Designed to Travel: An Inside Look at Palm Heights
Interiors maven Christine Gachot and her husband, John, open up their travel diaries and share little-known secrets about a spectacular getaway
On the sunny paradise of Grand Cayman, nestled on one of the island’s most coveted stretches of white sand beaches, lies Palm Heights. An ode to the glory days of understated Caribbean glamour, the hotel is a celebration of design, cuisine, and thoughtful service. And, it just so happens that my longtime friend Ian Nicholson helped bring this tropical oasis to life, an extra special bonus since Ian is a true hospitality genius—come prepared for the fun!
Making an entrance…
The Palm Heights experience begins before guests even step through its doors. Upon landing, we were warmly greeted by the hotel’s concierge, who whisked us outside to a waiting vintage Mercedes-Benz. The driver introduced himself, then set off on the brief 15-minute journey to the property. Is this how it feels to be a rock star?
As John and I settled into the spacious leather interior with our son Jackie we exchanged looks of disbelief—the level of care was already remarkable, but this felt like something else entirely: the most effortlessly chic welcome we’ve ever experienced.
As we rolled up the hotel’s palm-lined driveway, the glossy white façade shimmered in the Caribbean sun, demanding our full attention. Moments later, our swank car doors swung open, greeted by a parade of stylish staff who brought us straight into the living room for a seamless check-in, no paperwork purgatory here. Instead of logistics, we were handed crisp welcome cocktails: the hotel’s famous Tillies Punch, plus a cold beer for my Spring-Breaker son.
A quick lay of the land followed, and then we were escorted to the most tasteful little happy hour imaginable. Think fresh appetizers substantial enough to count as dinner paired with house cocktails… all complimentary. We loved it so much we returned every day, and when I once mentioned a favorite drink, they happily made it just for me, even though it wasn’t on the menu that day. Welcome to the Palm Heights hospitality!
Come hungry…
Let’s be honest: while the Caribbean is one of the most beautiful destinations in the world for beach lovers, resorts don’t always deliver when it comes to fresh food that appeals to a more health-conscious, flavor-obsessed traveler. Palm Heights shatters that notion entirely with its four on-site restaurants, each offering a distinct cuisine and atmosphere—yet all equally delicious.
Tillie’s quickly became our go-to. Its refined-but-relaxed, toes-in-the-sand seaside setting makes it the perfect all-day café for elevated Caribbean dishes crafted from locally sourced island ingredients. Green papaya salad, grilled wild shrimp, snapper ceviche, and Cayman lobster were constant favorites. And yes, I know it’s the beach, but whatever you do, don’t skip the bread service. Trust me, wow.
Ask for anything, anywhere, seems to be in the DNA of Palm Heights. We enjoyed delicious meals from the comfort of our beach chaise, discovered a casual and super cute wood-fired pizza spot aptly named Paradise Pizza, and indulged in room service breakfasts that let us linger for hours on our terrace, savoring the view.
Rest your head…
Our oasis for the weekend was a two-bedroom suite, a super-chic retreat overlooking the Caribbean Sea. And while the ocean views were undeniably stunning, the interiors were just as memorable. A neutral-toned palette accented with sculptural design pieces created a tranquil environment, perfect for a pause from the sun and restful evenings. The bath, enveloped in glossy earth-hued tile, felt like a wellness sanctuary in itself. Deep soaking tubs and Costa Brazil products added thoughtful, spa-like touches. This is not your parents’s Caribbean experience—the interior design is warm, modern, casual, and effortlessly fashionable.
While the suites are a treat, the real star here is the sea. No trip to the Caribbean is complete without sun-soaked days spent lying in the sand, losing track of time. It felt like a challenge to unwind playing chess until all hours on Day 1, but by Day 3? We were begging not to leave. Even our skeptical Spring-Breaker agreed to extend the stay! Along the way, we casually bumped into friends from New York—some solo travelers, some with little ones. That’s one of the most special things about Palm Heights: its thoughtful curation of community. There’s something for everyone, attracting a lovely, mixed crowd, and the team makes it all feel effortless. We felt just as comfortable as an adult family as our friends did with babies. Yes, it’s really that cool.
Make yourself at home…
The whole point of a beach vacation is generally to relax. Here, guilt over not seeing or doing enough simply doesn’t exist; guests have all the time in the world to do absolutely nothing. At Palm Heights, the robust wellness offerings elevate that state of pure leisure. The Garden Club Spa is next-level relaxation: modern travertine set against a lush, layered landscape creates a serene, calming environment that soothes with its very presence. The treatments are thoughtful and indulgent, so much so that we returned again and again throughout our stay. Don’t miss the 90-minute Signature Therapeutic Massage—pair it with a Biologique Recherche facial and a cocktail by the spa pool, and its easy to forget to meet the husband and son for lunch.
That extra mile…
When we first arrived at our suite, we were delighted to find fresh fruit, green juices, a bucket of cold beer, and personalized swag for everyone! And the gear is so fun—sweatpants, T-shirts, sunscreen, beach bags, all thoughtfully put together for each of us. John wears his Palm Heights hat like a trophy, and whenever he spots someone else wearing one—most recently on a flight home from Milan—he introduces himself, shares stories about his stay, and can’t help but gush about the experience.
The takeaway…
The old saying “these are my people” couldn’t be truer at Palm Heights. Everyone is made to feel exactly that way. It’s warm, genuine hospitality with a wink that this is the place to be. Yes, it’s undeniably cool, but no one takes themselves too seriously. What they do take seriously is the pure enjoyment of their guests and the pleasure of making sure everyone is cared for throughout their stay. It’s a delicate balancing act—and Palm Heights nails it.
Don’t miss…
I have a soft spot for a well-curated boutique, and the shop at Palm Heights does not disappoint. In fact, John cheekily congratulated me for completely breaking my “hotel shop spending ceiling”—award accepted! I picked up a beautiful sterling silver cuff necklace, two soft long-sleeve tees, a lovely black floral dress, and, of course, some Palm Heights swag to bring home. The store also has a darling coffee bar and plenty of locally sourced gifts, perfect for friends at home.
Next time…
No matter how long many days someone is planning to book at Palm Heights, trust me—always tack on an extra!