Article Snapshot:
- Dart is in the final stages of purchasing Le Soleil D’Or, a struggling luxury hotel on Cayman Brac.
- Jackie Doak, Dart Real Estate Business Development President announced the purchase at Thursday’s Chamber of Commerce luncheon, stating that “Dart’s intention is to restore the resort to full operations and retain current staff.”
- By purchasing Le Soleil D’Or, Dart will be able to “offer multiple [luxury hotel] destinations within the Cayman Islands.”
- Despite featuring nine luxury villas, a fitness center, restaurants and a spa, Le Soleil D’Or has been relatively vacant since 2017. Only one villa is currently in use.
- Tourism to the Brac increased by 12 percent between 2015 and 2017, and yet the both the Alexander Hotel and Divi Tiara Beach Resort still remain vacant.
- Tourism Minister Moses Kirkonnell claims that Airbnb, VRBO and other similar companies are to blame.
Look out, Brac – Dart Is Moving In
Dart is in the final stages of purchasing Le Soleil D’Or, a struggling luxury hotel on Cayman Brac. Open since 2014, the once-vibrant hotel has remained relatively vacant since 2017. Despite featuring nine luxury villas, a fitness center, farm-to-table restaurants and a spa, only one villa is currently in use.
Jackie Doak, Dart Real Estate Business Development President announced the purchase at Thursday’s Chamber of Commerce luncheon, stating that “Dart’s intention is to restore the resort to full operations and retain current staff.” She noted that Le Soleil D’Or will allow Dart to “to offer multiple [luxury hotel] destinations within the Cayman Islands.”
Although Dart currently owns smaller properties on the Brac, this is by far the most prolific purchase made by the ever-expanding empire on the island. The resort was ranked 2nd best resort in the Caribbean and 34th best in the world by Conde Nast Traveler in 2016.
A Positive Change
Senior Brac government officials met with Dart representatives prior to purchase negotiations to encourage a smooth transition. As stated in Dart’s recent press release, District Commissioner Ernie Scott claims that local officials and residents are optimistic about Dart’s plan to invest in Cayman Brac.
“On behalf of the people of Cayman Brac we welcome the arrival of the Dart Group to Cayman Brac. We recognize the partnership opportunities that we discussed in our recent meeting and the positive outlook this means for Cayman Brac.”
Taking Back Tourism
Tourism to the Brac increased by 12 percent between 2015 and 2017, and yet the both the Alexander Hotel and Divi Tiara Beach Resort still remain vacant. The Alexander Hotel closed in June 2014, and the Divi Tiara closed in September 2006. The Cayman Brac Beach Resort is the only hotel on the island that is currently in operation.
Tourism Minister Moses Kirkonnell claims that Airbnb, VRBO and similar companies are to blame. If all goes as planned, the revamped Le Soleil D’Or will pull tourism away from vacation rental properties and create a new sector of tourism centered around luxury on the Brac.