Live the private island lifestyle

Owning a private island is often cited as fulfilment of a fantasy. The mere words “private” and “island” conjure images of isolated sugar-white beaches winding as a ribbon between vast stretches of turquoise-coloured seas and emerald-green swaying palm trees.

These secluded atolls have become places where celebrities can enjoy a private retreat from an otherwise public life and where the affluent can celebrate life’s successes with friends and family. Private islands also serve as a place of refuge during times of turmoil, whether it be a personal crisis, or as an escape from global upheaval.

Being isolated from the public does offer advantages, including privacy, control over immediate surroundings, and an escape from what can sometimes be the grim realities of a situation communicated in mainstream media. Being truly in charge of your own environment can be liberating and empowering.

With that empowerment, however, comes responsibility and the practicalities of everyday living – transportation logistics, food supply, essential health services and functioning utilities. To that end, estates and family compounds often deliver a private-island style solution in terms of meeting needs for privacy and relative isolation, and yet provides the convenience of proximity to essential infrastructure.

The Cayman Islands serves as a perfect example of Caribbean island living which offers privacy and a private island experience without compromising on infrastructure. The largest island, Grand Cayman, has long been hailed by high-net-worth individuals as a preferred address for establishing a second home due to ease of access, proliferation of luxury waterfront properties, and advanced infrastructure. It has become a place of refuge and retreat for these discerning and globally mobile individuals.

Ease of access

One of the closest Caribbean islands to the United States, Grand Cayman’s international airport welcomes more than 55 nonstop flights on leading airlines from major cities each week. The FBO (private airport) is one of the busiest in the region. Upon arrival in Grand Cayman, private residences are easily reached within a 10- to 40-minute drive from the airport.

Luxury waterfront properties available

Grand Cayman features an impressive portfolio of luxury properties, designed by best-in-class architects and built to meet or exceed Miami-Dade standards, and in accordance with strict and well-managed local building codes. From spacious penthouses offering uninterrupted views of Seven Mile Beach to expansive waterfront residential compounds easily able to accommodate extended families, there are excellent property choices available. For those seeking further seclusion, the sister islands of Little Cayman and Cayman Brac offer properties and development lands.

Advanced infrastructure

The Cayman Islands boasts a superior infrastructure. On Grand Cayman there are three well-equipped and managed hospitals, complemented by an extensive network of 1,000+ healthcare professionals. There are four telecom companies offering effective service and connectivity with the mainland, modern utility companies, a paved road network throughout the island and excellent grocery stores. The quality of island life is high, thanks to the advanced infrastructure, strong economy, and low crime rate.

Those seeking to acquire property in the Cayman Islands for investment, as a vacation home or as a place to earn permanent residency to enhance global mobility options will find that Grand Cayman offers many solutions. Acquiring property is made easy thanks to an absence of restrictions on foreign ownership of land and a skilled and efficient network of professional service advisors who work collectively with a service-oriented civil service to convey property transactions efficiently. Local banks offer financing for qualified overseas purchasers, further adding to the benefits of owning property in the Cayman Islands. Equally, the lack of ongoing property, capital gains, and personal income tax is of interest to those seeking to acquire property in this sunny British Overseas Territory.

Provenance Properties – the official Christie’s International Real Estate affiliate in the Cayman Islands – sold more US$1+ million properties in 2019 than any other Cayman Islands brokerage. The Provenance team intimately understands the needs of clients seeking a private island-style property in the Cayman Islands and can provide exceptional and discreet service and proprietary market data to assist clients in fulfilling that need. Contact us to learn more.

About the author

Sue Nickason has been VP Marketing and Sales at Dart Real Estate since May 2017. Originally from Canada, Sue has worked in luxury residential-resort development in the Caribbean for over a decade. Sue and her team are committed to promoting the unique value proposition of the Cayman Islands to those seeking to establish a personal and/or corporate presence here. They serve as trusted advisors and offer exceptional service, timely market information and a warm “Caymankind” welcome. Sue earned a BA (Honours) from Mount Allison University, an MBA (Distinction) from University of Guelph and has completed studies/earned certificates in journalism, economic development, adult education, customer service, revenue management, and protocol. Sue is a member of the Christie’s International Real Estate Master’s Circle and an Angel in the 100 WIF network.