Warm climates have always appealed to medical tourists, and Health City Cayman Islands, a 130,000-square-foot facility that opened in early 2014, takes advantage of its tropical location by providing an abundance of natural light and views to nature.

Designed to attract Americans to the island for cardiovascular and orthopedic health services, the hospital is a partnership between Narayana Health, which oversees a network of 14 hospitals across India, and Ascension, a private not-for-profit health system in the U.S.

Project designer Damon Romanello, executive director and managing principal at Studio+ (Fort Myers, Fla.), says the location was chosen based on its proximity to the U.S. as well as the willingness of the Cayman government to support the project.

The project team, which included contractor DeAngelis Diamond Healthcare Group  (Naples, Fla.), took cues from hospitality in designing the lobby with full-height windows, beige porcelain tile that resembles natural stone, carpeted waiting areas, a large reception desk, and coffered ceiling.

To accommodate family members, each floor of the 140-bed hospital houses family lounges near the patient rooms, a nondenominational chapel, and a dining area with a courtyard.

For an overview on medical tourism, see "Medical Tourism: An Evolving Market That's Ripe For Growth And Opportunity," and check out HCD's May/June issue.

Also check out these case study projects:

Medical Tourism Spotlight: Healthpoint

Medical Tourism Spotlight: Embryo Clinic IVF Unit