TIKI BEACH - Grand Cayman Island, 7 Mile Beach - Grand Cayman, (other)

Name:TIKI BEACH - Grand Cayman Island
Type:other
Street:West Bay Road
City:7 Mile Beach - Grand Cayman
State:
Zip:
country:USA
Phone:
Status:unknown

Description:
There is a huge tiki bar going up down here on Grand Cayman as we speak! It is called Tiki Beach, and it is located on 7 Mile Beach on Grand Cayman Island. I have some sneak peak photos to post that I shot a few days ago. Here is a write up I found on the new facility...

One of interesting things about the Polynesian Pop movement of the 20th Century is that it crossed over into many art forms: visual, dance, music, culinary, and architecture. Sadly, as the allure was lost on the general public, many of the buildings that adopted the look have been renovated into more pedestrian forms.

Fortunately, the style seems to be making at least a minor comeback in the Cayman Islands, were a new bar and watercraft rental facility, Tiki Beach, is being built in the style. Architect John Doak notes:

“With the name Tiki Beach, the project required an iconic roof feature, hence the steeply pitched shape rising high above the treetops, to announce its location – according to some sailing friends, it’s already becoming a navigational landmark.”

The facility is scheduled to open at the end of July on Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman.

[ Edited by: RumPointRudy 2010-02-28 18:56 ]

[ Edited by: RumPointRudy 2010-02-28 18:59 ]

More info on this plce-

Residents and visitors have been curiously monitoring a construction just north of the former Gecko Bar over the past months.
tiki bar

Architect John Doaks rendering of the new Tiki Beach.
Photo: Submitted

Making a striking impact on the Seven Mile Beach shoreline, the property is Cayman’s newest tourism attraction: a tiki bar and watersports centre called Tiki Beach.

“Tiki Beach is a full service facility the likes of which have never been seen in Cayman,” explained developer Ernest Smatt.

“Among the services that will be offered are a specialised restaurant and bar and full beach services.”

The building design comprises three tiki–style palm thatched huts, its supporting poles set upon wooden decks. Design architect John Doak describes the simplistic wood framed design and architectural concept as “barefoot, rustic elegance”.

“With the name Tiki Beach, the project required an iconic roof feature, hence the steeply pitched shape rising high above the treetops, to announce its location – according to some sailing friends, it’s already becoming a navigational landmark,” said Mr. Doak.

While the tiki roof may appear authentic, the decision was made to use synthetic thatch in the interest of durability and cost–effectiveness.

“If we used the real thing, it would need replacing every few years. This roof is actually solid underneath with thatch on top,” said builder John Hurlstone.

Mr. Smatt said the team behind the project hopes it will have a major impact on Cayman’s tourism environment, serving locals, hotel guests and cruise ship visitors.

“We will be serving the clients we were serving at the Beach Club Colony, although this facility will not be a hotel,” he said.

Flanked on either side by the kitchen and watersports pavilions, the largest of the three pavilions is the 40ft x 60ft beach bar with room for 100 to 150 people.

Open on all sides to the cooling tropical breezes, the bar area spills out over wooden decks arranged with linen covered banquettes and lazy chaises, able to accommodate an additional 100 to 150 people for outdoor dining.

Two gazebos, roofed in a style that resembles the inverted hulls of Cayman’s traditional catboats will be able to accommodate small groups, said Mr. Doak.

Mr. Smatt said plans are for Tiki Beach to be the beginning of a new brand of first–class beach facility.

“Our hope is that this vision will be fruitful, and will be a positive contribution to Cayman. Everything one does should be the best it can be,” he said.

Also raising interest is the fact that the project is being built at a time when Cayman’s construction industry is in the doldrums.

With the project due to open at the end of January, Mr. Hurlstone says his firm was fortunate for the work given the financial straits many businesses in the construction business are in.

“A niche was identified for an upscale beach facility and Tiki Beach certainly provides a great venue to enjoy a beautiful stretch of Seven Mile Beach,” said Mr. Hurlstone.

“We hope residents and visitors alike will find the spot an attractive oceanfront location.”

“With the name Tiki Beach, the project required an iconic roof feature.."

I'll give them kudos for getting that right.

This looks great...When does/did it open for business?

I was in Cayman all last week Tiki Beach is still open and looks the same as your pics
It seems like the road to west bayhas been blocked off and re-routed since the last time i was here
Saw a few tikis in a Georgetown gift shop near the Margaritaville
Overall not much poly pop to be had on Cayman but some damn fine snorkelin' in the blue water

Nice follow-up, Tiki Roa. I'd like to go there, have heard the island has a lot to offer.

Did you get to pick up anything interesting while you were there, like some Qban rums, nudge nudge, wink wink?