Thursday, November 11, 2010

The momentum of time that leads to timelessness

In an uncertain world, one thing we can be sure of is change. As the ancient Greek expression goes, “You never step into the same river twice,” and we all feel ourselves moving through time relentlessly.

At times we rail against it and wish we could reach out and stop it; at other times, like when you are waiting for a train or a loved one to arrive, we wish we could push it forward.

The current economic malaise feels like it has been going on forever, and the days of ambition and exuberance that preceded it just a distant memory. Governments wring their hands and announce programs to “fix” the economy but I suspect that, as usual, time is the real cure and its march will propel us forward as it always does. People will, as they always do, adapt and find new ways to move forward, to realize their dreams, achieve their goals, expand their horizons.

In this constant movement towards the future we can also observe what has come before, see the many cycles and trends that, although so seemingly original at the time, are often variations on a previous theme, and from them recognize those things that remain constant, that people over time respect and respond to, whether in an approach, a creation or a style.

In working to find out the essence of why these approaches, styles, values and expressions seem to crop up consistently over time and through the varying cycles, we uncover the things that are worth focusing on and spending our most precious commodity -- time -- on trying to create, enhance and share.

Whether in ancient times or today, excellence, balance, symmetry, cohesion, consistency and passion are always in style and the things derived from them are instantly recognizable and valued. Valued then and, as the years pass, ever more so.


The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman was started with the recognition that it was a once-in-a-lifetime confluence of place, time and events that could bring together ideas and people that would lay the foundation for something unique and special, not just for a moment but for generations.

It was and is a lofty goal, but by focusing our sights high we have been able to attract people with a similar passion for excellence and along the way, more as an symptom of this pursuit than its cause, people have recognized and applauded what has been achieved.

We see it again this year with the Condé Nast award as the best resort in the region for the third straight year, the AAA Five-Diamond awards for the fourth straight year, the world’s best award for our Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment children's program, but most importantly we see it in the people and families who have made Dragon Bay their home.

From the start, the promise of Dragon Bay was to be able to bring the finest together to create a lifestyle of design, quality and service to meet the needs and desires of our discerning owners. Whether it is in a Residence overlooking Seven Mile Beach, a DeckHouses, with its own private beach, or the waterfront village setting of Secret Harbour, each one is meant to answer even the unspoken desires of our owners.
From its beginnings in the last century, to its inspirations which go back much farther, Dragon Bay has been about unearthing the things that have lasting value and lasting appeal, regardless of the cycle. This view helps make time our ally and our support, allowing us to constantly improve, and it brings with it an ever-expanding group of people who know and enjoy the very best and who choose to spend their precious time with us.

Looking forward to a Legendary Season

In most places in the world, the end of summer brings with it regrets over holidays not taken, hours not spent at the beach, and a general wistfulness as the best time of year passes. Not here in the Cayman Islands. While we enjoy summer to the fullest, the beginning of the fall season just means that the best is yet to come.

For one thing, the weather, which is just about ideal all year round, starts reaching for perfection, with warm days and cool nights. The lovely waters of the Caribbean Sea continue to beckon, with boat trips across the North Sound to Stingray City and Rum Point, or an evening dinner excursion under the stars.

People living elsewhere can argue the merits of their own countries, but based on my trips across the world – by land, sea and air – and admitting a little bias, I can confidently say that Cayman is the place and Dragon Bay allows you to enjoy the very best of it.

Realizing our vision to redefine life on the water involves not only offering an incredible mix of exceptional properties, such as the The DeckHouses and Secret Harbour, but also providing the amenities and events exclusively available to you as one of our residence owners or guests.

Here at Dragon Bay and The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, we have been planning a very special event that is destined to be the highlight of the season – the 2010 Legends Tennis Championships.

Tennis greats Jim Courier, Stefan Edberg, Marat Safin and Michael Chang will be among the renowned players competing as well as taking part in a Pro-Am Tournament with 12 lucky amateurs. As always, proceeds from the events benefit a very worthy cause -- our signature charity for the last eight years – the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre.

Everything kicks off 3 November, with the final day of tennis set for 7 November. In between, VIP ticket holders will get to socialize with the players at private parties and enjoy gourmet meals.

With all this set against the backdrop of beautiful fall days and nights, I can only offer one word to describe the experience: perfect.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

World Oceans Day celebrated at Dragon Bay

Luxury resort community anchored by The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman puts a focus on marine conservation

Dragon Bay is celebrating World Oceans Day with a range of activities throughout the week of June 7th.

World Oceans Day was officially declared by the United Nations as June 8th each year beginning in 2009 to honour the world's oceans, celebrate the products and marine life the oceans provide, and to appreciate the oceans’ intrinsic value.

Michael Ryan, from the inception of the Dragon Bay project, has been committed to preserving the pristine marine environment that surrounds us. Joining him in this commitment was one of Dragon Bay’s first partners - the Ocean Futures Society led by Jean-Michel Cousteau.

The mission of the Ocean Futures Society is to inspire and educate people around the world to act responsibly for the protection of the ocean.

The result of this successful partnership is the renowned Ambassadors of the Environment programme at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman that attracts both children and adults in the exploration and education of the Cayman Islands’ marine ecology and conservation practices and ideologies.

“We are all a part of the living world and the oceans that connect us all. Similarly, everything at Dragon Bay is connected to and by Cayman’s waters - which provide us with a wondrous array of adventures and inspire us with their natural beauty,” Mike said.

Because of Dragon Bay’s vital connection to the water, the community will be celebrating World Oceans Day in a number of ways.

Recognised marine biologist Holly Lohuis of the Ocean Futures Society will be visiting The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman as a featured speaker at Afternoon Tea at the Silver Palm Lounge on Saturday, 12th June discussing the world’s oceans and how we can help protect them.

With a degree from the University of California in Santa Barbara, Ms Lohuis has been diving around the world with Jean-Michel Cousteau for more than a decade. A key member of the Ocean Futures Society expedition team, she acts as a liaison between the team and scientists, and is responsible for confirming the factual accuracy of the content of Ocean Futures Society documentaries.

Also a marine educator, Ms Lohuis has taught thousands of children and adults about the wonders and fragility of the aquatic environment and the importance of protecting them for future generations. For her educational outreach efforts, she was honored in 2009 with the Hall of Fame award from the San Juan School district in her hometown of Sacramento, California.

Joining Ms Lohuis as a featured speaker at the Afternoon Tea will be Bradley Johnson of the Cayman Islands Department of the Environment, who will give a presentation on the Grouper Moon Project – dedicated to the conservation of the endangered Grouper and based in Little Cayman.

Ms Lohuis will also lead the Ambassadors of the Environment Adventure Series on Saturday, 12th June from 9:30am to 1:00pm. Catering to children aged four to seven, the programme will focus on preserving the world’s oceans. Top science students from all Government Primary Schools on Grand Cayman have been invited to attend the programme, sponsored by Dragon Bay.

World Oceans Day also highlights the need to make good choices in the seafood that we consume. Today, according to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, no part of the oceans remains unaffected by human activities. And among the many factors influencing our ocean ecosystems, none has a greater impact than fishing.

From the inception of the project, Dragon Bay joined by the Chefs of the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman and the Ocean Futures Society have always made every effort to support local fishermen and to make careful choices when buying seafood.

Blue by Chef Eric Ripert at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman is using its culinary influence as the only 5-Diamond restaurant in the Caribbean to promote the use of sustainable fish by creating a special six-course tasting menu to celebrate World Oceans Day.

Renowned for the innovative use of the freshest seafood in its gourmet dishes, Blue has called upon the talents of Chef de Cuisine Luis Lujan to showcase sustainable fish combined with the inimitable flavours of the Caribbean for the exclusive World Oceans Day tasting menu.

The World Oceans Day menu at Blue follows the Seafood Watch recommendations proposed by the Monterey Bay Aquarium and will be featured for the entire week of World Oceans Day from Monday, 7th June through Saturday, 12th June. The ingredients include mainly indigenous fish from Cayman waters as well as local ingredients from sustainable farms on island and in the US.

The specially-designed menu includes Local Wahoo Tartar with Organic Star Fruit, Local Sweet Potato and Orange Vinaigrette; Grilled Hamachi, with Lime Marinated Local Banana and Mint Chimichurri; Pan Seared Scallops, with Willie's Farm Local Pumpkin Salad and Coconut Curry Sauce; Grilled Local Snapper, with Willie's Farm heirloom tomato relish and Ratatouille Broth; Pan Seared Yellowfin Local Tuna with Braised Callaloo, Pickled Ramps, Seasoning Pepper and Soy Glaze; and is rounded out with Coconut-Cilantro Roasted Pineapple, accompanied by Sweet Avocado Puree, Brioche and Coconut Sorbet.

Guests choosing the World Oceans Day menu will also have the option to sample a wine pairing selected by Blue’s Head Sommelier Kristian Netis from biodynamic or sustainable wineries around the world.

In addition to the World Oceans Day observance, the Dragon Bay developer is gradually encouraging homeowners and guests to gradually adopt new “green” behaviors in a commitment to establish ongoing eco-friendly practices. The 360-acre luxury resort community has implemented an aggressive programme eliminating the use of Styrofoam and plastic bottles while also recycling paper and batteries.

“In order to create a culture of conservation, and make a substantial difference, we have to establish involvement from all of our residents and guests alike,” Mike said.

Further activities and programmes are planned throughout the year, encouraging Dragon Bay owners and staff to become a part of this culture of conservation. The ‘Dragon Bay Foundation’ will be established in 2010 to allow local residents, Dragon Bay owners and guests to support projects aimed at maintaining a healthy environment throughout the Cayman Islands. These initiatives are focused on reducing waste, recycling, replanting of mangroves and supporting efforts of other agencies working to protect local wildlife and their natural surroundings.

Mike hopes that by continuing eco-friendly activities, their efforts will encourage change and promote sustainability throughout Dragon Bay and beyond. Plans for the remainder of the year include National Threatened Species Day on September 7th, World Habitat Day in October, National Recycling Week in November and International Volunteers Day in December. For more information on the Dragon Bay community and its steps towards sustainable living, visit www.DragonBayCayman.com

To make reservations at Blue By Eric Ripert for the exclusive World Oceans Day tasting menu, to attend Afternoon Tea on Saturday, 12 June or to book your child’s space in the special World Oceans Day edition of the Ambassadors Adventure Series, please call The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman on 943-9000.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010


The Dragon Bay Owners' Weekend will be held May 28-30, including the Dragon Bay Fishing Tournament and The Dragon Bay Golf Tournament hosted by Mike Ryan, Cayman Islands Developer of The Residences At The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman.


Dragon Bay, a 330-acre luxury resort community in Grand Cayman is gearing up for an exciting event filled weekend for The Dragon Bay Owners' Weekend May 28-30.


The weekend kicks off with a cocktail reception Friday, May 28 with wine selections by The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman's sommelier and seafood canapés by Blue. On Saturday, owners will take part in an exciting Dragon Bay Fishing Tournament followed by lunch and awards at Periwinkle and a Champagne tasting at Sunset Terrace, The Residences, Grand Cayman. The weekend is capped off on Sunday, May 30 with the Dragon Bay Golf Tournament at the Greg Norman-designed Blue Tip golf course, followed by cocktails and awards.


Dragon Bay was created by developer Michael Ryan in Grand Cayman as part of the luxury residences that surround The Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman. The Dragon Bay Estates are an exclusive enclave of water-oriented custom home sites with British Colonial Design that provide the unique opportunity to create and own some of the few single family estates that are planned within the Dragon Bay community.
The Dragon Bay community also includes residential communities The Deckhouses, Secret Harbour, and The Residences At The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. Each luxury community has its own design, features and ambiance for a variety of options to live in luxury while enjoying all the amenities and high standards that the Ritz-Carlton brand is known for.


"One of our long range visions for Dragon Bay as a community is to fulfill the needs and desires of the people who choose to call it their home. The Dragon Bay Owners' Weekend is our opportunity to let everyone celebrate the luxury amenities and the exciting lifestyle that living in the Caribbean affords, while being part of a community," said Mike Ryan, owner and developer, The Residences at The Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman.

Thursday, May 6, 2010

New British Colonial architecture about to make its mark in Cayman


Secret Harbour is Dragon Bay Developer Michael Ryan’s microcosm for his entire Dragon Bay development: communities connected by and with the water. With the first phase breaking ground next month, Business Editor Lindsey Turnbull speaks exclusively with Mike to find out more and reports.

Cayman’s Ritz-Carlton resort is not number one in the region for nothing. Attention to detail, excellence in the quality, service delivery and amenities that guests enjoy set it quite firmly apart, head and shoulders above the competition. These qualities flow through everything in connection with the resort and in particular the brand new Secret Harbour development, set to break ground in June and a labour of love for its developer.

“In the years that the plans for Secret Harbour have been on the table we have gone through seven complete iterations of the plans. Ensuring that the development embraces all the highest qualities that guests have learnt to expect from The Ritz-Carlton, while being mindful of the current market climate have all brought us to the stage where we are at now – ready to break ground on this extraordinary project,” Mike states.

The Secret Harbour project has been two years in the making, with Mike undertaking his 11-month voyage to visit all the greatest coastal communities of the world – from Penang to Singapore to Portofino to Rhodes. This tour brought Mike the inspiration he needed to develop his 360-acre Dragon Bay development, a luxury residential and resort community right here in the Cayman Islands.

Ground was broken last year for The Deckhouses, 19 five-bedroom, five-bath private island estate homes with integrated boathouses and guest cottages, with the first phase of Secret Harbour following suit in just a few weeks.


British Colonial sets the standard
Basing the design element of Secret Harbour around the British Colonial imprint that he was so inspired by on his travels around the world, Mike says Secret Harbour will be a brand new interpretation of that highly successful style of architecture: “The British Colonial style forms the basis for so many great communities, which have adapted the style to suit their own particular location,” he says. “Yet the format and structure of the design still remain true. As a coastal community and a British Overseas territory I felt that Cayman would be the perfect location to develop a contemporary British Colonial style, given its heritage, cosmopolitan population and multi-cultural society."


Important values held true
Striving as always to provide the very best, Mike says the changes in design (which had gone right through to the drawings stage each time) were necessary to ensure the success of the project.

“We took into account the current real estate and general economic climate and decided to be counter-intuitive and buck the trend of trying just to cut costs, quality and service. Instead we decided to concentrate our efforts in providing our owners with what they truly found valuable,” Mike states.

Mike says that a tremendous amount of effort, therefore, went into tightening the plans from every angle to ensure that no part of the design was wasted and owners were provided with real and tangible value for money.

“We have retained in our plans basic architecture that we felt was intrinsic to the design expression, such as 12 foot high ceilings, ten foot high glass window walls and intelligent layout so that the design flows throughout each property,” he says. “Rooftop terraces will give panoramic views of the North Sound. We found this outdoor living, which automatically connects you with the water, a fundamental part of the successful designs from our travels.”

In order to ensure the highest standards of luxury are met, but without added or wasteful costs, Mike says great attention was paid to using space and materials as intelligently as possible.

“We looked at communal spaces such as stairwells to ensure that the space was properly filled; we might decide to put a single sink in the powder room as opposed to a double sink – but that sink will be the finest quality,” Mike says.

The interior for each apartment is designed by the renowned design team of D’Aquino Monaco, whose first foray into design in the Cayman Islands resulted in the award-winning Silver Rain spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. Known for the boldness of their work, interior designer Carl D’Aquino and his partner, architect Francine Monaco, have earned international acclaim for the design of exclusive private residences and high-end commercial projects around the world.

Attracted to quality
A testament to Mike’s belief in his latest project is the fact that over 65 per cent of the properties in the first phase at Secret Harbour have already been pre-sold. Work will begin on the series of one, two and three bedroom units as well as the host of top class amenities, such as the harbour itself with a promenade, bridged archway for boats to pass under, Clubhouse with La Prairie spa suites, a movie theater, a café inspired by Eric Ripert, and a business meeting area.

“We understand the lifestyles of our owners. We know that they will enjoy meeting at the café for a morning latté or cappuccino, perhaps conduct a meeting in our business centre or meet up with friends at the movies, and that is why these amenities are our top concern,” Mike confirms. “We want to create a product that has developed with a real sense of what local residents are looking for in their community.”

Units start at US$600,000 up to US$3 million with most in the US$1 million to $1.5 million region. And don’t worry, the luxury penthouse with its sweeping views of the North Sound is still for sale. But you had better hurry.

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

SAVE THE DATE! DRAGON BAY OWNERS' WEEKEND

Please join us for the Dragon Bay Owners' Weekend
May 28th - 30th 2010



Friday, 28th May
Cocktail reception featuring wines recommended by The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman’s sommelier and seafood canapés by Chef Luis Lujan at Blue.


Saturday, 29th May
The Dragon Bay Fishing Tournament followed by lunch and awards at Periwinkle.
Champagne tasting at Sunset Terrace, The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman.


Sunday, 30th May
Dragon Bay Golf Tournament at the Blue Tip golf course, followed by cocktails and awards.


For more information or to register, please email: ttrumbach@residences-cayman.com


Fishing Tournament - Champagne Tasting - Golf Tournament - Prizes

Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Dragon Bay observes Earth Day with coastline clean-up


GRAND CAYMAN – (Thursday, 1 April, 2010) – In observance of Earth Day 2010, Dragon Bay developer Michael Ryan is sponsoring a waterfront clean-up on Dragon Bay’s North Sound coastline to encourage eco-friendly practices throughout the 360-acre luxury resort community.

Scheduled for Saturday, 24 April, the clean-up is open to all Dragon Bay staff and residents, as well as the wider community, and will take place from 8:00am through 11:00am. The first 200 volunteers will receive a commemorative Dragon Bay Earth Day 2010 T-shirt.

The Earth Day observation is part of a larger eco-awareness effort at Dragon Bay, spearheaded by Ryan and intended to incorporate green behaviours throughout the community. “In creating a culture of conservation, if we are to make any kind of difference, we have to get everyone involved and start from day one,” Ryan said.

Dragon Bay homeowners have already been encouraged to adopt new “green” behaviors. During the month of March, owners at The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, The DeckHouses, and Secret Harbour were gifted with reusable cloth shopping bags and stainless steel water bottles. By encouraging residents to use these items rather than their disposable counterparts, the community hopes to reduce the number of plastic bags and bottles headed to the George Town landfill. This drive follows the implementation of an aggressive recycling program in Dragon Bay offices.

“We made a policy to eliminate Styrofoam and plastic bottles, recycle paper, and encourage staff to keep correspondence electronic, if possible, to reduce paper waste,” Ryan said. In continuing this green ethos, the ‘Dragon Bay Foundation’ will be established later this year to allow Cayman residents, Dragon Bay owners and guests at Dragon Bay to support projects aimed at maintaining a healthy environment throughout the Cayman Islands.

Dragon Bay will continue its green initiatives in 2010, focusing on reducing waste, recycling, replanting of mangroves and supporting efforts of other agencies working to protect local wildlife and Cayman’s natural environment. A range of activities and programs are planned throughout the year to encourage Dragon Bay owners and staff to become a part of Dragon Bay’s culture of conservation. Plans include Dragon Bay observances of World Ocean Day in June, National Threatened Species Day in September, World Habitat Day in October, National Recycling Week in November and International Volunteers Day in December. Ryan hopes these planned activities will encourage change and promote sustainability throughout Dragon Bay and beyond.

“My travels to many other parts of the world have reinforced what a unique and special place the Cayman Islands is and how we have to actively engage to protect it while creating the economic activity that the people need to sustain themselves and make the right environmental choices,” he said.

For more information or to register for the Dragon Bay Earth Day 2010 Clean-up, e-mail cloxton@residences-cayman.com