As one of the more easily accessible Caribbean islands from the U.S., Grand Cayman certainly has its appeal as a vacation home setting. And for second home shoppers looking for their own slice of pristine beach there is new luxury option from Ritz-Carlton, though it comes with a steep price tag.

Ritz-Carlton, which already runs a luxury hotel on the island and a residential development, just announced the DeckHouses, a new project aimed at those who seek larger spreads with a feel of private island living.

What’s for sale

Whole ownership in 19 five-bedroom, five-bath single-family homes in a gated community, starting at $3.5 million. Reservations for ownership are being accepted through the end of 2007, with contracted sales expected to commence before the new year.

What you get

This isn’t your parent’s beach shack. In fact, each home is 6,300 square feet spread across three levels with a private infinity pool, wrap-around deck and an attached boathouse. A one-bedroom, one-bath guest cottage is also on each property. Residences are secluded and surrounded by lush vegetation and Ritz positions the development as having the aura of private island living. The reality? While each home does have its own private beach and cove, there are neighbors, though they’ll be on their own private stretch of sand.

What distinguishes this from other ownership options in the Cayman Islands is the full access to the Ritz-Carlton resort. The property is home to a Greg Norman-designed golf course and a restaurant from acclaimed New York City seafood chef Eric Ripert, among other facilities. The DeckHouses also come with what the Ritz-Carlton calls “Endless Service”, a collection of personalized services, from interior design and boat rentals to personal butlers.

The Helium Report Take

Luxury and the Caribbean go hand in hand these days, but this new Ritz-Carlton project is certainly on the high end of projects in the region in both design and price. But with the lofty price tag the developer is creating a package that, perhaps, will appeal to the second home buyer on a whole new level. Not only are the homes being sold fully furnished, but there are options for a boat, golf cart, and even luxury vehicle for truly turnkey living.