• Champalimaud Design

    Champalimaud Design

  • Champalimaud Design

    Champalimaud Design

  • Champalimaud Design

    Champalimaud Design

  • Champalimaud Design

    Champalimaud Design

  • Champalimaud Design

    Champalimaud Design

  • Champalimaud Design

    Champalimaud Design

  • Champalimaud Design

    Champalimaud Design

  • Champalimaud Design

    Champalimaud Design

  • Champalimaud Design

    Champalimaud Design

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Champalimaud Design celebrates the Cayman Islands’ culture and landscape in hotel renovation

The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman has re-opened after an extensive renovation by award-winning interior design studio, Champalimaud Design

by Hannah Holt 07 July 2022 Biophilia

The New York based studio was responsible for revamping the public spaces, guestrooms and suites of the resort, whilst honouring the island's rich history and natural beauty in their design renovations.

Natural materials and colours are used throughout the lobby and reception area, from lush greens, beach inspired whites and beiges, to deep blues evocative of Cayman’s night sky and the turquoise of the Caribbean Sea.

The silver thatch palm, which is the national tree and endemic to the Cayman Islands, has been interwoven throughout the resort. This symbol influenced the choice of the pendant lights in the lobby lounge and the biophilic carpets in the lobby, corridors and stairwells.The palm also inspired the rich green colour palette used in the Silver Palm Bar, a cigar and cocktail bar that celebrates Caribbean elegance, featuring soaring arched windows that provide views of waterways.

Cigars and rum, exports for which the island is widely known for, are showcased in the custom-built hardwood cabinets by local designer Martlet Design. The studio’s designs are harmonious with the island’s environment, culture, and its people. 

Champalimaud Design drew upon the island’s history of basket weaving and rope making throughout the space. For example, baskets form a chandelier in the Silver Palm Bar, a suite boasts a four poster bed featuring a woven texture at the headboard and rope detailing is repeatedly incorporated in the lighting throughout.

The palatial spaces were reimagined in neutrals from cream to champagne with rich, warm accents on the ceilings and rope detailing in the wall coverings.

The pre-function area evokes a classic thatch pattern while the ballroom deconstructs those designs into a collection of woven elements. Light fixtures transpose undersea life to the ceiling.


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