New Kimpton Hotel, Margaritaville Top Cayman Islands Travel News

Kimpton Hotels' Seafire Resort + Spa, Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman, will represent the first new development along Seven Mile Beach in more than a decade

Earlier this week, Kimpton Hotels introduced Seafire Resort + Spa, Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman, as it officially begins its one-year countdown to the official opening in November of next year.

Seafire reflects Kimpton’s first new build venture in a dedicated resort market and will be the first property outside the continental U.S. within the brand’s current portfolio. It also holds the honor of being the first new development along Seven Mile Beach in more than a decade.

Also this week, Howard Hospitality Group announced the acquisition of Grand Cayman’s Treasure Island resort. According to Caribbean Journal, HHG said it had already begun planning a major redesign and renovation of the property in partnership with Margaritaville Holdings to convert the hotel into a Margaritaville Beach Resort.

But that’s not the only news coming out of this hot Caribbean destination. 

Hotel Renovations

Brac Reef Beach Resort is currently undergoing renovations and is expected to reopen in December as the Cayman Brac Beach Resort. The venue will now include a “free form” pool, multi-level bar and upgraded accommodations. 

Visit www.caymanbracbeachresort.com

The luxurious property of Le Soleil d’Or on Cayman Brac is currently undergoing a renovation. The property has already received a new beach club and beach studio accommodation, two farm-to-table restaurants, a full-service spa and a new fitness facility. The resort’s operators will also add a small boutique hotel to the properties upscale cottage accommodations in early 2016. 

Visit www.goldensuncayman.com

Clients can now enjoy an enhanced and refreshed resort experiences at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, with a series of renovations to the guestrooms, suites, restaurants and Club Lounge, all designed to heighten the exclusive collection of luxury travel offerings for guests. The new, restyled island design aims to capture a distinct sense of place, including redesigned guestrooms and suites, enhanced dining experiences and a revamped club lounge. 

Visit www.ritzcarlton.com

Airport Renovation

The Cayman Islands Airports Authority has reportedly signed a deal with U.S. design and cost consulting firm RS&H Consultants to prepare plans for the expansion of a terminal at Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM) in Grand Cayman. Aimed to more than double the capacity of the building, construction under the $55m project is set to kick off in September, following a tender process, and will take around four years to complete, reports Compass Cayman. The government is also said to commit $15 million to the project. Once complete, it can accommodate close to 2.5 million passengers.

Flight News

Ease of travel and accessibility to the Cayman Islands continues to improve, as United Airlines recently announced a new nonstop service from O’Hare International Airport (ORD) to Owen Roberts International Airport beginning December 19. For added convenience, this inaugural Saturday-only service will continue through April 30.

United Airlines also recently announced new expanded service from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Owen Roberts International Airport. From December 19 through May 4, 2016, United Airlines will offer nonstop flights four times a week. 

Visit www.caymanislands.ky and keep visiting www.travelagentcentral.com for all your latest Caribbean news. Be sure to follow Travel Agent's Joe Pike on Twitter @TravelPike.