Why Grand Cayman should be on your travel bucket list
The Caribbean is full of dreamy island destinations, but few are as spectacular as the dame herself, Grand Cayman.
The luxurious island is an idyllic getaway for families and couples alike, offering an array of experiences from some of the region’s best hotels, dining, and spas. The heavenly Seven Mile Beach takes centre stage on Grand Cayman, and lives up to its Instagram-worthy reputation with clear blue water and soft white sand.
Whether you’re travelling solo, with a group of friends, a partner, or kids, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at this bucket-list destination.
Where to stay
Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa
Wellness is at the core of the Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa, a beachfront property on the most iconic strip of the island. Vacation vibes are immediate as guests are welcomed with a glass of bubbly before being whisked away for a breezy check-in.
A bird’s-eye view of the Westin Grand Cayman.
Rooms are cozy and spacious at this hotel, elevated by large spa-inspired bathrooms and beachfront patios to soak in the ocean view. Even if sharing with a friend or loved one, there’s plenty of room to unwind and relax after an afternoon in the sun.
Sleep remains a focus at all Westin properties thanks to its signature Heavenly Beds — arguably the best at any hotel — so you’re guaranteed a proper holiday snooze. Hot tip: don’t miss the bedside Sleep Well Lavender Balm, an essential oil blend with lavender and chamomile, that’ll help you drift off.
An ocean view room.
The Hibiscus Spa is nestled away on the spacious property, offering treatments in their beachfront private cabana or in one of their 15 treatment rooms. The tranquil 7,000-square-foot facility includes a sauna, steam room, and whirlpool to use pre- or post-appointment, and offers over 60 treatments.
Some highlights include the signature Hydrafacial that’ll leave your skin feeling supple and refreshed. There are plenty of locally inspired treatments as well, like the Royal Coconut Milk and Honey Wrap, where your body is cocooned in a luxe mask, leaving skin toned and smooth.
The outdoor cabana for the Hibiscus Spa.
Grand Cayman offers some of the best Caribbean food we’ve had anywhere, and the Westin Grand Cayman was no exception. Start your day with breakfast at Ferdinand’s, offering a well-appointed buffet or a la carte items while overlooking the beach. Guests can also book a private experience to have breakfast in a beachfront gazebo, one of our favourite experiences at the hotel. For those looking for lighter fare, the casual grab-and-go Cayman Coffee Exchange serves up excellent cappuccinos and pastries.
After breakfast, make your way down to a beachfront cabana or outdoor pool for some time in the sun. Food and cocktails are available in both areas via Tortuga Beach Grill & Bar, serving up casual fare like fish tacos and burgers.
The Beach House terrace
For dinner, a reservation at seafood-focused Beach House is a must. Here, you can enjoy a menu with local flavours and traditional recipes with a modern twist. At Woto, find sushi and other Japanese favourites, along with poke and ceviche, in a modern setting. Depending on availability, guests can also book their own sushi-making classes.
What to do
Events
The island is known to host a variety of events throughout the year, drawing fitness, music, and culinary fans to the island. Last fall, the Cayman Country event took place at The Westin, featuring Canada’s own Griffen Palmer and Madison Kozak.
Every January sees the foodie and wine lovers’ Cayman Cookout at The Ritz-Carlton. The multi-day event showcases some of the island’s best food through tastings and beach parties. In May, there’s the Cayman Carnival Batabano, celebrating Caymanian heritage and turtle nesting season with colourful costumes and calypso music.
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Runners descend on Grand Cayman for the Walkers Cayman Island Marathon in December, an annual race that includes a full marathon, as well as a half-marathon option and a team relay against the stunning scenery of the beach. November’s Pirates Week is another major hit, celebrating Caymanian culture and heritage with an annual pirate-themed event.
Pedro St. James
History is always on our agenda in any destination, and Grand Cayman is no exception. If you do just one attraction, make it Pedro St. James, the oldest surviving stone building in the Cayman Islands, dating back to 1780. The “castle” has been a jail, courthouse, and also holds significant history as slavery was abolished here in 1835.
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Crystal Caves
Seeing the Crystal Caves is arguably one of the most iconic activities in the Cayman Islands, and with just an hour commute from Seven Mile Beach, it is easily accessible. These gorgeous marble formations on the North Side are simply stunning to see in person and are only accessible through guided tours. There are also spookier nighttime experiences available, where you may also see bats.
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Turtle Release
The Cayman Turtle Centre, a conservation facility where endangered green sea turtles are studied, bred, and released, hosts the occasional turtle release. The centre has a goal to release 500 sea turtles back into Cayman waters each year, often attracting crowds during public events. The family-friendly experience is fun for all ages, particularly as the turtles make their way to their first-ever ocean swim.
Where to eat
Thatch & Barrel
After a tour of Pedro St. James, make your way over to Thatch & Barrel for lunch and a rum tasting. Set on the bluffs, soak in an incredible beach view while diving into the globally inspired menu featuring fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Some fan favourites include the plantain flat bread, marinated conch, and the lemon roasted Caesar.
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Blue by Eric Ripert
You can find this highly revered restaurant, known for its award-winning seafood, at The Ritz-Carlton. Ripert is known for his modern take on French cuisine, which he blends here with Cayman’s traditional island fare. The Dover sole with green papaya salsa remains a fan favourite.
Coccoloba
For casual Mexican, Coccoloba is the spot to visit for tacos. The menu is inspired by Mexican street food, with seafood items, and churros for a sweet treat. The beach bar vibe is rounded out with their signature pina colada.
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Where to shop
Dolores
This contemporary boutique carries a mix of known and indie labels, all with a stylish curated flair (think The Webster in Miami). Nestled in the Palm Heights hotel, this store is the perfect spot to pick up a new clutch or statement earring to go with something you already packed.
Palm Heights has plenty of its own indie collaborations going on, too, including a line with Emilia Wickstead, loungewear with Suzie Kondi, and apparel from Diotima. Visitors can also find the hotels’ own merchandise, including the yoga and pilates-approved Palm Heights Athletics gear. The shop is also home to the chic Cafe Dolores, serving up espresso-based drinks, pastries, and more.
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Funky Monkey
This on-trend boutique carries a range of Australian, French, and American labels, all with sun and beach weather in mind — think SunnyLife, Banana Moon, and Surf Gypsy. Find breezy linens, swimsuits, sandals, and more in this Governors Square store, which has become a popular spot on the island with visitors. We, in particular, loved the chic kaftans and neutral beach bags, both easy to throw on with any outfit.
How to get there
Getting to Grand Cayman from the East Coast is an easy trek: Air Canada, WestJet, and Porter offer direct routes from Toronto and Ottawa. Those on the West Coast and other major cities in Canada can also get to the island with one-stop flights.
The author of this post was hosted by The Westin