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Vol 10, issue 2, fall 2015 PUBLISHER MC2 LTD. Melanie Roddam - melanie@reallife.ky EDITORIAL Editor Kyle Fulton - kyle@reallife.ky SALES & MARKETING Sales Manager Vanessa Singleton - vanessa@reallife.ky DESIGN Kyle Fulton - kyle@reallife.ky Melanie Roddam - melanie@reallife.ky WEBSITE www.reallife.ky
Nadia Ebanks An Assistant Broker at Bogle Insurance Brokers with over eight years of insurance administration and broking experience, Nadia specializes in health, life and annuities. Also a member of the Professional Academy for Healthcare Management, she shares her thoughts on Life Insurance on page 74.
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Laura Collacott Nadia Ebanks Vanessa Hansen Michael Joseph Emma Spencer-Smith Monica Walton Natasha Were Shari Whittaker Katrina Wilmot DISTRIBUTION CONTACT Vanessa Singleton - vanessa@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
Michael Joseph Born and raised in Grand Cayman, Michael is a Property Consultant for Property Cayman RE/MAX Cayman Islands. Specialising in new business opportunities, luxury homes, land and property investment, construction projects, property management and resort development, he shares his insights on Curb Appeal on page 92.
As we leave behind the rainy season and the sweltering sizzle of summer, the Caribbean once again comes alive with a riot of colour and lush landscapes and visitors from all over the world choose palm trees over polar vortices. To celebrate, we have travelled far and wide to bring you authentic cultural escapes and spectacular homes that embrace their setting in distinctive style. We introduce you to some of our favourite people, including resortwear designer Monica Wise, catboat keeper Kem Jackson and three underwater photographers who lay bare the extraordinary splendour of the Caribbean’s underwater world. If all the beauty makes you envious, fear not; we have also prescribed some decadent spas that will soothe your soul as well as your skin. Keeping you connected to the Caribbean and beyond, this issue is chockfull of interesting editorials, so sit back, sink your toes in the sand and enjoy!
Monica Walton A travel TV host, filmmaker and journalist with restless feet and a severe case of wanderlust, Monica can be found hosting the Cayman Islands tourism channel, Discover Cayman, or writing travel tips from around the Caribbean for her website www.caribbeanlifeandtravel.com. Travel with her to Honduras on page 101.
Shari Whittaker A young Caymanian who knows the value of education, Shari has a degree in Mass Communication and a Masters in Global Marketing Communication and Advertising. When not at work as the Marketing Manager for Cayman National Bank, she can be found giving back to the community. Read her thoughts on Saving for a Higher Education on page 72.
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waterline
Kem Jackson
Casa J
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THE watercolours & Stone island
Cultural escapes
POSTCARD from honduras
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Must-Haves Surface Appeal - Sconces
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room for improvement
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Must-Haves High & Mighty - Stools
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deSign den
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HIGH-TECH HOME AUTOMATION
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fresh air
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kitchen confidential
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my way Concierge Companies
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Clean & Clear Pool Sanitisation
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real report Planning for Higher Education
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real report Life Insurance
38 Beach House
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78 boggy sandS Club
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cigar culture
monica Wise of L✊Space
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PROFILE
beers of the region
Brian Macdonald of Design Cayman
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luxury cayman real estate
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CURB APPEAL
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SUPERLATIVE SPAS
80 Vela & OPus
120 Wonders of the Deep
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must-haves Out of the Ordinary
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Sip-worthy Sundowners
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Editor's obsessions
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Decoding the label Suncream
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BEach body ready
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industry news
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directory
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W A T E R L I N E Sleek, white and symmetrical against a backdrop of rugged ironshore, Waterline gives expression to the owners’ passion for modern design, down to the last detail. Words by Natasha Were. Photography by Heather Holt.
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ccupying the highest point on Beach Bay bluff with endless ocean vistas, the name is inspired by the parallel lines created where pool meets ocean, and ocean meets sky. Sharp lines, right angles and an absence of curves are dominant features of Waterline’s design. Each element, viewed separately, is simple and unembellished, yet the sum of its parts is undeniably dramatic. The owners, long term residents of the Cayman Islands, are no strangers to property development, having purchased, remodelled and sold various homes over the years. It is perhaps no surprise therefore that with Waterline they chose to take the lead on the
design – from concept to completion. Aficionados of modern design, they visited some of the most iconic examples of modern architecture in the world, including the Glass House in New Canaan, Farnsworth House in Plano, Illinois and the Barcelona Pavilion, Spain, seeking inspiration for their own home. The intention was never to replicate these virtually-all-glass edifices – it would be far from practical in Cayman’s climate and besides, the couple needed wall space to hang their extensive art collection – but they were able to take certain elements they admired and recreate them. RL
“I wanted to be able to look through the house, across the pool and out to the ocean, but that meant keeping the whole structure on a single level,” the owner explains. The land, however, sloped down towards the ocean. The solution he came up with, borrowed from the Barcelona Pavilion, was to build the land up to the level of its highest point – 45 feet – forming a huge platform or plinth, on which the entire footprint of the house, terraces and pool would sit. The owner’s daughter, an interior designer, introduced him to SketchUp, a form of 3D modelling software. Using that he was able to design the exact house he wanted, down to the landscaping and the position of each light fitting and socket. He then handed the models over to local architect Robert Towell who translated them into architectural drawings and took care of the detailed engineering aspects of constructing the plinth.
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In building the level of the land up, a drop-off was created on the seaward side. This had two distinct advantages. First, it ensured that the infinity edge pool – an absolute must for the owner – worked visually (the 150 feet of ironshore that lie between the edge of the pool and the ocean are not visible from within the property); and second, it allowed a large cistern to be incorporated under the pool deck without the need for significant excavation. Blocks of lawn, strips of coloured pebbles and precisely clipped
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topiaries frame the structure itself, a series of interlocking white rectangles and an equally geometric pool and terrace at the front. Inside, airy spaces and white walls and floors embrace the views, and the simplicity of the architecture has created an ideal blank canvas against which they have arranged bold statement pieces and personal keepsakes. “The idea of hiring an interior designer never occurred to us,” the owner says. “That is the really fun bit, so my wife and I turned the
design process into a series of trips abroad.” They travelled to the Miami Design District, New York, Spain, Italy, Greece and more, visiting everything from factories to furniture stores. In Turkey they ordered the white limestone floor slabs direct from the quarry, in Milan they had doors custom made, and in Valencia they found the tiles they wanted. Some of the furniture and decorative items were brought from their previous home, the rest was carefully researched: it took a year to locate
a set of ten Wink chairs – made from five different types of wood with dramatically different grains – that surround the glossy white dining table. The tube lights that hang above the table without obstructing the cook’s view from the kitchen, were one of the final pieces of the jigsaw. For the owners, consistency of style was key. Finding bathtubs, bathroom vanities and beds that fitted with the very contemporary aesthetic proved far less challenging, they found, than locating modern light switches, fans and smoke detectors.
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It is their eclectic mix of paintings, sculptures, masks and other curiosities, gathered over the course of a lifetime, that give the interior its unique colour and character. The fact that the interior décor was not planned with a unified vision in mind, but rather came together organically, makes it all the more authentic. “The only thing all these pieces have in common is that at the time we bought each piece, we liked it,” the owner says simply. Creating Waterline has been an all-consuming project, entailing international travel and hours of painstaking research, but the input has paid off: it’s a home that has its owners’ style and personality stamped on every inch of it, inside and out.
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“Not everyone likes this style,” the owner reflects, “but love it or hate it, praise it or ridicule it, at the end of the day, the house is all us.”
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Kem Jackson, Cayman’s Catboat Keeper Words by Katrina Wilmot
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hile winding along a rural road in West Bay, Grand Cayman, I spy three upturned catboats resting on workhorses under an open-air shed. I have arrived at the home of Kem Jackson, who today, like most days, is to be found in his garden workshop lovingly tending his ‘cats’. An avid seaman, mechanical engineer, treasure hunter, diver and veteran boat builder, Kem’s love affair with the sea, and catboats in particular, began when he was a small child. Always eager to share a tale about long ago Cayman when catboats were the heartbeat of the islands, he relates that, “Going fishing in a cat when I was a little boy was the biggest thrill in the world.” Integral to the development of the Cayman Islands, these unique boats enabled people to “…move, eat, and, ultimately, live on what was a small rock in a vast sea.” They were also a welcome alternative to awkward donkey rides, which were a common form of transport due to the poor condition of the roads. At a time when young boys often stole away in ‘borrowed’ RL
cats to explore Big Blue, Kem’s grandfather, ‘Uncle Bob,’ taught him everything he knows about building and repairing catboats. Recounting an occasion when he ran Uncle Bob’s boat aground whilst out fishing with friends, he reveals that “Uncle Bob would stand over you till you fixed your mistake and that’s how we learnt. We didn’t have super heroes back then; I had Uncle Bob. We learnt how to survive from our elders.” In a similar spirit, Kem, in his role as Vice President of the Catboat Club and various outreach efforts, works to establish a connection between younger generations and Cayman’s unique maritime history, hoping the experience of sailing and restoring catboats will infuse them with the magic that he once experienced while tending to his cat.
This page: Kem Jackson at his home. Right page, top: The original cat boat, The Terror, built by Daniel Jarvis of Cayman Brac. Bottom: Men at sea turtling.
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“Going fishing in a cat when I was a little boy was the biggest thrill in the world.”
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Crafted from the curved branches of pop-nut or mahogany trees, which could only be felled on a full moon, building a catboat required patience and knowledge; knowledge that could only be acquired through hard work and collaboration with elders. With their final shape ultimately determined by their purpose, Cayman’s catboats were typically one-sail wooden boats that ranged in length from 14-28 feet with the wide beam approximately half the length of the boat, a centerboard, and a single gaff-rigged sail which was often sewn from repurposed flour sacks. Whilst boats made for turtling had a spyhole box enabling fishermen to spot their prey and were designed to tip more easily so that the turtles could be effortlessly pulled on board, boats used to transport people and goods had flatter hulls rendering them more stable. Hulls were also painted to reduce the glare and disguise them from below. The main and lower part was painted blue to camouflage with the sea while the top two layers, painted white and black, were meant to replicate the sky and the stars. To facilitate agility and cutting quickly through the water both ends were tapered. It is rumoured they take their name from the silent movements of a cat hunting its prey. Kem, like many others, however, believes the name originated with fisherman Daniel Jarvis of Cayman Brac, who is credited with creating the distinctive craft and is said to have discovered a litter of kittens sleeping in his hull of his catboat, The Terror. With only six catboats remaining today, Kem works tirelessly to pass along the knowledge he has acquired over the years to ensure Caymanians continue to take pride in their unique aquatic heritage, whilst experiencing the magic of Cayman’s catboats. RL
Visit the Catboat Club at Whitehall Bay, Harbour Drive. For more information on hours, please call: 345.947.1812 or 345.949.3476. To arrange sailing in a catboat, please contact Kem Jackson at: 345.925.7212. Top: Two men enjoy a sail on a calm day in Grand Cayman. Bottom: Kem Jackson hard at work restoring a cat boat in his outdoor workshop.
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Grand in scale yet homely in atmosphere, Casa J captures the essence of West Indian colonial style, reinvented for the 21st century. Words by Natasha Were. Photography by Martyn Poyner.
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hen John Doak, one of the leading architects in the Cayman Islands, purchased a lot at the tip of Salt Creek he knew that, despite his own proclivity for Caribbean-style architecture, the covenants governing the Vista del Mar community would oblige him to design his home with a Mediterranean aesthetic. The result, Casa J, straddles both camps seamlessly. The exterior paintwork, wooden shutters and terracotta roof tiles lend it the requisite Spanish flair, while the design and layout is typical of a traditional West Indian great house. Artfully configured, with the main house at the heart of the property and separate pavilions on each side, Doak has created a variety of spaces where he and his wife, their children and guests can find seclusion, inspiration or recreation, depending on their needs. The three storey main house is the core family space: this is where John and Jackie and their children sleep, eat and work, and at its heart lies the great room, where mahogany furniture upholstered in pale fabrics sits easily
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beneath the soaring 12-foot beamed ceilings. Assisted by interior designer Michelle Butler of Design Studio, the Doaks have created a home that is both timelessly elegant and undeniably comfortable. Hardwood floors, recessed lighting and quirky, one-off chandeliers create a warm ambience, and the family photographs, mementoes and keepsakes that fill the shelves underscore that this is a home that is well lived in. Doak’s study, where he conjures up his award winning designs and is penning his tome, Cayman Style, is equally inviting: walls lined with bookshelves and antique maps and a vast leather sofa, it is his space to relax as well as to work. The children meanwhile, have the entire basement, furnished with rum barrel chairs and a life-size doll house at their disposal,
and guests have the luxury of their own private quarters in one of the pavilions, complete with indoor/outdoor shower, kitchenette and a private garden and beach. Occupying a prime position on Salt Creek, the property is bordered by tranquil waterways and unobstructed views on two sides. This enviable location means that friends can drop in by boat as well as by car. When they do so, the Rumbana, the canal-side pavilion, comes into its own. A stylish rum-shack, it is home to Doak’s extensive collection of fine amber nectars from around the region and the ideal space for entertaining at the water’s edge. Although built in 2009, Casa J is a work in progress that evolves in tune with the needs of the family: in addition to renovating the guest house Doak plans to build a fishing dock, where he and his children can indulge
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their love of fishing by moonlight. A true champion of local enterprise, he has drawn on islandbased suppliers for almost every aspect of Casa J, from A.L. Thompson's for kitchen appliances to ITC tile for the floors and Dart Nursery for the landscaping. Indeed, in Casa J, Doak’s love of all things Caymanian and
Caribbean shines through. From the colonial-style design and the emphasis on outdoor living to the paintings by local artists and his treasured rum collection, every aspect of this home anchors it firmly in the Caribbean. Despite his Scottish origins and the property’s Spanish name, Casa J is a home with an unequivocal sense of place.
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beach house Hidden amongst the treetops behind a private sweep of sand, the Beach House brings desert-island seclusion, old-world elegance and contemporary luxury together under one roof. Words by Nataha Were. Photography by Monika Wojtkiewicz.
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ranquil, remote and mercifully undeveloped, few who visit Little Cayman fail to be charmed by the tiny isle. The owner of the Beach House was no exception. A ten-year, worldwide search for the ideal piece of beachfront real estate ended the day he set foot on its sandy shores. The island’s pristine, protected natural assets – both underwater and on land – combined with first-world connectivity and the all the services and conveniences of Grand Cayman just a hop away, put Little Cayman in a class of its own. By the
following day he had found the perfect spot: a two and a half acre oceanfront lot with 300 feet of reef-protected beach. Hunkered down amongst sea grape trees, and set back from the pink-hued sands at the far eastern end of Little Cayman, the Beach House is everything the owner had envisioned. Concealed from the road, and only partially visible from the beach, the home’s muted hardwood exterior and single storey design lend it an unassuming air. Inside, however, it’s a showstopper. RL
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Adamant that the home should have minimal impact on the natural environment, he sketched out his ideas for a three bedroom home arranged in three ‘pods’ and connected by elevated walkways. Spanish architect Lirika Vula draw up the initial plans for the 9225 square foot house, then the team at Edgewater Development took over managing all aspects of the project, taking the plans to local firm AMR Consulting Engineers for a viability assessment, while Hue.Lyew.Chin Structrual Engineering Ltd. completed the engineering requirements. “The clients wanted a home that would be a showpiece, but also liveable and that felt like it had been dropped in place with mature
landscaping,” say Kris and Debi Bergstrom, the husband and wife owners and founders of Edgewater Development. To this end, a team from Edgewater Development, led by Kris, hand-cleared the footprint of the home so as to minimise disturbing existing vegetation on the property. Built on stilts to mitigate flood risk, it’s a walk through the treetops from sleeping to entertainment areas, with the whisper of the ocean a constant companion. Cooled by gentle breezes, the deep, shady terraces frame the vivid colours beyond: emerald green trees, sugary sand and tantalising glimpses of aquamarine sea.
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The interior, in sharp contrast, is dominated by rich browns, bronzes and brasses. Furnished with an exuberant mix of mid-century modern antiques and sleek, contemporary pieces, it is a profusion of tones and textures: leather, chrome, crystal and wood all come together seamlessly, breathing old-world, easy-living comfort. At once glamorous and welcoming, the entertainment area is vast and open plan. Clusters of sofas, a full-size pool table, horseshoe shaped bar and ultra-modern kitchen are all framed by high, beamed ceilings and a glossy, coconut wood floor.
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“Most of the design was my idea but I had a lot of help from the team at Edgewater Development. Because the house is in the Caribbean and because I am half-Indian, I wanted that element of British Colonial style, but I also wanted to capture the elegance of the 1930s,” the owner explains. There is certainly more than a hint of art deco in the decorative vases and bowls and the Hudson Furniture chandelier that hangs low over the dining table, but unexpected quirks – a fuchsia wall panel here, a set of turquoise table legs there – lighten the tone and anchor it in the 21st century. “We included these splashes of colour to prevent it being too tasteful,” explains the owner. “It injects a bit of fun, a bit of personality, into the design.”
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Old, new and exotic mix equally comfortably in the guest and master bedrooms. Ornate woodcarvings hang above king-size beds, African masks look down from the walls, oriental rugs cover hardwood floors and travel-worn trunks and suitcases are both evidence of the owner’s wanderlust, and an allusion to the golden age of travel, he says.
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In the master bedroom suite, it’s the sleek, frameless indoor/outdoor shower and freestanding copper bathtub, raised on a plinth and lit by a chandelier, that are the real eye-catchers. Every curio and statement piece throughout the home has a story and a travel log all its own. Much came from the owner’s own collection but, along with the interior designer, he also travelled to
Miami to search out antiques, and sourced one off-items from Europe. Construction materials were equally sourced from Indonesia, Jamaica, the US and South America, their transportation and delivery to Little Cayman seamlessly coordinated by the developers. Completed in the spring of 2014, the Beach House captures the comfort, style and privacy the owner wanted – and all on an island
where crime is unheard of, but a 10MB internet connection is the norm. As lavish and luxurious as his new home is, for the owner of the Beach House, it’s the setting that is the star feature, he says. “It’s totally quiet, you’re ensconced in nature, with an untouched beach in front of you. Anything you could build pales into insignificance compared to that.”
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Adding architectural edge to walls along with illumination, the Gridlock Sconce was inspired by the Brutalist movement. Assembled by hand from thousands of brass parts, the Philippe Malouin for Roll & Hill light has raw appeal. www.rollandhill.com
Photo by Joseph de Leo
Designed by Alison Berger for Holly Hunt the AB Lure Sconce is a luminous mix of hand blown glass and bronze hardware. Inspired by the elegant simplicity of fishing poles, it uses a grommet and reel to hold the lamp line in place. www.hollyhunt.com
Photo by Lauren Coleman
By Kyle Fulton
Each one-of-a-kind Catch Sconce has opal glass blown directly into the brushed brass fixture. Illuminating a brief moment in time, the two elements fuse together as the glass cools and organically slumps due to gravity. www.lindseyadelman.com
Providing striking ambient light, Set by XuclĂ for Vibia is both decorative and utilitarian. With moveable elements it can be as grand or modest as required, transforming walls with a play of light and shadow. www.vibia.com
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Replace tired toggles with premium drawer pulls for the ultimate interior facelift
Toeing the line between rugged and refined, DLV’s distinctive designs are courtesy of husband and wife design duo, Mark and Maggie de la Vega. Bold and sensual, the Marjorie and Horn hardware comes in multiple colours, finishes and lengths. www.dlvdesigns.com
Revive weary walls with distinctive wallpaper The atmospheric Lake Tahoe Plaid Collection is a fresh take on checks that adds mood and warmth to walls. Available on either standard or eco-friendly paper, it can also be custom coloured. www.i80west.com
Room for Improvement Spruce up a tired space with these tips and products that will improve any home. By Kyle Fulton Add an instant uplift when you replace worn-out cushions Mixing up accent pillows injects immediate colour and texture to a room. From exotic ikats to refreshing nauticals and classic prints, Ashley Furniture Home Store has a selection of over 80 quality cushions to choose from. www.ashleyfurniturehomestore.com
Add life to an abode with versatile planters that are suitable for both inside and out Suitable for plants or parties (as an ice bucket), the moulded fibreglass Bullet Planter perches atop a tripod of powder-coated steel. Available in five colourways, it was inspired by the 1950s original. www.dwr.com
Ditch dull details for interesting accessories that pique the eye
Insert whimsy with the Duck Leg Mirror from Bam Design Lab. www.bamdesignlab.com RL
Switch out boring tiebacks and anchor curtain with Stonk Knots’ Monkey Fist Tieback that adds a relaxed nautical elegance. www.stonkknots.co.uk
An eye-catching accessory, the hand-sculpted Studded Vase from Kelly Wearstler injects a bold edge. www.kellywearstler.com Photograph by Patri Loreto Nievas.
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High & Mighty By Kyle Fulton
1 Crafted from cold rolled steel then brass plated and finished with a handapplied patina, the Chess Stools capture an intelligent edge. www.annakarlin.com 2 With a classic bucket seat shape, crossstitched seams and aged iron frame, the sleek Fernando Bar Stool is a delight for derrières. www.jaysonhome.com 3 The Hot Mesh Stool solves seating needs with its sizzling powder-coated steel style that is suitable for both indoors and out. www.bludot.com
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4 Perch pretty on the Counter Stool. Crafted from hot-dip galvanized iron and powder coated to prevent rust, the striking stool is the opposite of average. www.bendgoods.com
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5 Wrapped in premium Italian saddle leather, the cantilevered Caribou Stool projects understated comfort and sophistication. www.ochre.net
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Now with the Kobo Aura H2O you can soak up a good book worry-free whilst in the pool or bath. Water-resistant for up to 30 minutes at a depth of one metre, its high-resolution, noglare screen means reading in direct sunlight is painless, while its chunkier body proves easy to handle. With excellent battery life – two-months use based on 30 minutes a day – and up to 32GB of storage, it makes reading a splash. www.kobobooks.com Contemporary and cutting-edge, the MIST lamp-planters by José Manuel Ferrero for POINT are an intriguing addition to the outdoors. Made of epoxy-lacquered aluminium then upholstered with hand-woven Shinotex fibres, the cordless lamp-planters are available in three sizes and either brown or ivory. www.point1920.com
DESIGN DEN By Kyle Fulton
Blending contemporary style with quality craftsmanship, the Minka Aire Artemis Ceiling Fan is a sleek design made of a precision moulded high-density composite. Containing a built-in light fixture, the fan is finished to resemble distressed Hawaiian koa wood for an exotic, striking design. Available at www.althompson.com
Original and opulent, Ann Sack’s Lux travertine tiles are leafed in gold, silver and pewter to add pattern and texture to walls. Suitable for dry, indoor application they are available in three styles to make any wall a statement. Available at www.designstudio.tc
Inspired by the iconic 1950s original, the Acapulco Chair from Innit Designs is crafted from phthalate-free vinyl woven onto galvanized steel frames that are powder-coated to resist rust. Suitable for conditions of high heat and extreme cold, it comes in eleven colours and various style options. www.innitdesigns.com
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Innovative and environmentally friendly, the ZEN Garden fireplace runs on renewable bioethanol so it burns with no smoke, ash or smell. With a unique elliptical shape and linear line of fire, the portable fireplace helps create a relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere. www.planikafires.com
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high-tech home automation By Kyle Fulton
Crestron Electronics
A leading provider of smart automation technology for over 40 years, Crestron is suitable to manage homes, offices, schools, civic buildings and more. It streamlines and simplifies all elements allowing control of audio and video, lighting, heating, security and entertainment to offer ease and energy efficiency, all at the touch of a button. With endless user options from simple handheld remotes to in-wall touch keypads or iPad control, their two-way feedback lets you instantly see what is happening at home or the office from the palm of your hand. www.crestron.eu
Savant
Run on Mac OS X, iOS smartphones and tablets, Savant is a high-end home automation system that enhances energy efficiency and is entirely customisable. Although it requires professional installation it has great features that bring audio, security, climate and lighting needs into one device. It even includes a unique in-home communication system allowing you to talk from your iPhone into the home’s intercom system. Designed to suit the way you live, Savant can dim the lights and mix the music when guests arrive; open the blinds and turn on the coffee in the morning; or let the dogs out while you’re away; it can even send a text if the front door is unlocked and then lock it for you. Making your home accessible wherever you are, Savant has everything one would want in a home automation system and more. Available in Cayman at www.theaudiophilegroup.ky
Nest
A home automation system, Nest provides programmable thermostats to make life better and simpler. Most buyers can install a Nest Thermostat themselves in under an hour, and once up it learns about you and your home to create a personalised schedule it will automatically employ. It can send alerts if a room get too hot or cold, and with the ability to be controlled from anywhere via smartphone, it’s easy to manage. Best yet, when you add more Nest products like the camera or smoke/CO2 alarm, they automatically work together. It can even email you an energy history each month, including tips to help you save. www.nest.com RL
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Fresh Air Many of us inhale the smell of a clean kitchen, a freshly painted room or a recently delivered piece of furniture with a degree of pleasure. But that smell we think of as ‘new’ is actually the smell of toxic VOCs. Words by Natasha Were What are VOCs? That freshly-unpacked, unsullied-by-use odour comes from the multitude of chemicals that are used in the manufacturing process of many construction materials and household goods. These chemicals, known as Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are found in everything from particleboard, carpets and mattresses to paint, electrical equipment and household cleaning products.
What is Off-Gassing?
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How can I avoid VOCs? ✹ Ventilation and airing out: Open up windows regularly to flush toxins out. Hang new soft furnishings outdoors for a few days to air them out, and unpack new furniture while still in storage to allow off-gassing to commence.
✹ Choose natural materials: Seek out organic, cotton, silk, wool and sisal rugs and soft furnishings, and natural latex mattresses. Choose solid wood furniture over pressed wood and non-toxic ceramic tiles.
The problem is that VOCs do not remain locked into these materials. Over time, they seep out into the atmosphere, where they are inhaled or absorbed by humans and animals. This is the process referred to as off-gassing. VOCs in the atmosphere can cause allergic reactions. Eye, skin and nose irritation and nausea are common, but more worryingly, some are known carcinogens and are suspected of causing damage to the immune and the nervous systems. Off-gassing increases at higher temperatures, making it a particular cause for concern in warm climates. The risk is greatest in new buildings, which are filled with new materials and furniture, and where air-tight modern construction traps the VOCs indoors. The concentration of VOCs is often two to five times higher indoors than outdoors, and can be hundreds of times higher after a fresh coat of paint has been applied or new furnishings installed.
✹ Look for Low or Zero VOC products: Manufacturers are finding ways to reduce the use of harmful chemicals in their products so look for products labelled as Low VOC or No VOC. Low VOC paints are increasingly widely available.
These tiles not only look good, they also clean your atmosphere. Part of Iris U.S.’s Green Choice tiles, the Active TM Photocatalytic Ceramics absorb and remove nitrogen oxide air pollutants by way of photocatalysts that interact with light and humidity. www.staffordflooring.com
Inspired by nature, Devine Colour is low odour paint that emits zero VOCs as calculated by the Environmental Protection Agency method 24. A lush, durable, washable paint, they offer over 200 colour choices. www.althompson.com
Long-lasting and easy on the environment, these thick Turkish towels are hand loomed and made from either organic cotton or bamboo. Super soft, they are ideal for the bath and are available in gorgeous creamy white. www.rugsoriental.ky
✹ Be guided by third party certification: When sourcing finishes and materials for the home look for Greenguard, Green Seal, Sustainable Furnishings Council (SFC) or Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) certifications. All are all third party organisations that approve low-emitting products and materials. ✹ Avoid the worst offenders: PVC, linoleum, pressed wood materials and fitted carpets that are glued in place can be some of the most toxic, so avoid these when possible. ✹ Out with the new, in with the old: New materials stop offgassing eventually, so used products are generally a safer option. Consider opting for antiques or used furniture, and sourcing recycled construction materials. A leader in eco-friendly manufacturing, LEE Furniture offers products largely made from renewable resources. Cushions are filled with 100% recycled fibres, wood is SCS certified and bonded with a soy-based resin, all finishes are low VOC’s and 80% of metal components are recycled. www.designstudio.tc
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Bump & Grind Handmade by artisans in Pakistan, Tahir Mahmood’s Mortar and Pestle is a smashing way to mash up herbs. Made from Indian rosewood and offered in eleven vibrant designs, it spices up the kitchen in the freshest way possible. www.tahirmahmood.com Ring It Elevate table settings with these fashionforward napkin rings from Kim Seybert. Offered in sets of four, and a dizzying number of designs from classic pearls to geode tipped, they ring in good times. www.kimseybert.com
Kitchen Confidential By Kyle Fulton
win me at www.reallife.ky
Creature Cocktails Stir up fun with Gnome Sweet Gnome Shop's drink sticks that pack a roar. Featuring whimsical, delightful designs from safari animals and aquatic creatures to the magical unicorn, they add a non-alcoholic kick to cocktails. www.etsy.com/shop/GnomeSweetGnomeShop
Clean Design Double down on dirty dishes with a Fisher Paykel dishwasher. Offered in 24 or 36 inches wide models and measuring a mere 19 inches tall, they provide the same capacity as a standard machine but deliver unique design flexibility and energy savings. A great solution for small or outdoor kitchens. Available at www.brandsourcecayman.com
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Curves Ahead All hail the mighty 'S' trivet. Made in the USA from solid brass, this minimal object with massive purpose stylishly protects the kitchen from tabletop to countertop. www.fruitsuperdesign.com
Grill Thrill Forget slaving over hot coals with the Big Green Egg. Able to smoke, grill or acting as an oven, it's the most versatile barbeque on the market. A modern interpretation of ancient Japanese kamados, the durable cooker allows chefs to easily and quickly control heat while the ceramic body provides unmatched insulation. Did I mention it was self-cleaning? Talk about eggcellent. Available at www.bonvivant.ky
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My Way |
Enjoy choice without compromise thanks to these savvy companies that customise according to the customer. By Kyle Fulton
IslandLuxe Concierge Don’t hum, ha or stress your holiday away, let IslandLuxe Concierge manage the details so you can enjoy your vacation your way. With a team of highly knowledgeable professionals ready to attend to every whim and wish, you will have no choice but to relax. Whether travelling alone or in a group they can plan activities and excursions such as swimming with stingrays, deep-sea fishing, diving and natural park explorations. With all service packages customisable for both half and full days, they maximise your Cayman Islands experience. www.islandluxeconcierge.com
Mise en Place Fancy a first-rate meal whipped up by a worldclass chef while you frolick on the beach or enjoy worry-free time with guests? For over ten years Mise en Place has been providing professional chef services for events both big and small. With wide-ranging menu selections to cater to every taste and budget, their private chefs are keen to create meals according to clients’ specific needs. Motivated to take advantage of seasonal and local ingredients to offer fresh, creative dishes, their full service chefs make special occasions extraordinary. www.catering.ky
PRO YACHT Your time is valuable, and Pro Yacht knows this better than anyone. This is why they have provided concierge style services to their clients for over 20 years. Whether you live on island or are arriving from abroad, simply inform them of your date of arrival and they will have your boat launched, fuelled and fully stocked with your favourite drinks and equipment. They can even have your car fuelled, cleaned and RL
ready for your arrival at the airport, should you wish. For those desiring a sunset cruise or fun in the sun with family and friends, they can provide a professional Captain so everyone can relax and indulge without worry. Providing you with peace of mind, the Pro Yacht team is at your service. www.proyacht.ky
Luxury Cayman Villas Couple the best of boutique hotel services with the privacy of your own beachfront villa and you have Luxury Cayman Villas premiere amenities. With a portfolio of four of Cayman’s best beachfront villas – each complete with a private pool, modern amenities and contemporary interior design – guests can expect all the comforts of home but enhanced by daily housekeeping; pre-stocked groceries; private chef services; in-villa massages and more. From a personal property manager who welcomes you to the villa and ensures five-star service and advice during your stay to VIP Fast Track airport service and private transfers, they take your luxury seaside stay to unparalleled levels. www.luxurycaymanvillas.com
Edward Teach Rum Crafted by hand in George Town, Edward Teach Rum is single barrel, limited release rum in its eleventh year of production. Aged for over a decade in oak barrels, it is one of Cayman’s best-kept secrets and perfect for special events. With vintage bottles and customisable labels that are wax dipped by hand, this delicious rum is truly one-of-a-kind. A gift worth of landlubbers and salty dogs alike, contact alex@cdg.cdg.ky for more details.
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Clean & Clear Pool Sanitisation
The continual monitoring of conditions and sanitisation processes can be the bane of any pool owner’s existence. Particularly true in hot climates, where pools see frequent use and bacteria multiply fast, there is no escaping the need to eliminate contaminants and prevent algae growth. Words by Natasha Were In addition to the filter, chlorine has traditionally been considered the most convenient and effective means of keeping pools clean and clear. Although powerful and fast-acting, however, chlorine has its drawbacks – when levels are off it can cause red eyes, dry skin, faded swimwear and, in some, an allergic reaction. There are other ways to treat pools though, which greatly reduce the need for harsh chemicals, yet still result in sparkling, crystal clear water. The following breakdown outlines the alternatives, and the advantages and disadvantages of each. Bromine Bromine, a chemical belonging to the same halogen group as chlorine, has the same disinfecting abilities, but does not have the odour or cause the allergic reactions that chlorine can. Because it is more stable than chlorine in warm water, it is commonly used in hot tubs, but the same quality can make it a good option in a Caribbean climate. It is however, still a chemical and also degrades in sunlight, requiring the addition of greater quantities to be effective in pools. Salt Water Chlorination Often referred to as saltwater pools, saltwater chlorination is not quite as natural as it sounds. The system works by first making the pool saline, by simply adding salt, and then installing a chlorine generator. As water passes through the generator, it converts the chloride part of the salt (aka sodium chloride) into chlorine. The result is a softer, gentler form of chlorine that is odourless and does not irritate skin and eyes. For pool owners it eliminates the need to purchase, store and handle strong chemicals and, because the pH of the water remains neutral with salt chlorine generators, there is little need for other chemicals to be added. The main disadvantage of this system is cost: the generators themselves are not cheap and the salt cells will need to be replaced every few years. This may, however, be offset by the reduced running costs in the long term. RL
Ionizers Mineral ionisers are an environmentally friendly way to control bacteria, algae and viruses in pool water. Ionisers use electricity to positively charge copper and silver ions and disperse them in the pool’s water. Negatively charged bacteria and other microorganisms are drawn to the positively charged ions and destroyed or neutralised. Although simple and inexpensive devices to purchase and maintain, ionisers are not a stand-alone solution. They will certainly reduce the need for chemicals but periodic chlorine shock treatments or continuous use of a very low level of chlorine is required to keep pools completely sanitised. Owners also run the risk of possible staining if the copper levels get too high and too much sanitiser is added. Ionizers depend on moving water to disperse the ions, so pool pumps need to be run frequently, if not continuously, which can add significantly to pool maintenance costs. Ozonators Ozone is a powerful naturally-occurring purifier that destroys mould, mildew, fungi and bacteria. In pool sanitation systems, ozone is synthesised by a small machine that attaches to the filtration plumbing line and injects it into the water where it reacts with pathogens. Ozone acts very fast – much faster than chlorine – and uses minimal electricity. Although it tackles the bulk of the purifying, it is best used in conjunction with chlorine or bromine. The quantity of chlorine or bromine that is required is only 10% of what would be required without an ozonator, however, and is unlikely to smell or cause dry skin and sore eyes. The initial cost of ozonators is significant, but thereafter maintenance and chemicals costs are minimal. Although 100% chemical free pools are not yet a reality, installing one of these devices can reduce the amount of chlorine or bromine required to levels that are undetectable to swimmers.
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Planning for a Higher Education By Shari Whittaker, Marketing Manager at Cayman National Bank
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t the primary and secondary school levels adolescents are often blessed with having a personal financier, parents or guardians, who generally foot the bill when it comes to educational needs from tuition and uniforms to books and field trips. However, what happens when it comes to costly tertiary education? With the cost of a college education growing each year – in the US the approximate total cost per annum at a state university is around $25,000, while private colleges range from $40,000 to as high as $70,000 – it is crucial to have a proper savings and financing plan in place before delving into the pursuit of a higher education. Fortunately, there are a number of options available to ensure you are on the right track to save for and fund a college education. • Start an education investment plan the moment your bundle of joy arrives. Take an aggressive approach in the beginning and become more conservative as the child gets nearer to their college years. An aggressive investment strategy is one of higher risk, which generally equates to a better return on investment and a higher chance for loss as well. Assuming more risk at the onset enables you to achieve a better chance of healthy returns at a younger age; as your life circumstances change and evolve so should your strategy. • A regular savings or certificate of deposit (COD) account is another great starting point, however, with interest rates at a historic low this may be more of a secondary option. While savings and CODs are a great method of saving, the current low interest rates are a result of the economic downturn therefore returns are achieved over longer terms due to low rates. Still the safety and conservative nature of the investment makes the product worthwhile. • If you need some minor additional funding, consider tapping into your retirement savings sparingly. Tapping into existing available funds may be a more viable option than accruing more debt when
obtaining a student loan, however this is dependent on how much of a financial burden you wish for your child to assume. • Actively track academic scholarships or grants available from local companies and organisations as well as the institution the child will attend. Some schools offer better tuition rates to attract overseas students or provide unique scholarship opportunities, as they are required to have a certain percentage 0-of international students. Other things to consider when choosing a college whereas it relates to cost. • Location, location, location: a university’s location provides a direct indication of the amount of money that will have to be spent; this is primarily based on the cost of living. For example, Georgia State University located in downtown Atlanta will net a higher price tag than the University of Georgia located in Athens. Although they are both public schools located in Georgia, universities located in bigger or better-known cities will be more costly. • Overall net cost: tuition as well as college fees such as housing and meal plans, scholastic supplies and personal and transportation expenses. • Ivy League and other private institutions: when looking at a costly private or Ivy League institution consider whether the degree being pursued will lead to a career that can ‘payback’ or recoup the cost of the tuition and other associated costs. According to Fortune Insider, “For most parents, sending a child off to college is an enormous investment, typically the second largest one they will make after their home.” Armed with this information, it is clear that the sooner one starts saving for their child’s educational future the better off all will be.
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Life
insurance By Nadia Ebanks, PAHM, Assistant Broker at Bogle Insurance Brokers, Grand Cayman
Life insurance is an important policy product that can protect loved ones when they are most vulnerable, often for less than a dollar a day.
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merging in the early 1700s, and explained in its most basic form, life insurance may be classified as financial protection for your estate and loved ones in the event you are no longer there to provide, delivering reassurance to you and your dependents that they will be looked after. There are two main categories of life insurance: as a protection product and as an investment product. A protection product usually offers a lump sum payment at death; a Term Life Policy is the most common form of this product. A Term Life Policy runs for a fixed period of time – such as 5, 10 or 25 years, and pays out only if you die during the policy. An investment product focuses on growing your principal by way of premiums. A Whole-Life-Policy is such an example and pays out no matter when you die, as long as premium payments are met. To determine whether you need life – F. C. insurance think of it in these terms: do you have dependents – a partner, children (especially school age) or other relatives that rely on your income to cover the mortgage and or other living expenses? If the answer is yes, then it is wise to have a life insurance policy that can provide for them in your absence. It acts as income replacement for your family, pays for their education expenses and allows them to maintain the same standard of living under the worst possible circumstances. As the
primary income producer you should purchase enough insurance to cover their needs in the event of your death. It is also prudent to consider a policy that covers funeral expenses. Recently, a family friend asked me if she needed life insurance although she is only eighteen years old. I highlighted three facts for her. One, life insurance is best purchased at a young age as it offers a great advantage with premiums; it will be cheaper and often locks in for life or a specified period. Two, you can utilise life insurance as an investment tool to start preparing for your future. Three, it is best to purchase life insurance while you are in good health. At the end of our conversation, it was clear to her that there are no disadvantages when life insurance policies are purchased and serviced correctly, even at such a young age. And when you consider that the average premium for a non-smoker aged 18 who purchases a $500,000 Oviatt life insurance policy for 30 years is less than $1 a day, it makes absolute sense. Given all the advantages to purchasing life insurance, from protecting your loved ones and estate to acting as an investment, it is no wonder that many people today recognise that it may be one of the most important financial decisions you make. As Dr. Solomon Stephen Huebner wrote, “Were it not for human life values there would be no property values at all.”
“The foundation of life insurance is the recognition of the value of a human life and the possibility of indemnification for the loss of that value.”
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brian macdonald ARB, RIBA, ARIAS
The Managing Partner of Design Cayman Limited, Brian was born and raised in Scotland until fate intervened seventeen years ago and he found himself on a plane headed to the Caribbean. A British qualified and registered Chartered Architect, he spent six years in Bermuda then four years in Turks and Caicos as the Managing Director of OBM International. With over twenty years’ experience on all aspects from concept design to completion, Brian is passionate about architecture. When not in the office, he can be found on the golf course. RL: How did you come to practice architecture in the Caribbean? BM: I always wanted to practice in a different country and one evening I noticed an advert looking for an architect in Bermuda. I applied along with 62 others and, thankfully, I was offered the position. RL: Describe your design style and how it has evolved since you started out. BM: I don’t necessarily have a style per se, but now that I’m older and more experienced I can instinctively relate with clients and understand their needs so as to provide creative and holistic solutions. That said, I have a real sense of how the outdoor living can influence spacial planning be it an internal open-air or sculpture garden or a simple breezeway where you capture the wind and direct it through the home. Generally architects mature like a great bottle of wine. RL: What are you trying to achieve with your designs? BM: We aim for tailored designs that reflect the personalities of our clients, along with the simple integration of the exterior environment.
estate homes, family homes, simple renovations of existing condos and homes, installation and coordination of a 132 KW commercial solar array and commercial fit-outs for offices around Cayman. We also have our first courtyard home nearing completion with two others on the drawing board. RL: What are the hallmarks of a Design Cayman build? BM: Our integrated design approach provides designs that reflect the personalities of our clients so they get a unique home that is robust, well thought out and will mature with age. RL: What inspires your work? BM: My design mantra is simply, “Good design elevates the human spirit.” It’s my clients that inspire me. They allow me to be involved in their dream; it’s a very intimate process. Important memories will be created in their home, so I take my role as the cradle-to-grave servicer of the house seriously.
BRIAN'S TOP TEN
RL: What makes for a good experience when building or renovating? BM: A great design team and an integrated holistic approach with key consultants. It’s the only way to have a great home that is on time and budget, and allows you to enjoy the process.
Architect: Frank Lloyd Wright Artist: Impressionism art movement Design Tool: Real black ink pen for sketching Appliance: Espresso machine Book: Autobiographies. The Churchill Factor: How One Man Made History by Boris Johnson, is a great read. Holiday: Hawaii Vice: Mature cheddars Mistake: Falling asleep on a stool only to wake up on the floor with two black eyes and a smashed nose – my hands were still in my pockets. Meal: Horse Shoe Bar, Glasgow, Scotland. Mince pie, chips, mushy peas and a cold glass of Guinness. Way to spend the day: Playing board games with the family, then feet up with a dark and stormy, reading a book.
RL: What are you working on at present? BM: A variety of projects of all natures big and small: a 49 acre master plan development, luxury contemporary
For more info contact: 345.916.0930, brian@design-cayman.ky or visit: www.design-cayman.ky
RL: What is the most important lesson that you have learned? BM: Simple: advise and guide the client in all aspects of the process and, most importantly, listen, record and take instructions. If permitted, we will push the boundaries and think outside the box, but that liberty must be agreed on and given by the client.
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luxury real estate Feature Properties Boggy Sands Club....................................................................................78-79 The WaterColours and The Residences of Stone Island.....................82-83 Vela, South Sound & Opus, Old Prospect.............................................80-81
Cayman Islands Azure Realty Ltd............................................................................................ 84 Capital Realty – Alvin Sluchinski................................................................ 88 Cayman Technology Centre – NCB Group................................................. 86 Cayman Villas................................................................................................ 99 Davenport Development Ltd – Vela & Crystal Cove................................2-3 Edgewater Properties Ltd........................................................................90-91 Luxury Cayman Villas................................................................................ IBC Michael Joseph, Property Cayman.............................................................. 89 Milestone Chestertons Properties Cayman.............................................. 88 Parkway Place, Seven Mile Beach............................................................... 87 Provenance Properties of Cayman............................................................... 5 The WaterColours........................................................................................... 7 Tides, South Sound....................................................................................... 85
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BOGGY SANDS CLUB An exciting new residential development in West Bay, Grand Cayman. Words by Natasha Were
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oggy Sands Club offers owners the best of both worlds: the safety and sophistication of a luxury gated community, and the simple joy of beachside living. Development of the 2.4 acre lot, adjacent to picturesque Boggy Sand road – a quiet, sandy cul de sac lined with quaint cottages and sumptuous waterfront mansions – will maximise the natural beauty of the site and embrace the spirit of island living: low rise buildings will be surrounded by lush gardens and tropical landscaping, and residents will have private access to the little visited northern end of Seven Mile Beach. The first Cayman Islands venture for Coen Coleman Ltd, the development will consist of just 20 condominiums, distributed across five contemporary island-style buildings, and an impressive range of communal fitness and entertainment facilities. A total of three pools – one deep, one with a shallow section for little ones and one with a separate jet pool – will enable residents to play, relax or power through their laps uninterrupted, before enjoying a poolside barbecue with family and friends.
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A place to get to know one’s neighbours, the beach volleyball court, pool and foosball tables, and four TVs in the club house all create opportunities for impromptu games and neighbourly get-togethers and will create a natural sense of community. At the beach, the fine white sand, calm water and vibrant reef offshore offer all manner of water sports possibilities – all of which will be facilitated by secure storage for kayaks, paddleboards and other toys, within the gated complex. Equally suitable as vacation rental homes or permanent residences, all condos will have identical three bedroom (plus den), four bathroom floor plans with kitchen, dining and living areas that flow easily into one another. All ground floor units will also be wheelchair accessible. The three spacious bedrooms all feature en suite bathrooms with walkin showers or free-standing bathtubs and, whilst dens make ideal home offices, snooker rooms or TV snugs, they can equally be closed off to form a fourth bedroom.
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Windows on all sides and two balconies per condo ensure plenty of natural light and cooling breezes while the high-end finishes and accessories – travertine floors, custom cabinetry, Samsung kitchen appliances and Kohler faucets and fittings – promise a bright, stylish and contemporary ambience. Local interior firm Liberty Designs will oversee the décor and furnishing of common and residential areas and pre-construction buyers will be able to customise the cabinetry, countertops, and furniture in their new homes. With CCTV in public areas, a secure entry system and an on-site property manager, security at Boggy Sands Club need never be an issue. Despite being a private oasis for residents, however, the development is ideally located within easy walking distance of grocery stores, banks and other services, and only a few minutes drive from some of the island’s most acclaimed restaurants. Boggy Sands Club, Grand Cayman. All the charm of a secluded beach abode, coupled with the convenience and comfort of a modern, luxury home. For more information, contact Boggy Sands Development: Call: 345.923.7980 Email: info@BoggySands.Club or visit: www.BoggySands.Club RL
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Vela & Opus Davenport Development – changing Cayman’s real estate scene one quality residential development at a time. Words by Vanessa Hansen
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avenport Development – the name hit Cayman’s real estate market in 2004, and quickly gained a solid reputation by staying true to its guiding principles: to deliver well-designed, energy-efficient, quality homes that support the local market – eighty per cent of their materials are sourced locally. Founders Paul Pearson and Ken Thompson launched the company with Valencia Heights before moving on to Lantern Point and San Sebastian in South Sound. The latter developments offered something difficult to find – access to Cayman’s beautiful Caribbean Sea at an affordable price point. Davenport Development continues to stand out in Grand Cayman’s competitive market with its latest projects: Vela and Opus. Occupying a prime location in South Sound, Vela boasts close proximity to shops and schools, but its amenities are what take this development to the next level. Clearly catering to residents with active lifestyles, Vela will be home to Cayman’s first ever Olympiclength pools complete with two lanes for serious swimmers, and resort-style fountains and sunbathing shelves for those more recreationally inclined. In total, three 50-metre pools will be built – one in each phase. The family-friendly development will also feature tennis courts, two fully serviced gyms, a walking/jogging track and a yoga room. Not to be left out, boaters will have allocated parking spaces, and storage is being built below the tennis courts for residents to rent.
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The developers strive to deliver value through building energy efficient homes that begin with structural walls made from Insulating Concrete Forms (ICF) blocks. Savings continue with energy-efficent A/C units from local vendor OtisAir and propane-powered appliances including a washer and dryer, oven and range, and a tankless water heater from Home Gas. Offering a selection of high-end finishes and appliances such as Whirlpool’s sleek White Ice line for the kitchen, buyers can choose to customise the space as much or as little as they like. Meanwhile hurricane-rated Eurotech Windows made of reflective glass curb heat and UV rays and a Nest smart thermostat, which can be controlled remotely, intuitively adjusts temperatures after learning the owner’s patterns. Delivering value also comes in the form of ensuring residents’ peace of mind. Each home is equipped with a pre-wired security system, and a package from The Security Centre is included in the monthly strata. Aesthetics take centre-stage at Vela. The modern development has taken care to ensure all homes have views of the pools and lush, green landscaping by way of parking and thoroughfares on the perimeter. While local design powerhouse, International Design Group (IDG), was brought in to advise on design and build furniture packages for buyers desiring a turnkey experience. Unique to Vela, the developers are introducing affordable concierge service, which can include anything from picking up dry cleaning and groceries to hanging art while a resident is at work. The system will be
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utility based, with charges added to residents’ monthly strata invoice. Phase II of Vela is now selling, with six different floor plans ranging from one to four bedrooms. Meanwhile, developers finalise plans for their next project – Opus. Nestled on a rare beachfront ridge on Old Prospect Road, Opus features six three-storey residences. Designed to maximise the natural beauty of the waterfront location, each room of every house will enjoy views of the sparkling Caribbean Sea. To be built according to Davenport’s guiding principles of quality, energy-efficiency and thoughtful design, future residents of the high-end homes can rest-assured they will incorporate hurricane-rated, energyefficient materials and top-of-the-line finishes. Each residence will also include what is now considered a Davenport signature, a customisable
rooftop terrace complete with an optional hot tub. The residences’ modern, minimalist architecture is reflected in the interior design choices, which include Kitchen Aid’s new Black Stainless line of appliances. The concierge service introduced with Vela will also be implemented at Opus. Whether it is family-friendly Vela or exclusive Opus that appeal to buyers, the Davenport team promises to deliver. With a track record of providing quality homes at affordable prices, Paul Pearson and Ken Thompson stand behind their company’s hard-won reputation by offering a one-year wall-towall warranty and five-year structural warranty on every residence. To learn more, contact Davenport Development: call: 345.949.4979 Email: info@davenportdevelopmentltd.com or visit: www.davenportcayman.com
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Luxury Redefined The watercolours & the residences of stone island
When The WaterColours welcomed its first residents in July of 2014, the bar for luxury in the Cayman Islands was instantly raised. From spectacular views of Seven Mile Beach to unprecedented amenities, the developer’s attention to detail equates to a living experience like no other. Now poised to begin The Residences of Stone Island, they are establishing a new standard for excellence. Words by Vanessa Hansen
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pon entering the grand foyer at The WaterColours, one cannot help but exhale in awe as the infinity-edge pool, sugar sand beach and softly lapping Caribbean Sea come into view. The team behind this luxurious development is known for their meticulous attention to detail, masterminding every element down to the tiniest aspect. This passion for the fine print comes from a deep understanding of their residents’ lifestyles. From a full-time concierge to poolside service, The WaterColours
aesthetic. The Conservatory is also fitted out with a chef’s kitchen and private wine lockers, making it an ideal location to host an event. Across from the Conservatory is the state-of-the-art fitness studio, complete with Cybex equipment overlooking beautiful Seven Mile Beach. It even includes a private massage room, creating a spa-like atmosphere. Upstairs, each residence is a wonder to behold with interiors crafted from rich woods, marble and the finest quality fixtures and
team is always one step ahead of residents’ needs. The property features valet parking, on-site luxury car service, a conference facility and guest suites that can be reserved when visitors come to town. On the main level, guests can enjoy the sumptuous Owners’ Conservatory complete with wondrous views, cosy seating, grand piano and plenty of space for entertaining. Local interior design firm International Design Group (IDG) helped create the inviting interior that incorporates elements of the sea while maintaining a refined
fittings. Kitchens incorporate the latest technology and highest quality appliances from Wolf, Miele and Sub-Zero. Boasting floor-to-ceiling windows and glass balconies designed with privacy in mind, each residence enjoys unlimited ocean views. With 24-hour on-site security and a property built to the highest standards, residents can truly enjoy peace of mind while delighting in sumptuous luxury.
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Beyond Seven Mile Beach Now the team behind The WaterColours has set its sights on a new project. Named The Residences of Stone Island after the property’s bedrock foundation, it is a welcome departure for the developers who are thrilled to expand vibrant waterfront living to the prestigious Yacht Club neighbourhood. Positioned on a private peninsula, Stone Island is in close proximity to the Cayman Islands Yacht Club, Vista Del Mar and Salt Creek. The gated waterfront community comprised of 44 spacious three-storey luxury residences is laid out in 14 unique buildings, providing each home with approximately 3800 square feet of living space. With exclusive home features such as elevator, plunge pool, built-in BBQ, double car garage, vaulted master bedroom ceilings, waterway views and open concept living spaces, no detail has been missed. Celebrating the resort/residential lifestyle, the community features include: 24-hour security, tennis court, surrounding boardwalk, docking facilities, expansive 110 foot mosaic tiled infinity-edge pool, lush landscaping and an amenity building with a professional fitness studio, private screening room, waterside owners' conservatory, children's centre, chef's kitchen and owner's wine storage. Once again IDG has been selected to design and decorate the communal spaces, which residents can enjoy for everything from formal entertaining to casual gatherings with neighbours. Enjoy the proximity to neighbouring Cayman Islands Yacht Club and the convenience of their newly renovated marina, restaurants and services, including future multi-use trail with walkable access to Seven Mile Beach.
Details of this unique residential development will continue to be revealed as planning progresses. What is guaranteed is that the developers who have changed the way we think of luxury in the Cayman Islands will bring the same superior-quality, thoughtful design and attention to detail to The Residences of Stone Island. For more information visit: www.TheWaterColoursCayman.com, www.StoneIslandCayman.com or call Kim Lund, RE/MAX Cayman Islands: 345.949.9772
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345.938.9938 SUGAR REEF, OLD PROSPECT POINT BEACH FRONT Completely renovated, super stylish, contemporary beach front home with vintage touches. The open concept entertaining areas are defined by tray ceiling details, and spill out onto the shaded terrace & sundeck, zero-edge pool and down to the sugary sand beach. Elevated to catch the captivating sunsets, vistas over the pool, reef protected beach & the bay of South Sound beyond.
4 bed+den/ 4.5 bath | US$2.74M | MLS 404437
NICK SELLARS
NICK@milestone.ky | 345.925.0332 NICK SELLARS
www.milestone.ky CIREBA MEMBER
Sophie miles
sophie@milestone.ky | 345.926.9926 SOPHIE MILES milestoneCAYMAN
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CURB APPEAL
First impressions matter when considering a house. Harness these simple tips to increase your home’s curb appeal and make good on your investment. By Michael Joseph, Property Consultant, RE/MAX Cayman Islands Curb appeal refers to a property’s attractiveness from the street. Although this may seem simple, there is important logic behind the idea, especially when looking to sell a house. Beyond providing instant attractiveness and a sense of place, curb appeal can increase a property’s value – often by as much as twenty per cent. When one considers that two-thirds of potential buyers drive by a home they find interesting online, curb appeal can be the deciding factor that leads a prospective buyer to walk through the door. Potential purchasers are aspiring to have a slice of the lifestyle the home represents, so its first impression will speak volumes and have a lasting effect – make sure it is the right one. Fortunately, increasing a property’s curb appeal is easy and need not break the bank. Whether it is sweeping away roadside debris strewn in front of the property, tidying up toys left around the yard, washing windows, cleaning gutters or creating a harmonious look by
way of planters or window boxes, these affordable everyday actions pay dividends. Likewise, taking the time and money to install proper pathways or contracting professional landscapers to spruce up the garden, block less desirable views with foliage or install coveted items like auto irrigation systems, make a home more inviting. On driveways consider the use of industrial paint as a floor covering instead of dull construction concrete. Create an organised environment in the garage by installing shelves or by way of a storage shed along side the house. Pressure-wash the deck and driveway. Think about painting the exterior walls and soffits. Or perhaps paint the front door to provide a fresh, welcoming entryway into the home. By embracing these simple steps to fine-tune a home’s exterior you can help your home radiate a loved and lived in look, which in turn only helps your investment. Don’t you want to be the belle of the block?
Cultural Escapes
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If exploration and local lore are as important as rest and rejuvenation when you travel, consider the following resorts: each offers unusual and inspiring opportunities to experience the unique cultural and natural riches of the destination. Words by Natasha Were
Zimbali Retreats, Jamaica Only 12 miles from the pulsating beach resorts of Negril a very different experience of Jamaica awaits: a serene, family-run hideaway, life at Zimbali Retreats is all about simplicity and a love of nature. Located in a fertile mountain valley, with accommodation for a maximum of 14 in cosy wooden cabins, it’s a haven of relaxation and a foodie’s paradise. The seven-acre organic farm supplies the restaurant – one of the island’s top-rated – with fresh produce, and guests can tour the farm, help with the day’s harvest, then join the chefs for a cooking demonstration. Beyond nourishing meals, fresh mountain air and the soundest of sleeps, Zimbali Retreats offer a rare insight into authentic Rastafarian culture. Visitors can join local Rasta Fire for a hike through the hills and an Ital meal cooked over an open fire; or they can take a tour and consultation with renowned herbalist Bongo Roache, who will share his healing wisdom with guests. www.zimbaliretreats.com
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Southern Cross Club, Little Cayman Few places compel one to kick off one’s shoes and sink into stillness the way Little Cayman does, and the casually elegant Southern Cross Club embraces that sense of absolute calm. The 14 beach cottages are intentionally free of wifi, phones and TVs, and the verandas are perfectly positioned to gaze out and muse upon the ocean’s many shades of blue. The pristine waters that surround the island are indeed the star attraction, and this easy-going, low-key dive resort offers umpteen ways to enjoy them. Guests have complimentary use of kayaks, snorkel gear and paddleboards, and flats fishing opportunities are found right in front of the resort. Meals are a delicious mix of international and Caribbean cuisine, while the Tiki bar is a great place to swap stories with other guests and enjoy a sundowner. If you can rouse yourself from your state of blissed out relaxation, you need only walk to the end of the dock and the dive boat will whisk you off to explore the underwater jewel of the Cayman Islands: the world-famous walls of Bloody Bay Marine Park. www.southerncrossclub.com
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Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Puerto Rico Situated on the former estate of philanthropist and environmentalist Laurance Rockefeller, Dorado Beach, A RitzCarlton Reserve, enhances the original eco-friendly design and philosophy of this slice of paradise, creating an elegant natureinspired sanctuary on Puerto Rico’s Caribbean coast. A beach resort as well as an eco-retreat, the water sports are as varied as the dining options, but for guests wanting to experience some of the natural wonders of this part of Puerto Rico, the Ambassadors of the Environment programme is the perfect introduction to the island’s marvels on both land and sea. Likewise, the 11-mile Rockefeller Nature Trail is ideal for appreciating the island’s lush tropical forests, alive with the sounds of coqui frogs and exotic birds. Offering a taste of the island’s best assets, high adrenaline excursions range from zip-lining through the treetops, to touring vast cave networks and body rafting on underground rivers while loweroctane tours allow guests to learn about the coffees, rums and cuisines of the island. www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/DoradoBeach
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Superlative Spas
By Kyle Fulton
The Spa at Round Hill, Jamaica Set upon the sandy shores of Montego Bay, Jamaica, The Spa at Round Hill is found in an exquisitely restored 18th century plantation house and is the sole Caribbean resort to use Elemis. With an extensive list of beauty and wellness treatments that focus on incorporating local ingredients and influences, the full service salon offers such delights as an outdoor Vichy shower under a canopy of trees, an Elemis Aromapure facial devised to leave skin glowing with health, and a signature Pineapple Body Buff treatment designed to restore vitality to body and soul. In combination with a state-of-the-art fitness centre, outdoor yoga pavilion and oceanfront pool, guests are encouraged to relax and revitalise in unparalleled comfort. www.roundhill.com
Hibiscus Spa, Grand Cayman
Photo by Patrick Broderick
With a reputation for offering top-notch healing treatments in an atmosphere of complete serenity, Hibiscus Spa at The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach is the perfect escape to indulge in marine-inspired treatments. Revitalise weary muscles with an Organic Aromatherapy Massage, refresh tired skin with an Antioxidant Vitamin C Facial, or get pampered with a two hour Islands Dream Experience that incorporates a two-step lavender body scrub and wrap, a full body stone massage and finishes with a relaxing scalp rub. With 13 treatments rooms, two steam and sauna rooms, whirlpools and Vichy showers, Hibiscus Spa is an island paradise offering the finest in rejuvenating luxury. www.westingrandcayman.com
The BodyHoliday, St. Lucia More than a spa, The BodyHoliday in St. Lucia is an all-inclusive wellness resort that aims to provide a range of treatments and activities to rejuvenate body, mind and soul. Designed around the four key elements of relaxation, restorative beauty, exercise and good diet, guests are encouraged to do as much or as little as they like. Catering to every desire, sporty types will enjoy the almost endless activities on offer, while those seeking a more relaxed approach to health are able to indulge in a host of beauty treatments and therapies. Offering Ayurvedic treatments as well as Reiki, facials, massages, body wraps and scrubs and more, it is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy paradisiacal pampering. www.thebodyholiday.com RL
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postcard from
HONDURAS
Travel TV host and journalist Monica Walton, heads to La Ceiba, Honduras for the ultimate adventure getaway. Words and photography by Monica Walton
wildlife-rich jungles, endless activities, impressive Mayan ruins and sugary-white sandy beaches. Honduras – Central America’s best-kept secret – is a vast playground for the adventurous. Teetering on the edge of the Caribbean Sea, La Ceiba, is the third-largest city in Honduras and a perfect place to base yourself. Slowly growing into a top ecoadventure destination in the region, the city is surrounded by beautiful reserves and untouched forests. Nearby you’ll find the stunning Cayos Cochinos archipelago, action-packed canopy tours and gorgeous, natural hot springs.
AIR MAIL
STAY EAT
at The Lodge at Pico Bonito. Tucked away in the lush Honduran Rainforest, this luxurious jungle retreat is considered one of the top 50 ecolodges in the world. Surround yourself with towering palms, tropical flowers and exotic wildlife at this chic, deluxe hotel, offering beautifully decorated mahogany cabins, a world-class restaurant overlooking the mountains and gorgeous nature trails leading to secluded waterfalls. If you’re feeling adventurous, explore the nearby serpentarium, take a dip in the cascading mermaid falls, visit the butterfly farm or practice yoga on the rainforest deck.
the uber delicious black bean soup with fresh cilantro, crispy tortilla strips and sour cream at Itzama at The Lodge at Pico Bonito.
ISLAND HOP
the picture-perfect Cayos Cochinos Cays. Snorkel at the second largest barrier reef in the world, mingle with the locals and grab an authentic Garifuna lunch at Chachahuate Cay.
RAFT
through the 20-mile long Rio Cangrejal river rapids. Open from September to February.
HIKE
through Pico Bonito National Park before reaching the mesmerizing ‘Unbelievable Falls’.
SOAK
in lusciously warm natural springs at Sambo Creek. Take in the tropical scenery, get a massage or try an exfoliating hot mud treatment for the ultimate jungle pampering.
SPOT
howler monkeys and manatees while boating through the mangroves at the Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge.
Cigar Culture For cigar aficionados, a fine smoke is about much more than flavour and aroma. Each puff is redolent with tradition, history and skilful production. Amongst connoisseurs, a premium hand-rolled cigar is akin to a work of art. Words by Natasha Were
W
hen Christopher Columbus and his crew made landfall in the Caribbean on their maiden voyage to the New World they found the natives throughout the islands indulging in a curious practice: they twisted up dried aromatic leaves, wrapped them in a palm or plantain leaf, and smoked them. Strange though it was, Columbus’ men quickly developed a taste for the habit, and before long had taken tobacco seeds back across the Atlantic and introduced smoking in Europe. The newly formed United States followed suit a little later, and by the early 20th century cigar-making operations there numbered over 80,000. Five centuries later, the manufacturing process is infinitely more refined and cigars are smoked internationally – but the finest quality, handrolled cigars still come from the Caribbean region, with Cuban cigars commonly regarded as the gold standard. Cuba’s enduring supremacy as a cigar producer is due both to ideal environmental conditions and centuries’ worth of knowledge and skill. Few, if any, other tobacco growing regions have soil and a climate that is so favourable for cultivating, curing and fermenting all three types of tobacco leaf – filler, binder and wrapper – required for cigar production. Indeed, RL
the delicate, silky wrapper leaves are so tricky to grow that many manufacturers import them from Cuba. It is the great tobacco families of the island, however, who over the course of many generations, have perfected the art of harvesting the leaves at just the right stage of maturity, and painstakingly curing and fermenting them – a process that can take several years – to develop the desired colour, aroma and burning characteristics. Master blenders are then tasked with carefully selecting a combination of filler leaves – those that form the inner part of the cigar – to ensure a depth and complexity of flavour. In the best quality cigars, the blend of filler may vary from head to foot of the cigar, taking the smoker on an experiential journey of tastes, strengths and aromas. The final stage in the creation of a premium cigar is the process of hand-rolling. Although machine rolled cigars arrived on the market in the 1920s, the mass produced versions are widely considered to be of inferior quality. Great skill is required to roll the perfect cigar: not only must the finished product be perfectly uniform in appearance, but the leaves should be packed neither too tightly, nor too loosely, to ensure a smooth and even draw, and the wrapper should be made from a single section of the glossiest, most flawless leaf.
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Cigar consumption was at its peak when the Cuban cigar industry was dealt a double blow. In 1960 Fidel Castro’s new communist government expropriated all cigar-manufacturing operations on the island, turning them over to the state; two years later, President John F Kennedy imposed a trade embargo on Cuba, banning the import of all Cuban goods into the USA. These two developments forced many of Cuban tobacco families into exile, taking with them their seeds, knowledge and trade secrets. Many relocated to neighbouring lands – the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Honduras and Nicaragua in particular – and started their businesses afresh. Although success did not come overnight – it took years of trial and error to produce quality tobacco – the events of the early 1960s ultimately drove premium cigar production out of Cuba. Since the 1980s some excellent cigars have been produced in other parts of the Caribbean and Central America. The Dominican Republic now exports 350 million premium cigars annually, and in a 2014 taste test of over 700 cigars by Cigar Aficionado magazine, three out of the top five cigars were Nicaraguan. While the basic ingredients of a fine smoke have remained unchanged for at least 500 years, cigar smoking has come a long way from its primitive origins. Now most often associated with success, affluence and a deep appreciation of the finer things in life, the ritual of choosing, clipping and lighting a cigar, and the slow savouring of the flavours is a fitting acknowledgment of the craftsmanship that has gone into the making of each cigar.
Cigar anatomy CAP – A loose piece of tobacco applied to the top of a cigar with a touch of glue to prevent the wrapper from unravelling. This must be clipped before smoking.
Head – The end of the cigar that is placed in the mouth.
BAND – Denotes the cigar brand or variety. Smoking etiquette dictates it should be removed shortly after the start of smoking.
Wrapper – The outside leaf, which should be free of veins, spots or tears and uniform in colour. This is the hardest leaf to produce and the most expensive component of the cigar.
Binder – The second layer in the cigar, it uses a tougher leaf that keeps the filler leaves bound together, but imparts little flavour.
Cigar facts: The thicker the cigar, the more complex the flavours. A good cigar roller can produce hundreds of cigars in a day. In Cuban cigar factories ‘lectores’ are tasked with reading to the cigar rollers to keep them entertained while they work. Kept in the right conditions (temperatures around 70ºF and 70% relative humidity) a cigar can last for decades. The label 'hecho a mano' (made by hand) on Cuban cigars actually denotes cigars that have been machine rolled, but finished (wrapped) by hand. 'Totalmente a mano' is the label that appears on 100% hand rolled cigars. When machine-made cigars first appeared in the 1920s, the product was so inferior that it caused a widespread decline in the cigar consumption.
FOOT – The flattened end of the cigar, which is lit.
Filler – The middle of the cigar, it is usually made from the dark and oily ‘ligero’ leaves from the top of the tobacco plant. It is these that give the cigar the majority of its flavour.
Perfect pairings Abuelo 12 Made from sugar cane honey and aged in used bourbon white oak casks, the spicy, nutty, vanilla flavours of this rum pair beautifully with a spicy cigar such as an Ashton, Credo or a vintage Rocky Patel. Courvoisier XO A classic combination, this blended and aged cognac complements a wide-range of cigars. With fruity, chocolate undertones this smooth l’eau de vie that was the chosen cognac of Emperor Napoleon I, is an excellent choice for both richer cigars such as a Cohiba as well as a medium-bodied Montecristo White Label. Available at www.blackbeards.ky
Beers of the
Caribbean Words by Natasha Were
B
eer may be a relative newcomer to the Caribbean – at least, compared to rum – but on a sizzling summer’s day, it’s the ultimate thirst quencher. While the barley-based brew can never claim to be a true island creation, due to the provenance of the raw ingredients, almost every island in the region is now brewing at least one signature ale or lager. Caribbean beers are many and varied, but all have been developed to combat the triple-figure temperatures and stupefying humidity. Lighter and crisper than their counterparts in northern climes, the beers of the region are designed primarily to be as easy to drink as they are refreshing.
Scorching hot day + ice cold BEER = REFRESHMENT PERFECTION Red Stripe
Caybrew
Kalik
Full bodied, full-flavoured and extremely quaffable, Red Stripe is as intrinsically Jamaican as jerk chicken and reggae. With hints of ginger, sweet corn and spice balanced by the bitter hops, the taste is as distinctive as the squat brown bottles it is served in. Brewed on the island since 1928, Red Stripe is best enjoyed with a plate of spicy, barbecued ribs and plenty of rice and peas.
Born in 2007, Caybrew, the premium lager of the Cayman Islands, had received an international gold medal from the Monde Selection Jury before it was a year old. Made with German malts, hops from the Cascade mountains and ultra-purified local water, it’s pale yellow in colour and light-bodied with a clean, crisp character.
A favourite tipple of locals and named after the sound of their cowbells, Kalik is considered a national treasure of The Bahamas. Full bodied, and golden in colour, it looks and tastes like sunshine in a bottle. Made by the Commonwealth Brewery since 1988, Kalik is mellow in the extreme, and all too easy to keep on reaching for.
Presidente
Banks
Kubuli
Named after Rafael Leonidas Trujillo, president of the Dominican Republic, the ultra light pilsner has become one of the country’s most recognised exports, and can be found chilling in fridges throughout the Caribbean and beyond. A light, slightly sweet flavour and background notes of citrus make Presidente the ideal six-pack to head to the beach with and sip throughout the day.
A pilsner style lager, Banks has been the first choice of beer drinkers in Barbados for over 50 years. Brewed with malted barley and a flavoured by Galena and Styrian Holdings aroma hops, it is the pure Barbadian water – filtered through coral stone – that really gives this smooth, fresh lager its distinctive character.
The national beer of Dominica embodies the wilderness, nature and adventure the island is known for. Made with simple malted barley, hops and the freshest natural spring water, taken directly from the Loubiere spring that runs right past the brewery, it is light bodied, pale in colour and exactly what the doctor ordered after a hard day’s hiking in the rainforest.
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SIP-WORTHY SUNDOWNERS Beat the heat and embrace Caribbean life with these delicious, thirst-quenching cocktails.
Cayman Fizzy Berry 1 1/2 oz Flor de Caña Blanco 1 oz St Germain 1 oz strawberry purée 1/2 oz lime juice 2 drops Angostura orange bitters Top up with Prosecco MIXOLOGIST Gabor Molnar The Westin Grand Cayman www.westingrandcayman.com
Caribbean Vesper Martini Go Diver 1 oz Cointreau 1 oz Godiva 1/2 oz Blue Curacao 5 oz fresh squeezed orange juice Squeeze of lime Garnish with fresh basil and a slice of orange. MIXOLOGIST Karl Fitzgerald Lobster Pot www.lobsterpot.ky
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1/2 oz Belvedere Vodka 2 oz Tanqueray 10 Gin 1/2 oz Lillet Blanc Infused Chamomile Dash orange bitters Dash key lime bitters Shake over ice until well chilled, then strain into a deep goblet (champagne coupe or cocktail glass) and garnish with a thin slice of lemon peel. Serve straight up without ice.
MIXOLOGIST Andrea Travenzoli Kaibo Beach Bar & Grill www.kaibo.ky
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Grand Cherry 2 oz Grand Marnier 1 oz Licor 43 1/2 oz Fresh lemon juice 1 sprig of thyme 4 black cherries Muddled, shaken and then strained on to single big block of ice. Garnish with a dehydrated orange slice. MIXOLOGIST Brett Mac Murray Karoo www.deckers.ky With this drink, Mac Muray came first in the Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge Cocktail Competition.
WATERMELON LUSH 1 x 1 inch slice of fresh watermelon 2 oz vodka 1 oz passion fruit and guava shrub (can substitute with passion fruit purée)
ICE BREAKER 1 1/2 oz Absolute Vodka, 1/2 oz Sour Grapefruit Liqueur Splash of fresh lime juice Dash of bitters Top with soda water Mixologist T.J Ambridge The Wharf www.wharf.ky
Cut a wedge from the watermelon and save for garnish, then remove skin from the rest and muddle. Then add vodka and fruit shrub syrups to a cocktail shaker and shake with ice. Optional: 5ml of Crème de Cassis to enhance sweetness depending on the flavour/colour of your watermelon. If watermelon is fresh and sweet enough, this is not necessary. Double strain over fresh ice. Garnish with the wedge of watermelon. Mixologist Q, The Bistro www.thebistro.ky
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TUNE IN Pump up the jams with Sunnylife’s Beach Sounds portable speaker. The sand and water resistant case which features a radio tuner, bass control and jack inside for your mobile media player of choice, is available in five happy colour combinations. So get your groove on. www.sunnylife.com
win me at www.reallife.ky
Shade Patrol
obsessions editor's
win me at www.reallife.ky
Hotting up Cayman’s sunglasses scene, newcomers Shades are upping the ante with personal delivery just two days after order placement. Offering eco-friendly Proof Eye Wear made from sustainable materials, they come with 100 UVA/UVB or polarised lenses, hinged arms, are water-resistant and the pièce de résistance – they float! Order a pair via their Products Tab on their Facebook page, and make a statement with your shades. www.facebook.com/shadescayman
By Kyle Fulton
win me at www.reallife.ky
Furrow Free Iron away wrinkles with a Branché silk pillowslip. Made from the highest quality long strand mulberry silk with a charmeuse weave, their premium cases let skin breathe, keeping moisture in and wrinkles out. They also allow hair to slip and slide, reducing damage and loss. Want to wakeup a smooth operator? Try these slips offered in various sizes and colours. www.branchebeautysleep.com
Treasure Trove
Surf Sessions When you need to dip your brain in the ocean look to Nixon’s Supertide. Synced with the motion of the ocean, it provides a digital tide readout for hundreds of beaches worldwide and two of your choice, so you know exactly when to duck dive. www.islandcompaniesltd.com
Rock off the chain style with Coralie Reiter’s edgy, bohemian textile jewellery. The artist turned bauble designer meticulously crafts each item by hand, infusing them with tribal flair and fun so every statementmaking piece is utterly unique. Made from vibrant threads, natural stones, pearls, and beads, her drool-worthy bling adds zing. www.coraliereiter.com
Buzz Off Ward off irksome mosquitos without coating yourself in chemicals with Aromaflage, an all natural concoction that combines citrus fruit, cedarwood and vanilla. Scientifically proven to perform as well as DEET based formulas, its sensual scent is also paraben and sodium lauryl sulphate-free. www.aromaflage.com
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Decoding the label Words by Emma Spencer-Smith
Suncream, sunscreen, sunblock, broad-spectrum, UVA, UVB, the terminology alone can be mind-boggling, let alone the extensive ingredient list. What does ‘paraben-free’ mean? Do I want my sunscreen to be ‘non-comedogenic’? What’s the difference between physical and chemical sunscreen? We decode the label here.
PHYSICAL VS. CHEMICAL SUNSCREEN
Sunscreens are classified as either physical or chemical and differ in that physical sunscreens deflect harmful sunrays, whereas chemical sunscreens absorb sunrays. Both types also utilise different ingredients to filter UV rays, with physical sunscreens using zinc and titanium oxide, and chemical sunscreens using a plethora of ingredients such as oxybenzone, avobenzone and octinoxate. When buying a suncream look for labels that include the phrases – broad-spectrum, multi spectrum or UVA/UVB protection, as they include ingredients that protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Find more information about suncream and sun safety tips, visit: www.ewg.org/2015sunscreen/top-sun-safety-tips Environmental Working Group’s recommended suncreams: www.ewg.org/2015sunscreen/best-sunscreens
UVA Reaching the deeper skin layers UVA rays contribute to, and possibly even initiate the development of skin cancers.
UVB The main cause of skin reddening and sunburn, UVB rays have been shown to play a key role in skin cancer development. Paraben-free Preservatives used to prevent
the growth of mould and bacteria, and prolong a products’ shelf life. There is some concern of a link between paraben-use and cancer, resulting in some countries limiting the use of paraben.
Nanoparticles In physical sunscreens, the two main UV filters – zinc and titanium oxide are formulated into nanoparticles to aid skin coverage.
Non-comedogenic Layering on sunscreen can often lead to blocked pores and acne. Look for products labeled ‘non-comedogenic’ which use ingredients that do not clog pores. Retinyl palmitate A derivative of vitamin A, it has been shown to potentially speed up the development of skin tumours and in sunlight can form free radicals that damage DNA.
Oxybenzone A chemical UV filter, oxybenzone has been shown to penetrate the skin, cause skin allergies and may disrupt hormones.
Octinoxate Another chemical UV filter, octinoxate readily penetrates the skin and has been shown to disrupt hormones.
Thanks to Goddess Garden Organics there is now a natural suncream on the market that is packed with pure ingredients, is truly sheer and even smells good. The mineral reef-safe lotion provides exceptional coverage for those on the go since the active ingredients – zinc oxide and titanium dioxide – physically reflect UV rays off skin (which means you don’t have to wait until it absorbs to work), to provide better and faster sun protection. Started by a mum over ten years ago because her daughter was allergic to conventional products, this natural suncream comes in Everyday, Sport, Kids, Baby and Facial versions, so you can safely have fun in the sun. www.goddessgarden.com RL
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Faux Fabulous Add feline flair underfoot with the ersatz Snow Leopard skin. Entirely hand-crafted from over 700 hundred pompoms made of a merino wool mixture, the limited edition rug is an artful addition that is as cosy as it is unique. www.myk-berlin.de
Art Apparel Add punch to the mix a The Mounted Papuan Necklace from Anserai. Inspired by the traditional ‘bilas’ ceremonial attire of the Papuan tribes, the ‘money cowrie’ shells were traditionally used as currency. Made in the last two years, this elaborate piece was meticulously constructed from natural shells and woven fibres and sit upon an oak brown base. www.anserai.com
Out of the Ordinary By Kyle Fulton
Art with Heart High on the feel-good factor, these gorgeous trash-to-treasure Lepre Table Mats are croched from plastic bags by women in Burkina Faso over five days. Founded by Delphine Kohler, the project helps marginalised women earn a living wage and practice their craft while increasing environmental awareness. www.facteurceleste.fr
Bright Lights Beautifully fashioned from recycled oil drums and Swarovski crystals, the upcycled Candleholders from Haitian artist Karine Faubert Villard are more than just objets d’art. By providing a market for artisans practising traditional crafts, Urban Zen works to preserve the country’s unique culture whilst creating avenues for income. www.urbanzen.com Fresh Figures Add an element of the unexpected with living art. A striking centerpiece or standing sculpture, Horse is a collaboration between Teppa sisters Chu, who crafts the containers and Paloma, who designs the plants. Requiring minimal care, the airplant design comes in small and large size. www.plantthefuture.com RL
Monica Wise of L✩Space Making the beaches more beautiful, one bikini at a time. By Kyle Fulton
est known for their flirty yet functional silhouettes, L*Space is a popular fashion-forward swim and resort wear line launched in 2000 by Monica Wise to provide women with stylish, highquality designs. With 16 wildly successful seasons under her belt and having recently expanded into lifestyle pieces including ready-to-wear apparel and a sandal collaboration with Cocobelle, Wise sat down with RL to discuss her journey from the snowy plains of the Midwest to the sandy shores of sunny California. RL: How did you get started in designing bathing suits? MW: Coming from the Midwest, I was all about the warm getaways. Once I turned 18 and relocated to Florida, that’s where I fell in love with the inspiring local culture of sun-soaked beaches and tanned, toned bodies. RL: What’s the most important element when designing? MW: My focus has been on quality fabrics and fit. Without quality you have nothing. RL: You are famously devoted to manufacturing in Orange County, California. Why?
MW: At the onset of my business, it just made sense. I wanted to be able to touch and feel the product on a daily basis. It’s a very critical part of the process (especially when you’re just starting out) and it continues to be critical to ensure the quality and integrity of my brand. RL: When L*Space launched you offered mix-and-match separates. This is now a trend in the industry. What made you think to do this? MW: There was a need for mixing and matching sizes (which wasn’t readily done back then) so I decided why not also mix and match prints with solids? I felt our girls wanted options so it seemed like the natural thing to do. It’s now become the DNA of our brand with colourful solids, playful prints and reversible styles. RL: What are the new trends in swimwear? Do you find the Caribbean differs in their taste from other regions? MW: The latest trends in swimwear include strappy details, cutouts, unexpected colour mixing and extreme back detail. The Caribbean seems to follow along with the same trends as their customers want what’s most current.
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Celebrity you’d most like to dress? Kendall Jenner – I’d love to bring beach chic into her fashionforward style. Favourite place for a meal: Javier’s Cantina in Newport Beach. I’m all about the salsa, chips and a few margaritas! Never leave home without? My iPad – have to keep a pulse on the industry and I’m definitely a victim to the social media obsession! Favourite beach? Juan-les-Pins on the Cote d’Azur in France always tops the list for me. The local culture is so unique to anywhere else. Favourite cocktail? Love the freshness of Moscow Mules. Inexpensive indulgence? Lemon cake with buttercream icing. Extravagant indulgence? A pair of stellar shoes—a girl can never have too many! Can’t live without? I wouldn’t be here without the support and passion of my amazing team and partners. Best piece of advice? Stay passionate. The moment you lose your passion you might as well throw in the towel (beach towel that is!). L✩Space swim and resortwear is available on Grand Cayman at www.sandangels.com
Photography courtesy of L*Space. ©2015 LHSpace America, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
WIN AN L✩SPACE BIKINI OF YOUR CHOICE FROM SAND ANGELS AT WWW.REALLIFE.KY
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Beach Body Ready Living in the Caribbean means life revolves around the beach. So embrace tropical surroundings and shed your threads with these easy-to-adopt ideas that will have you shouting ev’ryting irie! By Kyle Fulton
Skin is In
Nailed It
Treat your body’s biggest organ right and start the day by dry brushing. An effective method for reducing cellulite, it also boosts circulation, stimulates the lymphatic system and aids kidney function and digestion. Best done right before showering, whilst completely dry, brush towards the heart in long sweeping motions. Start at the feet and move up, brushing your stomach counterclockwise. Look for a brush made from natural bristles. www.islandnaturalscafe.com
Any gal worth her salt knows the devastating effects the beach can have on a prized mani and pedi. Thankfully ladies no longer have to eschew fun in the sun with gel polish. A staple service at most salons, the talented nail technicians at Tips N Toes Luxury Spa take paws and claws to the next level with precise application to guarantee a lasting polish. www.tipsntoes.ky
Time an issue? Speed up your routine and tackle trouble areas directly with Spongelle’s Anti-Cellulite Toning Buffer. A dual-sided buffer infused with essential oils, it uses a patented SalSphere delivery system to reduce cellulite. Best of all, it comes in a heavenly Beach Grass fragrance. www.bedsidemanor.ky
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Laser Saver Shaving your legs daily is the pits. So head to Beyond Basics to zap pesky hair follicles once and for all. Using a combination of bi-polar frequency and light energies, their elos laser harnesses the latest technology to eliminate follicles without damaging the skin. Able to treat any area and skin tone, it’s a must-do for a smooth beach bod. www.beyondbasics.ky
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Nourish
Work it Out
You are what you eat. So respect the temple and feed it right with nutrient dense foods that release energy slowly and are grown locally without the use of pesticides. Head to The Brasserie and indulge in their monthly Harvest Dinners held during harvest season (Nov-May). Whether inside enjoying the modern West Indian décor or outside nestled in the garden under the stars, your taste buds will delight in the deliciously creative menu. www.brasseriecayman.com
Getting your sweat on is essential to achieving a beach-ready body. Not only does exercise help manage weight and improve skin tone, it also releases a multitude endorphins that create a sense of well being.
More into whisking up your own creations? Stock up on fresh fare at Camana Bay’s weekly Farmer’s Market each Wednesday 12-7 pm. www.camanabay.com
Get down with your plié at ENERGY’s Ballet Barre classes. Looking for something more intense? Try their TRX HIIT class and get whipped into shape. www.energycayman.com
Hit the mat at Bliss. Offering guided yoga classes for all levels, it’s the perfect place to stretch your inner Buddha. www.blissyogacayman.com
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Wonders of the Deep Three photographers who answer a siren call below the ocean’s surface. Words by Laura Collacott
Anyone who’s looked back at blurry images leached of colour on their underwater camera will know how challenging it is to take shots that truly capture the magic of the submarine world. It is difficult to catch the twinkling play of light on water, the quizzical look of a turtle, the jewel-like colours of myriad corals. Mastering the art is a long-learnt skill as demonstrated by three of the Caribbean’s most preeminent, and patient, underwater photographers.
David Doubilet
A lemon shark hunts at dusk, breaking the surface and leaving a wake that explodes like flecks of mercury gleaming in the night. Lemon shark at Dusk is just one in a vast body of work by David Doubilet spanning decades. For him, underwater photography is more a calling than a career, RL
undoubtedly the reason National Geographic has been clamouring for his spellbinding marine photography since 1979. Having first shot underwater at the age of 12 by sealing a Brownie Hawkeye camera into one of his father’s rubber anaesthesiology bags, Doubilet is something of an industry pioneer, and leading voice
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in the conservation conversation. “I feel responsible for opening the world’s eyes,” he says of his beloved underwater wonderland. Together with experts at National Geographic he has been instrumental in developing and enhancing the vital equipment that underwater photographers need for their craft. “I first went to the Caribbean in my early teen's with my father who liked to bonefish,” he relates. “It was there that I taught people to dive and in my off time I would take my underwater camera and make images of a robust Caribbean Sea filled with life that has long since vanished but for a few places. I owe my beginning to the Caribbean and have an unbreakable bond with it, like imprinting behaviour.” Extensive experience and world-class equipment mean he is as adept at macro underwater photography as he is at capturing the full-scale majesty of underwater vistas. “I try to convey a sense of
time, gesture, place and water – which after all is some 70% of our planet,” says Doubilet, considering himself an artist and journalist. “I capture, illuminate, celebrate and sometimes,” in exposing human behaviours that are destroying the environment he explains, “humiliate.” The photographs which capture half ocean and half land are among the finest examples of this philosophy. Half submerging the camera allows him to capture the gentle ebb and flow of water, the raking of waves on the shore and the luminous, crackling marine life below. In Stingray with Sailboat his talent for this type of image is simply and elegantly demonstrated: a yacht and mottled skies contrasted with the calm swoop of a stingray below the surface. First page, top and bottom: Stingray and sailboat; Lemon shark at dusk. This page, top and bottom: Predators; Russian destroyer. To see more visit: www.daviddoubilet.com
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Jim Hellemn The scale of Jim Hellemn’s images are as giddying as the worlds they represent. Seventy-five feet tall, his installation in the observation tower at Camana Bay, Grand Cayman, shows a life-size reefscape in every minute and enchanting detail, every shimmer and shadow, clam and clownfish, turtle and tendril, hand cut and applied to three million Venetian glass mosaic tiles. This is “a world that nobody ever sees,” says Hellemn. “I wanted to show it to them.” His unique, world-leading process is every bit as impressive. Using a custom-built imaging system, developed by virtue of being a creative early adopter of digital photography, Hellemn shoots a series of reef images and painstakingly stitches them together to produce complex, composite masterpieces. One of his first projects, taken in Little Cayman, Bloody Bay Wall, is a riot of bright sponges, corals and sea life dropping vertically down over 1,000 abyssal metres. Encountered on honeymoon with his wife Karen in 1993 “because of its reputation as one of the most pristine coral reef sites in the world” Hellemn remembers being “faced with the frustration of seeing so much beauty, but being limited to the small areas that can be effectively
photographed. I was struck by the spectacular colour and incredible density of marine life on this wall and intrigued by the fact that even though all this colour existed in abundance, at 90 feet deep the whole reef looked almost colourless and drab. I thought wouldn’t it be cool if the water could be taken away and you could photograph this incredible landscape lit by sunlight and reveal its true colours.” Five years later he devised a way to do just that. In 1999 he returned with a custom rig to shoot mosaic-tile frames of the wall, the nascence of his digital tapestry. The completed oeuvre attracted the attention of National Geographic who published it in 2001. So impressed were scientists who saw it that the image has since become a research and teaching tool. “About 90 percent of life in the ocean starts in coral reefs; they’re the nurseries of the sea,” says Hellemn of why he considers his work both art and part of important conservation work. “They’re fragile and they’re under threat.” Top: The Feast. At certain times during the year, millions of tiny minnows fill the caves at Devil's Grotto and Eden Rock in Grand Cayman. Predatory fish in the area like to hang out nearby and feast on the masses for weeks. Right: Orange Canyon Rays. A pair of spotted eagle rays cruise the reef walls at Orange Canyon at the west end of Grand Cayman. The well-known dive site is named for the abundance of bright orange 'Elephant Ear' sponges. To see more visit: www.jimhellemn.com
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Ellen Cuylaerts “I empty my mind before I immerse myself. I enter the water with no expectations, ready to shoot whatever nature gives me; you never know what will show up from the deep,” says photographer Ellen Cuylaerts. Cuylaerts’s patience is richly rewarded, her portfolio an enviable array of sharp yet delicate portraits of the underwater world’s most intoxicating residents. A time-gnarled manatee drifts timidly among the curled and bowed roots of the mangroves, shafts of light piercing the agitated surface to illuminate a sub aqua refuge. Dolphins jostle each other playfully, the sheen of their bodies, shaped by soft grey panels of marking, gleaming gently in the blue. “The best subjects are those where you have an understanding, a knowledge. The more you know about potential subjects, the better you can anticipate how they will react to you and your camera,” says Cuylaerts. “I never shoot the moment I discover a potential subject. I first want to observe it and create a mutual curiosity.” Her talent for capturing capricious underwater lighting is almost unparalleled. The shimmer of fins, inky black of a cave and sparkle of a perfectly framed shoal in ‘Vortex’ are so spectacular they appear extraterrestrial. Light forms the starting point of many of her most successful images: “It always enchants me,” muses Cuylaerts. “The reflection of the sun beams on shallow sandy patches, touching ripples of sand, or the low morning or evening light that touches the water’s surface. There is nothing more serene.” The Caribbean is her photographic playground, yet she moved here almost by accident. “We were planning to leave Belgium and
booked a holiday to Grand Cayman to snorkel with the children,” she recalls. “Five days later we had found a property.” Having fallen hard for Cayman’s submerged beauty, she was deeply moved to learn about the suffering of sharks, which are killed for their fins. “Sharks should be loved: they keep our oceans in balance, feed on sick and weak fish and keep our reefs strong.” Determined to do something, she co-founded Fin Free Cayman Islands to educate the world about the need to protect this most misunderstood creature, securing an international stage to progress this work by winning prizes in the World Ocean Day Photo Contest in both 2014 and 2015. The UN do an amazing job promoting ocean conservations, she says; “I’m very proud to be a part of their effort.”
First page, clockwise from top left: Shelter. Manatee in Crystal River, Florida; Vortex. Tarpons and silversides at De Soto reefs, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; From the Deep. Sperm Whale calf, Dominica. This page, top and bottom: Manta Magic. Manta ray on Kona nightdive, Hawaii, USA; Contact. Tiger shark at Tiger Beach, Bahamas. To see more visit: www.ellencuylaerts.com
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| INDUSTRY NEWS
A.L THOMPSON’S INTRODUCES RUBINET FAUCET COMPANY Cayman Islands The Bath & Kitchen Gallery at A. L. Thompson’s introduces the Rubinet Faucet Company to the Cayman Islands. With 20 finishes and colouraccent choices, styles that range from contemporary through traditional, and unique accessories like shower seats, shelves, holders, bars, racks, wall niches and fancy shower drains, decorators, designers, developers and home owners have ample offerings to choose from. This line of fine fixtures is on display at A. L. Thompson’s, George Town. For more info: www.althompson.com or (345) 949.8622
BRAND SOURCE INTRODUCES ELEGANT BATHROOM FURNITURE AND FIXTURES Cayman Islands With BrandSource Home Gallery you can now transform your bathroom with sophisticated furniture and fixtures. With inspiration from their in-house designers and help from the custom cabinetry installation team, you can create your dream kitchen, bathroom and closets. Plus, browse the new and expanded mattress showroom to find your perfect sleep. For more info: (345) 949.5211
AMB CONSTRUCTION LTD. COMPLETES ANOTHER TOP QUALITY PROJECT Cayman Islands AMB Construction Ltd. has recently completed the new Kirk Freeport Jewelry Store located at The Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman. The bright airy space houses fine jewelry including Rolex, Cartier, Breitling and TAG Heuer among others. Millwork design, manufacturing and installation was done by OBRIST interior AG, Switzerland. Design coordination and project management by DDL Studio Ltd. For more info: www.ambconstructioncayman.com or (345) 516.2078
C3 expands into central george town area and launches new c3-n-go app Cayman Islands C3 Pure Fibre - High speed internet, Digital TV and Phone now offers service to residents and businesses within the George Town area. In addition to their expanded service area C3 have launched their C3-N-GO application that provides customers a landline number direct to your mobile with economical call rates. For more info: (345) 333.3333 or info@c3.ky
ASHLEY FURNITURE HOMESTORE CELEBRATES ITS GRAND OPENING Cayman Islands Ashley Furniture HomeStore Cayman Islands recently celebrated its grand opening on Dorcy Drive, Industrial Park. This location is one of over 580 stores of the #1 selling furniture store brand in the world. Ashley Furniture Industries’ steadfast commitment to style, price, quality and service has garnered the loyalty and trust of customers across the globe. For more info: www.ashleyfurniturehomestore.com THE AUDIOPHILE GROUP LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE FOR CONVENIENT SHOPPING Cayman Islands The Audiophile Group encourages all of its customers to visit their new website www.theaudiophilegroup.ky and Shop On-Line where they will find many of the Group’s industry leading products and solutions. The Audiophile Group is Cayman’s source for Home Automation, Lighting Control and Distributed Audio & Video. For over 20 years they have delivered trusted solutions from the leading brands in the industry, including Savant, Vantage, Control 4, Lutron and Bowers and Wilkins. For more info: (345) 746.4434 BLUE POINT CONSULTANTS LTD. NOW OFFERING PERSONALISED RELOCATION SERVICE Cayman Islands Blue Point Consultants Ltd. is now offering a personalised Relocation Service for those moving to Grand Cayman. Services include property search, island orientation, education advice and a settling in programme. Our professional team ensure your start to island life is a stress free, time efficient and enjoyable experience. For more info: kary@bluepointproperty.com or www.bluepointproperty.com BON VIVANT PRESENTS IRINOX BLAST CHILLERS AND SHOCK FREEZERS Cayman Islands Irinox Home Collection is dedicated to all those who love cooking and fine food. Irinox kitchen appliances are new generation tools that offer top technology to ensure quality in long-term storage of fresh food. Quality, freshness and flavour – simply the authentic taste of food – are perfectly preserved. For more info: (345) 623.2665 or info@bonvivant.ky MISE EN PLACE ENTERTAINING CAYMAN FOR OVER 10 YEARS Cayman Islands Offering catering for private parties, weddings, corporate events and galas. They also provide private chef services for dinner for 2 to 20 guests, so you can sit back, relax, and enjoy your party while they take the guesswork out of the evening. For more info: info@catering.ky, or call (345) 624.2433 RL
CAYMAN DISTRIBUTOR’S HUB PROVIDES ONLINE CONNECTION TO CAYMAN’S SOCIAL SCENE Cayman Islands Get direct finger on the pulse details of Cayman's Social scene at facebook.com/thehubcayman. Your one-stop-shop for all information on the hottest parties and DJ events, drinks specials, the perfect serve and much more! There is always something going on at The Hub. For more info: Facebook.com/thehubcayman or www.caymandistributors.com PULVERISED GLASS FROM DART’S RECYCLING PROGRAMME ADDS GLAMOUR TO HOME CONSTRUCTION Cayman Islands With a glass pulveriser that has the ability to process up to 1,500 pounds of glass an hour, Dart’s recycling programme is now working with local companies to turn the resulting soft-as-sand crushed glass into low-cost construction materials. Companies, including Cayman Precast and Flowers Block, can create concrete pavers, planters and flooring out of a mixture of concrete and up to 38% crushed glass. The end result? Eco-friendly construction that literally sparkles at night. For more info: www.camanabay.com CAMANA BAY’S TOWN CENTRE WELCOMES NEW TENANTS Cayman Islands Home décor enthusiasts can now browse the latest trends and accessories at Design Studio’s new location by Bay Market on Market Street. Or stop by The Brooklyn Pizza + Pasta for Italian-inspired American favourites in a family-friendly environment overlooking The Harbour and The Crescent fountains in the heart of The Paseo. For more info: www.camanabay.com PROPERTY CAYMAN EXPECTING POSITIVE GROWTH FOR THE 2015-2016 HIGH SEASON Cayman Islands As we enter into our 2015-2016 busy season, Property Cayman is excited about the positive active ‘happenings’ in Cayman’s marketplace. “Our economy is continuing to improve tremendously with individuals and businesses investing at a strong and secure pace. 2016 will be a terrific growth year for our country and my team. Keep your eyes and ears open for great things to come,” says Michael Joseph of Property Cayman. For more info: www.propertycayman.com
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DESIGN STUDIO OPENS NEW SHOWROOM Cayman Islands Design Studio has opened a new showroom in the heart of Camana Bay. The showroom has in-stock furnishings for indoor and out, accessories and rugs as well as an amazing resource centre for ordering items or creating your own bespoke furniture pieces from their international network of suppliers. For more info: www.designstudio.tc or call (345) 945.4977 ENVIROSHAKE FEATURED ON NEW BAHA MAR LUXURY RESORT Canada Enviroshake Inc. is pleased to be offering their roofing product featured on the new Baha Mar resort in Nassau, Bahamas. Enviroshake is a composite roofing material designed to emulate natural wood shakes from Canadian manufacturer Enviroshake Inc.. Enviroshake roofs can withstand winds up to 180 MPH, are not damaged by UV or salt-spray, are resistant to mould and mildew, and do not crack, peel or chip. For more info: www.enviroshake.com/caribbean. JOHN DOAK ARCHITECTURE RESTORING ONE OF CAYMAN’S OLDEST HOMES Cayman Islands Probably the oldest surviving house in the Cayman Islands, the Webster House is currently being lovingly renovated and restored to its former glory by members of the Webster family who recently purchased the property in Bodden Town. Believed to be the home that was built by Cayman’s first 'Governor' in 1800 the building has served as a schoolhouse and place of worship. “We are presently working closely with the Webster family to stabilise what remains of the old house,” notes Cayman architect John Doak. “Restoring the centuries old walls which are ironwood framed with wattle and daub infill panels is a painstaking process but the family looks forward to having the building in a condition for future generations of Caymanians and visitors to enjoy far into the future.” For more info: www.johndoak.com NCB GROUP OFFERS LEASING OPPORTUNITIES AT THE NEW CAYMAN TECHNOLOGY CENTRE (CTC) Cayman Islands As the largest off-grid solar installation in the Caribbean, sustainability is at the core of Cayman Technology Centre (CTC). This state-of-the-art commercial space will be cooled with geothermal technology and completely powered with solar energy, thereby having a significant eco-friendly impact on the environment. Tenants will experience exceptional savings through non-variable utility costs and fixed rental and CAM rates. For more info: (345) 946.9622, info@ncbgroup.ky or www.ncbgroup.ky OBM INTERNATIONAL ANNOUNCES NEW HIRES Cayman Islands, Miami, BVI, Anigua & Barbuda, Bermuda OBM International (OBMI), the Caribbean’s leading architecture and planning firm, has made several exciting new hires. Alexis Thomas in Antigua and Barbuda; Alley Daniel and Jennifer Davidson in Bermuda; Mikhail Chin in The Cayman Islands; and Catalina Acre, Alejandro Melendez, Kien Chung and Alejandro Jordan in Miami. Marvin Flax was also promoted to Managing Director in the British Virgin Islands. For more info: www.obmi.com POOL PATROL PROVIDING TOP QUALITY CARE FOR YOUR OUTDOOR OASIS SINCE 1986 Cayman Islands DESIGN SERVICE SUPPLY From design to construction to maintenance and repair, Pool Patrol can assist in any area of your backyard. Offering furniture, gazebos, toys and floats, they are your one-stop-shop for the outdoors. They work with all the top manufacturers and distributors in the United States to offer clients the best and most energy-efficient equipment currently available. All staff are Certified Pool and Spa Operators. For more info: www.poolpatrol.ky or (345) 949.8543
RUGS ORIENTAL NOW OFFERING STUNNING FLATWOVEN KILIM RUGS FROM PAKISTAN Cayman Islands Rugs Oriental is excited to offer a stunning new line of modern flatwoven 'kilim' rugs from Pakistan. Extremely affordable, they come in a range of sizes and feature contemporary patterns and colours. These striking rugs are sure to be the talking point of your home. For more info: www.rugsoriental.ky or (345) 943.7847 THE WESTIN GRAND CAYMAN REMODELS CONFERENCE FACILITIES Cayman Islands The beautiful Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort and Spa is worlds away from the ordinary, yet remarkably convenient from U.S. gateways. Remodeled conference facilities can accommodate meetings of up to 400 participants, complemented by spectacular outdoor venues for Caribbeanthemed events. The Westin’s unforgettable beachfront setting will enchant your attendees. For more info: www.westingrandcayman.com TOURISM IS UP AND THE CAYMAN ISLANDS REAL ESTATE INDUSTRY IS STRONG Cayman Islands According to Capital Realty’s Alvin Sluchinski Cayman is on a roll. Tourism is up and property sales across the board have been improving for the past year and a half. Condo sales on SMB are leading the surge with a limited inventory and strong interest. Canal-front properties and waterfront homes and land remain in high demand and still offer good value in a world of high prices. For more info call Alvin: (345) 525.8850 PRO YACHT MOVES FACILITIES TO CAYMAN ISLANDS YACHT CLUB
Cayman Islands Their new four-acre maintenance and storage facility is located with direct access to fuel, slips, convenience store and launch ramp. With 7000 square feet of workshop, office and retail space Pro Yacht offers services including detailing, fiberglass/gel-coat work, engine servicing, electrical repairs, electronics installation, captaining, sales, storage and more. For more info: www.proyacht.ky or call (345) 945.4676 THE WHARF OFFERS A GREAT ENTERTAINMENT LINE UP FOR HIGH SEASON Cayman Islands Fabulous Continental and Caribbean cuisine, award winning wines from around the world, topped with impeccable service and sunsets on their oceanfront patio, plus a line up of regular entertainment is sure to please everyone. Last Friday of the Month ~ 'Boogie Nights' old School Dance Party Saturdays from 8pm ~ Barefoot Man with Sea N’B Tuesdays from 9:30pm with free Salsa lessons ~ 'Salsa Tuesdays' Fridays from 6pm ~ Eugenio Leon 'Harpist Extraordinaire' serenades table side For more info: www.wharf.ky BACCARAT ONE & TWO, CRYSTAL HARBOUR'S NEWEST PRE-CONSTRUCTION HOMES Welcome to Baccarat ONE & TWO, Crystal Harbor’s newest preconstruction gated home destination. Designed by Robert Towell Architect, both exclusive individual canal front properties have been developed to offer 3,600 square feet of living space. Inspired by minimalist design, the open concept lifestyle homes are located minutes from Seven Mile Beach, and the island's best shopping, restaurants and entertainment venues. Contact us to discuss 'turnkey' house options available to meet your specific lifestyle requirements. For more info: (345) 946.6681 or (345) 916.8377 or Email: architect@candw.ky RL
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| DIRECTORY
APPLIANCES, KITCHENS, BATHROOMS, CABINETRY, FLOORING, ROOFING & TILES A.L. Thompson’s, Cayman Islands ......................(345) 949 8622 Brand Source Home Gallery, Cayman Islands..... (345) 949 5211 Bon Vivant, Camana Bay, Cayman Islands.......... (345) 623 2665 Edie’s Decor, Cayman Islands ..............................(345) 949 6348 Enviroshake, Canada.............................................. (519) 380 9265 Home Gas, Cayman Islands..................................(345) 949 7474 Island Interiors, Cayman Islands......................... (345) 949 6262 ITC International Tile Co. , Cayman Islands.........(345) 945 3798 Martlet Design, Cayman Islands ........................... (345) 916 7583 Otis Air, Cayman Islands........................................(345) 945 7167 Paramount, Cayman Islands................................ (345) 949 5000 Pooley Cabinets, Cayman Islands.........................(345) 947 6780 Rugs Oriental, Cayman Islands............................. (345) 943 7847 Stafford Flooring, Cayman Islands........................(345) 943 2722
ARCHITECTS John Doak Architecture, Cayman Islands...................(345) 946 3625 Design (Cayman) Ltd., Cayman Islands....................(345) 916 0930 OBM International, Cayman Islands............................(345) 949 8115 OBM International, Miami............................................(305) 537 7100 Robert Towell Architecture, Cayman Islands.............(345) 946 6681 TRIO Design, Cayman Islands...................................... (345) 749 0555
Cayman Technology Centre, Cayman Islands..........(345) 946 9622 Crystal Cove, Cayman Islands .....................................(345) 949 4979 Opus, Cayman Islands..................................................(345) 949 4979 Tides, NCB Group, Cayman Islands...........................(345) 946 9622 The WaterColours, Cayman Islands............................(345) 949 9772 The Residences of Stone Island, Cayman Islands....(345) 949 9772 Vela, Cayman Islands.....................................................(345) 949 4979
RESTAURANTS, CATERING, FOOD & BEVERAGE
Abacus, Cayman Islands................................................(345) 623 8282 Beach House, Westin, Grand Cayman.......................(345) 945 3800 Cayman Distributors Group, Cayman Islands...........(345) 945 2222 Kaibo, Cayman Islands...................................................(345) 947 9975 Mise en Place, Cayman Islands ................................... (345) 623 2433 The Bistro, Cayman Islands..........................................(345) 623 6666 The Lobster Pot, Cayman Islands................................ (345) 949 2736 DEVELOPERS, CONSTRUCTION & SURVEYORS The Wharf , Cayman Islands..........................................(345) 949 2231 AMB Construction, Cayman Islands...........................(345) 516 2078 West Indies Wine Company, Cayman Islands......... (345) 640 9492 AMR Consulting Engineers...........................................(345) 949 2716 Baraud Development Ltd. .............................................(345) 925 9595 SHIPPING & DELIVERY SERVICES BCQS International Thompson Shipping, Cayman Islands...................... (345) 949 8044 Bahamas......................................................................(242) 394 7141 Tropical Shipping, Florida.............................................(305) 805 6620 Barbados.....................................................................(246) 428 8091 British Virgin Islands.................................................(284) 494 7144 SHOPPING & JEWELLERY Cayman Islands..........................................................(345) 949 8644 Camana Bay, Cayman Islands....................................(345) 640 4000 Guyana...........................................................................(592) 227 1161 David Yurman, Cayman Islands.................................. (345) 949 7477 Jamaica........................................................................(876) 926 2418 Hearts on Fire, Cayman Islands.................................. (345) 949 7477 St Lucia........................................................................(758) 450 7040 Island Companies, Cayman Islands............................(345) 640 5337 Trinidad & Tobago....................................................(868) 622 2277 Kirk Freeport Ltd., Cayman Islands............................. (345) 949 7477 Turks and Caicos......................................................(649) 946 4238 The Mansion, Cayman Islands.....................................(345) 640 5337 Blue Point Consultants Ltd, Cayman Islands.............(345) 525 0706 DART, Camana Bay, Cayman Islands..........................(345) 943 3278 SPAS Davenport Development Ltd, Cayman Islands........(345) 949 4979 Hibiscus Spa, Westin, Cayman Islands......................(345) 945 3800 Edgewater Development Ltd. .......................................(345) 946 3343 The Spa, Round Hill, Jamaica.......................................(876) 956 7050 Next Development Group, Cayman Islands.............. (345)943 6398 The BodyHoliday, St Lucia............................................ (758) 457 7800 NCB Group, Cayman Islands.......................................(345) 946 9622 The WaterColours, Cayman Islands.............................(345) 945 1224 SUSTAINABILITY SERVICES
GreenTech Solar, Cayman Islands.............................. (345) 949 8324 INSURANCE Smart Energy, Cayman Islands.................................... (345) 949 8324 Bogle Insurance Brokers Ltd., Cayman Islands........(345) 949 0579 Hannah Cook Studio.....................................................(345) 916 3060 Island Heritage, Cayman Islands................................ (345) 949 7280 INTERNET, TELEVISION & TELECOMMUNICATION David Doubilet.................................................................(315) 686 1209 C3 - Pure Fibre, Cayman Islands.....................................(345) 333 3333 Jim Hellemn.................................................................... (858) 229 7879
ART & ARTIST
INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE, DESIGN, DECOR & FURNITURE
AUTOMATION TECHNOLOGY & ELECTRONICS Ashley Furniture Home Store, Cayman Islands........ (345) 943 2323 The Audiophile Group................................................... (345) 746 4434 Bedside Manor, Cayman Islands...................................(345)947 2711 Design (Cayman) Ltd., Cayman Islands ...................(345) 916 0930 AVIATION & AIRLINES Design Studio, Cayman Islands ...................................(345) 945 4977 Air Provo Centre, Turks & Caicos................................(649) 946 4181 Design Studio, Turks & Caicos...................................(649) 941 4848 Cayman Airways, Cayman Islands............................ (345) 949 8200 DWELL by IDG, Cayman Islands.................................(345) 943 4310 Executive Flight Support, Bahamas............................(242) 424 9598 Edie’s Decor, Cayman Islands.....................................(345) 949 6348 Fly BVI, BVI...................................................................... (866) 819 3146 IDG - International Design Group, Cayman Islands..(345) 943 6464 Island Air, Cayman Islands ...........................................(345) 949 5252 Island Interiors, Cayman Islands.................................(345) 949 6262 I Am Caribbean Inc, Barbados.....................................(242) 428 1704 Markson's Furniture & Windows, Cayman Islands...(345) 949 6233 I Am Jet Centre, Jamaica................................................ (876) 971 9033 Rugs Oriental, Cayman Islands....................................(345) 943 7847 OBM International, Cayman Islands ...........................(345) 949 8115 BANKS & FINANCIAL SERVICES
Butterfield Bank, Cayman Islands................................(345) 949 7055 PHOTOGRAPHERS Cayman National Bank, Cayman Islands...................(345) 949 4655 Creations Unlimited, Cayman Islands..........................(345) 326 1557 Heather Holt Photography............................................(345) 916 5263
TOURISM BOARDS & ASSOCIATIONS Tourism Attraction Board, Cayman Islands.............(345) 949 6999 Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority..................(268) 562 7600 British Virgin Islands...................................................... (284) 494 3134 Cayman Islands..............................................................(345) 949 0623 Jamaica..............................................................................(305) 665 0557 Mustique..........................................................................(784) 488 8500 St Maarten.........................................................................(721) 542 2337 St Martin ...........................................................................0 590 87 57 21 St Kitts.............................................................................(869) 465 4040 Saint Lucia.......................................................................(758) 452 4094 Turks & Caicos..............................................................(649) 946 4970 USVI..................................................................................(340) 774 8784 USVI Hotel & Tourism Association.............................(340) 774 6835
BOAT SALES, SERVICE & MARINAS
Cayman Islands Yacht Club...........................................(345) 747 2492 POOL MAINTAINENCE & SUPPLY Pro Yacht, Cayman Islands...........................................(345) 945 4676 Pool Patrol, Cayman Islands.........................................(345) 949 8543
CONCIERGE SERVICES
REAL ESTATE AGENTS
Island Luxe Concierge Services, Cayman Islands......(345) 929 2777 Azure Realty Ltd, Cayman Islands.............................. (345) 946 2987 Baraud Development Ltd, Cayman Islands................(345) 925 9595 CONDOS & RESIDENCES Blue Point Consultants Ltd, Cayman Islands.............(345) 525 0706 Boggy Sands Club, Cayman Islands........................... (345) 923 7980 Capital Realty – Alvin Sluchinski................................... (345) 525 8850 Crystal Cove, Cayman Islands......................................(345) 949 4979 Dart Realty, Cayman Islands........................................ (345) 943 3278 Opus, Old Prospect, Grand Cayman..........................(345) 949 4979 Edgewater Properties Ltd., Cayman Islands...............(345) 516 0079 Parkway Place, Cayman Islands....................................(345) 925 9595 Luxury Cayman Villas, Cayman Islands.......................(345) 322 3968 San Sebastian, Cayman Islands...................................(345) 949 4979 Milestone Chestertons Properties Cayman Ltd........(345) 926 9926 The Residences of Stone Island, Cayman Islands....(345) 949 9772 Michael Joseph, Property Cayman..............................(345) 949 6170 The Terraces at Camana Bay, Cayman Islands.........(345) 640 3808 NCB Group, Cayman Islands.......................................(345) 946 9622 Tides, South Sound, Cayman Islands.........................(345) 946 9622 Provenance Properties of Cayman.............................(345) 640 7000 The WaterColours, Cayman Islands............................(345) 949 9772 Vela, Cayman Islands.....................................................(345) 949 4979 RESORTS & VILLA RENTALS Cayman Villas, Cayman Islands....................................(345) 945 4144 DEVELOPMENTS Dorado Beach, A Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Puerto Rico..(787) 626-1100 Boggy Sands Club, Cayman Islands........................... (345) 923 7980 Luxury Cayman Villas, Cayman Islands.......................(345) 322 3968 18 Forum Lane, Camana Bay...................................... (345) 640 4000 Southern Cross Club, Little Cayman...........................(345) 948 1099 Camana Bay, Cayman Islands.....................................(345) 946 2229 Westin Grand Cayman SMB, Cayman Islands.........(345) 945 3800 Cayman Islands Yacht Club...........................................(345) 747 2492 Zimbali Retreats, Jamaica.............................................(876) 485 2789
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be a part of real life For details of our cost effective advertising rates, or if you are interested in contributing editorial, please contact our sales team. Call: 345.943.7325 Email: ads@reallife.ky Click: www.reallife.ky Visit: 100 Owen Roberts Drive, Grand Cayman