A digital guide to the Cayman Islands

Read about our top island experiences on p.6 to p.9

adventure like a pirate There are many caves on the island that are worth exploring; and there is plenty of local history surrounding them, too. See p.7

Meet

the locals“"The sunlight and the vibrant colours of the Islands are a daily inspiration in my work, and the work of our artists."

Read more on p.10

Cayman

Islands

An introduction

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combined make the Cayman Islands an unrivalled and unique tropical destination. Each of the beautiful islands offer a new experience, a new take on paradise, a fresh perspective that encourages people to visit time after time. Here, we celebrate the best of these paradisical islands, from what to do and where to stay, to insider tips from the locals themselves.

Everyone has their own vision of what their perfect island paradise would be. Whether it holds the promise of deserted beaches, the lure of rich cultural treasures or the whisper of wild adventure – few places on earth can match the expectations of the discerning traveller. The Cayman Islands do just that.

With three idyllic islands - Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman - each with their own distinct feel, but the same quintessentially Caribbean vibe, there is a reason people love this place. Satisfying the needs for escape, experience and luxury within a short distance, the three islands

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The power of three

We’ve quickly learnt there is infinitely more to these alluring islands than the glitz and glamour they are also famed for – picture deserted stretches of palm fringed sand, rainbows of tropical fish gliding through shallows as clear as bath-water and world class diving and snorkelling. So dash some rum into a cocktail, take a healthy helping of local conch stew and follow us to the Cayman Island’s sand-strewn paradise.

1 GRAND CAYMAN The biggest and best known of the three islands, Grand Cayman mixes the rouse of the reggae and rum-loving Caribbean with the elegant sophistication of old-school British glamour. Take Seven Mile Beach on the west coast for example; luxury resorts, pristine sands and unbelievably clear water for diving and snorkelling. If only you could spend every day playing with giant stingrays, wriggling through the most brightly, naturally lit shipwrecks and seeing dazzling coral with its own

rainbow nation of fish. Heading east, you’ll find the tranquil and laidback Cayman Kai and Rum Point with their luxury villas and handful of top-notch bars and restaurants, where you can dabble in an infamous mudslide cocktail before venturing to the east end for a sleepy, traditional Caribbean vibe with very little development.

2 LITTLE CAYMAN A forty minute plane ride away on a 15 seat twin otter (with spectacular views), Little Cayman couldn’t be more different from its big sister. Only ten square miles in size and with a population of only 150, this is the untouched desert island that you want to be stranded on. Find untouched, deserted beaches, and Bloody Bay Wall Marine Park, so spectacular that divers come from around the globe to see it (some many, many times). Its bright and diverse coral, turtles, eels, eagle rays

and throngs of vividly coloured fish make it the ultimate dive destination. After Grand Cayman’s epic international cuisine (and local cuisine with a twist – conch ceviche anyone?), sample some of the traditional delicacies here with pork stew, conch fritters, and lots of delicious, fresh seafood on the menu.

3 CAYMAN BRAC seen on Grand Cayman. With so little development, Cayman Brac is blessed with its mazy mass of caves, pristine hiking trails as nature designed them, rare and richly coloured fauna, as well as the Cayman staple of awesome dive sites and crystal clear waters.

A ten minute hop from Little Cayman, Cayman Brac is the dramatic, craggy member of the family.

Its enormous limestone outcrop which stretches the length of the island includes several amazing caves which are a great treat for anyone with a spirit for exploration. Also the most traditional island, there is none of the commercial tourism as

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Top Islands experiences

If you thought this corner of the Caribbean was purely a destination for sunning yourself on the beach with a rum punch, think again. Whatever you enjoy in your spare time, Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman are sure to provide more than enough entertainment for everyone.

GRAND CAYMAN

chef has cooked for presidents and royalty, which is precisely how you will be treated.

Dine at Grand Old House Swim with stingrays

Grand Old House is a very elegant restaurant and bar, with the distinct feel of the old Caribbean about it. The restaurant specialises in European and island cuisine, and is one of the finest ocean front restaurants. Fish swim up to the edge of the deck and can be fed by diners, and the resident

Swimming with stingrays at Stingray City is an unforgettable experience. The area is a series of shallow sand bars, found in the North Sound of Grand Cayman and families of friendly stingrays congregate here to meet you in the clear shallow

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to thousands of bats (as you might expect) and is also full of ‘flow stone’, which is created by water running over rock and resembles octopus tentacles. During hurricanes, this is where local people have taken shelter over the years. Buried human bones from pirate activity have been found at Great Cave, as well as pirate’s treasure at a nearby beach. Rebecca’s Cave is one of the most interesting and beautiful caves; made of coral and limestone, this cave holds the grave of a young girl who died in the Great Hurricane of 1932. Cycling is one of the best ways to get around the island, and almost all of the caves are easily accessible by bike.

water. Take a boat out and jump into the water to swim above or alongside the stingrays. This is an extremely unique experience to see one of nature’s most majestic creatures up close (and you will feel very brave afterwards).

Christmas Lights, Caribbean style If you visit Grand Cayman at Christmas, visiting the house of the Bodden sisters (daughters of the late Captain Bodden) will be sure to put you in the festive mood. Here everyone gathers to see the most breathtaking display of Christmas lights, where the two ladies erect hundreds of light features in front of their house. It is indescribably beautiful, and certainly not your average Christmas light display.

Mr Foots For a slightly more alternative experience, especially if you are a lover of art, head to Mr Foot’s house. At his cliff-side home, Mr Foot carves out contemporary and abstract works based on religion and war. It garners mixed responses from local people, some of whom think it disturbs the peace of the island – but whatever your opinion, we think it is certainly worth a visit.

CAYMAn brac Hike the island Cayman Brac, like Little Cayman, is very much a quieter island than its sister, Grand Cayman.

Offering a more intimate experience, and a throwback to a less developed time, this island gives you a chance to experience unspoilt Caribbean. The island’s diverse terrain consists of sandy beaches, salt marshes, caves and limestone formations, so be sure to pack your hiking boots.

There are many well-marked trails lacing the island, two miles of nature trails through a reserve and a series of caves on the southern shore-line.

This really is a perfect way to enjoy the natural wonders of the island.

adventure like a pirate There are many caves on the island that are worth exploring; and there is plenty of local history surrounding them, too. Bat Cave is home

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little CAYMAN Back to nature Little Cayman is home to the western-hemisphere’s largest colonies of Red-Footed Boobies, as well as the splendid Frigate bird. Visit the Booby Pond Nature reserve and you will discover a bird watcher’s dream. We advise visiting the National Trust’s bird outlook on Booby Pond at sunset, where you can witness a battle between birds, with the Boobies attempting to outwit the Frigate birds

Dramatic diving Little Cayman may be only ten miles long, but it is often ranked among the top ten dive spots in the world. With over fifty dive sites to choose from, there is something for every level of diver, with the best known scattered along Bloody Bay (you will notice a pirate theme recurring amongst many of the island names). There are several wall dives around Little Cayman, where shallow reefs drop spectacularly in to the vivid blue. Swim out over stunning, twenty foot deep coral gardens and then witness the dramatic one thousand foot cliff drop below you, usually with visibility as far as one hundred feet.

as they return to their nesting grounds .

Cast out Bonefish were the original attraction of Little Cayman for keen fishermen, and while bone-fishing still continues, fly fishermen have also discovered the tarpon filled mangrove swamp on the island.

This salty swamp is around fifteen acres in size and the fish are up to twenty five pounds (some even bigger on the flats). Permit (a type of fish in case you were wondering) also reside here, so anglers have the rare opportunity to cast for three different fish here. And for the more adventurous, there is also the opportunity to experience deep sea fishing at night.

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Meet the locals

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dready

Natalie Urquhart

Islanders don’t need an introduction to Dready, he is

Born and bred Caymanian, Natalie Urquhart, is Director

very much part of life and culture in the Cayman Islands.

of the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands. We caught

The Jamaican-born resident is a well-known artist

up with her to find out what keeps her on the islands.

whose vibrant work can be seen across Grand Cayman and beyond.

HOW DO THE CAYMAN ISLANDS INSPIRE YOU? The sunlight and the vibrant colours of the islands TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOURSELF?

are a daily inspiration in my work, and the work of

I am an artist, who signs his work ‘Dready’.

our artists. Subsequently a lot of the exhibitions

My work has a very distinct graphic style; bright

I curate feature large format paintings in oil and

bold colours and simple backgrounds,

acrylic. Our land and seascapes have also been a popular subject for artists over the decades –

WHAT IS IT ABOUT THE DESTINATION THAT YOU

although increasingly they are moving towards

LOVE THE MOST?

abstraction, installation and conceptual work,

I came here as a boy and have lived in the Cayman

which is an exciting development.

Islands for over 20 years now. I love the colour and the light you get here, and my surroundings inspire

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE OUTDOOR ACTIVITY?

my art. There’s also a lot of cultural activity here,

Boating. I grew up boating with family and friends

from art shows to concerts.

every Sunday at the Sandbar and Rum Point and still try to get out there as often as I can.

HAVE YOU GOT A FAVOURITE BEACH? We live on South Sound Beach – the water’s quite

ARE THERE ANY NEW OPENINGS IN THE AREA THAT

shallow and full of turtle grass, but it’s just so

CAN’T BE MISSED?

beautiful. The location is quiet, palm-fringed,

The Bistro restaurant on Seven Mile Beach is

tropical and the reef is really close, so it is

rapidly becoming a new favourite; and The

definitely my favourite beach.

Brasserie always has something new on its dinner and cocktail menu that is inspired by whatever

IF YOU ONLY HAD ONE DAY TO SHOW US THE BEST

local ingredients are in season.

OF THE CAYMAN ISLANDS, WHERE WOULD YOU TAKE US?

HAVE YOU GOT A FAVOURITE BEACH?

There are so many cool things you can do in a day

If I had to pick one, it would be Point of Sand on the

as the islands are quite small – truly, you could

Eastern end of Little Cayman.

fly to Little Cayman, drive round it, fly back and still have time to go round Grand Cayman. But the

HOW WOULD YOU SPEND YOUR PERFECT EVENING

Caribbean pace is slow, so why rush? If I had one

IN THE CAYMAN ISLANDS?

day to show you the best of this place, then a few

Boating across the North Sound with friends for

things stick out in my mind: eating at Miss Vivine’s

dinner at the Kaibo Yacht Club. If it’s a full moon

Kitchen, an amazing location; Rum Point has a

Kaibo hosts dinner and dancing on the beach.

great vibe; experiencing the gorgeous waters on Cemetery Beach on the 7 mile strip; a walk along

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE TIME OF YEAR ON THE

South Sound Beach; the tranquillity of Blossom

ISLANDS AND WHY?

Village on Little Cayman; watching the sunset in

Late November, when the rainy season stops and

George Town. My list could go on and on!

the cool breezes roll in.

WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE TIME OF YEAR ON THE ISLANDS AND WHY? November through to April; the weather’s cool, there’s lots of activity, but South Sound is usually tranquil and calm!

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A year

in the Cayman Islands

Whether it is culture, adventure or escapism that you desire, there is something for everyone on each of these three exquisite islands, regarded by many as the most safe and friendly in the Caribbean. Immersing yourself in some of the many local events is certainly one of the best ways to get a taste of the true wonders of island life.

January

can meet Cayman farmers and their livestock, as well as listening to live music.

CAYMAN COOKOUT, GRAND CAYMAN With over thirty events held over one weekend, the tastings, demonstrations, dinners and tours will provide you with a first-hand experience of the Cayman Islands’ world famous elegant cuisine, and

May BRACCANAL CARNIVAL, CAYMAN BRAC Cayman Brac’s own home grown carnival takes place in May. Festivities start on the Friday evening but the main event is the parade on Saturday, bringing the Cayman Islands together in a colourful and cultural celebration of costumes,

certainly keep you entertained.

February/march MARDI GRAS, LITTLE CAYMAN

music and dancing.

Starting on the last Saturday before Ash Wednesday, people flock from Cayman Brac and Grand Cayman to dance and celebrate. Enjoy live music, raffles, bead throwing and face painting, and see the tranquil paradise of the quieter island come alive with the sounds of soca, steel drums and reggae.

BATABANO, GRAND CAYMAN For more carnival action in May head to Grand Cayman, where two annual parades are held at the beginning of the month, providing a kaleidoscope of music, dance and pageantry. A colourful array of traditional island cuisine is on offer from over 20 local vendors, alongside the islands top restaurants.

Whichever island you are staying on, this is an

March

event worth travelling for.

LITTLE CAYMAN AGRICULTURAL SHOW Traditional Cayman event that is held every Ash Wednesday and now in it’s 47th year. This is a great day out with plenty of local produce on sale. You

September BRAC BASH, CAYMAN BRAC

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Celebrating the anniversary of the sinking of the Russian Frigate in 1996 (for wreck diving purposes), this is a fun weekend of event. Among the many events are the Brac Bash Cook-Off, and a Scavenger Hunt around the island.

October INTERNATIONAL SCUBA DIVING HALL OF FAME, GRAND CAYMAN Each year the Cayman Islands are extremely proud to host an event that honours a sport that blossomed in their country. Based mainly in Grand Cayman, this is a phenomenal week of diving, culinary delights and underwater beauty, not forgetting the fantastic film festival with world-renowned underwater photographers and cinematographers.

and drink, sports events, pirate invasions and fireworks. Thousands of people line the streets of George Town harbour on the first Saturday to watch a mock ‘pirate invasion’ from the sea, with two old sailing vessels loaded with pirates making a surprise landing at the harbour and capturing the Governor.

December CHRISTMAS December is a magical time to visit all three of the Cayman Islands. This is the most joyful time of year on the island, and when you hear Jingle Bells with a reggae beat, you know you are celebrating Christmas Caribbean style! The Parade of Lights is probably the biggest event of the season – but throughout the month you’ll find Local food and craft stalls, choirs and fireworks aplenty.

November PIRATES WEEK, GRAND CAYMAN, CAYMAN BRAC AND LITTLE CAYMAN For eleven spectacular days, you will find events across each of the three islands, including music, street dances, games, competitions, local food

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When to go when to go December to April

price From ÂŁ3900 pp from the UK.

IDEAL LENGTH 10 nights

flight time 13 hours from London

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CAYMAN ISLANDS ITINERARY

Three escapes in one...

Immaculate white sands, gloriously clear waters and the world’s finest diving – when it comes to Caribbean paradise it seems that nature gave the Cayman Islands the lion’s share. Discover gourmet wonders in the glamour of Grand Cayman, soak up the tranquillity of Little Cayman’s diving delights or fall under the spell of the rugged beauty of Cayman Brac.

With these islands, you don’t just get one paradise, you get three.

GRAND ADVENTURES

ISLAND PARADISE

GO EXPLORE

Kick-starting your trip with style, enjoy show-stopping views of the island’s iconic Seven Mile Beach from your private terrace at the Ritz-Carlton.

After a restful sleep, we’ll take you to the skies in a private helicopter to get your first introduction of the island’s famous beaches, reefs and shipwrecks, clearly visible through the crystalline water. Next, dive down the North Wall to discover a world of underwater colour with turtles, reef sharks and flying gurnards adding to the rainbow display.

Back on dry land, head to the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park where rare Blue Iguanas that stroll through its 65-acre floral wilderness. Once you’ve had your fill of natural wonders, turn your sights to the islands’ culinary ones at Grand Cayman’s chic restaurants. Enjoy glamour at Osetra Bay or savour seafood delicacies at the Ritz-Carlton’s signature restaurant Blue by Eric Ripert. For the ultimate dining experience, we can whip you away by yacht to the golden sands of Starfish Point for a private dinner cooked by Eric himself.

After the glitz of Grand Cayman, it’s time to slow things down a little. Hop into your 15 seat Twin Otter and take in postcard-perfect aerial views of the three islands before touching down on the coral sands of Little Cayman. The smallest of the Cayman Islands, there are more rare birds here than there are houses, people or cars and you can’t help but slip into its mellow Caribbean vibe.

Nothing says laidback luxury better than your own beachside pad and at the Southern Cross Club you can choose from a range of candy-coloured bungalows. Laze in sun-kissed solitude in your hammock or take a kayak out to nearby Owen Island for a picnic on a deserted sandy cove. If adventure calls, Little Cayman’s aquatic activities are world class. Get your fishing kicks tailing bonefish, permit and jacks through the flats or descend to the legendary drop-off at the Bloody Bay Marine Park to discover a vertical wall ablaze with coral formations in dizzying shades of platinum-yellow, brilliant red and deep emerald green – one of nature’s visual masterpieces.

Next up, Cayman Brac. From dazzling to dark and brooding, it’s back onto dry land to Cayman Brac for the next leg of your journey. Although just a short flight from either island, Cayman Brac feels a world away with soft sand replaced by rugged limestone and dramatic cliffs.

Home of pirate Blackbeard himself, Brac is an explorer’s paradise pocketed with over 170 caves and a myriad of incredible flora and fauna. Hike the trails and scale the bluff for panoramic views of the island’s ragged beauty, keeping an eye out for fruit bats, brown booby and wild parrots as you go.

And there you have the perfect taster of the Cayman Islands.

But be warned, once you’ve found paradise like this, it may be difficult to leave.

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Where to

rest your head The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman With a blend of modern conveniences and classical charm, echoing Grand Cayman’s unique character, the guest rooms, dining area and club lounge create a subtle blend of elegance and contemporary style.

LOCATION The Ritz Carlton is located on the famous Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman. While it’s on the busiest of the three islands, it has the ability to offer complete serenity; but the surrounding area also has unlimited opportunities for activity and entertainment, with a golf course, spa, tennis centre, five restaurants, two outdoor pools, shopping and an art gallery to name a few. The Owen Roberts International Airport is located only fifteen minutes away.

YOUR ROOM For a picture postcard ocean view we recommend choosing an ocean front guest room. However the garden view and resort view guest rooms both also offer stunning views. They all boast private terraces and marble baths with a soaking tub.

WHY WE LIKE IT We love the little extras that the Ritz Carlton provides.

They have thought of everything, from a Personal Butler service, to organising personalised trips to swim with stingrays. All activities beyond the resort are easily accessible and there is an abundance of them to suit all ages. Dining on site is exquisite, particularly at the Restaurant Blue by Eric Ripert.

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Le Soleil d’or, Cayman Brac Le Soleil d’Or lies nestled in a quiet corner of the rustically elegant island of Cayman Brac. You will be treated to your own private pool and beautiful ocean view; healthy living and relaxation are central to the philosophy of this hotel, which boasts its own 20 acre organic garden farm. It also has an outstanding personal chef, private tennis courts, fitness centre and cooking school, not to mention the extensive list of activities to do around the island and offshore.

LOCATION Located on the south side of the island, Le Soleil d’Or is under a half hour drive from Cayman Brac’s airport Charles Kirkconnell. From the moment you are picked up from the airport, you can enjoy the island in a number of ways. Explore the island by bike (definitely one of the best ways to get around), see the beautiful, extreme caves, dive in crystal clear waters, and of course relax on your own private beach at the hotel.

YOUR ROOM Choose from four spacious, tranquil and secluded suites, or rent all four together if you are a larger party (combined, they sleep up to eight). Luxury cotton sheets, hand crafted scrubs and welcome baskets are provided. Each suite is just a few steps from the gorgeous private 1200 foot stretch of beach, with its own pool, hammocks, a gazebo and sun loungers.

WHY WE LIKE IT What we really love is the focus on getting ‘back to nature’. You’ll be able to enjoy delicious homemade food (all from the farm) while dining al fresco, looking out over your own private Caribbean view. This tallies with a general philosophy across the three Cayman Islands, which purports to educate visitors about conserving the local environment; Le Soleil d’Or really expands on this idea.

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Southern Cross Club, Little Cayman Little Cayman is one of the most authentic Caribbean islands, and the Southern Cross Club conveys this unique quality to guests through its laid back, rustic charm. 14 romantic pastel coloured bungalows dotted along, secluded, white sandy beach, some with private outdoor showers looking out over the lagoon.

which is under a half hour drive away. The main passenger airport in the Cayman Islands, Owen Roberts International Airport, is located on Grand Cayman, and there is a daily jet service to Little Cayman and Cayman Brac.

YOUR ROOM Your beautiful, coloured beach bungalow will have fantastic views, just a few feet away from the water. We recommend choosing one with a private outdoor shower, for a truly idyllic experience.

LOCATION The Southern Cross Club sits on a secluded 900 foot long, white sandy beach. The club provides transfers to and from the little local airport,

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Rooms are simple, spacious and clean, and each has an outdoor terrace from which you can enjoy a very special view.

WHY WE LIKE IT The Southern Cross Club’s laid back atmosphere really enables guests to experience the true Caribbean vibe.

With no more than 20 guests staying at one time, you really feel a sense of escapism in this tranquil paradise.

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Before you go

WHEN TO GO The Cayman Island’s tropical marine climate is best explored in the months of November- April. These months bring average warm temperatures of mid to late 20 degrees with an island breeze. Even if you chose to visit in the rainier season between May and October, a small shower at lunchtime will be dried up before sunset. But it’s worth packing a warmer layer for the evenings which can get cool off-season.

GETTING THERE There are daily BA flights a day from London to Grand Cayman via Nassau or Miami. Hop on from Heathrow T5 with one quick stop over, and you can be in paradise in 12hr 40mins. Once you’re in Grand Cayman, just a 40 minute flight with fantastic views will get you to Little Cayman, whilst Cayman Brac is only a 10 minute hop from there. Flights to these two gems are daily so you will have plenty of chances to go.

GETTING AROUND Hiring a car is a great way to get around the island, but if you’d like the Caribbean breeze in your hair then hop on a bike. It’s the perfect way to spot the hidden treasures around all the islands. Off dry lands you can jump onto one of the many boat excursions to Rum Point Beach and Stringray City, and if you’re feeling a little adventurous, you can even get around on a jet ski to find the perfect snorkelling spots.

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