Dart’s regional properties get Forbes Five-Star rating

(CMR) Global investor Dart, headquartered here in the Cayman Islands, recently received the Forbes Five-Star rating for its three regional properties.

Forbes Five-Star is considered the most highly coveted rating in the hospitality industry. When Forbes Travel Guide (FTG), the only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas and ocean cruises, announced its 2023 Star Awards on 15 February, among those with the prestigious Five-Star rating were a pair of properties in Grand Cayman and another in Anguilla: The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa and Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla. 

These properties in two islands on opposite ends of the Caribbean Sea are distinguished by having different brands and management teams. But the common thread that buoys them is that they are all world-class luxury resort properties in Dart’s hospitality portfolio.

Ahead of the 2023 Star Awards, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman was the only one of Dart’s hospitality offerings that had a Five-Star distinction.

“We knew Dart had a fantastic portfolio of properties that has gained a reputation of offering the highest quality customer service, and we were confident the 2023 ratings would reflect this. Having debuted a few short years before the pandemic, Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa has been making a name for itself, and Dart acquired Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla last year knowing that we were making the right investments that would translate into enhanced guest experiences,” said Dart President of Real Estate Asset Management, Justin Howe.

He added that with global travel continuing its post-pandemic resurgence and guests looking for the best on offer, the timing of the awards has come at a good time. 

Dart said the recent Forbes Five-Star rated properties and the destinations in which they are located will realise many benefits, such as promotion through Forbes.com, forbestravelguide.com and their social media channels, including Instagram, where @forbestravelguide is the #1 independent luxury hospitality account.

“To have these amazing hotels get the Five-Star seal of approval is a phenomenal achievement that showcases Dart as an investor and developer that leverages its strengths to bring added value to our properties, doing what’s needed to add value through investment, training and guidance,” said Senior Vice President of Active Investments and Hospitality Asset Management, Enrique Tasende.

Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, a colourful escape on Grand Cayman’s famous Seven Mile Beach, offers unmatched, unobstructed water views from nearly every one of its 264 guest rooms. It has now become the first AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five-Star property in the Kimpton brand.

The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman evokes the British Caribbean style that defines the Cayman Islands while also reflecting modern coastal elegance. The Cayman Islands’ first Five-Star resort is home to six distinct bars and restaurants, including Blue by Eric Ripert, the only AAA Five Diamond Restaurant in the Caribbean.

At Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla, guests can enjoy one of three picturesque pools (including the adults-only, infinity-edge Sunset Pool). Guests can settle into spacious accommodations, 80% of which feature picturesque ocean views.

“We are delighted to be able to offer travellers a variety of options to choose from, including these three appealing Five-Star properties showcasing the very best of what the Caribbean has to offer and staffed by some of the finest professionals in the hospitality industry worldwide,” said Mr. Tasende.