Aug. 16th, 2022
Comprised of the three islands of Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and little Cayman, the Cayman Islands is known as the culinary capital of the Caribbean and is the largest territory, by population, in the western Caribbean Sea. The luxury paradise has inspired travelers for generations to make better memories and experience what the locals call Caymankind. From the island’s feel-good vibe to the locals’ hospitable attitude toward visitors to breathtaking beaches and stunning nature, Caymankind can be experienced by the warm hospitality and beauty at every part of the island.
Grand Cayman, the largest of the Cayman Islands, is most notably home to the Cayman Islands’ most popular tourist spot, Seven Mile Beach, Whilst Cayman Brac draws divers for its 365 stunning dive sites like wilderness wall and peter’s cave and Little Cayman presents postcard paradise with jaw dropping surroundings. Featuring one-of-a-kind events for every season of the year, the Cayman Islands offers a plethora of activities from big encounters to little escapes to make the most of your island vacation.
Photo Credit Cayman Islands Department of Tourism
Things to do
Seven Mile Beach: the long crescent of coral-sand beach is listed continually as one of the best beaches in the world and is the most popular and most developed area of Grand Cayman.
Stingray City: not an actual city, but this collection of shallow sandbars offshore in Grand Cayman’s north sound offers a unique experience for visitors to get up close and personal with dozens of friendly southern stingrays. (Animal lovers will also love a trip to the blue iguana recovery program as well as a stop at the Cayman turtle center: island wildlife encounter facility)
Rum Point: also on the north side of Grand Cayman, this tranquil beach is great for families to play in the clear and shallow waters, picnic beneath casuarina trees while having access to top Caribbean watersport operators.
Atlantis Submarine: explore the depth of Cayman’s waters from shipwrecks to abundant marine life on the 100-foot submarine.
Crystal Caves: the newest wonder on the island is situated in a lush tropical forest in old man bay and boasts three underground caves naturally formed over millions of years.
Other top spots include: Queen Elizabeth II botanic park, the Jolly Roger excursion, tour of Pedro St James (country’s oldest stone structure) along with numerous water sport offerings from companies like Cayman Islands Stand Up Paddle Company and Red Sail Sports.
Blue by Eric Ripert
Cuisine
Thanks to the melting pot of its inhabitants, the food on the island is as colorful and bountiful as the surrounding area. From coconut shrimp, fish fritters, spicy beef or chicken and of course fish fry, Cayman cuisine blends unique spices with fresh bounty to create mouthwatering dishes.
Agua: a seafood restaurant rooted in Italian tradition and inspired by Peruvian cuisine, Agua is towards the top of fusion restaurants on grand Cayman’s thriving restaurant scene, with a heavy emphasis on fresh seafood.
Avecita: Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa’s signature dinner-only venue presents a theatrical culinary experience showcasing Spanish tapas-inspired dishes. Prepared on a wood-fired grill, enjoy a communal dining experience.
Blue By Eric Ripert: inspired by the bounty of Cayman’s fishermen, the seafood menu is presented as a three-course prix fixe menu, four-course set menu or a seven-course Eric Ripert tasting menu.
The Brasserie: a fixture in George Town for more than a decade, chef Dean Max connects with the finest local growers, thriving kitchen garden, and very own deep sea fishing boat keep things fresh every day.
Other restaurants to check out include: Cayman Cabana in the historic George Town waterfront, Calypso Grill
Places to Stay – Luxury Homes
KEMPA COLLECTION
This posh, Bali-inspired compound is the newest beachfront villa on Grand Cayman and is an oasis of beauty, situated on the island’s tranquil north side steps from starfish point and within easy reach of the glowing waters of stunning bio-luminescence bay. This 7 bedroom, 6.5 bath villa is a great option for a multi-family or friend group getaway. At 9,000 square feet, KEMPA KAI resembles a boutique inn hotel with lush tropical gardens, reflecting pools, an infinity swimming pool fronting a private beach with cabana and hand-carved Balinese daybeds, and panoramic Caribbean Sea views.
KEMPA COLLECTION
Grand European design makes for a polished contrast to its oceanfront locale at KEMPA CARIBE, whose 5,000 square foot great room was once featured on HGTV’s Million Dollar Rooms. Boasting 48,000 square feet of interior living space, this villa sits on the southwest side of the island, just beyond Seven Mile beach. Four levels feature 8 bedrooms and 14 baths. The list of featured amenities includes a swimming pool with grotto, private tennis and pickleball courts, full swing golf, gym, sauna, massage treatment room, wine cellar, home theatre, billiards room, bar, and children’s playroom with bouncy castle.
Luxury Hotels
Silver Palm Bar – Ritz Carlton
The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman: set along Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile beach, this 369-room luxury resort blends modern coastal elegance with mid-century British Caribbean style. The newly renovated resort is home to a luxurious spa, a stunning golf course, a Jean-Michel Cousteau ambassadors of the environment program, and six dining venues including hosting the iconic Cayman cookout. The property is also home to Seven South Suite, the largest luxury hotel suite in the Caribbean, measuring at 20,000 square feet. With a starting rate at $25,000/night, the suite offers both indoor and outdoor living spaces which can accommodate 18 guests and offers a private beachfront cabana, private outdoor shower and expansive wraparound terrace made premium by views of Seven Mile beach.
Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa
Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa::not only is this the company’s first international luxury property, but it is also perfectly positioned on the coveted seven miles. The island’s culture and personality are shown through its design and offerings, giving guests a distinct sense of place. The property features six private beachfront bungalows, three unique culinary outlets, two pools a new kid’s water park and an exceptional spa with the island’s only hammam. The 4,700-square-foot Seafire Presidential Suite is perched on the tenth floor and presents the most exceptional views on the island, custom-made furnishings and a wraparound balcony with a floating tub.
