Colorful design. A stunning pool deck. A hip rooftop bar. And did we mention It’s just a short walk from one of the best beaches in the Caribbean?
IHG’s Hotel Indigo brand officially opened its first Caribbean hotel this spring in Grand Cayman, and we visited the property to take a closer look at the island’s sleek new debut.
The result is a spectacular, hip new addition to the Cayman Islands, with an impressive food and beverage program, some seriously cool design and the look and feel of a truly premium place to stay.
So what’s it actually like?
The first thing that stands out is the aesthetic. It’s fresh, it’s crisp, with high ceilings sand sweeping approaches; the design is thoughtful, with little touches like sailboat-style ropes on walls, a mix of bright and earthy tones and cool inclusions like stand-up hammocks. In the best way possible, it reminds of the nearby Kimpton Seafire on Seven Mile Beach, a world-class resort which was also developed by parent company Dart.
The anchor is a sweeping, multi-tiered pool deck, with striped umbrellas, rows of palm trees and cabanas and a view out toward Seven Mile Beach, accompanied by a lovely little poolside bar.
There are five dining concepts: a California-Asia fusion spot called Catalina; an international-fare, chef-driven eatery called Rasa (with a special tasting menu); a sushi restaurant, Milkberry; the aforementioned pool bar, Bata, which features a Caribbean-inspired menu; and our favorite, the rooftop lounge called Pom Pom. The latter is the only one of its kind in Grand Cayman, and it’s fantastic (more on that in a later piece).
The rooms are neat and modern, with sensational views and inclusions like bluetooth speakers, rain showers and works by Caymanian artists. The Wi-Fi is very fast and each room comes with a special coffee and tee setup.
You also get access to a 24-hour fitness center and a beautiful lobby boutique with snacks and sundries when you need them.
Now, it should be noted that the new Hotel Indigo isn’t directly on the beach — but somehow the design and the views make it feel even closer. It’s actually just a short stroll from the beach, which just so happens to be one of the best stretches of sand anywhere in the Caribbean.
Even better? The hotel does have its own beach club, which means you get beach chairs set up for you, along with other “beach experiences” like dining and, if you like, a beach bed.
What I liked the most, though, was the palpable feel: yes a 282-room hotel, but it’s far more like a boutique hotel, with all of the amenities and high design you expect from a five-star property in a major city married with the laid-back, intimate personality of Seven Mile Beach.
The best hotels defy categorization: and that’s very much the case here.
It’s the essence of the kind of luxury that the Cayman Islands does so well — high design, natural beauty, no attitude. Luxury that’s sophisticated and relaxed at the same time.
It all adds up to a very unique, compelling new Caribbean hotel.
Rates start at around $213 for stays next month. That number obviously goes up considerably if you’re planning a visit toward the festive season in December.
To learn more, visit the Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman.