BDCL, a boutique architectural firm based in George Town, has been shaping Cayman’s built environment for 20 years. | Established shortly after Hurricane Ivan, Donal McGrath and his team were instrumental in rebuilding a devastated community in the early years of the firm and have since worked on a wide range of projects, including residential, commercial and civic. READ MORE

As coastal development in Grand Cayman continues, so do the challenges of rising sea levels, coastal erosion and extreme weather. How can the island’s infrastructure, communities and ecosystems be designed to withstand these impacts while protecting its natural beauty and biodiversity? READ MORE

Kitchens are spaces that feel alive with possibility. Pots bubbling, glasses clinking, voices chattering and aromas mingling in the air. Few experiences are as deeply satisfying and life-affirming as the simple act of cooking and eating together. READ MORE

This summer, Tomlinson Furniture and The Mattress Gallery (TF) are celebrating 50 years in business. The oldest furniture store in the Cayman Islands has mastered the art of staying fresh through constant innovation and expansion. Here’s what’s happening at this island staple: READ MORE

RCE has recently appointed Eric Cameron (EC), P.Eng., former head of its MEPF division, to lead the expansion of its Civil Engineering practice. He has welcomed Nigel Daley (ND), P.Eng., to succeed him as head of the MEPF team…READ MORE

The Cayman Islands offer tempting opportunities for investing in prime real estate. However, a complex set of property development regulations lie beneath this picturesque facade. Understanding the intricacies of planning compliance is essential…READ MORE

Imagine owning a beautiful home with access to the beach – but only by crossing your neighbour’s land. This scenario involves what is known as a ‘right of way,’ a specific type of easement. READ MORE

Despite challenges presented by natural disasters, rising construction costs, and general economic uncertainty,
the Caribbean real estate market continues to strengthen. READ MORE

Have you ever entered a conversation about money with your spouse, thinking you would talk about numbers and then end up in a fight about something completely different? READ MORE

Since its establishment in 1974, Cayman National has grown into the leading financial institution in the Cayman Islands, offering a comprehensive range of banking and wealth management services to clients both locally and globally. READ MORE

Cayman Islands planning regulations can be complex, and knowing when you need planning permission is not always clear. To avoid wasting time and resources on submitting unnecessary planning applications and to prevent unauthorised works that could result in enforcement notices, the following is a summary of the situations in which one does, and does not, require planning permission. READ MORE

To think of the Cayman Islands is to think of the sea. From the early reliance on fisheries and later seafaring as an avenue for financial independence to today’s thriving tourism sector, the water is an intrinsic part of the Islands’ cultural identity. As construction continues along Cayman’s coasts and canals, Ogier shares insights into the legal framework for coastal development projects. READ MORE

The future of Cayman’s oldest homes is tenuous - but one, at least, has been saved.
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 I recently had an incredible experience in London watching The Moonwalkers, an immersive voyage to our beautiful moon, narrated by Tom Hanks. It tells the stories of the Apollo missions between 1968 and 1972 when 12 American astronauts touched down on the surface of the moon. But no one has been back since... READ MORE

In the ever-evolving world of building design and construction, sustainability has taken centre stage. As discerning owners seek eco-friendly and energy-efficient solutions, they rely on engineers to guide them… READ MORE

A. L. Thompson’s, the island’s leading supplier of building materials, homewares, garden goods and more, is a household name in Cayman. Run by the same family for more than 70 years, the business continues to grow and adapt to meet the needs of an evolving community. READ MORE

Established and aspiring property developers can now streamline the planning process and maximise the likelihood of receiving approval thanks to a newly established company: Professional Planning and Development Services (PPDS). READ MORE

Jesse La Fortune has worked for over 30 years in the luxury hotel and restaurant industry, including restaurant design consultancy. In 2006, he joined Sticks and Stones. Here, he shares the business’ evolution from inception to the present – and beyond. READ MORE

After seven decades sailing the high seas, the Fair Weather, believed to be the last Caymanian-built schooner still afloat in the world, is returning to the Cayman Islands.
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A GUIDE TO MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION.
Purchasing a property is one of the biggest investments made in life. For various reasons, it is often done in partnership with one or more owners, … READ MORE

Living in the Cayman Islands is a privilege, and owning a piece of this tropical paradise is a dream come true for many. However, one aspect of property ownership that is of paramount importance – yet frequently overlooked – is purchasing enough insurance coverage. READ MORE

“Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.” — Epictetus
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Understanding the design and construction process is essential for investing in luxury real estate in the Cayman Islands. To gain insight into this process, REAL LIFE sat down with a seasoned structural engineer from Reed Consulting Engineers. READ MORE

Kay’s Fine Jewelry is a family-owned and operated jewellery store with a presence in six Caribbean Islands. Co-founded by brothers Dan and Raj Chugani in 1989... READ MORE

Discover the latest automation technology for homes, businesses and hospitality venues at the new Audiophile flagship showroom in Camana Bay. READ MORE

Prospects for Growth and Construction Costs in the Caribbean. | The global economy is currently facing various challenges, including high inflation rates not seen in decades, ... READ MORE

Once upon a time, there was a tiny island in the middle of the Caribbean Sea. And on that island stood a pretty white cottage. And in that cottage lived a boy named Arthur, the youngest and slightest of five brothers, with a smile as wide as the horizon… READ MORE

Kirk Freeport marked its 50th anniversary in 2022 with a host of donations and gifts to the community that has supported it over the past five decades. READ MORE

As one of the leading construction firms in the Cayman Islands, Arch and Godfrey has played a pivotal role in transforming the Cayman Islands into the sophisticated, upscale destination it is today. READ MORE

Launched in 2022, Cayman Private Aviation ushers in a new era for air travel in the Cayman Islands, offering visitors and residents the comfort, convenience, and discretion of non-stop air travel by luxurious private jet. READ MORE

Kay’s Fine Jewelry was founded on Dan and Raj Chugani’s dream of building a jewellery business unlike any other in the Caribbean. The brothers have put countless hours into perfecting their designs and manufacturing processes. READ MORE

The process of securing building permits can be frustrating for many who just want to see their project break ground. The reality, however, is that building codes and their enforcement save lives and pave the way for safer communities. READ MORE

When embarking on construction projects, clients hope they will never encounter a dispute or a claim situation. However, construction projects are complex, long-term transactions with high levels of uncertainty. READ MORE

How do you feel when you think of ‘accounting’? Panic? Guilt? Or a smug satisfaction knowing you’ve got your bases covered? READ MORE

The construction industry globally is moving towards using Building Information Modelling (BIM) software and Revit as the gold standard in construction design, and Reed Consulting Engineers (RCE) is all in. READ MORE

Prime Locations Cayman is excited to announce that it has become a Caribbean affiliate of the Corcoran network and is now operating as Corcoran Cayman Islands. READ MORE

Whether buying your first home, upgrading to your forever home or buying an investment property, navigating the waters between the first viewing and seeing your name on the land register can seem daunting. READ MORE

The Cayman Islands have long debated the merits of stayover tourism versus cruise tourism. Traditionally, a far greater proportion of our visitors have been… READ MORE

“On what principle is it, that when we see nothing but improvement behind us, we are to expect nothing but deterioration before us.” Thomas Babington Macaulay… READ MORE

Turning dreams into designs, and designs into homes. Many homebuyers dream of designing and building their own home – one that fits their lifestyle, reflects their design taste, and is within their budget – but few are familiar with how to achieve that. Dreamscape Design and Build was created to ... READ MORE

Ben Morgan is a manager at Reed Consulting Engineers (RCE) and looks after the firm’s day-to-day operations. Holding a Bachelor of Commerce degree rather than an engineering degree, his focus is strictly on client, team, and shareholder success and happiness. READ MORE

Real estate prices in the Cayman Islands are rising to record levels and properties are selling fast. BCQS examines how the pandemic – and other factors – have impacted the real estate market in different districts. READ MORE

Custom Cabinetry Made Simple | Oppein, the global leaders in custom cabinetry and home décor solutions, now offer their sophisticated design and superior craftsmanship to clients in the Cayman Islands. READ MORE

Perched on ironwood stilts, a modest yet storied little blue house on South Church Street has stood the test of time, its shiplap timber walls and shingled roof whispering tales of love, legacy and Caymanian craftsmanship. READ MORE

Xanadu Homes designs, manufactures, and installs beautifully crafted custom cabinetry. Founded ten years ago in Canada, the family-owned and operated business offers top-quality service and products to clients in the Cayman Islands.Tara Schuett, co-owner of Xanadu, tells REAL LIFE more. READ MORE

With a booming vacation rental market in the Cayman Islands, simply owning a second home isn’t enough to guarantee a steady stream of bookings. In a high-end destination where travellers are paying premium prices, they expect not just a place to stay but an extraordinary experience. So, how can property owners elevate their rentals to maximise occupancy? We asked the experts. READ MORE

In a quiet corner of West Bay, down a winding maze of narrow roads, stands a modest 1921 Caymanian cottage, a symbol of Cayman’s endangered yet enduring architectural heritage. When award-winning furniture designer John Bird, owner of Martlet design, found this traditional home for sale in 2021, he saw an opportunity to restore a forgotten piece of history exactly one century after it was first built. READ MORE

In a world filled with visual noise and clutter, ‘minimaluxe’ is the antidote – a design trend that blends the stripped back simplicity of minimalism with the high-end designs and materials associated with luxury. It’s a welcoming combination of minimalism minus the hard edges, glossy surfaces, and stark colour schemes, and luxury without the opulence. READ MORE

Seamless transitions between indoors and outdoors are becoming a defining feature of modern luxury living. In a climate that invites us to revel in the outdoors, blurring the boundaries between the two is an opportunity to not only bring the outdoors in but also to take the indoors out. READ MORE

Thanks to innovative designers and engineers, our kitchens – once utilitarian spaces where the mess of meal preparation was kept private – have become the centrepieces of modern homes. READ MORE

Start your day in style with these products that elevate your morning rituals. READ MORE

Retro-inspired with a modern twist to add a blend of timeless design with unique character. READ MORE

Embracing Biophilic Design Principles
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Some of life’s greatest pleasures are its simplest – and taking a shower under the stars has to be one of them. It’s both a liberating and serene experience – and with options ranging from the simple to the sublime, bathing alfresco need not be out of reach. READ MORE

The Modern Essential for Outdoor Living | Nothing beats a relaxed day in the great outdoors without having to leave home. READ MORE

Elevate your morning ritual and indulge in the art of coffee with the latest in luxury barista-living in Cayman. READ MORE

Side chairs with style available in the Cayman Islands. Click here to view more.

Island life means we spend a lot of time delighting in outdoor living. These products are available in the Cayman Islands to enhance that experience. READ MORE

Keeping you up to date with the latest design products available in the Cayman Islands this summer 2024. READ MORE

Access to a flat rooftop opens up a world of options for elevated outdoor living.
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Instead of pencilling in the occasional trip to a spa, why not give your bathroom the ‘spathroom’ makeover and turn it into a space of blissful calm? READ MORE

Discover more about the unique professional design services available in the Cayman Islands.
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Service providers in the Cayman Islands offer some of the finest design products and services, allowing you to create the home of your dreams. READ MORE

Time to head outdoors! A selection of outdoor products to add style, fun and comfort to your outdoor areas.
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Don’t let an underutilised room go to waste – turn it into your wellness room.
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Give your interiors a brutalist design twist. As a design style, brutalism has always been divisive. Characterised by rough, unfinished surfaces and bold, monolithic forms, brutalism is primarily an architectural style which emerged in Britain in the 1950s and 60s. READ MORE

Give your outdoors a bohemian makeover to encourage a fun, carefree, laid-back lifestyle. Summertime and the livin’ is easy….. As temperatures ramp up, we instinctively seek to slow down, relax, and let the pressure off. Summer is the season for putting worries aside and revelling in long, lazy days. READ MORE

GLASSWARE | CAYMAN ISLANDS | Say cheers with some of the island’s finest and most stylish glassware, perfect for all occasions. READ MORE

Did someone say ‘pizza’? Create and serve artisan pizzas at home (or on the go) with these pizza ovens and accessories, all adding a touch of style with function. READ MORE

ACCENT CUSHIONS | CAYMAN ISLANDS
These colourful accent cushions available in Cayman will add some stylish, cheerful flavour to your room. READ MORE

The hidden kitchen does not immediately look like a kitchen. There are no visible appliances, no exhaust hoods, no sinks or obvious cooking paraphernalia. Just a clean, serene space that blends into the design scheme of the home. READ MORE

Imagine a world where everything you touched felt the same. No matter how much colour, shape and pattern we inject into a space, without texture, something is still missing – it is the tactile elements that elevate the interior design from a visual to a full sensory experience. READ MORE

We have sourced appliances, gadgets, and accessories that will take your kitchen to a new dimension. READ MORE

The ‘Must-Haves’ take a fresh new look at stylish rattan, wicker and cane items for your home.

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With the cooler Caribbean breezes, now is the time to socialise even more outdoors. These ‘Design Den’ pieces offer form, function, style and fun to your exterior spaces. READ MORE

When you return home, your entryway should be a happy welcome. These ‘Must-Haves’ will make you smile every time you step onto your entryway. READ MORE

Do minimalist modern homes and clean white surfaces feel a little clinical for your taste? Would you like to inject warmth into your interiors, without losing style? Scandi Rustic may be the aesthetic you did not know you wanted. READ MORE

If you thought shelves were just for storage, think again. Search #shelfie, and you will find shelves containing everything from boxes and pictures to sculptures and souvenirs. READ MORE

MAKE A STATEMENT
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Summer 2022
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Although essential in any building with more than one floor, stairs need not be treated as a mere necessity. With a bit of design ingenuity, staircases can rise from functional to a focal point… READ MORE

BEDSIDE STORY

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Gadgets and design ideas for your kitchen.

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Garden Zen

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Your table deserves to be the centre of attention. We have curated a selection of ‘Must-Have’ centrepieces that do just that. READ MORE

From world-class cocktails to gourmet bites, get to know the bartenders at three of Cayman’s leading happy hour destinations in the Cayman Islands. READ MORE

Nourish your body and soul with the flavours of Cayman. The secret to vibrant health is not found in imported superfoods or complex diet fads. Instead, it lies in our lush landscape, where local, seasonal fruits and vegetables offer a wealth of nutrients. Enhancing our diets with local produce is not just about physical health – it is also about wellbeing, mindfulness, and sustainability. READ MORE

Discover the transformative power of vibrational frequencies for mind, body, and spirit. READ MORE

Wake up in style with these beautiful products available in the Cayman Islands. Setting the tone for the rest of the day.

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Cayman has a well-deserved reputation as a gastronomic destination. But who are the people behind the scenes creating the culinary magic? Four of Cayman’s leading chefs talk ingredients, inspiration and ideal dining experiences. READ MORE

Inspired by the natural beauty surrounding us, whether in jewellery, beauty products or home decor, explore these hand-picked natural beauties. READ MORE

Cultivating supportive, enriching relationships and a sense of belonging to a community are essential for our overall mental and physical well-being. One of the best ways to build and nurture relationships is by engaging in enjoyable wellness-focused activities together. READ MORE

Living on an island can be an incredible experience, filled with sun, sand, and sea. Here are some thoughts on ensuring that your living is as healthy and rewarding as possible. READ MORE

It’s no wonder living on the coast is so desirable, when you can open your door and smell the salt breeze, see fresh turtle tracks in the sand on your morning walk, and hear the cackle of parrots in the sea grape trees… READ MORE

Coastlines host some of the most beautiful and ecologically important habitats worldwide. The beaches and waters surrounding the Cayman Islands are the foundation of its tourism industry and key to its enduring appeal as a place to live. READ MORE

There’s something about dining outdoors that makes everything taste better. Is it because our sense of smell, and by extension taste, works better outside?
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When work responsibilities are piling up, the family needs attention, and the chores list is never-ending, taking time out would be crazy, right? Wrong. Carving out a little time that is just for you is probably exactly what you need. READ MORE

Making Intentional Choices for Healthy Eating During Festivities | When celebrations and gatherings abound, dining out becomes a central part of the merriment. Even in the hot, breezy days and balmy evenings of a Caribbean island… READ MORE

It takes a certain kind of plant to thrive by the sea. Beach living is tough if you have roots – the sands constantly shift, gusts of breeze send salt spray flying, and the sun is unrelenting. That is why the native plants that populate our beaches are so unique and important. READ MORE

Caymanian Built Heritage as Endangered as Endemic Species | In Cayman, built heritage is defined as, but not limited to, any existing structure or building constructed before 1950… READ MORE

Get your face, body and hair beach-ready and give your overall health the boost it needs to get that perfect summer glow going…READ MORE

Whether counting calories, saving for a big meal later, or enjoying a snack alongside a happy hour cocktail, a mouthful or two of something delicious always goes down a treat. From Spanish-style tapas to healthy bites, you’ll find morsels of mouth-watering delight at these local restaurants. READ MORE

Cayman is world-renowned as an island paradise where sun, sea and sand combine with tropical weather, exotic scenery, and superb restaurants to offer an enviable way of life. READ MORE

Balancing wealth, health and time. | We all understand that life is precious and everything can change in an instant. Now and then, we get a little shake-up in life that reminds us of that … READ MORE.

It’s a beautiful evening: the day’s heat is giving way to the gathering dusk, and a cool breeze stirs the trees. That’s when you hear it – a persistent, whining buzz. Then, you feel it – the itchy sting of a mosquito. READ MORE

PROTECTING THE FLORA and FAUNA OF THE CAYMAN ISLANDS. | At its most basic, the mission of the National Trust for the Cayman Islands is to protect the things that are most precious to Caymanians. The native flora and fauna are crucial aspects of this mission. READ MORE

Sweet, soft and vibrantly coloured, papaya – also known as paw paw – is a popular addition to breakfast bowls, smoothies and salads, as well as making a tasty pickle or jam. READ MORE

From local brews and creative cocktails to the finest wines and premium spirits, whatever your tipple, Cayman has a venue and a drinks menu to please every palate. READ MORE

Wellness and self-care are the foundation of looking good and feeling great, so why not treat yourself to health and beauty products and services you can enjoy at home that entertain all of your senses? READ MORE

GROW A GARDEN TO EAT. Many of the fruits we take for granted in the Caribbean are packed full of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Here are five nutritional powerhouses to keep an eye out for on your next trip to the Farmers’ Market or to consider growing in your yard. READ MORE

PRESERVING CRITICAL ECOSYSTEMS IN THE CAYMAN ISLANDS.

THE IMPORTANCE OF MANGROVES.
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Life is good, isn’t it? We have access to food whenever we want food. We turn on a tap, and out flows clean water. We live in a country with no conflict or war. We climb into a safe and warm bed each night. We have good jobs, a prosperous economy and, most importantly, we have people around us whom we love and who love us. READ MORE

When life is hectic, it’s easy to forget to slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures: a Caribbean sunset, a cold drink on a warm night, or fresh seafood at the water’s edge. There’s an easy fix.. READ MORE

Turn off your phone, take a long soak, and play some soothing music. There’s nothing quite like carving out an evening to do nothing but pamper yourself… READ MORE

Look and feel your best before and after you travel.

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KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL

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What does being wealthy mean to you? It means different things to different people. For some, it might mean covering the cost of living with a little bit leftover…READ MORE

The National Trust for the Cayman Islands’ (NTCI) Land Reserve Fund was created to acquire environmental sites… READ MORE

When there are so many restaurants boasting fabulous settings, stand-out food and the option of reserving your own private space, why go to the trouble of hosting a soirée yourself?…READ MORE

This year marks the National Trust for the Cayman Islands’ 35th Anniversary. READ MORE

A Cayman Flora Discovery.

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What’s green and spiky on the outside, soft and white on the inside, smells like pineapple and tastes like strawberries and apples mixed together? It can only be soursop. READ MORE