• FAYE, FOUNDER/ OWNER, DESIGN STUDIO, CAYMAN ISLANDS AND TURKS & CAICOS

    Twenty-three years ago, Faye Ellingson founded Design Studio in Turks and Caicos. Today, the interior design business has two flourishing locations, one in the Cayman Islands, the other in Providenciales, with a combined staff of over 20. READ MORE

  • ROBERT TOWELL, ROBERT TOWELL ARCHITECT (RTA), CAYMAN ISLANDS

    Robert Towell, RIBA, is a Canadian-born registered architect who has been practising in the Cayman Islands since 1997. Over the course of his extensive career, he has worked on large commercial projects, boutique hotels and condominiums, and many custom single-family homes and renovations. READ MORE

  • I AM ENDEMIC: [R]EVOLUTIONARY STUART WILSON

    To love culture is to know culture. In a fusion of passion and purpose, Stuart Wilson, local musician and Historic Programmes Manager for the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, serves as a conduit between the echoes of the past and the aspirations for the future of Cayman. READ MORE

  • ISLAND FASCINATIONS | ARTIST JOANNA REED, BARBADOS

    Sitting on the back porch of the restaurant she runs with her husband in the Andromeda Botanic Gardens, looking out at tall trees and lush greenery, where monkeys jump from branch to branch and butterflies flit between colourful blooms, artist Joanne Reed reflects on Barbados’s vast, almost overwhelming nature. READ MORE

  • A CONVERSATION WITH MR A. L. THOMPSON, CAYMAN ISLANDS

    Meet Mr A. L. Thompson of A. L. Thompson’s, the island’s leading supplier of building materials, homewares, garden goods and more, a household name in Cayman.
    READ MORE

  • LAURA STANIFORTH, DESIGN STUDIO, TURKS AND CAICOS

    British-born Laura Staniforth grew up immersed in the world of design. With an interior designer mum and a dad in construction, there were always home renovations and projects to help with. Laura has since followed in her family’s footsteps… READ MORE

  • YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME, CAYMAN VILLAS, CAYMAN ISLANDS

    Born and raised in the Cayman Islands, Juliet Cumber-Forget took over the family business, Cayman Villas, in 2016, which was established in 1970 by her parents. Here, we talk about Cayman Villas’ vacation rentals and investment opportunities. READ MORE

  • ANTONETTE BAPTIST, SALES SPECIALIST, PROVENANCE PROPERTIES CAYMAN ISLANDS

    Born and raised in the Cayman Islands, Antonette joined Provenance Properties in 2022, bringing with her a wealth of experience in the high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth space.
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  • CHRONICLES OF CHANGE | ARTIST, JOHN BROAD, CAYMAN ISLANDS

    In a world that rushes relentlessly forward, John Broad’s vast body of work is a silent call to stop and reflect on where we are and where we have come from.
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  • HEIDI WESTCOTT, DESIGN STUDIO, TURKS AND CAICOS

    Born and raised in North Vancouver, BC, Heidi Westcott has always had a passion for design. She has lived between Cayman and the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) for 23 years and has been a team leader at Design Studio Turks and Caicos for the past 16 years. READ MORE

  • SEAN POWER, VINTAGE, CAYMAN ISLANDS

    Vintage, Cayman’s most elegant hair salon, has moved. Originally located at Seven Mile Shops, the uber stylish hair care centre has relocated to brand new 1500 square foot premises in Harbour Walk. Clients will find the same glamorous ambience at the new location, with Sean Power and his talented team offering their expertise… READ MORE

  • BECOMING TRUMAN, | THE HON. DR. TRUMAN BODDEN, OBE., CAYMAN ISLANDS

    Long before the Honourable Dr. Truman Murray Bodden, OBE, ascended to the rank of Leader of Government Business for the Cayman Islands, he was simply the little boy of humble means who spent his afternoons helping ‘Daddy’ in the family convenience store and fished in the bay like generations of his ancestors…READ MORE

  • ARTIST | DEBBIE VAN DER BOL, CAYMAN ISLANDS

    As time goes by | Preserving Cayman’s Built Heritage Through Art | After 35 years running Pure Art, Cayman’s premier art gallery and gift store, Debbie van der Bol has retired from retail to spend more time pursuing her painting. READ MORE

  • CASA BY CAROLINA HANE, CAYMAN ISLANDS

    Introducing CASA by Carolina Hane (CH), a luxury fragrance collection for homes, businesses and hotels. READ MORE

  • SOPHIE SWEETING, DESIGN STUDIO CAYMAN ISLANDS

    Sophie moved to Cayman and joined Design Studio in 2022, working as a multidisciplinary designer. She continues to follow the ethos that design is for living, transforming spaces with a practical sensibility. READ MORE

  • REALTOR, SHANICE EBANKS PROVENANCE PROPERTIES CAYMAN ISLANDS

    Born and raised in Grand Cayman, Shanice joined Provenance Properties in 2018. She is the OLEA Sales Specialist and assists the team with luxury listings across the islands. READ MORE

  • THE ART OF REINVENTION, ISY B., CAYMAN ISLANDS

    As founder of the Cayman Islands design brand Isy B, designer Isy Obi is no stranger to the art of reinvention. Her working life has seen her morph into careers as diverse as a fashion model, accountant, recruitment and relocation consultant and web developer… READ MORE

  • CHEF KERRYANN, LOBSTER POT, CAYMAN ISLANDS

    Kerrryann has been the chef at one of Cayman’s longest-standing restaurants, the Lobster Pot (established in 1965), for over thirteen years. Her passion for cooking developed naturally as a teenager in Jamaica… READ MORE

  • ARTIST, NASARIA SUCKOO CHOLLETTE

    A poet, storyteller and visual artist, Nasaria Suckoo Chollette’s extensive and varied body of work is as vibrant, passionate and empathetic as she is. READ MORE

  • DAVID & MICHELLE, DESIGN STUDIO, CAYMAN ISLANDS

    Although they started out a continent apart – David was raised in Victoria, BC, while Michelle grew up in Cayman, spending her time picnicking on beaches and visiting construction sites – they were destined to become partners in life and business… READ MORE

  • NATALIE URQUHART, CAYMAN ISLANDS

    So far, 2022 has been a good year for Natalie Urquhart. Not only did she receive a British Empire Medal in the Queen’s New Year’s Honour List and a gold star for creativity at the National Art and Culture Awards… READ MORE

  • ARTIST, DREADY'S WORLD, CAYMAN ISLANDS

    Filled with Caribbean sunshine, colour, and all-round good vibes, dready is mood-enhancing art. READ MORE

  • REALTOR, FLEUR COLEMAN, CAYMAN ISLANDS

    Meet Lead Sales Specialist at Provenance Properties, Cayman Islands, Fleur Coleman. READ MORE

  • BUILDING A LEGACY | BRIAN BUTLER, CAYMAN ISLANDS

    To understand the achievements of Brian Butler and the part he has played in making Grand Cayman the sophisticated, luxury tourism destination it is today, you need only cast your eye along Seven Mile Beach. READ MORE

  • POPPY OF LIVING.KY

    Before moving to Cayman, Poppy Webber lived, worked, and studied between Meribel in the French Alps and Sulawesi in Indonesia. Her travels initially brought her to Cayman for three weeks. That has now turned into eight years. She currently manages design services and operations at LIVING.KY… READ MORE

  • DAVID BRIDGEMAN - EVER EVOLVING

    David Bridgeman’s studio in George Town is a treasure trove of art supplies and inspirational material. The vivid colours of works-in-progress adorn the walls. Shelves are crammed with rolls of paper and canvas… READ MORE

  • PIETRO, DESIGNER AT DESIGN STUDIO

    Born and raised in Mexico City, Pietro Alberti studied in Barcelona and Oslo, earning a degree in Interior and Furniture Design. For the past five years, he has worked on commercial and residential spaces as well as designing one-off furniture pieces and millwork development. Pietro joined Design Studio in 2019… READ MORE

  • A PILLAR OF TRUST, PROSPERITY AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT | CAYMAN NATIONAL BANK LTD. | CAYMAN ISLANDS

    Since its establishment in 1974, Cayman National has grown into the leading financial institution in the Cayman Islands, offering a comprehensive range of banking and wealth management services to clients both locally and globally. READ MORE

  • DEFINING DEVELOPMENT | DEMYSTIFYING DEVELOPMENT & PLANNING PERMISSION IN THE CAYMAN ISLANDS

    Cayman Islands planning regulations can be complex, and knowing when you need planning permission is not always clear. To avoid wasting time and resources on submitting unnecessary planning applications and to prevent unauthorised works that could result in enforcement notices, the following is a summary of the situations in which one does, and does not, require planning permission. READ MORE

  • COASTAL DEVELOPMENTS: LEGAL ESSENTIALS FOR PROPERTY OWNERS AND DEVELOPERS

    To think of the Cayman Islands is to think of the sea. From the early reliance on fisheries and later seafaring as an avenue for financial independence to today’s thriving tourism sector, the water is an intrinsic part of the Islands’ cultural identity. As construction continues along Cayman’s coasts and canals, Ogier shares insights into the legal framework for coastal development projects. READ MORE

  • A NEW LEASE OF LIFE: A RESTORATION STORY, CAYMAN ISLANDS

    The future of Cayman’s oldest homes is tenuous - but one, at least, has been saved.
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  • MOONSHOT THINKING

     I recently had an incredible experience in London watching The Moonwalkers, an immersive voyage to our beautiful moon, narrated by Tom Hanks. It tells the stories of the Apollo missions between 1968 and 1972 when 12 American astronauts touched down on the surface of the moon. But no one has been back since... READ MORE

  • SUSTAINABLE LIVING, A CONVERSATION WITH REED CONSULTING ENGINEERS

    In the ever-evolving world of building design and construction, sustainability has taken centre stage. As discerning owners seek eco-friendly and energy-efficient solutions, they rely on engineers to guide them… READ MORE

  • BUILDING A LEGACY, A. L. THOMPSON’S, CAYMAN ISLANDS

    A. L. Thompson’s, the island’s leading supplier of building materials, homewares, garden goods and more, is a household name in Cayman. Run by the same family for more than 70 years, the business continues to grow and adapt to meet the needs of an evolving community. READ MORE

  • SIMPLIFYING DEVELOPMENT PLANNING, PPDS, CAYMAN ISLANDS

    Established and aspiring property developers can now streamline the planning process and maximise the likelihood of receiving approval thanks to a newly established company: Professional Planning and Development Services (PPDS). READ MORE

  • THE 25-YEAR EVOLUTION OF STICKS & STONES, CAYMAN ISLANDS

    Jesse La Fortune has worked for over 30 years in the luxury hotel and restaurant industry, including restaurant design consultancy. In 2006, he joined Sticks and Stones. Here, he shares the business’ evolution from inception to the present – and beyond. READ MORE

  • HOME COMING, FAIR WEATHER, CAYMAN ISLANDS

    After seven decades sailing the high seas, the Fair Weather, believed to be the last Caymanian-built schooner still afloat in the world, is returning to the Cayman Islands.
    READ MORE

  • CO-OWNING PROPERTY IN THE CAYMAN ISLANDS

    A GUIDE TO MAKE AN INFORMED DECISION.
    Purchasing a property is one of the biggest investments made in life. For various reasons, it is often done in partnership with one or more owners, … READ MORE

  • THE RIGHT COVERAGE | WHAT IS UNDERINSURANCE?

    Living in the Cayman Islands is a privilege, and owning a piece of this tropical paradise is a dream come true for many. However, one aspect of property ownership that is of paramount importance – yet frequently overlooked – is purchasing enough insurance coverage. READ MORE

  • CHIPPING AWAY

    “Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.” — Epictetus
    READ MORE

  • THE ART OF BALANCING FUNCTIONALITY AND SAFETY | STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING

    Understanding the design and construction process is essential for investing in luxury real estate in the Cayman Islands. To gain insight into this process, REAL LIFE sat down with a seasoned structural engineer from Reed Consulting Engineers. READ MORE

  • LUXURY WITH A TRULY PERSONAL SERVICE, KAY'S FINE JEWELRY, CAYMAN ISLANDS

    Kay’s Fine Jewelry is a family-owned and operated jewellery store with a presence in six Caribbean Islands. Co-founded by brothers Dan and Raj Chugani in 1989... READ MORE

  • SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE, AUDIOPHILE, CAYMAN ISLANDS

    Discover the latest automation technology for homes, businesses and hospitality venues at the new Audiophile flagship showroom in Camana Bay. READ MORE

  • LOOKING AHEAD

    Prospects for Growth and Construction Costs in the Caribbean. | The global economy is currently facing various challenges, including high inflation rates not seen in decades, ... READ MORE

  • CAYMAN'S MEMORY KEEPERS, MR. ARTHUR'S, CAYMAN ISLANDS

    Once upon a time, there was a tiny island in the middle of the Caribbean Sea. And on that island stood a pretty white cottage. And in that cottage lived a boy named Arthur, the youngest and slightest of five brothers, with a smile as wide as the horizon… READ MORE

  • KIRK FREEPORT | FIFTY YEAR ANNIVERSARY | GIVING BACK

    Kirk Freeport marked its 50th anniversary in 2022 with a host of donations and gifts to the community that has supported it over the past five decades. READ MORE

  • ARCH & GODFREY, CAYMAN ISLANDS | 50 YEARS OF CONSTRUCTION EXCELLENCE

    As one of the leading construction firms in the Cayman Islands, Arch and Godfrey has played a pivotal role in transforming the Cayman Islands into the sophisticated, upscale destination it is today. READ MORE

  • ELEVATE YOUR TRAVEL EXPERIENCE WITH CAYMAN PRIVATE AVIATION, CAYMAN ISLANDS

    Launched in 2022, Cayman Private Aviation ushers in a new era for air travel in the Cayman Islands, offering visitors and residents the comfort, convenience, and discretion of non-stop air travel by luxurious private jet. READ MORE

  • LUXURY WITH A FAMILY TOUCH | KAY’S FINE JEWELRY, CAYMAN ISLANDS

    Kay’s Fine Jewelry was founded on Dan and Raj Chugani’s dream of building a jewellery business unlike any other in the Caribbean. The brothers have put countless hours into perfecting their designs and manufacturing processes. READ MORE

  • THE IMPORTANCE OF BUILDING CODES, REED CONSULTING ENGINEERS, CAYMAN ISLANDS

    The process of securing building permits can be frustrating for many who just want to see their project break ground. The reality, however, is that building codes and their enforcement save lives and pave the way for safer communities. READ MORE

  • CONFLICT AVOIDANCE ON CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

    When embarking on construction projects, clients hope they will never encounter a dispute or a claim situation. However, construction projects are complex, long-term transactions with high levels of uncertainty. READ MORE

  • CHANGING THE ACCOUNTING STATUS QUO FOR REAL ESTATE BUSINESSES

    How do you feel when you think of ‘accounting’? Panic? Guilt? Or a smug satisfaction knowing you’ve got your bases covered? READ MORE

  • REED CONSULTING ENGINEERS, CAYMAN ISLANDS

    The construction industry globally is moving towards using Building Information Modelling (BIM) software and Revit as the gold standard in construction design, and Reed Consulting Engineers (RCE) is all in. READ MORE

  • FROM NATIONAL TO INTERNATIONAL, CORCORAN, CAYMAN ISLANDS

    Prime Locations Cayman is excited to announce that it has become a Caribbean affiliate of the Corcoran network and is now operating as Corcoran Cayman Islands. READ MORE

  • STRESS-FREE CONVEYANCING

    Whether buying your first home, upgrading to your forever home or buying an investment property, navigating the waters between the first viewing and seeing your name on the land register can seem daunting. READ MORE

  • WHAT DOES TOURISM'S RETURN MEAN FOR REAL ESTATE IN THE CAYMAN ISLANDS?

    The Cayman Islands have long debated the merits of stayover tourism versus cruise tourism. Traditionally, a far greater proportion of our visitors have been… READ MORE

  • OPTIMISM IS THE ONLY REALISM

    “On what principle is it, that when we see nothing but improvement behind us, we are to expect nothing but deterioration before us.” Thomas Babington Macaulay… READ MORE

  • DREAMSCAPE DESIGN & BUILD

    Turning dreams into designs, and designs into homes. Many homebuyers dream of designing and building their own home – one that fits their lifestyle, reflects their design taste, and is within their budget – but few are familiar with how to achieve that. Dreamscape Design and Build was created to ... READ MORE

  • REED CONSULTING ENGINEERS, CAYMAN ISLANDS

    Ben Morgan is a manager at Reed Consulting Engineers (RCE) and looks after the firm’s day-to-day operations. Holding a Bachelor of Commerce degree rather than an engineering degree, his focus is strictly on client, team, and shareholder success and happiness. READ MORE

  • ON THE RISE | REAL ESTATE PRICES IN THE CAYMAN ISLANDS

    Real estate prices in the Cayman Islands are rising to record levels and properties are selling fast. BCQS examines how the pandemic – and other factors – have impacted the real estate market in different districts. READ MORE

REAL LIFE magazine is for discerning individuals who appreciate all aspects of luxury living in a tropical paradise. Filled with beautiful images and superior content and design, our high-quality glossy magazine creates a pleasurable reading experience — one that will be embedded in your memory long after you have put down its pages.

Our informative editorials include all things upscale, from spa getaways to wine pairing tips to dazzling jewels; our regular feature articles encompass stunning properties, innovative interior designs and architecture, premium real estate listings and market reports. When it comes time for you to buy or sell your property, we hope REAL LIFE will be your reference guide as well as a splendid coffee table book.

Beautiful weather, pristine sandy beaches, crystal blue Caribbean Sea, a luxury property… and you. Now that’s real living.

That’s REAL LIFE!

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