East end...

[billinwilliamston]

Hey Bill,

What's the Mandarin Oriental? I've not heard of it.

Thanks,
DS

A multi use development planned for the North-East End. If I remember right, it's going in where the old Barefoot Beach development was.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Cayman Islands

 

[chibracdiver]

If I recall correctly, this property was going to be the cornerstone of government's "Go East" initiative. However, it seems like several factors are conspiring against this at this time, mainly the economy. The domino effect of this is the current softening of stay over numbers, Cuba and a growing perception that Cayman is pricing itself out of the market. There might be some additional thought going into this project and it might be put on "island time."

 

[ippy01]

If I recall correctly, this property was going to be the cornerstone of government's "Go East" initiative. However, it seems like several factors are conspiring against this at this time, mainly the economy. The domino effect of this is the current softening of stay over numbers, Cuba and a growing perception that Cayman is pricing itself out of the market. There might be some additional thought going into this project and it might be put on "island time."

Given the pending clamp-down on tax havens (from the US and the EU), it seems the Caymans (Grand Cayman anyway) may be in for some tough times.

 

[Drew Sailbum]

Mandarin Oriental - luxury five star boutique hotel and spa - is still on the radar. As with any project here it is most definitely on island time. That is no statement about the state of the economy but rather just a general observation on the rate at which things work here. The hotel will be located along Queens Highway immediately to the east of Barefoot Beach, but their website mentions access to Barefoot Beach.

There is another luxury five star development - Island Resort and Residences - also slated for the Spotters Bay area - just around the corner from the Royal Reef.

There is further development going on in the Cayman Kai area closer to Rum Point.

On the whole, Go East is focusing on longer term projects and seems to be on target for bringing more tourism to these lesser developed areas of Grand Cayman.

 

[chibracdiver]

I just read a report at lunch stating that Cuba could see as many as 2 million American visitors annually. One has to wonder how many of those travellers would have been staying on Grand Cayman. Obama does not seem to be softening his stance regarding off shore tax havens either. Real estate and stay over tourism could be in for a very bumpy marl road in the near future.

 

[nipi]

Time Ticking on the Mandarin report from today's Compass - Cayman Islands - Cay Compass News Online - Time ticking on Mandarin

 

[carriemak]

Should make for interesting times if Cuba does open up and the effect on the Cayman Islands.