TRAVEL
BEST BEACH
vacations A beach holiday is about more than just splashing in the ocean waves. Dry off, slip on your sandals and explore what’s on shore. BY DOUG O’NEILL & ROBIN STEVENSON
CAYMAN ISLANDS
Cayman Islands
Food lovers can choose from more than 200 restaurants in the Cayman Islands, lauded as the “culinary capital of the Caribbean.” You’ll likely run in to celebrity chefs like Anthony Bourdain at the tonier establishments, especially during the annual Cayman Cookout, but you’ll also rub shoulders with fellow Canadians when you chow down on a 10-ounce Angus burger at Coconut Joe’s. O THE BEACHES Clear water and coral sand are the main ingredients of the dozen or so beaches on the Cayman Islands. Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman is the largest and, in our book, the most family-friendly for its swimming, shallow-water snorkeling and parasailing, but also check out Little Cayman’s smaller beaches, such as Head O’ Bay. O ACTIVITIES Fine dining and great shopping can easily fill your day. Camana Bay Town Centre is chockablock with awardwinning restaurants and trendy boutiques. O FOR KIDS Spend the afternoon in the turtle hatchery at the Cayman Turtle Farm, where kids will be mesmerized by the spectacle of some of the world’s largest turtles, including the mighty loggerhead, which can live up to 80 years. O FOR GROWN-UPS For fine dining, consider island favourites such as Osetra Bay, Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink, Abacus, 62
Blue by Eric Ripert, The Brasserie and Luca. For casual fare, there’s Tiki Beach, Kaibo Bar & Grill, Deckers and Sunshine Grill. If you like to head off the beaten path, stop by Cracked Conch in West Bay or Calypso Grill in Morgan’s Harbour, which are off the popular Seven Mile Beach area. O DON’T MISS Snorkeling among the Grand Cayman’s North Sound stingrays in Stingray City certainly delivers the awesomeness factor. And for auto enthusiasts, the Cayman Motor Museum (caymanmotormuseum.com) is a must-visit. Who wouldn’t want to check out the Batmobile from the TV series? O KEEP IN MIND The port areas in George Town can get a little hectic when the morning cruise ships drop anchor. For more, visit caymanislands.ky.
BEST RESORT VACATION
Atlantis Reef The Atlantis Paradise Island Resort in the Bahamas scores top marks as a beach destination that offers something for everyone: kids, teenagers, adult siblings and friends, grandparents, sporty types and beach bums. There’s never a dull moment—unless piña colada–induced inertia is what you’re aiming for. O THE BEACHES Close your eyes and imagine your dreamiest Bahamian beach. You’ll find three at Atlantis Resort: Cove, Paradise and Atlantis are pristine white sandy beaches with CANADIANLIVING.COM | JANUARY 2015
PHOTOGRAPHY, DON MCDOUGALL
BEST BEACH VACATION FOR FOODIES
