Long known for its turquoise waters and pristine coral reefs, the Cayman Islands are fast becoming more than just a postcard-perfect getaway. This British Overseas Territory, composed of Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, offers the rare balance of tropical serenity and cosmopolitan polish.

Luxury real estate has surged in recent years, with oceanfront villas, branded residences and new resorts catering to discerning buyers seeking both lifestyle and longevity.

New developments such as St. James Point and the Mandarin Oriental, Grand Cayman reflect the islands’ commitment to sustainable, design-driven growth. As more high-net-worth individuals look to blend leisure and community, the Cayman Islands are redefining what it means to live luxuriously in the Caribbean.

In the following Q&A, Jeremy Hurst, president, broker and owner of real estate firmIRG, tells Luxury Portfolio all about the St. James area and the new Mandarin Oriental property.

What makes the Cayman Islands a special place to live?

The Cayman Islands offer a rarefied lifestyle with stunning beaches, world-class dining, wellness offerings and abundant natural beauty. Grand Cayman is attractive to high-net-worth families and residents because of tax neutrality — zero direct taxes under Cayman law for entities and individuals — as well as no taxes on rental income or property.

Multiple residency routes exist for (U)HNW families, including permanent residence for persons of independent means and 25-year options tied to investment.

The lifestyle is paired with the benefits of a British Overseas Territory, providing safety, modern infrastructure and a stable currency. From a real estate developer's perspective, the appeal of the Cayman Islands is clear. Its proximity to the U.S., with multiple direct flights from major cities every day, makes it an ideal location to live.

How has the real estate market in the Cayman Islands evolved in recent years and what trends are shaping its future?

The Cayman Islands real estate market has seen a steady rise in demand for luxury and branded residences, driven by global buyers seeking exclusivity, stability and lifestyle investment. At St. James Point, demand is particularly strong due to the Mandarin Oriental brand’s global reputation for service excellence, design sophistication, wellness and sustainability.

Buyers are drawn to residences that merge quality and exclusivity with luxury living. While prices on Seven Mile Beach average around $2,500 per square foot and are trending upwards of $3,500 to $3,800 for new developments, St. James Point offers unmatched value at approximately $2,500 to $2,700 per square foot, coupled with long-term appreciation potential and brand cachet.

Are buyers establishing primary residences in the Cayman Islands or are these secondary homes?

Increasingly, it’s a mix of both. The Cayman Islands are evolving from a vacation destination for HNW and UHNW individuals to a desirable location for full-time living for this demographic.

Many now choose to establish primary or extended seasonal residences here, drawn by the island’s international accessibility, tax advantages and high standards of living.

What areas are luxury homebuyers flocking to?

While Seven Mile Beach remains the island’s most recognized stretch, St. James Point has quickly emerged as a new, more peaceful and idyllic center of luxury living.

The arrival of Mandarin Oriental Residences, Grand Cayman has elevated this residential enclave, offering a unique combination of natural beauty, lush vegetation, a crescent-shaped beach framed by two ocean cliffs and the prestige and service of a world-renowned brand.

How would you describe St. James Point to someone who’s never been? What sets it apart from other parts of the Cayman Islands?

St. James Point is one of Grand Cayman’s most extraordinary and rare sites with acres of uninterrupted beachfront land surrounded by tropical vegetation and single-family homes. Unlike many parts of the island where roads hug the coastline, St. James Point preserves true beachfront privacy.

The area, locally known as Beach Bay, has long been residential, creating an atmosphere of exclusivity and privacy. Its proximity to Pedro St. James, the birthplace of Caymanian democracy, adds a sense of heritage and cultural significance.

The result is a destination that feels rooted in history yet designed for the future of luxury living.

How does the development of St. James Point reflect the evolution of luxury living in the Cayman Islands?

Development in St. James Point reflects the growth of luxury living, tourism and foreign investment on the island. It highlights the trend of Grand Cayman becoming not just a vacation destination, but a place where people want to live, driving the expansion of high-end residential offerings.

How does St. James Point integrate Cayman’s natural beauty into its design and architecture?

St. James Point seamlessly integrates Cayman’s natural beauty into its design by preserving the unique features of its surrounding environment. Located within a quiet, residential area bordered by tropical vegetation and single-family homes, the site maintains a low-impact presence, consistent with the character of the neighborhood with no competing developments nearby.

A naturally formed bay, framed by two dramatic cliffs, a topographical feature unique to the Cayman Islands, defines the landscape, creating a protected, lagoon-style beach with the same soft, white sand as Seven Mile Beach but with rare privacy afforded by natural breakwaters and its secluded setting.

Unlike many of Cayman’s exposed coastlines, the south-facing, crescent-shaped beach is naturally stable, protected from erosion, storms and strong currents.

Mandarin Oriental Residences, Grand Cayman, as an example, is elevated over 30 feet above sea level; it offers one of the island’s most secure locations, combining visual splendor with resilience. The 67-acre master plan further strengthens the connection to nature, incorporating preserved vegetation, nature trails and expansive on-site amenities, ensuring the natural landscape remains central to life at St. James Point.

How important are outdoor living spaces like terraces, pools and gardens in the area’s luxury market?

Outdoor living is central to Cayman’s luxury lifestyle. With year-round sunshine and sweeping ocean views, owners’ terraces, pools and gardens go beyond being amenities; they are integral to daily life.

At Mandarin Oriental Residences, Grand Cayman, these spaces are carefully designed to enhance the connection to the natural surroundings, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows, expansive terraces and outdoor areas that feel like private sanctuaries seamlessly integrated with the landscape.

How does the Mandarin Oriental, Grand Cayman differentiate itself from other Caribbean resorts?

Mandarin Oriental Residences, Grand Cayman, is distinguished by its location, philosophy and design.

Situated on an exclusive, 67-acre coastal enclave with no competing resorts nearby, it offers a rare combination of seclusion and accessibility. The resort’s architecture embraces the natural contours of the land, creating a sense of discovery and intimacy with nature, something few Caribbean developments achieve.

Unlike many resorts clustered along busy beaches, the development delivers an elevated hospitality experience, privacy and exclusivity, all just 20 minutes from Seven Mile Beach. Guests and residents experience the brand’s signature blend of world-renowned service and Caymanian warmth, set against one of the most pristine natural backdrops in the Caribbean.

What does the arrival of the hotel and residences signify for the Cayman’s position in the luxury real estate market?

The arrival of Mandarin Oriental Residences, Grand Cayman, elevates the island’s position among the world’s leading luxury real estate destinations. As the brand’s first residential property and new build in the Caribbean, it positions Grand Cayman onto the global stage, attracting a new wave of discerning international buyers. It represents a shift from traditional resort development to curated, branded communities that offer both luxury living and legacy.

How does the Mandarin Oriental property appeal to both visitors and long-term homeowners in the area?

With its 91-key hotel and exclusive residential offerings — the Ocean House and Beach House — Mandarin Oriental, Grand Cayman caters seamlessly to both short-term guests and long-term residents.

Guests enjoy a world-class resort experience, while homeowners benefit from the same level of service, amenities and brand prestige year-round.

Both groups share access to a curated selection of wellness, culinary and conservation programs that embody the resort's philosophy of hospitality and luxury.