Dellis Cay development promises one of the world’s “rarest living experiences.”

By Kathy Borsuk ~ Illustrations By dbox Inc.

Dellis Cay has always been a rare and magical place. Tucked between Fort George and Parrot Cays along the string of jewels between Providenciales and North Caicos, seekers of the secluded have prized its sugar-sand shores and vibrant turquoise waters for ultra-private beachgoing. As well, a quirky combination of tide and currents makes Dellis Cay the best place for finding shells in the Turks & Caicos Islands.

Dellis Cay will soon share its treasures with a handful of highly discriminating clientele. Recently purchased by Dr. Cem Kinay, the 560-acre private island is now part of the prestigious O Property Collection, an innovative, design-driven international real estate development group. Kinay promises to make Dellis Cay among “the world’s rarest living experiences” with a limited collection of private villas and residences.

The vision behind The O Property Collection (OPC), according to Dr. Kinay, chairman and CEO, is to become the world’s first design-driven premium property developments. Kinay believes, “Design is an interactive part of the living experience. Design creates the basis from which essential concepts like comfort, technology, aesthetics and ecology work together to achieve balance.”

For the Dellis Cay project — OPC’s debut and the cornerstone of the pioneering company — Kinay united a cadre of the world’s leading architects and designers who share his philosophy. Together, they will sculpt a magical luxury destination community, where unobtrusive structures complement the cay’s exquisite natural setting, and interiors effortlessly fuse nature and functionality. Amenities and service will be peerlessly managed by the award-winning luxury hospitality group Mandarin Oriental Hotels, owner and operator of 21 of the world’s most prestigious hotels and resorts, and devoted to combining “21st century luxury with Oriental charm.”

Each of the architects is devoted to the development of one portion of the island. From Milan, renowned Italian architect Piero Lissoni has created the Mandarin Oriental Hotel & Residences, along with the nearby Beach House Residences and Beach & Ocean Villas. From Tokyo, Kengo Kuma was chosen to create the Spa at Mandarin Oriental and the Spa Lake Villas, while Shigeru Ban lends his expertise to the design of beach villas and over-the-water villas linked by a discreet deck. Singapore-based Carl Ettensperger will design a set of the Caribbean’s first over-the-water villas to follow the natural curves of the shoreline, while offering unobstructed views of the sea. London’s David Chipperfield will design and develop a natural peninsula on the north shore, where residents will indulge in magnificent views of the glistening water and protected lush mangroves. Also London-based, Zaha Hadid has overseen the Dellis Cay Master Plan and will create luxury residences, beachfront villas, a commercial building with restaurants and boutiques and a marina planned for the cay’s eastern flank. Each of the architects will contribute to developing the western end of the island, where buyers will have the opportunity to choose one of the astounding villa designs as their new home. Plans are for the Dellis Cay project to be completed in three phases over the next two to five years, with the first phase, described below, scheduled to open in 2009.

Blending into the scenic southwestern shore on an unspoiled 35 acre beachfront site will be The Residences at Mandarin Oriental Dellis Cay. Surrounded by porcelain-white sands, sheltered coral reefs and protected mangrove reserves, the secluded hideaway will feature 25 exclusive hotel suites, 17 private stand-alone villas and 78 multi-roomed apartments.

The hotel — simple and elegantly designed — will be the first visible building when arriving by private boat from Providenciales. An open sequence of public spaces on the ground floor will interweave services, restaurants, pools and facilities. The upper two floors are reserved for the hotel suites and residences, while the gracious roof is dedicated to exclusive penthouses with private pools. All accommodations are designed with expansive outdoor terraces and balconies providing panoramic views of the ocean, beachfront and lushly landscaped grounds. Completing the picture are infinity-edge swimming pools, sun decks, tennis courts, a beach club, a well-equipped business center, a library and resort boutiques. A choice of innovative cuisine, emphasizing fresh, local ingredients, will be featured at the signature restaurant and bars in a variety of settings, both indoor and outdoor.

The dramatic 30,000 sq. ft. Spa at Mandarin Oriental is set in beautifully designed pavilions that seem to float over a tranquil lake. The spa will focus on a holistic approach to wellness, including inspiration towards lifestyle improvements, with 15 individual rooms and VIP couples suites, state-of-the-art heat and water treatments, an outdoor Watsu pool and a fitness center.

Opportunities to own within the Mandarin Oriental include two-bedroom residences and one-bedroom duplexes, with only four, three to four bedroom penthouses available. Each of the 24 residences is a home of its own, with interior design highlighting the building’s generous proportions and luxurious appointments.

At the Beach House Residences at Mandarin Oriental, nine buildings provide a variety of living possibilities, from spacious two-bedroom residences to three-bedroom duplex penthouses. Distributed around a central pool, the buildings are surrounded by distinctive water areas interconnected by walkways offering private beach access. Each beach house residence enjoys unobstructed ocean views and is fully serviced by the Mandarin Oriental staff.

Tucked away along the northeast and southeast areas of the hotel are the five to six bedroom, 4,000+ sq. ft. private beach and ocean villas, also designed by Piero Lissoni. Understated and discreet, these villas promise complete privacy and a luxury of space indoors and out.

Under Mandarin Oriental’s precise managment and legendary service, residents and guests will enjoy a five-star luxury hotel experience, with 24 hour room service, concierge, housekeeping and doorman services and a host of entertainment options. The apartments and villas will be managed for private use or to be included in the property’s inventory of accommodations. “The idyllic location and spectacular design of this development provides Mandarin Oriental with another opportunity to showcase our hideaway concept to those in search of a private sanctuary,” said the group’s Chief Executive Edouard Ettedgui.

For more information on the Dellis Cay development, visit www.delliscay.com, stop by the showroom at Saltmill Plaza, Providenciales or phone 649 941 7201 or toll-free 1 800 644 0533.