From Mirror UK

One destination, two budgets: Find out how to make the most of Grand Cayman with Sunday Mirror travel

Idyllic: The Ritz Carlton in Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman conjures up images of rich expats sipping cocktails in their glitzy tax haven.

But beyond the flash shopping malls and five-star hotels, it’s easy to discover the island’s natural beauty.

Grand Cayman is the largest of the three islands making up the British Overseas Territory in the western Caribbean.

It boasts sweeps of sandy beaches with warm shallow waters. You can even see the endangered blue iguana munching on mangos.

THE RITZ CARLTON

Distinctly North American from the exterior – a sand-coloured structure so vast it straddles both sides of the road- inside are multiple places to eat from the Michelin-starred Blue, to Seven offering a sophisticated setting for surprisingly down to earth yet delicous food and family-friendly Periwinkle for pasta and seafood with nightly kids films shown on a big screen nearby. International staff mirror a cruise ship for friendliness.

The showstoppers are the glacial, illuminated James Bondish La Prarie Spa and the Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program for children offering activities ranging from sea life to shipwreck snorkelling to underwater photography.

Caribtours offers seven nights room only from £5,295pp, with return scheduled flights and private transfers. caribtours.co.uk 020 7751 0660

THE CARIBBEAN CLUB

Perfect for families or longer stays, seven-stories of gleaming white oceanfront apartments for the style consious have sweeping ocean views from generous wraparound balconies, high spec kitchens (there’s an extensive supermarket opposite) and posh toiletries provided for that luxe hotel feel.

Downstairs is a buzzy Italian restaurant Luca with the option of dining outside facing the stylish slice of infinity pool beyond which begins the beach.

Turquoise Holidays offers seven nights room only from £1,950pp including returned scheduled flights with BA. turquoiseholidays.co.uk 01494 678400

Lucky: A stingray in Grand Cayman

TRAVEL FILE

WHEN TO GO: From December to April the temperature averages a pleasant 75°F (23.9°C) and humidity is at its lowest but in July and August when the island is less crowded hotel accommodation is accordingly cheaper.

MUST SEE: It is said if you kiss a stingray, you will get seven years good luck. Try it at Stingray City, a shallow sand bank in aquamarine waters where the de-barbed stingray flock to be fed (and kissed). Book through Captain Marvin’s. captainmarvins.com

GET ACTIVE: Snorkelling is good as is diving – something the Cayman Islands are famed for. Head to Rum Point, with Red Sail waters sports facilities on site offering jet skis and waterskiing lessons.

TOP TIP: Pack your driving licence so you can hire a car and see more of the island – they drive on the left which makes life easier.

GETTING THERE: British Airways flies to Grand Cayman four times a week from Heathrow via Nassau with return fares from £705. ba.com

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