Visible construction work has paused at the stalled Kailani hotel site in George Town over the past six months. Developer NCB Group called the latest delay a “strategic decision” and said it now aims to open the project by the end of 2026 – seven years after initially planned.
The developer, in written response to questions from the Compass, said, “While early hotel unit sales progressed, they did so more gradually than initially projected.
“Following the completion of the hotel shell and roof topping in late 2024, we made a strategic decision to pause exterior works to refine Kailani’s completion strategy.”
NCB Investments initially purchased the waterfront property opposite Kirk Market in George Town in December 2016 to build the project, described in a brochure as “Cayman Islands’ first luxury wellness and business boutique hotel”.
Kailani timeline
In June 2017, NCB announced it had submitted plans for a 60-unit boutique hotel, which it expected would open in 2019. The developer’s plan later changed to increase the total number of units to 80. Those units include one-, two- and three-bedroom suites.
In February 2019, the NCB Group revealed the upscale hotel brand Curio Collection by Hilton had agreed a deal to operate the hotel, which was under construction and at that time scheduled to open in 2021.
Later that year came the announcement of the name, ‘Kailani’, and the first phase of construction on the seven-storey hotel project commenced. The hotel, designed by architectural firm A++, would include a wellness spa with a gym, yoga studio, thermal spa, sauna and hydro pool, and relaxation areas on its top floor, as well as two restaurants and a pool-side café.
Updates on the Kailani Grand Cayman website continued periodically until April 2023, when the last construction update was posted in the news section.
On 30 Sept. 2024, NCB Group, in a press release, announced a key construction milestone for the project with the hotel’s roof topping. At the time, it was indicated that Kailani Grand Cayman was “slated to open its doors to guests in late 2025”.
It was after the roof topping that work appeared to slow down significantly. The developer said in a recent written statement, “The controlled pause ensured the next phase of financing and construction could move forward efficiently and in alignment with the long-term success of the project.
“Although on-site activity has been less visible over the past six months, work has continued behind the scenes, including interior design development, procurement and project planning.”
Recommencement of construction
The NCB Group also said that a recent multi-unit sale has resulted in the hotel now being 100% under contract.
“This milestone has unlocked the next phase of project financing, which is anticipated to be received in August. With this in place, we are moving confidently into the next phase of construction,” the developer said.
Matthew Wight, managing director of NCB Group, added, “Kailani remains a priority for NCB Group. Construction will resume in August, positioning us to deliver the project in time for the 2026 high season.”
“As Cayman’s first business and wellness hotel of its kind, Kailani will introduce a new category of upscale, sustainable hospitality, aligned with our commitment to responsible and forward-thinking development,” Wight added.
“The project is also expected to support local employment and enhance Cayman’s stayover tourism offering in a high-growth travel segment.”