As published by the Cayman Compass
The name of the new waterfront hotel being built by Dart was inspired by the fiery sunsets over Seven Mile Beach. – PHOTO: TANEOS RAMSAY
The Kimpton group plans to name its 10-story Grand Cayman hotel the Seafire Resort and Spa, Seven Mile Beach.
The name was inspired by the fiery sunsets over Seven Mile Beach, according to Kimpton CEO Mike DeFrino. Officials from the San Francisco-based hotel chain were in Grand Cayman on Wednesday to launch the brand of the new hotel, owned and built by the Dart group.
For Kimpton, which operates more than 60 “boutique-style” hotels, it is its first project outside of North America.
“We see this is our first property in the Caribbean. A resort of this quality and location is rare for any company and we’ve put a great deal of effort and concentration behind making sure it does well and fulfils the dreams of everybody,” said Mr. DeFrino.
The outer structure of the hotel, which features two 10-story towers, is complete and it will be outfitted over the next 12 months, ahead of a planned November 2016 opening.
One of the hotel’s distinctive features is the location, between the North Sound and Seven Mile Beach.
“Once complete, Seafire will be one of the largest resorts along Seven Mile Beach, and the only resort to offer unmatched, unobstructed water views from every guest room, including the spectacular sun-kissed horizon that inspired the resort’s name,” according to a marketing statement from Kimpton on Wednesday.
Though Kimpton operates multiple hotels, it says each has its own name, character and identity and no two venues are the same.
According to the hotelier, signature features of the Seafire resort will be the arrivals area, featuring tropical landscaping and an elevated lobby area with spectacular sea views.
The grounds of the hotel will feature a 1,300-square-foot lawn, a communal fire pit and pool. The north end of the property backs on to the beach and will feature a water sports area, access to biking and walking paths and a retail and restaurant promenade.