The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman: Sole Caribbean Resort to Attain Forbes’ Acclaimed Five-Star Honour
In a realm where luxury meets excellence, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman stands tall as a beacon of unparalleled hospitality. Recently, this esteemed resort has achieved a milestone that sets it apart on the global stage. Forbes Travel Guide has bestowed five-star ratings upon both The Ritz-Carlton’s spa and one of its restaurants, adding to the existing five stars awarded to the hotel itself. With this remarkable achievement, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman becomes the sole Caribbean resort to hold three five-star ratings and joins an elite group of only 13 properties worldwide with this distinction. Let’s delve into the journey of triumph and dedication that led to this extraordinary recognition.
General manager Marc Langevin attributes this achievement to the unwavering dedication and teamwork of the resort’s staff members, who have consistently demonstrated exceptional service and personalised care. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman persisted in upholding its standards of excellence, ensuring that every guest received a memorable and bespoke experience.
“It comes down to consistency, and that is the most difficult part,” Langevin said. “You can be good one day, but to be good every day, at all times, in all departments – that is where it takes a lot of inspiration from our staff. I am very proud of them.”
The Ritz Carlton Silver Palm Bar – Source ritzcarlton.com
The resort’s first five-star rating was earned in early 2020, just before the onset of the pandemic, demonstrating its resilience in the face of adversity. Following a temporary closure, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman reopened its doors in December 2021, unveiling a stunning $50 million renovation and reaffirming its commitment to excellence. The resort invested in biannual training sessions conducted by Forbes representatives, underscoring its dedication to maintaining the highest standards of service and quality.
Blue by Eric Ripert, one of the resort’s acclaimed restaurants, proudly received a five-star recognition from Forbes, showcasing its commitment to showcasing the best of Caymanian cuisine. Chef Eric Ripert’s partnership with the resort since its inception in 2005 reflects a longstanding commitment to culinary excellence and innovation.
Keisha Parcells-Robb, the hotel’s director of food and beverage, expresses pride in the resort’s contributions to the Caymanian community and encourages local talent to consider career opportunities within the hospitality industry. Hotel manager Laura Jarvinen highlights the resort’s commitment to fostering growth and advancement opportunities for its staff members, nurturing talent from within the organisation.
“This is the epitome, the ultimate award that you can get in this industry,” she said. “To be able to say that we’re the first in the entire Caribbean to be able to showcase this award is really spectacular.”
Blue by Eric Ripert – Langoustine – Source ritzcarlton.com
The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman’s triple five-star recognition from Forbes is a testament to its unwavering pursuit of excellence and dedication to personalised service. As the sole Caribbean resort to achieve this prestigious milestone, it stands as a beacon of luxury and hospitality in the region. With a renewed commitment to providing unparalleled experiences, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman invites guests to embark on a journey of luxury and indulgence unlike any other.
Forbes also recognised two other local hotels this year.
Kimpton Seafire Resort and Spa, also under the ownership of the Dart Group, was awarded five stars, along with The Spa at Seafire. Forbes praised the resort for its warm and personalised service, highlighting touches like personalised cards and gifts in guest rooms, complimentary morning coffee and tea, and the convenience of a kids camp. Inspectors particularly lauded the spa’s Turkish bath services, which offer indulgent treatments such as essential oil steams, volcanic ash exfoliations, and mud detox therapies.
The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort and Spa was granted a ‘recommended’ distinction for 2024. Forbes took note of the hotel’s extensive $50 million renovation completed in 2017, which encompassed upgrades to rooms and the rejuvenation of the freshwater pool. The inspector commended the resort’s Hibiscus Spa and its array of seven restaurants and bars, with special mention given to the newly introduced Catboat lobby bar. Describing the bar’s stylish design and attentive bartenders, the inspector highlighted its allure, emphasising the personalised service and bespoke drink offerings tailored to each guest.
Source: Cayman Compass
