Brac developments in the works

News

As published by the Cayman Compass

Renovation work in progress at the Brac Reef Beach Resort. – PHOTO: ED BEATY

Expansions to two hotels and a new government-funded swimming pool are in the works for Cayman Brac.

The Brac Reef Beach Resort is midway through renovations including a new pool and multi-level bar, while Le Soleil D’Or has added a spa, fitness center and restaurants and is planning to add accommodations early next year.

Director of Tourism Rosa Harris said the addition of new villas and condos has helped the island keep its room stock steady despite the closure of the Alexander Hotel last year.

She believes the expansion at Le Soleil D’Or and other potential developments could help it grow beyond its current capacity of 237 rooms.

“We lost 30 rooms with the Alexander Hotel, but we have had some growth through private homes, villas and guest houses. I am hoping we will go over the 250 room mark, which would be a first for the Brac,” she said.

Le Soleil D’Or is in the midst of an expansion that will include the addition of a small boutique hotel to its luxury cottages.

A spokesman for the business said, “Le Soleil d’Or has expanded from two hand-appointed accommodations to a full-service destination that includes a beach club with powder-white sand and a beach studio accommodation, two farm-to-table restaurants, a full service spa, fitness facility and early next year, we will be adding additional accommodations.”

Renovations continue at the Brac Reef Beach Resort, and the hotel is expected to reopen in December with the new name of Cayman Brac Beach Resort.

“Enhancements will include a new multi-level bar, free-form resort pool, upgraded accommodations, and resort-wide renovations,” according to a press release on the resort’s website.

Ms. Harris said the two expansions are helping to diversify the Brac tourism product.

“The Brac Reef expansion will help leisure and dive tourism, and the Soleil D’Or allows us to talk about luxury,” she said.

Meanwhile, government has its own development plans on the Brac and is moving ahead with plans for a new 25-meter swimming pool at the Brac sports center and has already put out bids for architectural services.

Tourism Minister and Sister Islands legislator Moses Kirkconnell said $600,000 has been allocated in the budget for the project this year.

“It is all part of the improvements to the sports complex up there on the Bluff. We are hoping to start the project this year and finish it in the next budget year.

“There is a good swim program in the Brac, and they are currently using a small pool. This obviously [will] give the community access to better facilities and would put us in a situation where we can host visiting teams.”