In a continuous endeavour to elevate guest experiences and redefine standards in traditional luxury, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman has unveiled recent renovations at two of its signature restaurants, Andiamo Circolo Sportivo and Blue by Eric Ripert.
The project was a collaborative venture between The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, the resort’s owner Dart - Forbes-recognised leader in hospitality, and Champalimaud – an award-winning New York-based design company. The results – enlivened spaces that tout a blend of contemporary charm with a unique atmosphere that preserves the world-class culinary excellence the brand and the Cayman Islands are known for.
General Manager Marc Langevin, who has compellingly led the Ladies and Gentlemen of the resort since 2011, aims to cater the highest standard of service for guests and sees this renovation as an amplifier.
"From the moment our guests arrive, whether to stay or dine, we strive to provide them with a memorable experience that they'll carry with them until they return - and every detail in the hotel contributes to that. The transformation of Andiamo Circolo Sportivo and Blue by Eric Ripert has already made a remarkable impact on our guests, seen in the awe in their expressions as they take in the new environments and the positive commentary shared with us."
The rich colours and nostalgic atmosphere of Andiamo intentionally reflects a life of art, leisure and celebration akin to Italy’s vibrant summery scenes. Drawing inspiration from Giro d’Italia – one of the world’s most iconic cycling races in Italy, the restaurant’s pervading ambience embodies a “Circolo Sportivo” - or sports club lifestyle that effortlessly brings people together to relax and enjoy the authentic Italian cuisine and libations.
The ingenuity for Blue by Eric Ripert’s redesign sparked closer to home with an understated yet whimsical nod to the Cayman Islands. Blue hues, botanical textures and details that echo the islands’ maritime history served as muses for the redesign. Every curated element seamlessly blends the natural beauty of Cayman with Eric Ripert’s signature culinary experiences, from the patterns found in the flooring and lighting to the appearance of the fixtures and furniture.
Dart, the visionary team behind this renovation and the developer and owner of several renowned hospitality properties in the region, was recently awarded as the inaugural Ownership Group of the Year by Forbes Travel Guide in collaboration with CBRE Group Inc. This award marked a pinnacle moment for the business, which joined the ranks of the industry in 2016 with the opening of its first hotel, Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa.
Less than a decade later and with nine hospitality properties now in its portfolio, this Forbes recognition serves as a testament to Dart's unwavering commitment to providing the highest quality hospitality products and services that create unforgettable experiences. This latest portfolio upgrade reaffirms an attentiveness to guest satisfaction, ultimately bolstering the appeal of hospitality services within the county.
Enrique Tasende, Dart's senior vice president responsible for hospitality, perceives the renovation as a reflection of the standards Dart consistently aims to achieve.
"These renovations help to solidify the calibre of culinary and guest experiences people expect when they walk through those doors as well as the quality product Dart is capable of delivering in hospitality developments and beyond. We are honoured to have a globally-recognised hotel like The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman within our portfolio and we’ll make every effort to ensure it not only maintains but exceeds its reputation as one of the best resorts in the Caribbean."
These property upgrades are not the first for the resort since Dart took ownership. As recently as 2022, the hotel underwent significant remodelling to upgrade the guest rooms, lobby and Silver Thatch Bar, incorporating more modern, coastal and environmental themes that reflect the beauty of the Cayman Islands in a home-like setting.
