One GT - A Welcome Addition

By Stuart Wilson

The new One GT luxury boutique hotel is being hailed as a welcome addition to Cayman’s tourism product and the revitalisation of the capital.

 The opening ceremony and ribbon cutting for George Town’s newest high-rise was held on 15th May to a standing room only audience of prominent members of the business community, government officials, new residents of the development, and well-wishers.

Already the winner of three international design awards, One GT is more than a hotel or a residence, and offers fine dining, a cafe and amenities that will add to more than just George Town’s skyline.

With several restaurants and a breathtaking terrace that offers a panoramic view, accentuated with an infinity pool for the ages, One GT is one of a kind in the Cayman Islands and the region.

“From this rooftop you see exactly what we set out to create; a hotel that honours Cayman, elevates the guest experience and adds something truly exceptional to George Town,” noted One GT representatives.

Developer and investor Jeremy Hurst praised the talent of all the team members who helped to bring One GT to life and talked about what made the development so unique.

“At 144 feet above sea level, that’s a first in Cayman’s history among many others for the site and the reason we call it One GT is because of those firsts. The first luxury boutique hotel with residences, the first for George Town and the first of this elevation,” he noted.

A journey

Mr Hurst added that the journey to build One GT was not an easy one.

“Our journey started about 7 years ago when we first identified the site, which was actually first pitched as a five-storeyoffice block. We took a bit of a risk and seven years later we finally stand here today on top of something that we as developers are tremendously proud of One GT.”

He said the journey was not one that could be embarked upon alone and thanked the Cayman Islands Government(CIG), and in particular the Ministry of Planning and its Minister, the Honourable Jay Ebanks, as well as the incoming Deputy Governor Gloria Nixon and Colin Lumsden from the George Town revitalisation project.

Cayman connections

The site where One GT stands today was once a watering hole according to historical maps, and Mr Hurst said the community ties in the area were the reason the local residents in the general vicinity were the first to see the plans.

“It’s our connections to the Cayman community, its heritage and its past that is equally important to us. These are the foundations One GT is built on and we believe will ensure its success in the future,” he remarked.

“We’ve attracted owners from all across the spectrum of Cayman with a diverse range of backgrounds; from international investors, family offices, to resident professionals and local owners,” said Mr Hurst.

“Not only are we aiming to be the tallest building but we want to have the best product,” he added.

“We want you to enjoy the Italian bakery at street level, savour some of the finest gastronomy in the region at our signature French restaurant, Pearl and use our board rooms, meeting rooms for bookings of seminars and corporate retreats or cocktail parties.

In addition, Mr Hurst said the property is ideal for staycations. There is also a sauna, gym, wellbeing area, and lots more to be explored at the new site.”

With 97 units in One GT’s hotel programme for short stays, the site has also just launched a mid-to-long-term rental programme for a limited number of 2,3 or 4 bedroom units.

Welcome addition

Her Excellency, Governor Jane Owen, told the audience it was just amazing to see the building come together.

“I feel we are standing on a really important landmark for George Town. We are working so hard to revitalise George Town and this is a great step in that direction. Everyone in the Government building is looking forward to having a place to come, and this is a place that is going to be open to the whole community.”

Governor Owen also sees the new facility as an welcome addition to Cayman’s tourism product and listed several aspects that it brings. “I feel what One GT will bring to the Cayman Islands is a place that is a real magnet. It will enhance our tourism offer, enhance what workers and the public can do during their working day, offer something exciting for persons who come for short-term stay,  and it will demonstrate what we can do with really beautiful and top-class architecture and design.”