By Alexander Britell

A grand hotel is coming to Grand Cayman.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced a major new hotel project in the Cayman Islands.

A Hyatt affiliate has entered into a franchise and related agreements with Pageant Beach Ltd for the 351-room Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman Hotel and Residences.

The hotel will be managed by an affiliate of Aimbridge Hospitality, which has been rapidly expanding its footprint in the Caribbean, most recently with properties like the Jewel Grande in Montego Bay and the Harbor Club in Saint Lucia.

“We are delighted that the Grand Hyatt brand is expanding in the Caribbean, and especially in Grand Cayman where the hospitality and tourism sector is primarily aimed at the luxury market,” said David Tarr, senior vice president of development for Hyatt. “The opening of this hotel will be a great addition to this popular destination, and marks the welcome return of the Hyatt brand to the Cayman Islands. Guests will experience welcoming luxury and best-in-class restaurants at Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman Hotel & Residences, while also creating memorable experiences in this breathtaking destination.”

The project, which is slated to debut in the fourth quarter of 2020, will be set on a 7.1-acre site on Grand Cayman’s famous Seven Mile Beach.

“Pageant Beach Hotel Ltd. is excited to be developing what we know will be a sought-after vacation and meeting destination, with the Grand Hyatt brand’s signature grandeur, authentic dining experiences and memorable moments of more,” said Howard Sitzer, chairman of Pageant Beach Hotel Ltd. “Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman Hotel & Residences will represent a unique concept in the Cayman Islands for international leisure travelers and groups looking for the ideal combination of luxury, comfort and function in their resort experience.”

The Grand Hyatt will include 351 rooms, with layouts tanging from studio suites to one, two and three-bedroom units set along a seafront “eco-walk.” It will include six food and beverage venues, a 9,000-square-foot spa, three swimming pools, a kids club and a screening room.

It will also feature 25,000 square feet of indoor meeting and event space, which will be the largest function space in the Cayman Islands.

“Aimbridge Hospitality is honored to collaborate with Hyatt on this incredible Grand Hyatt Grand Cayman resort to enhance the guest experience and boost revenue,” said President and Chief Executive Officer Dave Johnson, Aimbridge Hospitality. “We are proud to expand our Caribbean resort portfolio, and our team looks forward to providing the ultimate vacation experience for our guests.”

The Pageant Beach project was first announced in August 2017, with an estimated investment of $285 million.