International design studio TEN Arquitectos have won the design competition for a multi-million dollar mixed-use luxury resort in the Cayman Islands, fronted by a 1,000ft-long (305m) secluded natural beach.

Slated to open in Q3 2018, St James Point will be set on a tropical 16-acre property on Grand Cayman Island, and will be designed to both contrast and complement the exotic environment.

Forest, parkland and ocean will surround the US$250m (€228.8m, £166.5m) resort’s main white-clad building, which will form one connected structure winding and rising like a staircase across the plot.

St James Point will feature a 200 bedroom hotel with more than 90 residential units, multiple signature restaurants and shops, a spa and a base for water sports activities. High-profile brands are being sought to manage the resort.

“We chose TEN Arquitectos to design this project because they clearly understood our vision for creating a Caribbean icon,” said John Layton, principal and MD of project developer Beach Bay Land Limited (BBLL).

“The design is sensitive to the existing tropical environment. It will integrate the architecture artistically and in harmony with nature and offer the highest standard of luxury accommodation. St James Point will provide a unique experience with service levels unprecedented within the region.”

Explaining the challenges of the project, TEN principal Enrique Norten said: “Providing integrated environments for living and travel, without losing the connection to nature or sense of place, is key to the success of a project like this. We have a unique concept here that will fit harmoniously within the landscape.”

TEN Arquitectos overcame competition from two other shortlisted firms: Garcia Stromberg, who have worked on the Conrad Fort Lauderdale in Florida, and SB Architects, who are designing the new Mandarin Oriental, also in Florida.

Norten’s studio will be working on the St James project with local Cayman architect Andrew Gibb. Contractors for the project have not yet been revealed.

The project has received the backing of the Cayman Islands government. Tourism minister Moses Kirkconnell said: “The combination of unique architecture, luxurious accommodations, a spectacular beach, secluded location and natural beauty will provide everything necessary for St James Point to compete successfully.”