We're in the early days of Cayman Islands' first "real" high season in nearly three years, and the energy is palpable. After the abrupt closure in March 2020 and the extended travel restrictions, visitors, homeowners and investors have returned in droves to an island practically vibrating with momentum and possibility.
At Rhulens we're celebrating with a fresh new website. Our digital storefront showcases distinctive expertise in both residential and commercial real estate. Also debuting, Real Talk with Rhulens is its disarming blog companion - a place where we will share facts, observations, and insights. We promise an unvarnished look at our market and community without the usual real estate platitudes or puffery.
But heading into 2023, we're optimistic. So much has changed with the way people live, work and travel, and Cayman is poised to meet evolving expectations. Entrepreneurs are innovating and creating new experiences. And some longstanding best-in-class businesses have leveled up. So, in keeping with the year-end tradition of "Best of" lists, here are Rhulens' top picks for happenings that will make Cayman an even better place to be in 2023.
- The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman and Eric Ripert welcome guests back to Cayman Cookout 12-15 January. After a two-year break, the beloved festival is headlined by an all-star chef roster that is selling out events in record time.
- Anyone who enjoys a well-crafted cocktail knows veteran barman Simon Crompton. Nestled in The Grove's urbane mixed-use community, his Door No. 4 lounge elevates classic tropical drinks with local ingredients and universal style.
- Palm Heights' highly anticipated Garden Club is nearing completion. A hideaway ensconced in lush botanics, the spa will offer regenerative well-being programmes alongside restorative treatments for holistic wellness and a gym focused on high performance.
- Cayman's blue chip real estate market is standing strong despite indicators of an economic deceleration. Top tier properties are holding value. We are, however, seeing selected softening in pricing and some welcome new inventory entering the market which may present buying opportunities.
- To the applause of every Cayman-loving epicurean, Blue by Eric Ripert fully reopened in November after a 32-month hiatus. Chef de Cuisine Thomas Seifried and many of the dining room staff are back and at the top of their game. We could try to describe it, but trust us, just go.
- Joining the ranks of Cayman's top-quality educational offerings is Island Primary, opening in September 2023. A British curriculum will be overseen by a well respected principal with nearly 30 years on island experience.
- New companies are diversifying the economy and energizing the commercial real estate market. Fintech and innovative Cayman-based businesses are driving demand for space. The market currently has single digit vacancy, but new ten-story office buildings are on the horizon – literally – at both Cricket Square and Camana Bay.
- Work on the first phase of the George Town revitalization is complete, pedestrianizing the capital, making it more welcoming as well as walkable. Transformed by lighting and landscape, Cardinal Avenue's retail corridor now connects with a waterfront pocket park.
- Propelled by luxury developments, investment in real assets shows little sign of fatigue. Despite a perfect of storm supply chains, interest rates and inflation, the construction sector is employing a record 14% of the workforce on island.
While Cayman isn't perfect (although it's the closest thing those of us who call it home have found), Real Talk with Rhulens will tell you what we love about it. And what we don't. And how to find the right spaces and places to discover it for yourself.
