Crafting the Ideal Getaway to Grand Cayman

The iconic white sands of Seven Mile Beach have positioned the Cayman Islands as a premier beach destination, highlighted by Dinogo editors as one of the top travel spots in 2023. Yet, the allure of Grand Cayman goes beyond its beaches; the island is becoming increasingly recognized for its vibrant art scene and culinary delights that reach far beyond typical Caribbean fare.

Home to the annual Cayman Cookout at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, this island is renowned as the culinary capital of the Caribbean. "It deserves the title. Grand Cayman is small enough that all the chefs are familiar with one another and can collaborate easily. This creates a fantastic synergy," shares Sandy Tuason, executive chef at The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa.

The innovative spirit of Grand Cayman’s culinary experts extends beyond the food scene. With new, sophisticated cocktail bars emerging, led by Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa's Library by the Sea, the island is evolving into a vibrant mixology hotspot.

With refurbished beachfront accommodations and stylish boutique hotels like Palm Heights, the island adds a fresh flair to its appeal. Thanks to one of the Caribbean's most comprehensive flight expansions, Grand Cayman has never looked more accessible and inviting.

Top Hotels & Resorts

The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa

Featuring the largest pool in Grand Cayman and the longest expanse of white sand on Seven Mile Beach, The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa stands out as one of the island's premier resorts. Highlights include a comprehensive range of health and wellness services, a kids club, the Hibiscus Spa, and innovative dining experiences such as Woto.

Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa

Recognized as one of our reader's favorite resort hotels in the Caribbean in 2020 by T+L readers, the Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa is centrally located on Seven Mile Beach. This 264-room hotel features the exceptional Library by the Sea cocktail bar and the beachside eatery Coccoloba, inspired by Mexican street food, making it a must-visit even for those staying elsewhere.

The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman

Boasting the largest luxury suite in the Caribbean, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman has been revitalized through an extensive renovation in 2021. "Located along Seven Mile Beach, the breathtaking shoreline is easily accessible," notes Susmita Baral, T+L's travel editor. "While it's worth venturing off the property to discover the island, you could easily spend your entire stay enjoying everything here."

Each January, the resort's Cayman Cookout events are essential for food lovers, while the tasting menus at Blue by Eric Ripert make the resort a culinary hotspot throughout the year. "Attendees of the Cayman Cookout can savor exceptional cuisine and meet renowned chefs, but the true essence lies in creating unforgettable memories," explains Marc Langevin, general manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, to T+L at the 2024 event. "We aim to craft a variety of experiences—moments and memories—that they'll cherish long after returning home."

Palm Heights

Opened in October 2019, Palm Heights is a chic boutique hotel and one of the freshest additions to Grand Cayman’s resort scene. As Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon highlighted for T+L, Palm Heights serves as "a sanctuary for creatives—and those who appreciate them—seeking a bit of visual inspiration alongside their laid-back resort experience." With just 52 rooms and suites, it provides a unique boutique atmosphere amid larger neighboring resorts.

Top Activities

Stingray City

A brief boat ride leads adventurers to a sandy oasis encircled by crystal-clear waters, where they can swim with the gentle giants at Stingray City. This experience ranks among the most sought-after in Grand Cayman, with optional snorkeling available at the vibrant Coral Gardens.

Kittiwake Shipwreck

"Simply put on a snorkel anywhere in Grand Cayman, and it feels like stepping into a National Geographic documentary," remarks Jim Wrigley from Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa. Among the island's most fascinating dive spots is the USS Kittiwake shipwreck, which was intentionally sunk in 2011. Now home to turtles and colorful tropical fish, this site is celebrated for its accessibility, even for novice divers.

National Gallery of the Cayman Islands

According to Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon for T+L, the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands is "the premier destination for exploring Caymanian art and its development." It's just the beginning of a variety of galleries and art exhibits for visitors eager to immerse themselves in the island's vibrant art scene.

Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park

Explore Grand Cayman's stunning botanical gardens to experience the island's diverse flora, featuring unique orchid species found nowhere else in the world. The park also invites visitors to its conservation facility dedicated to the island's native blue iguanas.

Evening Entertainment

Library by the Sea

At Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa's Library by the Sea, guests can indulge in a thoughtfully curated selection of literary-themed cocktails that provide "a glimpse of time and history with every sip," according to beverage manager Jim Wrigley. Notable offerings include a radiant blue drink inspired by Dune and a Hemingway daiquiri crafted with 1932 Bacardí rum, reminiscent of what the author enjoyed at El Floridita in Havana. Each cocktail is accompanied by first-edition and vintage copies of the books that inspired them.

Next Door

Nestled in the vibrant shopping and entertainment district of Camana Bay, Next Door is a fresh cocktail bar renowned for its innovative drink creations. Its focus on sustainable ingredients and regular live music events have quickly made it a favorite destination for happy hour enthusiasts on the island.

Top Dining Options

Blue by Eric Ripert

As the Caribbean's sole AAA Five-Diamond restaurant, Blue by Eric Ripert at the Ritz-Carlton showcases tasting menus featuring local seafood, firmly establishing itself as Grand Cayman's premier fine dining experience. "Blue by Eric Ripert has defined the culinary landscape in the Cayman Islands," states Langevin to T+L. "It's the flagship restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton, enhancing the island's dining scene."

Ms. Piper's Kitchen + Garden

Inspired by a bohemian backyard paradise, Ms. Piper's Kitchen + Garden may just be the trendiest dining spot in Grand Cayman. Its retro 70s aesthetic and internationally-inspired menu offer a delightful and distinctive experience.

Woto

As Grand Cayman's first restaurant dedicated solely to poke, sushi, and ceviche, The Westin's Woto has rapidly gained popularity among diners. With chefs trained in Japan, the dishes are authentically crafted, while locally-sourced ingredients infuse them with Caribbean essence.

Peppers Bar & Grill

Recommended by food enthusiasts, chefs, and tastemakers alike, beachfront Peppers Bar & Grill is celebrated as one of the top local dining spots in Grand Cayman. "Their jerk chicken, rice, and peas are unparalleled on the island," states Wrigley.

Coccoloba

Located at Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, Coccoloba offers an elevated beach bar experience on Seven Mile Beach. The menu, inspired by Mexican street food, features delights from fresh-catch tostadas to churros and an outstanding piña colada.

Ideal Times to Visit

Grand Cayman enjoys a warm, tropical climate throughout the year, with temperatures typically in the 80s. Rain and tropical storms can occur during the Atlantic hurricane season, which spans from June to November.

The peak travel season runs from December to April. While prices are at their highest and beaches are bustling, the reliably mild weather and abundant sunshine make these months some of the best for visiting the island. For a balanced experience with lower costs, fewer crowds, and pleasant weather, consider visiting during the late spring months of April, May, and June.

The Cayman Cookout takes place every January, making it a perfect event to plan your trip around. This annual gathering showcases celebrity chefs through cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, curated dinners, and exclusive activities. In 2024, attendees had the opportunity to deep sea fish with chef Emeril Lagasse and enjoy a private jet trip to Jamaica's GoldenEye resort with chef Eric Ripert and the CEO of New Zealand's Craggy Range winery.

Plan your visit for early May to experience Cayman Carnival Batabano. While not as extravagant as carnival festivities in some neighboring Caribbean islands, it's a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in Caymanian culinary, musical, and dance traditions.

Getting There

Grand Cayman ranks among the most accessible Caribbean islands for North American travelers. Multiple airlines operate frequent direct flights to Owen Roberts International Airport from cities like New York, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and more. Miami, located just under two hours away, serves as a major gateway to the Cayman Islands, featuring up to four daily direct flights to Grand Cayman during peak travel season.

Cayman Airways provides small daily inter-island flights connecting Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. While public ferry services between the islands are not available as in some other Caribbean locales, travelers can opt for private boat charters, which are generally affordable.

A significant number of visitors also arrive in Grand Cayman via cruise ship at the port located in the capital, George Town. The cruise port can accommodate up to four ships at once, with any additional vessels remaining in harbor. Passengers are then tendered to shore, arriving at one of three terminals.

Neighborhoods Worth Exploring

Seven Mile Beach

Situated along the pristine shores of one of the most stunning beaches in the world, Seven Mile Beach is undeniably the vibrant heart of Grand Cayman. This area is packed with the island's liveliest resorts, bars, and restaurants, all conveniently located within walking distance of one another.

Camana Bay

Just a short distance from Seven Mile Beach lies the Camana Bay area. You can take a catamaran cruise from the harbor or wander through the lively Town Centre, which hosts regular events and a farmers and artisan market every Wednesday from 12:00 to 7:00 p.m. This contemporary neighborhood boasts a variety of shops and some of the island's top dining spots and bars, including Next Door and chef-favorite Agua.

Rum Point

Unwind on the breezy white sands of Rum Point for a truly Caribbean getaway, a refreshing alternative to the island's bustling resort areas. Rum Point's Wreck Bar is renowned for crafting the iconic Caymanian cocktail, the mudslide. While its ingredients differ from many traditional Caribbean drinks—featuring vodka, Kahlua, Bailey's, and a hint of cinnamon—it's a beloved island classic.

East End

Traveling east offers a stark contrast to the developed Seven Mile Beach. Weekend farmers' markets and secluded beaches are highlights here. "East End requires a bit of effort to reach, but the local cuisine is definitely worth it. You'll discover food shacks where you can order a plate of delightful home-cooked meals from grandma, who's been perfecting her recipes for years," notes Wrigley.

Getting Around

Rental Car

Since many of the top resorts, bars, and restaurants are situated along Seven Mile Beach, renting a car is primarily recommended for those wishing to visit Rum Point or the East End. The airport hosts several major rental companies. Keep in mind that in the Cayman Islands, driving is on the left side of the road, and you can find vehicles with the steering wheel on either side.

Taxi

For most travelers in Grand Cayman, taxis are usually the most convenient option, though they can be on the pricier side. Consider downloading the CI:GO app, developed by the Cayman Islands government, to estimate your taxi fare in both USD and Cayman Islands Dollars (KYD).

Rideshare

Unlike many other destinations, Grand Cayman lacks familiar ridesharing services. Instead, you can use the local app Island Ride, though many travelers prefer taxis since ridesharing can sometimes be more expensive than regular taxi fares.

Local Buses

Mini-buses operate on set routes throughout the island and charge only a few dollars per ride, though they can get quite crowded and won't stop if full. You can catch a bus at designated stops or flag one down as it goes by. For more details on routes and schedules, check the Public Transportation Unit website.