Cayman in the News 17 October 2018
@We wanted our guests to feel like they are in their beach house away from home, with all of those comforts,@ says Nicolas Franco, a manager at@Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort@as he gives me a tour of the sprawling grounds.
Article by Adrienne Jordan
“We wanted our guests to feel like they are in their beach house away from home, with all of those comforts,” says Nicolas Franco, a manager at Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort as he gives me a tour of the sprawling grounds. And did the property disappoint? Definitely not. I was embraced by the expertly trained staff : smiles, laughter, and caring attentiveness were met everywhere from the beach to the lobby.
The Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort was renovated in 2014 with the homely “Beach House” theme. You would think beach house would imply something small and too boutique for an island setting for activities and entertainment. The opposite is true; the interior design is structured so that at every crevice feels like you have your own private or shared alcove.
Accommodations
There are 295 guestrooms, with two presidential suites. The beautiful color palette consists of neutral and light colors such as white, beige and tones of gray. Different shades of blue remind guests of the sea that you can stare out at from your expansive balcony. Thirsty? The hotel now provides Ion water purifiers in the hallway. Also, take a break from the gorgeousness outside if you must and watch over 40 High def channels on the suite’s 40-inch LED TVs.
Lobby + Anchor & Den
The main restaurant and bar, Anchor & Den is in an open space adjoining the lobby. The check in desk for the venue is an apothecary cart with basil, pothos plants, and lavender flourishing on the booth. The Marriott sent the chef of Anchor and Den to Barcelona to experience real Catalonia, so don’t be surprised if you’re transported to Spain as you’re eating the savory dishes. Using organic materials and open spaces with natural light, the new lobby attracted not only guests, but local Caymans again.
If you’re a gin drinker, you will be pleased to find that the property has the largest selection of gin on island, 32 different brands in fact. Checking in early? The front desk will give you a small Logic phone to buzz you when your room is ready.
Beach + Activities
To catch some rays, have lunch at the Veranda restaurant overlooking the beach on a raised patio. Only steps away between the beach, are cleverly placed lounge chairs for getting work done; relaxing; or watching the 6 resident turtles in the landscaped pond.
The entertainment is plentiful: the Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resortschedules theme nights throughout the week. For example, at El Mercat, there is a tapas night with flamenco dancers and complimentary LINUS bike rentals invite you to enjoy the island like a local. Also included in your stay is complimentary snorkeling gear; free rentals of paddleboards; and even GoPros (just make sure you wake up early because they could all be reserved after 8am).
Spa
Opened summer of 2018, Botanika Union is a conveniently located spa experience next to the front entrance. The first level-placed spa is flanked by verdant plants like montserra and pothos; high ceilings letting in natural light; and a wide variety of beauty and spa products for purchase. Getting ready for a treatment? The relaxation room is intimate with wicker chairs and soft, threaded woolen pillows, with barn doors that create even more privacy. Choose treatments like the hot stone massage or the or the lemon grass and ginger elements massage.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/adriennejordan/2018/10/17/the-marriott-grand-caymans-sparkling-new-design/#45decf522afb