A New Standard for Caribbean Luxury Living: Welcome to the Mandarin Oriental Grand Cayman

Set within a 67-acre private coastal sanctuary, Mandarin Oriental Grand Cayman is reshaping the standard for ultra-luxury living in the Caribbean. As the brand’s first residential resort in the region, it blends untouched natural beauty with elevated contemporary design and Mandarin Oriental’s signature five-star service. We sat down with Compass agent Dayanne Costa to explore the vision behind the development and what makes it one of the most coveted addresses in the global luxury market.

Mandarin Oriental Grand Cayman is one of the most anticipated developments in the Caribbean. What makes this project stand out in such a competitive luxury market?

This is the first Mandarin Oriental residential resort in the Caribbean, set within a 67-acre private coastal sanctuary and home to just 42 oceanfront residences, along with four large oceanfront lots for custom homes that can be built by the Mandarin Oriental development team. It offers unmatched privacy, untouched natural beauty, and Mandarin Oriental’s world-renowned five-star service, including a spa recognized as the best in the world for three consecutive years. There is nothing comparable in the region.

How would you describe the vision behind the property, and what sets its design, architecture, and location apart from other Grand Cayman offerings?

The vision is “paradise without compromise,” blending a secluded, untouched setting with refined contemporary design. Beach House offers elevated beachfront living, while Ocean House sits on natural cliffs with wraparound ocean views. With a 35-foot natural elevation, the highest point on the island, every residence enjoys unobstructed views, including the rare luxury of both sunrise and sunset panoramas.

The property offers both resort and residential components. What can buyers expect in terms of lifestyle, privacy, and access to Mandarin Oriental’s signature five-star services?

Owners get the best of both worlds: complete residential privacy with full five-star resort access. With only 42 homes, the residential experience feels intimate, with private elevators, ocean-facing layouts, and resident-only amenities such as the Ocean House infinity pool and lounge. Owners also enjoy every benefit of the resort, including the oceanfront spa, multiple pools, six dining venues, fitness and wellness programming, racquet sports, and a dedicated Kid’s Club. All services, from housekeeping to in-residence dining and personal training, are delivered and managed by Mandarin Oriental.

With its beachfront setting on St. James Point, how does this development take advantage of its natural surroundings? What experiences, on land or sea, are uniquely available to owners?

The development is designed around its natural setting, with 67 acres of coastal forest, walking and biking trails, meditation areas, and garden-framed sports spaces. Owners enjoy a 1,000-foot crescent beach with a protected swimming harbor, cabanas, water sports, snorkeling, and a full dive center for private excursions. Thanks to the southern exposure and elevated cliffs, every experience, from sunrise to sunset to stargazing, feels amplified by uninterrupted horizon views.

The project includes three distinct ownership opportunities, including condo residences and villas. How do these differ in terms of layout, lifestyle, and privacy, and what types of buyers do you see gravitating toward each?

Beach House offers elevated beachfront living above the resort, ideal for buyers who want to be close to the energy, amenities, and restaurants, with generous terraces and a true lock-and-leave lifestyle. Ocean House is more private and boutique, set on the ocean cliffs with wraparound terraces, a resident-only infinity pool, and a quieter, club-like atmosphere. The future villa estates and villa lots appeal to buyers seeking maximum privacy and space, with stand-alone homes or estate parcels that still enjoy full access to all amenities across the 67-acre sanctuary. In short, Beach House suits those who want convenience and activity, Ocean House suits those who prefer seclusion, and the villas suit those who want a private estate within the resort.

Can you share insight into the amenities that are resonating most with your clients, whether it’s the spa, the private pools, the dining program, or the curated wellness offerings?

Clients are most drawn to the oceanfront spa and wellness program, the Michelin-inspired dining with six distinct venues, and the family-friendly layout with multiple pools, a Kid’s Club, racquet courts, and coastal trails. The common feedback is that everything feels elevated, intimate, and carefully curated rather than crowded, which is rare in the Caribbean.

How does ownership at Mandarin Oriental Grand Cayman compare to other Caribbean luxury properties in terms of investment potential, rental program options, and long-term value?

Ownership stands out for three key reasons: Cayman’s tax-free environment and political stability, the scarcity of only 42 oceanfront residences, and the strength of the Mandarin Oriental brand. Buyers can participate in a curated rental program, may qualify for permanent residency with a 2.4 million dollar investment, and benefit from a market that historically outperforms other Caribbean islands in long-term value. It is a rare combination of jurisdictional advantages, five-star management, and limited supply.

As the project approaches completion, what excites you most about seeing it come to life, and what should prospective buyers know as they consider securing a residence?

What excites me most is the caliber of community that will take shape here. With only 42 residences, ownership naturally becomes a circle of global leaders, innovators, and families who could live or invest anywhere in the world and chose this. Being part of that network is one of the most valuable aspects of the project. By 2028, the full 67-acre sanctuary will be complete, including the cliff-top pools, the beach club, the spa, and the coastal trails, all enjoyed by a very select group of owners. With inventory this limited and interest continuing to grow, the most desirable homes are being secured now.