Inspired by nature, with a nod to Caymanian culture, Botanica is a new island-getaway imbued with bespoke charm.
Created by Caymanian husband-and-wife development team, Josephine and Stephen Hislop, the collection of 14 one- and two-bedroom luxury rental cottages is nestled amongst beautiful gardens and tropical greenery.
In designing Botanica, Josephine and Stephen went against the current trend of developing high-density properties. Rather than build upward, they chose to develop a cottage colony to enrich Cayman’s architecture scene.
“Our vision was to provide a lush hideaway with all the comforts of home,” says Josephine.
Located directly across from Seven Mile Beach at the entrance of Governors Harbour in West Bay, each cottage is named after lesser-known plants on-island, such as Sea Lavender, Washboard and Indian Almond.
They named it Botanica as it encompasses all local and endemic flora, with the grounds incorporating such distinctive plants as duppy bush, Spanish elm, parrot berry and silver thatch palm – Cayman’s national tree. There are also fruit trees, including breadfruit, ackee, mango and plantain.
“We thought by having edible plants on-site, it would create another element of interest for guests and show them what many Caymanians enjoy doing with their land – planting crop-bearing trees and enjoying the harvest,” says Josephine.
ORGANIC SPACES
The bright and airy cottage interiors continue the natural, organic theme with a contemporary feel.
“We’ve tried to create a modern coastal vibe, with lots of wood details, woven touches for texture, and calming, neutral tones,” says Josephine.
Sage green is the signature colour.
“The Caribbean sun, although fun, can wear you out,” Josephine adds. “Therefore, we avoided vibrant colours like turquoise and red and focused on neutrals with subtle touches of calming sage green so guests can recharge and be ready for their next adventure.”
Island-inspired aspects abound, including carefully curated hues, finishes and décor items. Of note are the wood-clad walls and ceilings with beams that remind Josephine of her grandparents’ home.
“Shiplap and tongue-and-groove were very popular finishes for traditional Caymanian homes,” she says. “As a child, I just saw it as oldfashioned but now I appreciate the charm and craftsmanship.”
Another finish pays homage to the lime plaster used on historical Caymanian homes, in a building technique known as wattle-and-daub.
“We love it because it is understated, minimalistic and elegant,” says Josephine.
Bespoke furniture and décor pieces are also featured, including embroidery hoops of Cayman-style cottages commissioned from local craft company Wood + Woven.
SLOW LIVING
The outdoor and private spaces, along with organic touches, tie in with a lifestyle philosophy called ‘slow living’. It encourages a slower approach to aspects of everyday life – being more mindful, intentional, and embracing simple pleasures.
“We really focused on creating special spaces throughout the property so that guests had places where they could have moments to enjoy simple things, like a cup of coffee or the shade of a palm,” says Josephine.
Early collaboration with a California interior designer provided the foundation for Josephine to steer the project from concept to completion. “In a project like Botanica, design is everything,” she says.
“It’s not just a well-decorated space, it is crafting a brand from scratch and selling an experience to guests.”
In designing Botanica, Josephine and Stephen went against the current trend of developing high-density properties. Rather than build upward, they chose to develop a cottage colony to enrich Cayman’s architecture scene.
“We have received so many compliments and comments saying, ‘there isn’t anything like your development in Cayman’,” says Josephine. “We hope that this changes, and we inspire more ‘island-style’ development.”
This article appears in the Autumn/Winter 2021 issue of InsideOut magazine, now available at magazine stands and delivered to select homes in eco-tote bags sponsored by LIVING.KY.
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It’s extremely pleasing to see that – every new building here – isn’t devoid of architecture. Congratulations to them.