designing homes in Canada, has a degree in interior design and building development and has attained NKBA certification as a kitchen and bath designer. www.phoenix.com.ky • (345) 945 8001

POOL PATROL WINS AWARD AND ADDS TO OUTDOOR COLLECTION At the 2018 Association of Pool & Spa Professionals (APSP) International Awards of Excellence, Pool Patrol won two categories - Traditional Gunite and Renovation. They now also offer a selection of Nusantara Teak furniture: hand built using Balinese reclaimed teak. www.poolpatrol.ky • (345) 949 8543 ROBERT TOWELL ARCHITECT LTD. WINS AT CARIBBEAN PROPERTY AWARDS Robert Towell Architect Ltd. recently won at the Caribbean Property Awards. Robert competed against property professionals across the USA & Americas and won in the Best Architecture for Single Residence category. His project has also been nominated for an overall international award. www.roberttowell.com • architect@candw.ky RUGS ORIENTAL OFFERS NEW LINE OF RUGS Rugs Oriental has a fabulous new line of affordable rugs from India that are 100% handmade using eco-friendly and socially responsible practices and feature new wave designs in a range of sizes and styles. Take advantage of their free try-before-you-buy policy. www.rugsoriental.ky • (345) 943 7847 VIGORO NURSERY ADDS NEW CERAMIC POTS AND WATER FEATURES VIGORO adds to its vast collection of high quality ceramic pots at their Agricola garden centre. VIGORO is also a leader in pond-building and water features – a soothing addition to any space in your office or home. www.vigoro.ky • (345) 949 4270. THE RESIDENCES OF STONE ISLAND SHOW HOMES OPEN This gated waterfront community in the Yacht Club is comprised of 44 luxury residences featuring open concept living space, plunge pools, double car garages, vaulted master bedroom ceilings, waterway views and an amenity collection beyond expectation. Three show homes are now open for viewing. www.stoneislandcayman.com info@stoneislandcayman.com VINTAGE CELEBRATES 3 YEARS Celebrating three years the salon has earned a place as one of the premier hair establishments on the island, offering some of the best services and products on the market. The team has now expanded to accommodate our ever growing client base. Vintage's goal is to provide a modern atmosphere with traditional values of quality service. www.vintage.ky • (345) 947 1897 INTRODUCING THE WATERMARK ON SEVEN MILE BEACH Presented by the team behind Water’s Edge, The WaterColours and The Residences of Stone Island, this development comprises of 54 exclusive beachfront units with some of the largest frontages on 7 Mile Beach. Cutting-edge architecture features window-walls capturing the sensational ocean views, paired with unsurpassed services and amenities. The WaterMark represents the ultimate in bespoke beachfront living. www.thewatermarkcayman.com • info@thewatermarkcayman.com RL

128

| DIRECTORY

INSURANCE

HOME AUTOMATION, SECURITY & ELEVATORS

Bogle Insurance Brokers Ltd., Cayman Islands......(345) 949 0579 Andro Elevators, Cayman Islands.................... (345) 943 1133 Island Heritage, Cayman Islands................... (345) 949 7280 Apex Perimeter Protection, Cayman Islands.......(345) 949 0004 The Security Centre, Cayman Islands..................(345) 949 0004

APPLIANCES, KITCHENS, BATHROOMS, CABINETRY, INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE, DESIGN, DECOR & FURNITURE DOORS, FLOORING, ROOFING & TILES

A.L. Thompson’s, Cayman Islands................ (345) 949 8622 Absolutely Fabulous, Cayman Islands..................(345) 926 9803 Ashley Furniture Home Store, Cayman Islands......(345) 943 2323 Apex Perimeter Protection, Cayman Islands.......(345) 949 0004 Design Studio, Cayman Islands ........................... (345) 945 4977 Arcadia Systems, Cayman Islands................. (345) 949 0004 Design Studio, Turks & Caicos............................(649) 941 4848 Bon Vivant, Camana Bay, Cayman Islands....(345) 623 2665 DWELL by IDG, Cayman Islands...........................(345) 745 4310 Enviroshake, Canada...................................... (866) 423 3302 Fuse-In Designs, Cayman Islands........................(345) 324 0280 Island Interiors, Cayman Islands................... (345) 949 6262 Home by IDG, Cayman Islands..................... (345) 943 6464 ITC International Tile Co. , Cayman Islands...(345) 945 3798 HUIS, Cayman Islands.....................................(345) 945 1271 Kohler, Cayman Islands................................. (345) 949 8622 IDG Interior Design, Cayman Islands........................(345) 943 6464 Otis Air, Cayman Islands................................ (345) 945 7167 Island Interiors, Cayman Islands......................... (345) 949 6262 PGT, Cayman Islands..................................... (345) 949 8622 Lydia Uzzell Interior Design, Cayman Islands.......(345) 945 1271 Pooley Cabinets, Cayman Islands.................. (345) 947 6780 Markson's Furniture & Windows, Cayman Islands...(345) 949 6233 Rugs Oriental, Cayman Islands......................(345) 943 7847 Rugs Oriental, Cayman Islands............................. (345) 943 7847 Sky-Frame - Tropical Glazing Solutions, Bermuda (441) 236 8463 The Phoenix Group, Cayman Islands................... (345) 945 8001 TREX, Cayman Islands................................... (345) 949 8622 TRIO Architecture, Cayman Islands................(345) 525 0777 OBM International, Cayman Islands .................... (345) 949 8115

SHIPPING & DELIVERY SERVICES Thompson Shipping, Cayman Islands..........(345) 949 8044 Tropical Shipping, Florida.............................. (305) 805 6620

SHOPPING & JEWELLERY Breitling Boutique, Cayman Islands................(345) 815 7472 Cannon Place, Cayman Islands....................... (345) 945 3517 David Yurman, Cayman Islands.....................(345) 949 7477 John Hardy, Cayman Islands..........................(345) 949 7477 Hearts on Fire, Cayman Islands.....................(345) 949 7477 Kirk Freeport Bayshore Mall, Cayman Islands.......................(345) 815 7474 Cardinall Avenue, Cayman Islands................. (345) 815 7470 Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands...... (345) 815 7478 The Strand, Grand Cayman..............................(345) 815 7473

SALONS & SPAS

ARCHITECTS

Botanika Union, Cayman Islands..................(345) 949 0088 LANDSCAPING & NURSERY DDL Studio, Cayman Islands.......................... (345) 945 3622 No. 11 Spa, Cayman Islands.............................(345) 526 6611 Vigoro Nursery Ltd., Cayman Islands............ (345) 949 4270 OBM International, Cayman Islands...............(345) 949 8115 The Spa at Seafire.......................................... (345) 746 0000 Vintage, Cayman Islands.................................(345) 947-1897 Robert Towell Architecture, Cayman Islands.......(345) 946 6681

ARTISTS, PHOTOGRAPHERS & GALLERIES

TRIO Architecture, Cayman Islands................(345) 525 0777 Vanita Commisiong, Barbados.......................(246) 234 9145 Heather Holt Photography, Cayman Islands........(345) 916 5263 TOURISM BOARDS & ASSOCIATIONS Tourism Attraction Board, Cayman Islands.............(345) 949 6999 BANKS & FINANCIAL SERVICES Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority......(268) 562 7600 Butterfield Bank, Cayman Islands..................(345) 949 7055 POOL MAINTENANCE & SUPPLY Cayman National Bank, Cayman Islands.......(345) 949 4655 Oasis Pool & Spa, Cayman Islands................(345) 945 7665 British Virgin Islands.......................................(284) 494 3134 International Financial Planning (Cayman) Ltd...(345) 516 2695 Pool Patrol, Cayman Islands...........................(345) 949 8543 Cayman Islands.............................................. (345) 949 0623 Jamaica............................................................ (305) 665 0557 St Kitts........................................................... (869) 465 4040 REAL ESTATE AGENTS & COMPANIES CAR SALES Saint Lucia...................................................... (758) 452 4094 Car City (Mercedes-Benz), Cayman Islands.......(345) 949 0440 Azure Realty Ltd, Cayman Islands................ (345) 946 2987 Tracey Kline...................................................... (345) 326 4562 Turks & Caicos...............................................(649) 946 4970 Jan Tomkins.................................................... (345) 926 2626 US Virgin Islands............................................ (340) 774 8784 CONDOS AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS Cannon Place, Cayman Islands....................... (345) 945 3517 Arvia, Cayman Islands...............................................(345) 949 4979 Encompass Ltd., Cayman Islands Aura, Cayman Islands.................................... (345) 946 9622 Tracey Kline...................................................... (345) 326 4562 Grand Hyatt Residences, Cayman Islands...... (345) 916 5555 Engel & Voelkers, Cayman Islands Alvin Sluchinski............................................... (345) 525 8850 Periwinkle, Cayman Islands............................ (345) 326 4785 Fizbo, Cayman Islands...................................(345) 926 4666 Kembali Kai, Cayman Islands........................ (345) 926 2626 Provenance Properties, Cayman Islands...... (345) 640 7000 Rum Point Club, Cayman Islands.................. (345) 926 2626 REM Services Ltd, Cayman Islands...............(345) 946 8664 SeaHaven, Cayman Islands............................ (345) 326 4562 RE/MAX Cayman Islands Solara, Cayman Islands.................................. (345) 946 9622 Kim Lund.......................................................... (345) 916 5555 The Residences at Seafire, Cayman Islands........(345) 640 7000

be a part of real life

Tides, Cayman Islands................................... (345) 946 9622

For details of our cost effective advertising

The Residences of Stone Island, Cayman Islands....(345) 949 9772 Vela, Cayman Islands.....................................(345) 949 4979

DEVELOPERS, CONSTRUCTION & SURVEYORS

RESORTS & VILLA RENTALS Caymans Luxury Retreats...............................(345) 946 8664

rates, or if you are interested in contributing

Cayman Villas, Cayman Islands......................(345) 945 4144

editorial, please contact our sales team.

Encompass Luxury Rentals, Cayman Islands Tracey Kline...................................................... (345) 326 4562

Abernethy & Associates Ltd. Cayman Islands......(345) 925 2816 Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort............ (345) 949 0088 Arch and Godfrey, Cayman Islands............... (345) 949 2370 Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, Cayman Islands.(345) 746 0000

BCQS International, Cayman Islands............(345) 949 8644 NCB Boutique Hotel, Cayman Islands.......... (345) 946 9622 Blue Point Consultants Ltd, Cayman Islands...... (345) 525 0706 Core Construction Ltd., Cayman Islands....... (345) 938 4543 RESTAURANTS, FOOD & BEVERAGE Davenport Development Ltd, Cayman Islands........(345) 949 4979 Avecita, Cayman Islands..................................(345) 746 4111 Encompass Ltd........................................................(345) 326 4562 Blue by Eric Ripert, Cayman Islands..............(345) 943 9000 JEC Property Consultants Ltd. Cayman Islands.. (345) 945 5930 CDG Group, Cayman Islands.................................(345) 945 2222

NCB Group, Cayman Islands......................... (345) 946 9622 Green2Go, Cayman Islands............................ (345) 328 6536 The Phoenix Group, Cayman Islands.............(345) 945 8001 Jacques Scott, Cayman Islands......................... (345) 949 0277 Wendel Construction, Cayman Islands..........(345) 947 3091 The Lobster Pot, Cayman Islands...................(345) 949 2736

CALL

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REAL LIFE Caribbean | Fall 2018

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REAL LIFE CARIBBEAN | Showcase | Casa del Cielo, Cayman Islands

REAL LIFE Caribbean | Fall 2018 - CONTENTS