Nestled on Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman, Palm Heights revels in the glory days of Caribbean glamour.

The 1970s-era mansion has been brought to life by the now boutique hotel’s founder and Creative Director Gabriella Khalil, who worked with designers Sarita Posada and Courtney Applebaum to source collectible pieces like Mario Bellini sofas, Ingo Maurer lights and an Ettore Sottsass rug from Paris, LA and Mexico.

All 52 suites offer ocean views and feature a specially curated book collection, with spaces are decorated using artwork and pieces from the likes of French furniture designer Pierre Paulin, American furniture designer Vladimir Kagan, Scottish architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Italian architect Gae Aulenti, and Dutch jewellery and industrial designer Gijs Bakker. Sandy yellows and bold blue tones are reminiscent of the beach, while other details include pale stone flooring from Italy and pale brown sofa upholstery and curtains.

The suites open onto balconies at the rear of the property, designed to stagger down towards Palm Heights’ slice of the beach. Some of the suites also have outdoor spaces with dining tables and sun loungers.

Tillies, the hotel’s restaurant, is located right on the beach and offers a culinary voyage through the Greater Antilles. With an appreciation of classic Caribbean dishes, inspired by the local produce and farms of Grand Cayman, the approachable and inviting venue strives for a quintessential seaside dining experience.

Elsewhere, The Coconut Club combines an elegant design with a contemporary approach to food and drink. Healthy grill bowls are served alongside a selection of tacos including blackened fish and steak.

The Garden Club meanwhile celebrates wellness as a social activity. Modelled on a labyrinth garden, it is a botanical stage for an outdoor athletic club and spa that will host a programme focusing on active wellness and regenerative wellbeing for the mind, gut and skin inspired by the influences and produce of the Caribbean. The complete offer will be launching in September, but in the meantime guests can enjoy workout facilities, personal training, group fitness classes, infra-red saunas, massages and in-room amenities.

Palm Heights also regularly hosts leading trainers including Kirsty Godso, Joe Holder, Krissy Jones and Chloe Kernaghan, and London boxing trainer Pete Liggins. As part of the athlete residency programme, gold medallist boxer Ramla Ali also undertook a three-month training camp at the hotel in early 2020.

Despite the island’s off-site activities – snorkelling, scuba diving and horseback swimming – there is plenty to do at the hotel, from a library featuring over 2,000 titles (Mid-century to present day and spanning 1st editions, philosophy, history, design, art, culture and biography) to the only rooftop hangout in the region.