FASHION’s Guide to a Chic Getaway in Grand Cayman

By Alison McGill From Fashion Magazine

Craving an amazing tropical getaway offering something for every type of traveller—hotel lovers, adventure junkies, foodies and wellness seekers? Grand Cayman is a prime spot that’s easy to get to and super fun to explore. Located between Cuba and Jamaica, Grand Cayman is part of the Cayman Islands three-island group (Little Cayman and Cayman Brac are the other two) and is the largest and most energetic of the trifecta. Here’s our essential guide detailing where to stay, play, eat and explore on the island.

STAY

Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa is Grand Cayman’s newest resort on beauteous Seven Mile Beach is the island’s coolest and a new exclusive fave of celebs (Armie Hammer is a regular) and seasoned Caribbean travellers. This boutique hotel has a modern design style that’s bright and urban chic. All of the hotels 266 guest rooms are light-filled thanks to huge glass windows looking out to the spectacular pool and beach area. Pops of fuchsia, orange, yellow, lime green prevail throughout and an ocean view suite is definitely the top pick room pick if you can swing it (hello soaker tub with a sea outlook!). You can indulge in amazing food at the Seafire with three amazing in-house restos (Coccoloba a breezy oceanfront taqueria is our fave) as well as amazing self-care at The Spa at Seafire which is home to the most incredible Hammam room and Caymanian-inspired treatments like the Ocean Calm massage and Cayman Coconut body scrub.

PLAY

The Cayman Islands are home to some of the world’s best diving sites. The marine life is vast and varied and the underwater world of Grand Cayman is just as breathtaking as land life. If you love exotic adventure that takes you off the beaten path, Cayman’s Crystal Caves are a must. Situated in a forested area in Northside, Grand Cayman, the caves have been recently excavated and can now be explored via a 90-minute guided walking tour. Millions of years old, the caves feature incredible crystal formations. A great way to end a day in Grand Cayman is with a sail on a 65’ luxury catamaran to one of the island’s most famous attractions Stingray Sandbar. Head out late afternoon and arrive in time to take a snorkel with the friend rays then sail back to Seven Mile beach against a stunning pink sunset.

EAT

Grand Cayman is famed as the culinary capital of the Caribbean. A decade ago, chef Eric Ripert’s now-annual Cayman Cookout event put the island on the international dining map. In Grand Cayman you can enjoy a different type of cuisine at every meal—giving your vacay a distinctly global flavour. A few must eat spots include Luca at theCaribbean Club which offers classic Italian; Andiamo at the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayaman which also serves Italian flavours with a Caribbean twist and has the best pizza and homemade gelato on the island; and Agua at Cayman Bay offering a largely seafood-focused menu with a Peruvian culinary flair. Also if you love sushi, dinner atTaikun is a Grand Cayman essential….fresh wasabi grated tableside anyone?

REJUVENATE

There is a wellness vibe happening on Grand Cayman and if you are looking to get your groove back, this is the island to do it on. Make the Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa your home base as it has a huge health and wellness focus that pervades all aspects of the resort from dining to spa and resort activities which includes everything from beach yoga to paddle boarding. Book a Deluxe Ocean Front Room on the ground level and you can walk straight out to the beach. The resort is also home to the largest freshwater pool in Grand Cayman so if you are looking to just lounge under a breezy palm tree and realign your Zen zone this is the perfect spot.

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