The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman has become the only property in the Cayman Islands to earn a place on Condé Nast Traveller’s inaugural Triple Crown Awards list, a new distinction reserved for hotels that have achieved all three of its major accolades: the Hot List, Gold List and Readers’ Choice Awards.
The Hot List highlights the world’s standout new hotels as identified by the industry. The Gold List reflects the publication’s editors’ selection of the best hotels globally and the Readers’ Choice Awards are based on ratings and feedback from travellers themselves.
The recognition places the resort among a select group of internationally acclaimed luxury properties that have earned praise from travel editors, hospitality experts and guests alike.
It is one of just 35 hotels across the Caribbean and Mexico region to receive the distinction, joining destinations such as Amanyara in Turks and Caicos, Sandy Lane in Barbados, Cap Juluca in Anguilla, Rosewood Little Dix Bay in the British Virgin Islands and The Ocean Club in the Bahamas.
For Keisha Parcells Robb, hotel manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, the significance of the award lies in the fact that it reflects recognition from multiple perspectives, which she described as “excellence viewed through three very different lenses”.
Travel editors are looking for hotels that stand out in a competitive global market. Industry experts assess operational performance and service standards. Guests, meanwhile, evaluate the experience based on the stay itself.
“Achieving recognition across all three is only possible when excellence is embedded in every aspect of the guest journey,” she said.
The award reflects a period of major change in luxury travel, with today’s guests seeking far more than the traditional high-end hotel experience that defined the sector when the resort first opened.
Parcells Robb said today’s luxury travellers are seeking more than upscale accommodations, placing increasing value on personalised experiences, wellness and authentic connections to the destinations they visit. She said the resort has adapted to those shifting expectations while continuing to place service at the centre of the guest experience.
“Over the past 20 years, luxury travel has become increasingly personal, experiential and purpose-driven, and The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman has evolved alongside those expectations while remaining true to the timeless service that has always defined our brand,” Parcells Robb said.
The resort has responded through investments in accommodations, wellness programmes, dining experiences and environmental initiatives, reflecting broader trends reshaping the hospitality industry.
Yet Parcells Robb argues that while guest expectations have evolved, one aspect of the business has remained largely unchanged.
“What has never changed, however, is the heart of our resort: our Ladies and Gentlemen,” she said, referring to the resort’s employees.
“Their genuine care, anticipatory service and commitment to creating personalised experiences are what transform a beautiful destination into one that guests return to year after year.”
The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman was joined on the inaugural Triple Crown list by Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla, making the two Dart-owned properties among the first resorts in the Caribbean and Mexico region to receive the distinction.
Enrique Tasende, senior vice-president of active investments at Dart, said the recognition reflects the consistent level of service and guest experience delivered by both resorts.
“To see both properties recognised among the world’s finest hotels is a tremendous achievement and a testament to the dedication, passion and service excellence demonstrated by their teams each and every day,” he said.
Editor’s Note: The Cayman Compass is a subsidiary of Dart Media and Entertainment.
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