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The Cayman Islands Charm
The Cayman Islands weighs in with superb diving and fine dining. Located west of Jamaica and an hour by air from Miami, the destination comprises three islands. Grand Cayman attracts 99 percent of travelers, whereas its less-populated sister islands - Cayman Brac and Little Cayman - appeal largely to adventure-minded privacy seekers.
According to the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, 70 percent of visitors arrive by cruise ship, and there were more than 1.8 million arrivals in 2006. The typical tourist is between the ages of 30 and 64.
Accommodations: Unlike other Caribbean destinations, the Cayman Islands has no all-inclusive resorts, but there is a range of accommodations to suit all budgets. New resorts include the upscale Mandarin Oriental, expected to open on Barefoot Beach in 2008.
Among current properties, the Ritz-Carlton is a model of tasteful opulence. The 376-room property is home to the Silver Rain Spa, the first La Prairie Spa in the Caribbean; a tennis center with a grass court; a Greg Norman-designed golf course; five restaurants, including Blue (Cone Nast Traveler's 2006 "Hot Table" prize winner); and Jean-Michel Cousteau's "Ritz Kids" program.
The Waterway building faces the lagoon, whereas the Oceanfront building looks out at the sea. Suites are airy, with balconies and comfy rattan chairs, 600-thread count Italian li, Wi-Fi and 24-hour room service.
Fronting Seven Mile Beach, the 343-room Westin Casuarina Resort is lined by tall, graceful Casuarina trees. The resort boasts Casa Havana, the island's only four-diamond restaurant. A 7,000-square-foot health spa features a waterwall, and 15 treatment rooms to pamper singles and couples. The average room rate is $318.
The highly rated Sunshine Suites Resort, an all-suite boutique hotel, is situated in the heart of Grand Cayman's Seven Mile Beach. Sunshine Suites features 130 fully furnished studio suites, deluxe suites and one-bedroom suites, all with well-equiped kitchens. The Sunshine Bar and Grill serves meals poolside. Complimentary continental breakfast is available daily. A golf course, jogging trails and bicycle trails are adjacent to the property. Daily rates start at $240.
Fresh from a $15 million renovation, the 305-room Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort now sports a new spa and dive shop, and the pirate- themed Buccaneer's Feast. The addition of reef balls has enabled the beach to retain more white sand, and there is onsite snorkeling.
The Grand Cayman Courtyard by Marriott is located on both sides of the road on one of the widest stretches of Seven Mile Beach. It features 174 rooms on five floors, laundry facilities and free high-speed Internet access. Rates start at $169.
Dining: There are more than 100 restaurants on Grand Cayman, including the award-winning Sapphire, tucked away in a strip mall, with a menu of 70 martinis. In the Falls Shopping Plaza within walking distance of Seven Mile Beach, the Cohiba Lounge has a fine selection of cigars, cognacs and beers from Cuba.
For a dining experience on the water's edge, the Paradise Grill offers Cuban cuisine accompanied by views of the cruise ships anchored in the harbor. The Guy Harvey Island Grill in George Town is also an art gallery and retail center, and the newly refurbished Casanova Restaurant dishes up traditional Italian cuisine with an ocean view. Jalapeno pasta and grilled snapper have earned the Bacchus Wine Bar its reputation as one of the finest restaurants in George Town.
Cayman Islands Activities and AttractionsTwo miles west of the airport and bordered by George Town to the South and by West Bay to the north is the world-famous Seven Mile Beach (which actually measures five and a half miles). It's home to the island's greatest concentration of properties. George Town, a short can ride from the beach, is the capital of the Cayman Islands and well worth a visit. It's easy to navigate of foot, and there's plenty to see, including the National Museum. The East End of Grand Cayman is often ignored by everuone except diving enthusiasts. With few accommodation options and dining venues, and no shopping, it isn't eveyone's cup of tea. Far from the crowds, this area is the island's last vestige of peace and quiet, with Rum Point soon to rival Seven Mile Beach as the word gets out. In the North Sound is Stingray City, one of the Caribbean's most popular attractions and a rare opportunity to cavort with the tame Atlantic Southern stingrays. Newly revamped, the Boatswain's Beach Turtle Farm in West Bay is the only facility of its kind in the world, with tanks of green sea turtles and a street lined with stores and restaurants. Scheduled for completion in late 2007 is Snorkel Lagoon and a predator tank. Self-guided tours start at $12.50. Tour guides are available at an additional cost. For more information, www.turtle.ky. Whether along the beach or under the moonlight, horseback riding is a big draw, and several companies offer instruction. The Butterfly Farm near George Town offers visitors an educational and colorful experience. Arrive early in order to photograph the butterflies taking their first flight. Getting Around: Rental cars are available throughout the islands. Driving is on the left side, and seatbelt laws are vigorously enforced. Rental four-wheel-drive vehicles and vans are right-hand drive. Taxis are inexpensive and widely available. Best Time To Go: Temperatures range from the mid-70s to the mid-80s year-round. Travel from April through December to avoid the crowds and high prices. Hurricane season runs from June through November. |
This destination's appeal only starts with its world-class diving and beaches. |
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