By Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon CJ Travel Editor

Grand Cayman has long been one of the most popular Caribbean destinations but this season there are several new reasons – beyond Stingray City and those famous Seven Mile sands – to visit the 76-square mile Paradise. Check out these three new options for where to stay, play and eat.

STAY

The grande dame of the island’s resort scene, the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman, isn’t resting on its laurels. Instead, its revealing several enhancements including re-styled rooms; Starfish Cay water park; and an Italian restaurant, Andiamo, in the new Harbour Club. A new culinary studio offering demos and wine tastings makes its debut during next month’s Cayman Cookout food festival.

PLAY

Who says dining on Grand Cayman has to be expensive? For just $84 per person you can eat your way around the retail and dining hub Camana Bay, on its new Flavour Tour. The Wednesday-evening progressive dinner (which follows the wildly popular daytime farmers’ and artisans’ market) includes four small plates and five cocktails prepared by chefs at four of Camana’s outstanding restaurants – and as much window shopping as you want.

EAT

Island regulars will be thrilled to know that the much-loved Morgan’s restaurant has been recreated as Morgan’s Harbour (at the CIYC) at the Cayman Islands Yacht Club. While the digs may be new the classic ocean-to-table menu remains the same, so come hungry.

For more on this story go to: http://www.caribjournal.com/2014/12/23/three-new-reasons-to-visit-grand-cayman-this-season/

Related story:

Cayman Islands celebrated at Caribbean Travel Awards

From Loop News Service

loop-seven-mile-beach-ja-LOOP

The Cayman Islands has been named Destination of the Year in the 2014 Caribbean Travel Awards, hosted by the Caribbean Journal.

The Awards, which honour the best in travel and tourism across the region, comprised twenty categories, including Hotel of the Year and Most Innovative Tourism Destination.

Naming the Cayman Islands as Destination of the Year, the judges noted:

“The Cayman Islands is a laid-back place, with kind people and almost impossibly beautiful beaches. It’s remained somewhat under the radar, however; that’s starting to change, though, and thanks to the efforts of its tourism sector the island is seeing new heights, including one of the highest rates of arrival growth in the Caribbean. That’s come without any notable new hotel openings or airlift — simply good marketing work. It’s exciting to see what will happen next.”

For more on this story go to: http://loopcayman.com/2014/12/28/cayman-islands-celebrated-caribbean-travel-awards/