Ritz "DeckHouses" offer privacy and luxury

The first new product at The Ritz–Carlton, Grand Cayman available for purchase by the public went on sale recently.

The DeckHouses at The Ritz–Carlton, Grand Cayman will offer a
combination of luxury and privacy unprecedented in the Cayman Islands. Vice President Sales and Marketing David Camp said the design of The DeckHouses represents the best features of resort living.

“We went on a tour to see what the best Caribbean resorts had to
offer,” he said. “We noted what the common characteristics each had and why we liked them the best.”

After returning from the trip, the group members talked about what they liked best about each of the resorts. Mr. Camp said the group members’ favourite resorts all had some kind of water element; they all had lush tropical vegetation; they all offered a feeling of exclusivity and privacy; and they were built with
natural, timeless materials like natural woods and stone. The combination of the group’s favourite parts from their favourite resorts spawned the concept for The DeckHouses.

“We believe there is nothing like this in the world,” Mr. Camp said. “I have seen what the Caribbean offers in terms of luxury and there’s nothing that compares to this.”

The DeckHouses will sit on the peninsula that holds the current
driving range for the Blue Tip golf course. The peninsula will be
carved out to create a series of private lagoons and private beaches. The materials excavated in creating the lagoons will be used to create a rolling topography on the peninsula. The entire peninsula will then be densely landscaped to create a sense of privacy between the 19 homes. Underground utilities and gas–flame lampposts will enhance the natural beauty of the area.

The three–storey DeckHouses themselves will offer a well thought out combination of spaciousness, luxury, views and amenities. All together the main house and guesthouse cottage combined will offer nearly 6,400 square feet under roof, with five bedrooms and 4 and a half bathrooms. A boathouse – complete with an Italian–made Riva boat as part of the package – will be connected to the main house.

“The boat is literally part of the home, almost like a piece of art,” said Mr. Camp. Other parts of the purchase package include golf cart and an automobile – something like a BMW or a Land Rover Defender – Mr. Camp said. The homes also come fully furnished.

The foundations of the DeckHouses will be built at 6.5 feet above
sea level – giving the homes protection from storm surge – and the second floor level will be at 18.5 feet, while the third floor will be at 32.5 feet, Mr. Camp said. The second floor will be ringed with windows and glass doors and 270 degrees of decking suitable for entertainment.

“There will be phenomenal views,” said Mr. Camp. The DeckHouses will function as more than just a home. “[The DeckHouses] will be Ritz–Carlton branded and offer Ritz–Carlton service,” Mr. Camp said, adding that owners and guest will
be able to sign up for full butler service, including private chefs,
and their own personal concierge.

The prices for the Deckhouse homes range between US$3.5 million and US$5. Purchasers who don’t want the fully loaded package can get a lower price point. Mr. Camp said he expects The Deckhouse project to sell quickly. “There are 19 lucky people out there who are going to say ‘yes’ to the DeckHouses,” he said, adding that it is hoped that Cayman Islands residents will also want to take advantage of the opportunity to own and live at one of the DeckHouses.

“The DeckHouses may not be for everyone, but one thing I can confirm is that they represent the most unique and genuine ownership opportunity in the Caribbean, exploiting the best of all the experiential elements a family could want while doing it in style.”