ONE | GT’s new general manager promises luxury with a Caribbean touch

Grand Cayman’s newest hotel, ONE | GT, has appointed experienced hotelier Andrew Barlow as general manager.

Barlow, who has visited and worked in the Cayman Islands several times over the past two decades, said he was looking forward to “bringing luxury into George Town without losing Caribbean touches” and that he was particularly keen to support the training and hiring of Caymanians in the new hotel.

ONE | GT, which is scheduled to open its doors by the end of this year, is located in central George Town and will have 95 hotel suites and 82 private residences. The 10-storey building will also have Grand Cayman’s first rooftop infinity pool, three separate dining areas and a library and fitness centre.

“Food and beverage is going to be a big part of ONE | GT and will be for local residents, office workers and cruise ship passengers as well as hotel guests,” said Barlow.

He said Cafe Bellini is intended to be a central meeting spot with an all-day offering; Perle is for evening fine dining; and rooftop bar, Byū, is going to be “a great addition to Grand Cayman’s growing rooftop scene and the place to see and be seen for post-work drinks and happy hours”.

Barlow has worked for more than 20 years in the hospitality industry around the world, including in St. Bart’s, London, Hong Kong and Costa Rica, and has held senior roles at properties such as Carlisle Bay in Antigua, Oil Nut Bay in the British Virgin Islands and Hyatt Hotels Corporation.

A graduate of École Hôtelière de Lausanne, Barlow has already been involved in ONE | GT’s pre-opening phase while also immersing himself in Cayman life. Barlow volunteers with the Department of Environment’s annual turtle nesting walks and promotes diver safety through his work with Cayman Islands Hyperbaric Services, underscoring his commitment to ocean conservation and local well-being.

George Town revitalisation

ONE | GT is just the first in a series of new hotel openings scheduled for Grand Cayman but Barlow said he welcomed the competition.

“Hotels such as the Grand Hyatt and Kailani will all drive residential tourism in the downtown area so it’s all very positive for the revitalisation of George Town,” he said.