Architectural Charm: Secret Harbour Residences Offer Special Character and Flair

The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman is known as a world-class resort that offers a luxurious lifestyle to both vacationers and second home owners alike. With 365 guest rooms and suites as well as private vacation homes such as The Residences and The DeckHouses, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman is one of the finest vacation destinations in the Caribbean. With beautiful architecture and outstanding interior design, the hotel and private homes located at the resort have a reputation for being visually stunning as well as incredibly luxurious. Now, with the addition of the new Secret Harbour Residences, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman is continuing its tradition of offering first-class amenities in a picturesque tropical background.

Secret Harbour is the latest development of Orion Developers, owners and developers of The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. Secret Harbour will be comprised of multi-family vacation residences ranging from one-bedroom to three-bedroom villas, with prices starting at USD $650,000. As with both The Residences and The DeckHouses, Secret Harbour boasts incredible vistas in breathtaking surroundings. Nestled on its own island with gorgeous water views from every residence, Secret Harbour makes the most of its beautiful Caribbean environment. In addition to the stunning setting, Secret Harbour features detailed design and endless examples of exquisite craftsmanship. These vacation homes are true architectural delights.

With the reputable firms of Zurcher Architects and VITA Planning & Landscape Architecture at the helm of the Secret Harbour project, it's not surprising that these new residences exude a unique and captivating character. VITA Planning & Landscape Architecture is based in California and Zurcher Architects is based in Costa Rica; the latter has designed luxury hotels in a number of countries including Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic and Panama. The Secret Harbour residences will be an impressive addition to the resumes of both architectural firms.

The inspiration for the architectural design of the Secret Harbour residences came from Europe and the Mediterranean. In particular, the waterfront vacation home community draws on the charm and spirit of Mediterranean maritime villages. According to Michael Ryan, owner and developer of The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, the charming village concept will be combined with numerous special details to provide a truly unique vacation setting. These details include beautiful Mediterranean tiles as well as iron craftsman doors and balconies. In Ryan's view, it's these special touches and characteristics which take Secret Harbour's overall quality and attractiveness to an outstanding level synonymous with The Ritz-Carlton name.

As with other residences and vacation homes at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, Secret Harbour offers access to the many incredible amenities and facilities of the world-class Caribbean resort, including a Greg Norman-designed golf course, Silver Rain, a La Prairie spa, five restaurants including one by Eric Ripert of Le Bernadin, a tennis center with programs designed by Nick Bollettieri and the Ambassadors of the Environment by Jean-Michel Cousteau eco-adventure family program. In addition, these new residences will feature their own amenities including an on-island fitness center and a water ferry service. With charm and luxury as the main ingredients of this latest land development project, Secret Harbour is bound to be a great addition to The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman resort community as well as a popular Caribbean getaway for many lucky vacationers and second home owners.

Cayman Classic: Fifth Annual Charity Tennis Weekend Hosted by The Residences at the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman

The results are in: the 5^th Annual Charity Cayman Classic was an all-around slamming success. Sponsored and hosted by The Residences at the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, the tennis weekend included a pro-am celebrity tennis competition, a glamorous ball and a host of family activities to raise money for a local Cayman Islands organization.

The Friday Night Whites Beach Party was first on the agenda, igniting the star-studded weekend event with cocktails and fine food on the acclaimed Seven Mile Beach recognized for its unrivalled beauty. A silent auction also marked the start of the Cayman Classic, which offered bidding opportunities for luxury items, including a Jaguar automobile, artwork and jewelry.

On Saturday, the exciting celebrity pro-am tennis tournament proved to be an entertaining event, featuring renowned players such as Jimmy Arias, Jeffrey Tarango, Murphy Jensen, Gene Mayer, Eddie Dibbs, Brian Gottfried, Petr Korda and Ellis Ferreira. Playing alongside these tennis pros were several surprise celebrities from the world of film and television, including Giuliana DePandi Rancic of E! News, Bill Rancic of The Apprentice and Mary Lynn Rajskub of hit television series 24. Elisabeth Röhm of Law & Order, Jason Biggs of American Pie, Frankie Muniz of Malcolm in the Middle and Alan Thicke of Growing Pains were also seen cheering on the sidelines.

Throughout the weekend, The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman provided endless entertainment options for guests. One of the most anticipated activities of the weekend was the Saturday night's Cayman Classic Tennis Ball. A glamorous and lively occasion, the ball featured an energetic, live hit performance by musician Chris Isaak. Other activities ranged from family tennis clinics by various pros who participated in the Cayman Classic to a nine-hole golf tournament on The Ritz-Carlton's challenging and stunning Blue-Tip golf course designed by Greg Norman and Great White Shark Enterprises.

Perhaps the best part about the 5^th Annual Charity Cayman Classic tennis weekend was that it raised money for a great cause. The proceeds totaled more than $70,000 and benefited the non-profit Cayman Islands Crisis Centre, an important part of the local Grand Cayman community that provides shelter and services for victims of domestic abuse. With a solid reputation of excellence and a tradition of supporting and giving back to the Grand Cayman community, it's not surprising that The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman successfully hosted such a spectacular charity event.

Water World: The DeckHouses at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman Offer an Authentic Waterfront Lifestyle

When considering the idea of waterfront living, what picture comes to mind? Many people envision a beautiful house facing an ocean or lake while others conjure exquisite sunsets and easy access to a marina or boat launch. As wonderful as these visions may be, waterfront living can be even more spectacular, and has already been demonstrated. Phase two of The Residences at the world-class Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman resort has diminished the doubt of those who question the feasibility of these visions of ideal waterfront living.

The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman is a luxurious Caribbean resort that combines classic British-Colonial architecture with the stunning natural surroundings of the Cayman Islands. Located on 144 acres of prime real estate along the famous Seven Mile Beach, the resort offers breathtaking views as well as first-rate amenities and facilities -- from fine dining venues and a luxury retail emporium to a nine-hole Greg Norman-designed golf course and the first La Prairie spa in the Caribbean.

While The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman resort boasts an array of unparalleled features, it is the second phase of the resort's Residences known as the DeckHouses that have taken the concept of waterfront living to a new level. Scheduled for completion in 2009, this new phase of development and construction consists of nineteen luxurious single family homes, each built on a private island. Situated on peninsulas, these three-storey residences will be surrounded by water, creating breathtaking views in every direction along with a unique, ocean-side living environment. In addition, each DeckHouse comprises five bedrooms and five bathrooms and feature their own private beach, swimming pool and boathouse.

The amenities offered by The DeckHouses reinforce a high standard of living and allow residents to integrate water into several aspects of their lives, from relaxation and every day activities to recreational pursuits. Water taxis and private watercraft offer alternative modes of transportation that are convenient and enjoyable for residents, connecting them with the community and the resort via the ocean and a network of waterways. Shops, restaurants and all the other amazing amenities offered by The Ritz-Carlton resort and the island of Grand Cayman will only be a short boat ride away.

Real estate developer Michael Ryan and his team have created a truly unique and appealing oceanfront community that connects luxury living to the water in a variety of ways. With water as the primary focus of the planning and construction of The Deckhouses, this second phase of residential development at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman has balanced architectural style and a high level of convenience with the natural beauty of the Caribbean, along with expert design to create a truly exceptional living environment. Owners of The DeckHouse residences will be able to enjoy the very best of luxurious, waterfront living with a daily lifestyle deeply connected to the ocean blue.

Masterful Merger: Greg Norman Set to Redesign The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman's Golf Course

Exciting developments are in the works at the renowned Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman resort. Currently encompassing the challenging and artfully-designed nine-hole Blue Tip golf course, this Caribbean resort will soon be home to a championship 18-hole course that will offer unique and exceptional golfing experiences for guests and residents. Expected to create positive transformations in Cayman Island recreation, tourism and real estate investments, the new tournament-standard golf course will be created by merging the resort's Blue Tip golf course and the existing 18-hole SafeHaven course adjacent to the Ritz-Carlton's property. At the helm of this masterful merger is acclaimed golfer and course designer, Greg Norman.

Greg Norman, who worked in conjunction with land developer Michael Ryan to create the original Blue Tip golf course for the Grand Cayman resort, is recognized for his ability to design and construct challenging and environmentally-sound golf courses that incorporate natural surroundings for exceptional results. Norman will use the same unique skills to craft an impressive 18-hole course of championship par in the same manner he did for the Blue Tip course. In order to blend in the new course with the resort and island environment, Greg Norman will take advantage of the spectacular natural beauty of the Cayman Islands, including breathtaking views of the ocean and local waterways.

In addition to merging the Blue Tip and former SafeHaven courses, the newly expanded Ritz-Carlton golf course will feature a wealth of complementary services and facilities that will enhance the entire golfing experience. Golfers will have plenty of opportunities to refine their skills with a putting course and practice facilities, along with other facilities, including a clubhouse, dining venues and a pro shop. All of these design elements will complement each other and result in a new standard of golf in the Caribbean and Cayman Islands.

This exciting project is expected to be fully complete and operational within three years, and will likely be the most expensive golf course development project in the history of the Cayman Islands. While the planning and development stages are underway, guests and residents can still enjoy excellent golfing opportunities on the existing courses. The final product is expected to generate many positive outcomes for The Ritz-Carlton resort, Grand Cayman island, and local vacationers and residents. Moreover, the resulting golf course will be a magnificent masterpiece, thanks to Greg Norman's amazing design skills, that will provide an unrivalled opportunity for the ultimate Caribbean golfing experience.

Hitting the Links: Exciting Membership Opportunities at Grand Cayman's North Sound Club

There has been a recent buzz of excitement surrounding Grand Cayman's North Sound Club. With the announcement of new ownership in November 2007, the club is positioned to undergo a series of changes and transformations over the next few years. Offshore land developer Michael Ryan acquired the North Sound Club and will oversee the most significant transformation of merging its current golf course with Blue Tip, the Greg Norman-designed course at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman resort. Currently, several special membership opportunities are available at the club for present and future golfers throughout the development of the course, which is expected to be completed in the next three years.

Situated in a stunning area of Grand Cayman on a prime piece of real estate, the North Sound Club offers some of the best scenery in the Cayman Islands. The location is impressive with breathtaking views and an abundance of Caribbean flora. When combined with the equally striking Blue Tip golf course by renowned designer Greg Norman, the new eighteen-hole venue will be a world-class, championship-level course that will afford unique and exciting golfing opportunities.

Since the new acquisition by Michael Ryan and the announcement of development plans, the club's membership has increased by more than two hundred members. With a variety of membership options available, golfers can take advantage of the current golf course and the future, redesigned course that caters to several golfing preferences and offers incredible real estate investment opportunities. The Founder Membership is the highest membership option, which provides players with access to both the existing North Sound Club course and The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman's Blue Tip course. Along with these privileges, one hundred percent of the initiation fee for Founder Members can be applied toward a community real estate purchase within a time period of five years. By combining both real estate and golfing opportunities, the North Sound Club's Founder Memberships certainly provide many attractive perks and benefits.

In addition, the North Sound Club offers a variety of other membership opportunities. Walk-on rates are available as well as non-resident memberships, which are ideal for those who frequent the Cayman Islands for vacation. Other options include individual, student, junior and corporate group memberships. With each option, golfers can take advantage of access to the club's eighteen-hole golf course for one year, with the possibility of a six-month extension.

With these special membership opportunities available to golfers, along with exciting changes in the works for the North Sound Club, hitting the links on this Grand Cayman golf course will prove to be a fantastic experience. From the premier Founder Memberships to non-resident memberships, Michael Ryan's newly acquired North Sound Club has an extensive range of options that meet the needs and preferences of avid Caribbean golfers.

Giving Back: The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman Supports the Local Community by Hosting a Charity Tennis Event

During the early stages of its development, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman provided many benefits for the local community. The design and construction of the world-class Caribbean resort has generated jobs for many local workers. With additional phases still in development, these labor opportunities will continue to stimulate the local economy. Completed phases of the resort have also positively influenced the Grand Cayman tourism industry by creating even more employment opportunities. However, providing jobs is not the only way that The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman has benefited the region.

Michael Ryan, owner and developer of The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman resort, has a strong desire to give back to the local Grand Cayman community. He engages his organization to actively support local organizations. One successful event in particular was the 5^th Annual Charity Cayman Classic tennis weekend hosted by The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman in December 2007. Fundraising efforts benefited the Cayman Islands Crisis Centre, a local non-profit organization that provides services for women and children suffering from domestic abuse. The money raised during the event assisted the Crisis Centre’s efforts to stop domestic violence in the Cayman Islands through services such as community outreach programs, a shelter, and a 24-hour crisis line.

From December 7 through December 9, 2007, the annual Cayman Classic proved to be a great success, drawing an impressive attendance list of tennis pros as well as Hollywood movie and television actors. Petr Korda, Jimmy Arias, David MacPherson, Jeffrey Tarango, Johan Kriek, Paul Goldstein Jana Novotna and Ellis Ferreira, among others tennis pros from around the world, participated in the weekend tournament. Well-known television celebrities, such as Jason Biggs of American Pie, Frankie Muniz of Malcolm in the Middle and 24's Mary Lynn Rajskub also attended the charity weekend, along with event emcee Alan Thicke of Growing Pains.

The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman continues to maintain its tradition of giving back to the Cayman Islands community and contribute to the quality of life in the region by supporting this annual event that benefits important and admirable local organizations like the Crisis Centre. As a fun and charitable event, the Cayman Classic is a tremendous source of pride for the Cayman Islands community and for the first-class Caribbean resort. The success of the most recent charity Tennis Weekend will continue to provide the local community with support and excitement in the years to come.

Driving in a New Direction: Grand Cayman's North Sound Club Acquires New Golf Carts

Changes are in the works for Grand Cayman's North Sound Club with new ownership and operation. Formerly the Links at SafeHaven, the new North Sound Club was acquired in November 2007 by offshore land developer Michael Ryan. Ryan has several plans for the property, which is situated on some of the best real estate in the Caribbean. Course designer Greg Norman and Great White Shark Enterprises is on board to merge the club's golf course with The Ritz-Carlton's Blue Tip course. The resulting eighteen-hole course will become one of the most expensive golf course developments in Cayman Islands history and will afford a new standard of Grand Cayman golfing and recreation.

The acquisition of new golf carts has already set developments in motion. On December 20, 2007, forty E-Z-GO^® TXT^® golf carts were delivered to the club. As the North Sound Club has been without the convenience of golf carts ever since Hurricane Ivan struck the Cayman Islands nearly three years ago, these carts provide course patrons with an efficient and comfortable mode of transportation. The top-of-the-line vehicles feature quiet operation, a sleek design and a stylish, eye-catching shade of blue. When the redesigned golf course is complete, the golf carts will be accompanied by other first-class amenities that will reflect the caliber of the new North Sound Club.

Purchasing the E-Z-GO^® TXT^® golf carts represents the first of many changes to come over the next few years, and has kicked-started the North Sound Club’s journey into a new direction. With Greg Norman handling the reconfiguration of a fully-appointed golfing venue, future guests and residents of The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman will have great golfing opportunities to look forward to.