Relax and Recharge in Grand Cayman
Updated: Jan 2, 2021
If you’re looking for a relaxing island getaway that has all the creature comforts of home but none of the stress, Grand Cayman is a quick and easy escape. A direct or one-stop flight from most U.S. locations, the island is home to the world famous Seven Mile Beach--a seven mile stretch of fine white sand and clear blue water.
With coral reefs just offshore, the island offers endless opportunities to interact with marine life and some of the best snorkeling and diving in the islands. Guests can literally walk straight out of their hotel and into the water to snorkle. Hands down my top recommendation for anyone visiting Grand Cayman is to hire a private charter boat. Captains can take you to some of the lesser traveled areas that are a little off the beaten path. Visit the original Stingray City, find starfish the size of your head at Starfish Point, stop at a local waterside restaurant for lunch--it’s a dreamy way to spend a day on the water.
With more than 200 restaurants and its annual Cayman Cookout Festival--which attracts top chefs from around the world--Grand Cayman is paradise times two for foodies.
Located right in the heart of Seven Mile Beach, the Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman is the ideal home away from home for families, especially those with younger children. It conveniently sits right in the middle of Seven Mile Beach, and its programs and amenities for younger children are some of the best on the island.
Hotel setup
The hotel itself spans both sides of the main street that runs through Grand Cayman, but the design is so well done with an indoor walkway connecting the two spaces, that the hotel feels seamless. All rooms come with a fully furnished balcony, so your family can be outdoors even when they are back in the room.
Kids will love
Children five and under eat free at all but the fine dining restaurant on property. Additionally, the onsite Starfish Cay Water Park is an adorable play area with slides, water features, splash pads and even kid-sized lounge chairs! The resort also features two impressive pools, an onsite basketball court and tennis facilities.
Family time
Perhaps the highlight of the property is its Ambassadors of the Environment program, developed by Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society. The program turns the island into a living classroom for children and adults with activities including mangrove kayaking, reef snorkeling discovery and a glass bottom boat expedition. The program is open to all island visitors and should be on any ocean lover’s list.
Adults can enjoy
For adults, the resort is home to the renowned Swiss spa La Prairie, as well as a huge, state-of-the-art gym. Golf enthusiasts don’t even have to unpack before enjoying the resort’s nine hole Greg Norman golf course--the hotel offers direct helicopter access straight from the airport!
Foodies will adore
Grand Cayman’s premier fine dining restaurant, Blue, is located onsite. Foodies will be familiar with its founder Eric Ripert, world-renowned chef and owner of New York’s famed Le Bernadin. Ripert also co-hosts the island’s annual Cayman Cookout festival.
Book with me to enjoy Ritz Carlton STARS amenities: Guaranteed late checkout, upgrade upon availability, breakfast for two daily and $100 hotel credit.
At the end of Seven Mile Beach, removed from the hustle and bustle is Grand Cayman’s newest building, the Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa. The quieter, more relaxing location combined with the hotel’s bold colors and contemporary design, make you feel like you are taking in a breath of fresh air when you arrive.
Hotel setup
Each room is simply but beautifully decorated and set up to maximize the painting-like views. Guests have the option of connecting suites, as well as, bunkbeds to accommodate groups varying in size and age. For some added zen, each room includes a stand-alone tub and a yoga mat!
Teens & adults will love
Excellent for older teens and couples, the hotel features a huge, tiered pool with a double infinity edge. The pool area is dotted with cozy seating areas that allow guests to take in all of the layers of blue. The hotel is home to an 8,500 square foot spa, the newest on the island, which features a co-ed lounging area to allow couples to relax together.
Perfect dining spots
Two of my favorite restaurants on the island are located at the Kimpton Seafire--Avecita and Coccoloba. Avecita has a funky vibe and excellent tapas. The dining counter seating is highly coveted and offers a nightly tasting menu, while the tables provide a fun communal dining option. Coccoloba is a beach-front, toes-in-the-sand restaurant where kids can wander into the shallow water while you sip a margarita and eat civeche. Guests can feel right at home in their beach cover-up.
Book with me for the following Virtuoso amenities: Early check-in and late check-out subject to availability, complimentary daily American breakfast buffet for two, upgrade subject to availability, $100 resort credit.
Contact me for more information or book at your own convenience through my Virtuoso online booking hotel tool.