What led you from law into the construction and real estate business?
I’ve always had a deep passion for real estate, even during my law studies in Australia. When I moved to the Cayman Islands in 2003, I noticed the property market was still developing and saw an opportunity to bring in a stronger design focus, similar to what I had admired in Sydney. Initially, I worked as an attorney but was granted permission to take on small development projects. My first condominium project launched in 2006, which helped me gain hands-on experience and understand the local market’s potential. By 2010, I decided to leave private practice and commit to real estate full-time. The transition was natural—law had given me a strong foundation for understanding property rights and regulations, and real estate allowed me to combine that with creativity and investment insight. Over 20 years later, Cayman’s transformation into a world-class property destination has been incredible to witness, and I’m proud to have contributed to that evolution.
Tell us about Bronte and its design philosophy.
Bronte was founded with a clear focus on boutique, design-oriented construction. From the start, we aimed to deliver projects that reflected the sophistication and detail found in markets like New York, Miami, and Sydney, bringing an elevated level of finish that was previously unavailable in Cayman. Our philosophy has always been “location, location, location,” so every Bronte project is waterfront, designed to maximize both lifestyle and long-term value. We began with small, exclusive developments—15 to 18 units each—and then transitioned to larger, high-end projects along Seven Mile Beach, the island’s most prestigious stretch of real estate. Aqua, where we’re sitting today, exemplifies that vision. It’s a one-residence-per-floor building, with private elevator access directly into each home. All ten apartments sold out almost immediately, confirming the demand for this level of exclusivity. Aqua set the tone for Bronte’s future projects, proving that there’s a strong market for refined, architecturally distinct properties that merge modern design with Caribbean warmth.
Lacovia is currently one of Cayman’s landmark redevelopments. How did it come about?
Lacovia is a project we’re especially proud of. The Cayman government introduced strata redevelopment legislation allowing 75% of owners to vote for redevelopment, but we took a different approach—we wanted full consent. When Lacovia’s owners began exploring redevelopment options, four developers were invited to submit proposals. After an 18-month process, Bronte was selected, largely because we committed to achieving 100% owner approval. The result has been a true collaboration. Some long-term owners chose to sell, while many others stayed to participate in the redevelopment, knowing they’d receive upgraded, world-class residences that they could never repurchase on Seven Mile Beach at current values. The original Lacovia had 55 apartments across low-rise buildings; the new development features 97 luxury units spread across three towers, with floor plans from 3,500 to 12,000 square feet. Designed by Swedish firm OOAK Architects, Lacovia blends international design excellence with Cayman’s coastal character. Construction is progressing rapidly—with completion expected in February 2028—and only eight residences remain available.
Can you tell us more about your construction partnerships and design team?
We’ve been fortunate to work with a truly global team. Construction is a joint venture between JV Driver, a Canadian conglomerate with extensive high-rise experience, and a highly respected local partner with more than 30 years of construction experience in Cayman. This partnership gives us the best of both worlds—international technical precision paired with local expertise and knowledge of Cayman’s climate and regulatory standards. Our project manager previously worked with Ian Gillespie at Westbank in Vancouver, one of North America’s most acclaimed developers. Having professionals of that caliber choose to work with us in Cayman says a lot about the island’s growing appeal. Lacovia’s design was entrusted to OOAK Architects from Sweden, whose work we discovered through a design competition in the Bahamas. Their vision combines Scandinavian minimalism with Caribbean light and openness. The result is a project that feels distinctly international but deeply rooted in Cayman’s natural environment—modern, elegant, and timeless.
How has the redevelopment impacted original owners and the local market?
The redevelopment has been transformative, both for the owners and for Seven Mile Beach as a whole. Out of the 55 original owners, about 20 chose to sell, while the rest remained and will receive brand-new apartments of the highest standard. Some even purchased additional units. Many of these owners bought decades ago, paying a few hundred thousand dollars, and now they’re gaining properties conservatively valued at around $8 million each. That’s a testament to Cayman’s appreciating market. Beyond financial gain, the redevelopment has been collaborative—owners have had a voice throughout, from finishes to layouts. The new Lacovia features international-grade interiors: Waterworks fixtures, custom European cabinetry, and hurricane-resilient construction built to withstand Category 5 storms. Ground floors are elevated 17 feet above sea level, and we’ve installed thermally broken frames to ensure absolute quiet and zero heat transfer. Projects like Lacovia show that Cayman’s luxury properties meet—and often exceed—the quality of those in New York or London, while offering unmatched safety, infrastructure, and lifestyle.
Global hotel brands are entering Cayman. How is this shaping the island’s image?
We view it as a strong validation of what local developers are achieving. When global names like Mandarin Oriental, Grand Hyatt, and Four Seasons choose to invest here, it’s because Cayman has demonstrated that it can meet their exacting quality standards. These brands aren’t just elevating Cayman’s image—they’re responding to it. Our developers have been delivering world-class products consistently along Seven Mile Beach, making the island one of the Caribbean’s most desirable destinations. Cayman’s luxury market now commands one of the region’s highest prices per square foot, yet remains attractive compared to markets like Miami or Turks and Caicos. These international hotel brands are also helping introduce Cayman to new luxury buyers—those who may first come as guests and later decide to purchase private residences. We’re also exploring branded residences without hotels, offering five-star amenities within standalone developments—a model increasingly popular with discerning investors seeking both exclusivity and service.
How important is the U.S. market to your business?
The U.S. market is absolutely fundamental to Cayman’s real estate and tourism sectors. Over 70% of buyers at Lacovia are from the U.S., with another 20% from Canada, so North America dominates the demand base. These buyers are drawn not only by the island’s beauty but by its safety, stability, and convenience—Cayman now has direct flights from 18 U.S. cities, which makes it incredibly accessible. The government has also wisely focused on stayover tourism rather than cruise traffic, which aligns with our high-end positioning. Many buyers are introduced to Cayman through the financial services industry, but increasingly we’re seeing a younger generation of entrepreneurs and tech professionals relocating here through initiatives like Tech Cayman and Cayman Enterprise City. That’s why we partnered with The Agency from Beverly Hills—their contemporary approach to luxury real estate marketing resonates with this demographic. They’ve been invaluable in connecting us with a new wave of buyers seeking a second or third Caribbean home.
Finally, what message would you share with U.S. investors considering Cayman?
Cayman offers a combination that’s rare anywhere in the world—political stability, personal safety, and guaranteed property ownership under British law. As a British Overseas Territory, the Cayman Islands benefit from a highly respected legal framework, which is precisely why 80% of the world’s hedge funds are domiciled here. Title to property is government-guaranteed, so there’s no need for title insurance—buyers can invest with absolute confidence. On top of that, Cayman’s infrastructure, healthcare, and lifestyle are world-class. The island has first-rate restaurants, schools, and medical facilities, and the community is extraordinarily diverse, with over 140 nationalities represented. For investors, this means not only a safe environment for families but also strong, sustained property appreciation. As I often say, Cayman combines the best of both worlds—British law and Caribbean lifestyle. It’s a place where your investment grows while you enjoy the quality of life that comes with it. “Cayman delivers safety, certainty, and long-term value—come and see it for yourself.”
