Gabriella Khalil

Founder of Palm Heights Grand Cayman

If you could use only 3 words to describe Palm Heights, what would they be?

Inspiring, Paradise, Bespoke

What is something that makes Palm Heights unique?

The hotel has an amazing collection of books and magazines spanning from vintage, 1st editions and rare collectables that cover just about every subject. Guests can relax in the lounge and read or pop over to the bookstore on property called LibraryFetishdotcom and borrow any book throughout their stay.

PALM HEIGHTS - LOUNGE

Which Bellino product is your favorite?

Definitely the bedding. It is amazingly soft but also breathable as the hotel is in the Caribbean it is important to be cozy but also cool.

How do you relax and unwind after a long day?

If I am in Cayman I love to watch the sunset. Every night it is different but always spectacular. It is a beautiful and calming way to wind down.

SEVEN MILE BEACH

Where is your favorite place to spend time at Palm Heights?

I love the hotel beach bar called Coconut Club. It is located directly at the beach and has this amazing travertine bar which faces the water. The ocean view is so vivid and beautiful that sitting there with a cocktail in hand is definitely a highlight for me.

What is the first thing you do when you wake up?

I start every morning with a cup of hot English Breakfast tea and milk. It doesn't matter where I am, this is my go to in the morning.

What is currently inspiring you within the travel and hospitality industry?

I am feeling inspired by seeing the creativity put forth by the hotel industry that has been hit hard by the pandemic this past year. From virtual wellness, to interesting takeout options and various "experiences" for guests to take home until they can travel again, I feel inspired and love to see how hotels are adapting across the board.

What is your favorite design aspect of Palm Heights?

I love the actual design objects which were sourced around the world. There are lots of vintage pieces and furniture which all help tell an authentic and beautiful visual story. The vintage 1970's Ettore Sottsass rug which greets guests when they enter the lobby is one of my favorite pieces at the property.

PALM HEIGHTS - TWO BEDROOM BEACHFRONT TERRACE

With so much change this year, what advice would you give to someone just starting out in the hospitality industry?

I would say to always be creative and ready to adapt. We are living in an ever changing world right now and hospitality is definitely feeling the effects of this. I think that staying creative and coming up with ideas, experiences and an authentic connection to guests makes a big difference.

Where do you see the hospitality industry progressing towards in five years?

I think bespoke wellness will become a larger part of hotel experiences. I also think that people may start to take longer trips once travel resumes again. We have all experienced the pandemic differently but I think that mostly everyone feels that travel and vacation is something to cherish (more than ever before).

PALM HEIGHTS - EXTERIOR