Grand Cayman is developing new five-star tourism properties to attract the affluent traveller and investor, as well as maintain their market share of Caribbean tourism. These new properties raise the bar to a higher level of quality and prestige for resort accommodations and services.

Not only are they being developed to the highest standards, but some existing properties are being redeveloped for enhanced style, design, and facilities. The following properties are changing the landscape on Seven Mile Beach from deluxe to ultra-luxurious:

Water's Edge: Without question, this six-storey, all beachfront condominium residential development has been built to a completely new level of quality for the Cayman Islands. The first poured concrete building on Seven Mile Beach is a virtual fortress. The three BR plus Den/3.5 BA residences are built to the highest specifications and include marble, granite, thick wood mouldings and trims, gourmet kitchens.

All common areas were custom designed and furnished by International Design Group (IDG). Facilities include a 65 foot wide beachfront owner's lounge, 32 foot wide beachfront fitness facility with the best state-of-the-art fitness equipment, massage room, and hot tub, three level infinity edge beachfront pool with two Jacuzzis, and under building parking. Completed in Fall 2007 current re-sale prices range from US$3.5 to US$4.5 million.

Ritz-Carlton: The Ritz-Carlton opened in December 2005 and has the equivalent of 365 suites on a 144 acre site stretching from Seven Mile Beach to the North Sound. Beachfront residences remain for sale at just over US$3 million for a two bedroom property. Development has n begun around the golf course and the next two phases of development will be adjacent to their inland waterway.

Currently selling are the Deck Houses, of which 19 are planned to be built on a peninsula. Prices range from around US$3.6 to US$8.7 million. They will be three storeys high with a master bedroom as the third level. Each house will be approximately 6,500 square feet including guest quarters and boat house.

The second phase is Secret Harbour, which will be adjacent to the Deck Houses on another peninsula with a small harbour. Secret Harbour is still being designed, but initial plans are for around 120 one, two, and three bedroom condominiums starting at pre-construction prices of US$650,000.

Caribbean Club: The site of the original pink Caribbean Club cottages has been redeveloped into four three-storey beachfront buildings and one seven-storey ocean view building. There are some resales available starting at US$2.5 million for a 3 BR/3 BA condominium of about 2,860 square feet. This is a daily rental property available for tourist rentals. Also, on site, is a beachfront pool, under building parking, and Luca a popular restaurant and bar.

Sea Breeze: Located on north Seven Mile Beach, next to the cemetery where the famous cemetery reef is located for snorkellers to enjoy, is a new development of nine beachfront three and four bedroom residences selling on great beachfront. The building will be five-storeys. Pre-construction prices start in the US$2,800,000 range for 2,946 square feet to US$4.8 million range for 5,532 square feet.

Laguna Del Mar: This property is an example of how older complexes are being redesigned, to be more contemporary. Over US$5,000,000 was spent on comprehensive renovations.

The design and new look is not only attractive, but it gives the property a presence on Seven Mile Beach, which now differentiates it from the other established properties. A 2,600 square foot beachfront Laguna Del Mar residence is listed at US$1,095,000 and includes a private garage. A 3,900 square foot Laguna Del Mar corner penthouse is listed at just US$1,995,000. There is a private lagoon filled with fish, turtles, and ducks, as well as the bridge over the lagoon to a small island, perfect sandy beachfront, low density location, and pool with covered B.B.Q area.

Kim Douglas Lund is the founding Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Cayman Islands. He has over 20 years experience in Grand Cayman in property management and real estate brokerage.