NCB Group and Hilton Reveal First Look at Kailani Guest Suites

Posted on May 12, 2022September 1, 2022 by michelle

NCB Group recently shared a look inside the model room for its award-winning boutique hotel, Kailani, a Curio Collection by Hilton Hotel, with visiting representatives from Hilton, the hotel partner on the local developer’s first hospitality venture.

Modelled off the business and wellness hotel’s Sea Grape suites, one of 13 room types available for purchase as part of its rental programme, the room has been designed with the future traveller in mind. Blending global inspirations and local influences with cutting-edge sustainable features and modern conveniences, every detail of the suite echoes the “bleisure” concept—the idea that business and leisure travel can co-exist—behind the hotel that is set to bring exceptional new experiences to future guests and value to owners.

“We were thrilled to welcome back some of our key project partners to the Cayman Islands, as we work together to bring a tourism product unlike any other to Grand Cayman,” said NCB Managing Director, Matthew Wight.

A signature trait of the Curio Collection by Hilton brand, every property within the collection has a distinct character and personality, appealing to the passionate traveller seeking local discovery through unique hotel experiences and blending authentically into its locale through its design and use of local materials.

The model room highlights some of the hotel suites’ key design features, including custom-designed wallpaper detailing a coconut’s husk and a credenza inspired by the artwork on Miss Lassie’s house, as well as live greenery ‘art’.

Nods to the Cayman Islands’ unique culture and natural beauty like these have been woven throughout the hotel’s interior design, a collaboration between NCB’s in-house design team and the Florida-based interior design firm, Marzipan, who were also on island for the reveal.

According to the Global Wellness Institute, the growing wellness tourism market is expected to reach US$1,127 billion in market size by 2025.

Coupled with modern architecture and smart, intuitive technology, the suites are set to exceed the needs of this new type of hotel guest who wants all the comforts of home, while away from home, thanks to built-in live-work spaces and add-ons like yoga mats in every room and a juice bar on-site.

“Even before the global pandemic influenced the way we travel, we were planning a hotel concept that appealed to a new wave of traveller – one who factors experience, carbon footprint and, most importantly, wellness into their accommodation choices,” explained Wight.

“As new travel trends start to emerge as part of our new normal, we can see that Kailani continues to be on track to offer everything the modern hotel guest is looking for.”

Renewable energy and energy efficient mechanical, electrical and plumbing elements have also been integrated throughout the entire hotel, and guest rooms will feature LED lighting, solar water heating and smart cooling functions which significantly lower the hotel’s reliance on the electrical grid. These capabilities form an important part of NCB’s ongoing mission for more sustainable development, as well as the Hilton’s environmental, social and governance strategy, Travel With Purpose.

Savvy investors can capitalise on this innovative hospitality project by buying into the hotel’s rental programme, which sees the hotel owner receiving 50% of the gross annual room rental—a projected net return on investment of over 10%—as well as a host of other owner benefits.

“Just before Cayman closed its borders in 2019, the number of stayover visitors reached 500,000 for the first time,” explained Tania Knapik, NCB Sales & Marketing Manager.

“With the return of tourism earlier this year, that figure is expected to grow as will, inevitably, the demand for hotel inventory and short term rental accommodation, presenting a lucrative opportunity for investors in Kailani compared to other more traditional investment strategies.”

With only 80 guest rooms available for purchase, the hotel is already 50% sold. To learn more about investing in Kailani, visit www.ncbgroup.ky/property/kailani or contact tknapik@ncbgroup.ky for more information.

NCB Group launches Action Plan for Sustainability

Posted on April 13, 2022June 28, 2022 by michelle

The Cayman Islands’ leading sustainable developer cements its commitment to sustainability by formalising internal environmental programmes.

Following NCB Group’s 20-year anniversary in 2021, the sustainably-minded developer is now planning for the next 20+ years, which includes bringing its founding mission for sustainability back to the core of the business with the launch of a new, green initiative.

Championed by a group of NCB volunteers, known as the Green Team, the internal initiative aims to build sustainable habits from the ground up by equipping the group’s more than 100 staff members with more of the tools and resources they need to foster daily actions inspired by the company’s eco-consciously minded approach to development.

Speaking with the Green Team volunteers, they share their excitement for the new Action Plan for Sustainability and outline how it fits in with NCB’s greater mission to “build with Cayman’s future in mind.”

What is the mission and purpose of the Action Plan for Sustainability?

From the get-go, NCB has sought to build properties that are not only beautiful to look at but also meet the needs of the Cayman community for many generations to come.

We have always worked to be at the forefront of sustainable development and construction practices, which has meant growing our team to include experts in renewable energy, geothermal cooling, and sustainability.

The Action Plan for Sustainability is an extension of these goals, and seeks to create a working culture that instinctively prioritises sustainability.

The Green Team is supporting this by putting initiatives in place to help educate and guide NCB employees on sustainable practices and introduce internal programmes that encourage eco-conscious habits throughout our offices.

Why did NCB decide to create a Green Team? How does the Green Team fit into NCB’s vision for Cayman’s future?

At NCB, we understand sustainable growth can only come from creating a long-term plan that reviews and addresses our lasting effect on the ecological, human, and economic environment.

The Green Team helps implement this plan across our 10 service lines to ensure we are collectively working towards the same goals.

What are some of the critical goals of the Action Plan? What are you currently working on?

Each quarter, the Action Plan will tackle a different aspect of sustainability that starts to lay the foundation for long-term internal initiatives that will make a tangible difference to our company’s environmental footprint.

To formally kick off the initiative, at the beginning of the year we launched a new monthly, internal newsletter that highlights opportunities to get involved in community happenings and provides resources on sustainability.

Now we are working on a series of projects that will help reinvigorate NCB’s working spaces through natural elements, such as inspiring art displays, dedicated green spaces, and bringing locally sourced food and beverages into our staff kitchens.

Still to come are internal composting and recycling programmes, as we seek to reduce the environmental impact created by our offices.

Finally, we will be working with representatives from across all NCB divisions to create clear sustainability metrics for our suppliers, to ensure their environmental, social, and economic impacts are aligned with our goals.

Why are you excited to be a part of the Green Team?

To be an active part of NCB’s mission to be a leader in sustainability for Cayman is a gratifying feeling.

NCB’s eco-conscious ethos sets us apart in the local industry, and we’re excited to work closely with our senior management team to develop and improve the company’s sustainable practices.

With everything we have planned, there are many opportunities for NCB employees to make a difference within our company and the wider community and we’re excited to see the results later this year.

If NCB’s sustainably-minded approach to business aligns with your mission to lead a greener lifestyle, learn more about how you can contract us to work on an upcoming project, invest in one of our sustainable developments or join our growing team of passionate people.

Greenlit | Kailani Focuses On Sustainability

Posted on January 27, 2022April 13, 2022 by michelle

This article first appeared on REAL LIFE.

The Cayman Islands’ first boutique business and wellness hotel, Kailani, has sustainability at its core, with features investors can feel good about in more ways than one.

Grand Cayman enjoys a lifestyle rare for a small island, with all the appeals of the tropics plus shopping, dining and thriving industries. NCB Group, a leading Cayman Islands developer, brings together the best of it all in Kailani, a wellness and business hotel that hugs the coastline between the central trading area of George Town and postcard-perfect Seven Mile Beach.

Sustainability is especially critical for island developments, and NCB Group is leading the charge to build environmentally sound properties. For Kailani, it has partnered with the Curio Collection by Hilton, giving it the backing of a powerful, global brand while maintaining the independence to create a standalone destination, with features that minimise environmental impacts and maximise benefits for investors and future guests.

From foundational work to choose a building position in harmony with the elements to the use of all-native plants on the grounds, a comprehensive water conservation and recycling system and energy efficiencies across the board, every detail has been painstakingly thought out, designed to help not only the planet but also investors’ hip pockets.

Above water

Kailani has a 140,000-gallon cistern on-site to capture rainwater and AC condensation for landscape irrigation. It’s a huge water store to draw on, especially given the native and drought-tolerant plants. There are also low-flow fixtures installed in all rooms, plus a reverse osmosis system that provides clean and healthy drinking water. All these measures mean substantial water saved – and lower operational costs.

Bet the farm

It’s no secret that importing goods to the Cayman Islands is complicated – a story shared by many island nations. Food and beverage products are flown in from all over the globe to line local supermarket shelves. NCB Group is proud to own a 32-acre farm on the eastern side of the island that will supply fresh produce to Kailani’s restaurants, providing a farm-to-table experience for guests and investors (hotel owners enjoy 10 per cent off drinking and dining). This makes Kailani less reliant on global supply chains, and avoids CO2 emissions associated with shipping, and compost from its restaurants will go back into the farm’s crops, reducing environmental impact and waste.

Cool change

At Kailani, energy conservation has been a priority since day one, with detailed analysis to choose the perfect location to minimise direct sunlight, increase shade and capture cooling breezes. The building design complements this effort, with awnings and shutters strategically placed to cut energy waste. In addition, geothermal cooling is used throughout, which operates 50 per cent more efficiently than standard AC with units that last up to four times as long, stopping them from choking landfills. Maximising the benefits of this technology is SMART Building Management, a system employing sensors to control cooling and automatically close blinds and drapes when areas are unoccupied, lowering heat gain, energy consumption and costs.

Waste not

Sustainability isn’t new to the tourism industry. Efforts to reduce water use and switch to renewables – both for the environment and bottom line – have been ongoing for almost a decade. A focus on reducing plastic waste, however, is a recent development – surprising, given how many single-use plastics hotels have traditionally contained. Kailani is addressing the issue by eliminating sample-sized amenities and replacing them with refillable options. It also provides reusable water bottles in every room for guests to use throughout their stay. This ethos ties in with the wellness aspect of the hotel – and with trends showing wellness travellers tend to stay longer and spend more on experiences, it’s a lucrative market to connect with for investors.

Place in the sun

Switching to solar is a crucial step for businesses everywhere in the fight against climate change. Kailani will offset its power consumption with an expansive collection of rooftop solar panels, significantly reducing the energy required to operate the hotel. All lighting will be LED, which uses up to 85 per cent less power than traditional bulbs and lasts much longer. Sensors in public areas and guest rooms will keep the lights off when unoccupied, and the hotel’s design ensures the maximum amount of natural light is captured, minimising the need for artificial light to be used.

Ready to invest in the future? For forward-thinking investors looking to diversify their real estate portfolios, this is an opportunity with a difference. Scheduled for completion in the second quarter of 2023, Kailani will bring the Hilton Hotel’s luxury Curio Collection to the Cayman Islands while keeping its footprint light.

Investors can purchase rooms at Kailani as part of the hotel’s rental pool, receiving an expected annual return of up to 11 per cent, plus a host of hotel owner perks, including two weeks’ stay per year and discounts on food and beverages.

Building a better Cayman: Sustainable communities at the heart of NCB Group

Posted on November 17, 2021September 1, 2022 by michelle

This article first appeared on Cayman Compass.

Building with the future in mind has always been the guiding force behind NCB Group.

It’s a philosophy that has served the company well over the past 20 years – and continues to do so.

“As Cayman’s population grows and savvy consumers become more environmentally aware, we continue to see an increase in demand from single-family homes to mixed-use sustainable communities,” says Managing Director Matthew Wight.

“With our mission of ‘building with Cayman’s future in mind’, NCB was an early adopter of this new way of living, creating Cayman’s first sustainable community, Cypress Pointe North, in 2015.”

It has since developed other sustainable communities, including TIDES and SOLARA. It has also expanded into commercial spaces, including Cayman Technology Centre, one of Cayman’s most energy-efficient office buildings.

And NCB continues to lead the way in renewable energy and sustainability with some key projects going forward.

Among them is AURA on the eastern coast of South Sound, OLEA in Camana Bay, a joint venture with Dart Enterprises, and Kailani, Cayman’s first boutique business and wellness hotel that will enhance sustainable tourism.

Integrating ICF construction, solar panels and geothermal cooling, the properties also feature such eco-friendly elements as water recycling, rainwater capture, electric-car charging stations and low-energy-use appliances, which not only help to reduce the developments’ output of greenhouse gas emissions but owners’ utility costs, too.

NCB now has its own dedicated geothermal, solar and sustainability divisions.

“This helps us ensure we provide the best quality and most energy-efficient products and experiences for our clients from start to finish,” says Wight.

Communities that connect

While sustainability is paramount, NCB is also in the business of creating communities that connect.

With the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021 reinforcing the need for community, NCB continues to design developments that focus on bringing people together – whether that’s through green spaces, playgrounds, pools or rooftop lounges.

Invested in the community, NCB is now looking to the next 20 years, and beyond.

“As Cayman continues to grow, we will be there with sustainable residential and commercial spaces and services to meet the islands’ changing needs while also respecting this beautiful place we all call home,” says Wight.

NCB celebrates continued success of inaugural scholarship student

Posted on October 21, 2021September 1, 2022 by michelle

Supporting the next generation of Caymanians interested in a career in the construction and development industry has always been an integral part of NCB Group’s commitment to building with Cayman’s future in mind.

As part of this promise, in 2019 NCB founded the NCB Group Scholarship, a scholarship programme that provides budding Caymanians looking to kickstart their career in the industry with a financial contribution towards their tertiary education and on the job experience during their school breaks.

As inaugural NCB Group Scholarship recipient, Jada Watson, reaches the midway point of her time at the University of South Florida we sat down with her and Shahida Ebanks, NCB’s HR Manager, to discuss the variety of career opportunities available in construction and development and why further education in this industry is helping to keep Cayman on top of innovation.

Shahida, why has NCB always put such an emphasis on investing in the next generation?

Shahida: Over the last 20 years, NCB has sought to offer local students pathways into construction and development through internship and apprenticeship opportunities. We’ve seen the industry challenge them to improve their skillsets continuously and create excellent leaders within our company, all the while providing Caymanians with an opportunity to help support the growth of their community through our sustainable development projects.

As a business, NCB also benefits from having fresh ideas and innovators. With their aptitude for technology and ready and able mindset, students fresh from school have brought some exciting suggestions and proposals to our table.

In 2019 we awarded the first NCB Group Scholarship to Jada after recognising the talent and passion for project management that she displayed on the job as a Coordinator. We are proud to see her continued success at University, despite the challenging times.

Jada, tell us what sparked your interest in taking your studies further?

Jada: Before going to college, I worked at NCB for a year, starting as a receptionist and moving up to a coordinator. As a coordinator, I went on job sites, completed inspections, learned about electricity and plumbing, and watched construction take place. I found each stage of the development exciting and wanted to learn more.

When the opportunity to pursue further education came about through the NCB Group Scholarship, I first decided to study accounting and then transitioned to economics because the latter gives me the analytical and computer skills valued in business and finance. Not only does my Bachelor’s degree in economics cover all business aspects, but it allows me to understand urban planning, international development, policy analysis and project management, which will be valuable for a future career in the industry.

It has been a tough time for students worldwide. How have you managed to stay motivated despite the challenging circumstances?

Jada: As both a first-generation college student in my family and the first recipient of the NCB Group Scholarship, I hold myself accountable for my success. I want to graduate with good academic standing, not just for myself, but to help inspire my younger sister, who looks up to me, and for my parents, who did not have the opportunity to go to college themselves.

When COVID-19 first hit, I struggled to adjust to online classes causing my grade averages to drop. However, the team at NCB provided me with the patience and understanding I needed to bring my grades back up. With their support and encouragement, I have been able to work hard and complete my semesters with an above-average GPA.

Shahida, why should young Caymanians consider a career in construction and development?

Shahida: I always say to our project managers that there must be no better feeling than seeing a project go from being on paper to in the ground and, finally, becoming a high-quality and well-respected development. As a Caymanian, it is great knowing not only that “we did that” but that the products and services we offer help to create a sustainable, community-focused future for our islands.

At NCB, a career in construction and development offers a wide variety of opportunities. Across all ten of our integrated service lines, our teams cover all aspects of building, maintenance and management, and new innovative technologies. From the people delivering materials right up to project leads, at NCB you will always be an essential part of the process.

Jada, after you complete your degree, what will be the next step in your career journey?

Jada: When I complete my undergraduate degree, I plan to pursue a career as a commercial and residential real estate project manager. I would also like to advance my education further and pursue my master’s degree.

Shahida, what additional career support does NCB offer at the entry-level?

Shahida: Jada is a wonderful example of what an entry-level job at NCB can lead to. By displaying her initiative, determination, and passion for the job at hand, Jada rose through the ranks and achieved some remarkable things at the start of her career.

At NCB, we are proud to have a dedicated Training and Development Coordinator as a part of our team, who works to provide opportunities for our entry-level staff like Jada to build their skillset and achieve new qualifications to help them on their career journey.

The senior members of our team are also known to take promising, entry-level team members under their wings. As mentors, they share their years of experience in the industry to inspire and help develop their younger team members.

Are you interested in pursuing a career in construction and development with NCB? Visit our Careers page to see our current vacancies, contact hr@ncbgroup.ky to learn more about our internship, apprenticeship and scholarship opportunities or follow us on Instagram to see what a career with NCB could look like.

Building A Better Cayman: The Future of NCB Group

Posted on August 31, 2021November 17, 2022 by michelle

How NCB Group is adding value to Cayman’s real estate market

Over the past 20 years, the Cayman Islands have seen continued growth in the market value of real estate. Despite Covid-19 closing local borders, the total sales volume of the local market increasing by 4.3% to US$666.5 million in 2020, with the value of the average transaction increasing from US$769,289, in 2019, to US$971,546.

Sales and Marketing Manager Tania Knapik, notes NCB Group’s portfolio of world-class properties has helped attract a diverse pool of investors looking for a safe harbour to either invest in or call home to the islands. As a result, those who have invested in NCB developments see a 36% to 43% return on their investment.

As more eyes turn to Cayman, Managing Director Matthew Wight, notes NCB will continue to innovate, using the latest technology, ensuring their projects not only satisfy the needs of today but are also built with Cayman’s future in mind.

Discover where NCB’s journey started and what we’ve already accomplished by checking out the complete anniversary series.

Kailani brings the value of Hilton’s Curio Collection to Cayman

Posted on August 5, 2021 by michelle

Investors will benefit from the Hilton Honors programme’s more than 115 million members.

After 20 years of developing sustainable residential and commercial communities in the Cayman Islands, NCB Group has expanded its services to construct Cayman’s first boutique wellness and business hotel, Kailani Grand Cayman.

Sitting down with Matthew Wight, NCB Group’s Managing Director, he shares the reasons behind the company’s growth into the hospitality industry and what Kailani investors can expect from the Curio Collection by Hilton partnership.

NCB Group has a reputation as a leading residential and commercial developer, so why is it branching into hospitality?

There has been a big push by the Ministry of Tourism and Department of Tourism to reach 500,000 stayover tourists per year. Stayover tourists are more lucrative for the islands because of their higher spending rates, particularly locally produced products and services.

In Cayman, the issue is the short supply of hotel rooms and the gap in the types of products on offer—a gap NCB Group is working to fill. Kailani was conceived to meet the needs of an underserved market and provide a top-end business hotel and unique wellness tourism offering for Cayman.

As NCB Group is a leader in sustainable development, environmental sustainability and conscious living have been at the forefront of every decision for Kailani, from building practices to sourcing products and materials to help redefine the future of tourism for Cayman’s hospitality sector. We are also bringing our expertise in human sustainability through design into this market by building the Kailani experience around the principles of personal well-being.

What sparked the idea for Kailani’s business and wellness concept?

Wellness is the fastest growing sector in tourism. The industry is valued at over US$ 735 billion in 2020. We saw it as an opportunity not only for us as a company but also for the jurisdiction to embrace this market.

Trends show that wellness travellers stay longer during their trips and are usually more willing to spend on experiences.

Kailani creates a brand-new hospitality product for Cayman’s capital, George Town—a hub for shopping, dining, culture and finance. Business travellers will be conveniently based just steps away from the island’s business district, while leisure guests can enjoy the world-famous Seven Mile Beach on their doorstep.

How is Kailani’s concept of wellness different from what we see in other parts of the world?

In most hotels worldwide, the spa and fitness facilities are typically hidden in the basement or tucked away on the first floor. At Kailani, we’ve made the spa and wellness facilities the hotel’s centrepiece by placing them on the seventh floor, the highest value of real estate on the property.

Holistic experiences and wellness programming are being built into Kailani’s daily offerings, including in-room yoga mats, circadian rhythm lighting and farm-to-table dining sourced locally from our farm in East End.

What were you looking for in a partnership with a hotel brand?

Through Kailani, we wanted to create a boutique stay focused on the customer experience, breaking away from the traditional cookie-cutter hotel rooms that travellers are used to seeing. We had a clear direction that we were heading in and wanted to partner with a strong international brand that could support our ideology.

Why did you choose to partner with the Hilton brand rather than run the hotel independently?

The US market contributes over 70% of hotel guests to Cayman’s tourism industry, and many of these people are very loyal to their brands.

The Hilton Honors programme has more than 115 million members worldwide—that’s a formidable and captive audience for bookings.

The other notable aspect is that 52% of Hilton bookings come directly from their website or marketing outreach. In the days of Expedia, Travelocity, Booking.com and other online travel agencies that take commissions from every room they book, 52% is impressive and shows loyalty to the Hilton brand.

How does the partnership with Curio Collection by Hilton differ from traditional hotel franchising?

Usually, if you’re working with a hotel brand, you would have your design and brand handed to you. While the Hilton itself has set guidelines, the hotels in the Curio Collection have more freedom to create their own identity. In fact, the hotels within the collection are encouraged to incorporate the local culture into their brand.

This way, we get the best of both worlds; Kailani maintains environmental sustainability and a strong cultural identity as a part of their ethos while still receiving the backing of a large, internationally known brand.

What are some of the ways Kailani will cultivate its own identity and lifestyle? Why is this important?

We created a muse for the hotel – a young, spirited business traveller, Kailani, whose roots lie firmly in Cayman but whose travels have given her a global perspective and innate sophistication. Her effortless elegance and love of her home’s natural environment unfold throughout the hotel.

Our muse is part of the storytelling exercise we did when building out the Kailani brand. We wanted to make it memorable for guests, especially in Cayman, where you see many repeat visitors year after year. This hotel offers experiences you wouldn’t expect in the heart of the city.

What are some of the ways people can invest in Kailani?

A total of 80 suites (90 hotel keys) are available for purchase at Kailani, including spacious studios with in-room kitchenettes and two- and three-bedroom suites with large living areas and private terraces. A collection of lock-off suites offer a unique feature to owners, allowing bedrooms to be locked-off to create two functional hotel suites.

There is also the opportunity to live at Kailani at one of the lowest prices per square foot for Seven Mile Beach-front property. So, if you want to spend six months a year living at the hotel and have the unit as a part of the hotel inventory for the other six months, you can do that. But there are only six of these residential units where people can live year-round.

How does the Hilton partnership improve the value of Kailani for investors in the hotel?

The partnership with Curio Collection by Hilton is a franchise agreement instead of a management fee, so the hotel essentially controls all the decisions. Through this agreement, we can drive the operational outputs to ensure the highest return on investment for our investors.

With 52% of bookings coming directly through Hilton channels, the cost of bookings is also reduced, meaning the return for the investor is increased.

Being a part of the Hilton brand, there’s a vast network behind us, thanks to its 115 million members. That allows us to focus on Kailani’s operations and unique guest experiences. Plus, even when guests book using Hilton Honors programme points, the unit owner is still repaid for those nights.

We’re expecting average occupancy at Kailani of more than 70%.

Are there other benefits for investors?

In addition to ownership, there are two weeks of usage a year that comes with your purchase. That can be spread throughout the year or shared with your family and friends. Plus, if you’re making reservations outside of the two weeks’ stay, you get a 50% discount on the nightly rate for rooms within a 30-day window.

Kailani residents will also have access to the hotel’s two restaurants, poolside café and in-room dining services, as well as a fully equipped gym and wellness centre while benefitting from additional owner perks such as a 10% discount on all food and beverage purchases at the hotel and Hilton Honors membership status.

How can investors learn more about Kailani?

Email info@ncbgroup.ky, view our investor brochure and sign up for the Kailani newsletter to stay updated on the hotel’s progress.

Building A Better Cayman: The Key to Our Present Success

Posted on August 4, 2021August 31, 2021 by michelle

How NCB Group evolved to meet the changing needs of Cayman’s community

Catering to the Cayman Islands’ diverse population requires a detailed understanding of each unique individual’s needs throughout their purchasing journey, build and ongoing property experience. Ensuring these needs are not only met but exceeded has fuelled the fire of NCB Group’s expansion into 10 vertically integrated service lines.

Managing Director, Matthew Wight, notes the natural evolution of NCB allows the company to create a seamless transition between development and construction to property management and maintenance. Ultimately, this leads to a more pleasant experience for home and business owners, looking to reduce costs and gain more peace of mind over their assets.

Beyond developing its service lines, NCB has also expanded into the hospitality industry, helping Cayman grow its stake in the US$ 683.5 billion wellness tourism industry.

Throughout their growth, NCB has always aimed to build with Cayman’s future in mind. Discover our goals for the future and where it all started by exploring the complete 20^th anniversary series.

Spotlight On: Kailani’s Design Partner, Marzipan ID

Posted on July 12, 2021August 4, 2021 by michelle

This article first appeared on REAL LIFE.

Situated at the ocean’s edge, with exceptional views of the setting sun, the Cayman Islands’ first luxury business and wellness hotel, Kailani, takes its name from the place where the sea meets the sky.

Introducing Kailani

A partnership between NCB Group and the Curio Collection by Hilton, Kailani was conceived to meet the need for a top-end business hotel and provide a unique wellness tourism offering for Cayman.

Located within striking distance of the island’s business and finance hubs, it offers a soothing retreat for those travelling for work, with on-site conference facilities ensuring productivity is never compromised. But its waterfront position, farm-to-table inspired dining, and seventh floor state-of-the-art spa make it equally enticing for leisure travellers seeking a healthy and restorative vacation experience.

A boutique hotel, Kailani features a total of 80 suites (90 hotel keys). Designed to offer a sense of home within a hotel, the one-, two- and three-bedroom floor plans include options with kitchens, dining areas and living rooms. For the ultimate in elevated living, penthouses feature three-bedroom suites, far-reaching views and private pools. For those who would like to live the resort lifestyle, six units will be available as full-time residences.

Inspired Design

Florida-based interior design firm, Marzipan ID, which has a wealth of experience working with major luxury hotel operators, will enhance Trio Architecture’s modern design with interiors conceived to create a sense of wellbeing for guests whilst inspiring exploration and curiosity.

“Our design studio mantra is ‘Exclusivity with Soul’,” Jude Mulhern, design director, explains. “So it was important to bring the culture of the island to life through our design while delivering a luxury hotel that would feel both unique and exciting to both visitors and islanders.”

Marzipan ID created a ‘character muse’ as their starting point to develop the interior concept: a young and spirited business traveller, Kailani, whose roots lie firmly in Cayman but whose travels have given her a global perspective and innate sophistication. Her effortless elegance and love of her home’s natural environment unfold throughout the hotel.

This ‘character’ is expressed in a fusion of rustic, native materials – driftwood, raw limestone, natural woven light fixtures and living, green elements – with minimalistic black light fixtures, polished concrete finishes and globally inspired fabrics and furniture.

Because creating a sense of place enhances the guest travel experience, Mulhern explains, this is woven into both public and private areas: in the bar a custom light fixture was inspired by the old tradition of locals gathering to crack almonds; the screen in the Lobby Bar pays homage to one of the island’s oldest architectural landmarks, Pedro St. James, and a cabinet in the guest rooms is inspired by Miss Lassie’s house and paintings.

In the top floor spa – Kailani’s crowning glory – the designers took inspiration from Cayman’s geography and landscape, with an ‘above and below the sea’ concept that capitalises on the spa’s elevation to create an uplifting and euphoric ambience.

The same design philosophy informs all areas of the hotel so that as guests move from space to space, they will be able to explore different facets of the design concept and begin to uncover the stories of Cayman’s history, culture and nature.

Own at Kailani

Investors in Kailani will have use of the hotel’s exceptional accommodation and amenities for two weeks a year. For the rest of the year, owners’ units are offered as guest accommodation, with owners receiving 50% of the rental fee with an expected gross annual return of up to 11%.

Units at Kailani are priced from US$575,000. For more information on availability click here.

Building A Better Cayman: The Strong Foundations of Our Past

Posted on July 7, 2021August 31, 2021 by michelle

NCB Group’s President highlights community as the key to success for businesses in Cayman.

After Covid-19 challenged the way we conduct business, NCB Group’s President, Naul Bodden, notes it was the company’s founding vision, of crafting communities through constant innovation, that sustained the company’s growth. That growth saw a team of 3 expand into 100 employees in 20 years.

As 2020 reinforced the need for community, Senior Manager of Development, Design & Client Relations, Candice Bahadur, notes NCB continues to design developments focusing on bringing people together. Whether these are green spaces, playgrounds, rooftop lounges, gyms, cabanas, outdoor grills, or Cayman’s first lazy river, NCB developments always enhance the lives of those, who live there.

For NCB, a commitment to sustainability has also helped them cater to the needs of the islands. NCB’s Sustainability and Design Manager, Steve Schiffbauer, notes that more home and business owners are seeking to become energy independent to reduce costs and their impact on the environment. Anticipating these needs and providing solutions has helped NCB to flourish throughout the last 20 years.

Learn more about NCB’s expansion and their plans for the future by checking out the complete anniversary series.

NCB makes a green donation to the National Trust for the Cayman Islands

Posted on January 20, 2021September 1, 2022 by michelle

NCB Group strives to build with Cayman’s future in mind.

A big part of this mission is creating a balance between the impact the construction industry has on the local environment and doing our part to protect and preserve the Cayman Islands’ natural resources. That’s why it’s been so important to the group to continue to give back to the community.

As a part of this mission, NCB Group has donated CI$5,000 to the National Trust of the Cayman Islands’ Land Reserves Programme to support their effort to safeguard Cayman’s environment across our three islands. As a not-for-profit organisation, their work includes the acquisition and conservation of local environmental sites, such as the Mastic Trail, Brac Parrot Reserve and The Salina Reserve, and NCB is pleased to support their efforts to preserve, through ownership, a target of 11% or more of Cayman Islands’ undeveloped land.

The National Trust’s operations extend far beyond the environment. Their projects also help to preserve sites of local historical significance; educate the community on the importance of the natural environment and culture, and support scientific field research to develop our knowledge of Cayman’s native and indigenous flora and fauna.

As NCB celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2021 and continues to grow, we will also continue to do our part to make a positive impact. Not just through our own projects but through those with whom we partner with and support. Because we’re not just building our future, we are preserving our present as well.

SOLARA welcomes owners home

Posted on December 15, 2020September 1, 2022 by michelle

One of the best parts of the development cycle is seeing owners’ excitement as they turn their completed houses into homes.

So, when the owners of the third and final block of SOLARA moved into their three-story, three-bedroom townhouses recently , we were excited to watch as each family put their own finishing touches on their new home.

Joining existing NCB communities Cypress Pointe and Cypress Pointe North, this sustainable development of 26 waterfront residences in sought-after Crystal Harbour boasts a private marina with individual boat slips for canal-access to the North Sound, a clubhouse with a resort-style pool, a children’s playground and state-of-the-art fitness centre for the ultimate island living experience.

Furthermore, as with most NCB developments, all of SOLARA’s energy-efficient townhomes are powered by solar panels and cooled by geothermal technology, significantly offsetting owners’ electrical bills so that residents can enjoy all the pleasures of island life whilst creating minimum impact on the local environment.

For more information on SOLARA and our other residential developments, email info@ncbgroup.ky.