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Caribbean: Developer Dart group plans to reopen the Beach Suites at Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile Beach as an unbranded boutique hotel.
The company acquired the property, along with the former Hyatt hotel in 2015. It has submitted a planning application for a US$1 million renovation. If approved, the hotel would be able to reopen in time for the KAABOO music festival in early 2019.
The application, which will be reviewed by the Central Planning Authority this week, coincides with the temporary closure of Hemingways, the beachside bar and restaurant within the Beach Suites.
Paperwork submitted to the planning authority indicates that both Hemingways and the smaller restaurant SIDEbar will remain part of the Beach Suites footprint though it is not clear if they will re-open with the hotel.
The plans include modifications to the SIDEBar restaurant, removing the pool bar and installing a new bar to the west of the building, enlarging the retail area adjacent to West Bay Road and alterations to the back of house and administrative areas.
The submission to the CPA states that the changes are all within the existing envelope of the property and the buildings will remain largely intact.
“Our client’s intention is to complete the renovation works to support reopening of the beach suites as an unbranded boutique hotel in late 2018 / early 2019,” it states.
A Dart spokeswoman said: “Dart is in discussions with a team of real estate and hospitality experts with global experience in creating innovative, immersive properties. The goal is to attract a new generation of customers to the Cayman Islands, diversifying the tourism product and growing market share among the region.”
