< Previous18 INSIDEOUT DIS ‘N’ DAT | TRENDS IT’S THE LATEST INNOVATION IN THE KITCHEN. ‘Invisible’ countertops are trending in the heart of the home, not only adding a luxury design element but also elevating the culinary experience. The technology transforms countertops into a high-tech – and visually seamless – cooking surface, a big draw for those who prefer a sleek, uncluttered look. SLEEK & MODERN “It’s very sleek and modern,” says Nathalie Fakhry, design consultant with ITC, which recently brought in porcelain countertops designed especially for induction cooking systems. It’s called ‘invisible’ as a control panel is fitted directly underneath the porcelain countertop, transforming the surface into a cooktop without any visible burners. It frees up counterspace – often a hot commodity in the kitchen – when not in use, and adds a clean, minimalist aesthetic. “The less clutter, the more luxury look you are going to have,” says Nathalie. “It’s very innovative.” INDUCTION COOKING Induction is a type of cooking technology that uses an electromagnetic field to directly heat pots and pans. Rather than using thermal conduction – a gas or electric element that transfers heat from a burner to a pot or pan – induction heats the cookware itself almost instantly. Once the pots are removed, the cooktop cools down quickly. A built-in safety feature is it won’t heat without a pan on top. The induction cooking system is reported to be more sustainable as it uses less energy than traditional electric or gas systems. Another plus is induction allows home cooks to control the temperature more precisely than its gas or electric counterparts. It heats up faster, cooks more evenly and endures high temperatures. “With just a touch, your countertop springs to life, becoming a zone of culinary creativity,” says Nathalie. For those who love their high-tech gadgets, induction systems offer the option to remotely control the cooktop from smart devices. And the smooth porcelain surface makes clean-up a breeze – it’s simply a matter of wiping down the countertop. ITC has set up a demonstration countertop in its showroom so people can experience induction cooking first-hand. ■ INVISIBLE COUNTERTOPS: A sophisticated touch to the kitchen20 INSIDEOUT DIS ‘N’ DAT | TIPS THE CAYMAN ISLANDS IS KNOWN FOR ITS LUSH LANDSCAPES and beautiful gardens, but these tropical spaces can also attract unwanted pests. Giles Smith, founder of Paradise Landscaping, offers professional advice on how to spot and treat these uninvited guests and guard against infestation. Whiteflies: As the name suggests, they are small, white, flying pests (although not in the fly family) and they feed on the leaves of plants. Whiteflies generally live on the underside of the plant leaves and cause damage to plants by feeding on the sap from inside leaf tissue. Heavy infestation can cause significant leaf drop and stress to the affected plant(s). Chemical and organic control options are readily available but complete spray coverage of the entire plant, and primarily the underside of the leaf, is required. Chemical options: Imidichloprid, bifenthrin, caprid. Organic options: Neem oil, insecticidal soap, horticultural oil. A follow-up application in 7 to 10 days is generally required to target the eggs that can hatch after the initial spray application. Scales: Insect scales fall into two groups: soft bodied and armoured. Scales are a sap-sucking pest and feed on the leaves, stems and shoots of many plant species. Heavy infestation can cause branch dieback and even kill smaller or significantly stressed plants. A common tell-tale sign of a heavy scale infestation is the presence of ‘black sooty mould’ or ‘black lice’ (as more commonly called here in the Cayman Islands) on the host plant or on the understorey plants and surrounding hardscape. This is the result of the feeding activity of the scales and the resulting ‘honey dew’ that is excreted from the scales. ‘Honey dew’ is a sticky, sugary substance that supports the growth of the black fungus ‘black lice’. Chemical and organic options are available but ‘systemic’ chemical controls work better on the armoured scales. Chemical options: Imidichloprid, caprid and acephate. Organic spray options: Neem oil, insecticidal soap, horticultural oil. Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny sap-sucking pests with some species resembling spiders, the most noticeable resemblance being the silk webs that they produce. While spider mites can be very hard for some to see with the naked eye, a severe infestation can be evident from the ‘scorched’ and desiccated-looking leaves of the host plant. A closer look will show the web’s along with the tiny spider mites busily moving around. Spider mites can cause severe damage and sometimes plant death in short order, if not treated. Common host plants in Cayman are crinum lilies (all varieties are susceptible but the yellow and purple varieties seem to be a favourite) and several species of palms. Spider mites can be difficult to control with conventional insecticides. The best control is achieved with the use of ‘miticides’, or a combination of both. Chemical options: Abamectin and bifenthrin. Organic options: Cure and neem oil. ■ TACKLING COMMON GARDEN PESTS I N DOOR & OU TDOOR F U R N ITU R E, SPACE PLANNING AND WINDOW TR EATME NTS 19 Compass Drive (345) 949-6233 arwashburn@marksons.ky marksons.ky MarksonsFW marksonsfurniturewindows PLANNING AND WINDOW TR EATME NTS Enjoy the Finest Personalised Care at Orthodontics At Cayman Dental Services T: 345-949-5090 W: caymanorthodontics.com Located in Camana Bay Now with extended offi ce hours Specialising in beautiful smiles for all ages. Scan to book Now! 21 INSIDEOUTA boutique size rarely found in the Cayman Islands, this intimate northwest community features only 12 three- bedroom, one-to-three-storey residences, with amenities including five pools and sophisticated sustainable features. Buyers are encouraged to get in at the ground level to maximise their return on investment – in both capital appreciation and rental income. SunDance Soak up sea-to-sky views and reliable returns This unique business and wellness hotel is a first for NCB Group and the Cayman Islands. A partnership with Curio Collection by Hilton Hotels, the project is well placed to capitalise on the rocketing wellness tourism sector, offering owners some of the lowest prices per square foot for prime beachfront property and 50% of gross room rentals. Here, you’ll find integrated sustainable design features and a mix of one- and two-storey floorplans. Kailani Grand Cayman Invest in the world’s fastest-growing travel sector Located along Savannah’s charming canal front, this mixed residential neighbourhood offers homeowners a community pool, gym, and landscaped green spaces. Currently featuring 42 developer-designed two- and three-bedroom townhomes at competitive prices, the multi-phased project is scheduled to launch further collections soon. Sunrise Landing Presenting the Townhome Collection Tucked away on Cayman’s northwest coast, this boutique residential community embraces a laid-back lifestyle befitting the location, offering a private retreat with unparalleled views of the Caribbean Sea. Building works are underway, but with high investor interest, inventory is already limited. Now at 75% sold, only four one-to-three storey, three-bedroom units are available – so act fast. WAVES Dive into a secluded coastal landscape With elevated family-friendly amenities, including pickleball courts and a children’s playground, this Red Bay community presents a diverse range of waterfront lots starting at under CI$300,000. Select from large plots overlooking the North Sound or sheltered canal or lakefront lots. Auburn Bay Build a life you love in Red Bay The long-term rewards of property investing Reap the benefits of Cayman’s thriving real estate market with these five stellar opportunities to invest. Despite the challenges of the global housing market, long-term returns continue to offer a lucrative approach to financial growth, with real estate owners experiencing an average of 40% value appreciation on their investments. As the demand for Cayman Islands real estate increases, NCB Group responds with a diverse portfolio of properties catering to various lifestyles, budgets and goals. Over two decades in the Cayman Islands, NCB Group has earned a reputation for developing sustainable communities of distinction and building with Cayman’s future in mind. Following a successful year launching four amenity-rich residential neighbourhoods, the summer of 2023 saw NCB Group return to the market with SunDance, a luxurious new oceanfront development offering early buyers an opportunity to secure pre-construction pricing and enticing returns. Whether stepping onto the property ladder, growing with your family, or searching for a vacation home or investment property, the NCB Group real estate portfolio has an opportunity that’s right for you. DISCOVER MORE ncbgroup.ky/propertiesA boutique size rarely found in the Cayman Islands, this intimate northwest community features only 12 three- bedroom, one-to-three-storey residences, with amenities including five pools and sophisticated sustainable features. Buyers are encouraged to get in at the ground level to maximise their return on investment – in both capital appreciation and rental income. SunDance Soak up sea-to-sky views and reliable returns This unique business and wellness hotel is a first for NCB Group and the Cayman Islands. A partnership with Curio Collection by Hilton Hotels, the project is well placed to capitalise on the rocketing wellness tourism sector, offering owners some of the lowest prices per square foot for prime beachfront property and 50% of gross room rentals. Here, you’ll find integrated sustainable design features and a mix of one- and two-storey floorplans. Kailani Grand Cayman Invest in the world’s fastest-growing travel sector Located along Savannah’s charming canal front, this mixed residential neighbourhood offers homeowners a community pool, gym, and landscaped green spaces. Currently featuring 42 developer-designed two- and three-bedroom townhomes at competitive prices, the multi-phased project is scheduled to launch further collections soon. Sunrise Landing Presenting the Townhome Collection Tucked away on Cayman’s northwest coast, this boutique residential community embraces a laid-back lifestyle befitting the location, offering a private retreat with unparalleled views of the Caribbean Sea. Building works are underway, but with high investor interest, inventory is already limited. Now at 75% sold, only four one-to-three storey, three-bedroom units are available – so act fast. WAVES Dive into a secluded coastal landscape With elevated family-friendly amenities, including pickleball courts and a children’s playground, this Red Bay community presents a diverse range of waterfront lots starting at under CI$300,000. Select from large plots overlooking the North Sound or sheltered canal or lakefront lots. Auburn Bay Build a life you love in Red Bay The long-term rewards of property investing Reap the benefits of Cayman’s thriving real estate market with these five stellar opportunities to invest. Despite the challenges of the global housing market, long-term returns continue to offer a lucrative approach to financial growth, with real estate owners experiencing an average of 40% value appreciation on their investments. As the demand for Cayman Islands real estate increases, NCB Group responds with a diverse portfolio of properties catering to various lifestyles, budgets and goals. Over two decades in the Cayman Islands, NCB Group has earned a reputation for developing sustainable communities of distinction and building with Cayman’s future in mind. Following a successful year launching four amenity-rich residential neighbourhoods, the summer of 2023 saw NCB Group return to the market with SunDance, a luxurious new oceanfront development offering early buyers an opportunity to secure pre-construction pricing and enticing returns. Whether stepping onto the property ladder, growing with your family, or searching for a vacation home or investment property, the NCB Group real estate portfolio has an opportunity that’s right for you. DISCOVER MORE ncbgroup.ky/properties24 INSIDEOUT DIS ‘N’ DAT | MADE IN CAYMAN DIS ’N’ DAT | MADE IN CAYMAN MOISES SEVILLA CREATES AWARD-WINNING LIBATIONS GIN OF THE GODS Words: LAURA MUNYARD DURSTON Images: TANEOS RAMSAY Grand Cayman Distillery CEO Moises Sevilla.25 INSIDEOUT Images: DARIA KEENAN “ RTNO SOIL The greens are all grown organically using a hydroponic technique, which doesn’t use soil. Everything is seeded, grown, harvested, packaged and shipped from the farm to ensure and maintain cleanliness and freshness. “I would describe the business as the ‘future of farming’, which is our slogan,” says Codi. “I’m taking full advantage of my computer science degree whilst combining (with) a field which has been around for thousands of years. “I’ve been around farming since a very young age, with my father and grandfather heavily involved in residential and commercial farming and livestock. Primitive Greens is the combination of innovation with a hint of the old ways of agriculture.” The name of his business is significant for Codi who aims to dial back farming to a cleaner, greener state. “The word primitive means ‘preserving the character of an early stage in the evolutionary development of something’ and this is exactly what we aim to do; take produce back to the basics,” he says. “Back to before they were sprayed with various chemicals in order to fight pests, extreme weather and to extend shelf life.”26 INSIDEOUT WHEN ZEUS GIN WON GOLD at the 2023 New York International Spirits Competition (NYISC), it was the culmination of years of dedication by CEO Moises Sevilla. And the accolade was testament to the passion he has for his craft, and the sacrifices made to pursue his dream. While previously working at a local distillery as retail manager, Moises’ interest in the age-old process of alcohol production was piqued. “After a while I fell in love with the art of distillation,” he says. “I started buying books on the subject, watching every video and reading every forum I could find.” Once he felt comfortable, Moises convinced the owners to let him use a small test still (the apparatus used to distill liquid) which was collecting dust in a corner. “I used that still to create brandy, whisky, absinthe, flavoured rum and a gin series; one of which raised a good amount of money for a local charity,” he says. With sculpting and painting already being forms of expression for Moises, he had now found a new art medium through which to channel this interest. “The idea for (Grand Cayman Distillery) was born out of necessity,” he says. “I was the happiest when creating new products and I knew I would never have the freedom to create the spirits I wanted unless I owned my own distillery.”27 INSIDEOUT The award-winning Blue Iguana and Zeus gins.Next >