If you’re craving a luxury sun, sand and sea escape – who isn’t right now? – the great news is the Caribbean island paradise that is the beautiful Cayman Islands has expanded their travel programs introducing the Global Citizen Concierge Program making it a safe, easy escape for travelers. So start ‘spreading the news’ and packing your suitcase full of the latest swimsuits and breezy beach essentials as your idyllic home away from home awaits.
Paradise Perfection
The Cayman Islands in the tranquil turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea are part of three islands that make up the BOT (British Overseas Territory); the other two are Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. Aside from the pristine white sandy beaches, Stingray City (i.e. swimming amongst glorious stingrays) and kayaking out to the bioluminescence at night are on the island’s must-see and do highlights. Although a trip to the Cayman Islands is mostly about relaxing poolside or by the crystal clear waters of its gorgeous beaches, sampling the local culinary scene is also a must. Coconut shrimp, jerk chicken, Johnny cakes (deep-fried dumplings) are just some of the staples worth traveling for.
Where to Stay: The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
Spanning 144 acres from the world-famous Seven Mile Beach to the North Sound, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman is the most luxurious resort on the island. The resort’s guest rooms all evoke that quintessential Caribbean vibe thanks to the ocean blue-green interiors and guests can also take their pick from ocean, garden, or resort views, all of which promise to delight. Big on outdoor activities the hotel offers an endless list of adventures in which to relax, unwind or get active. Take a nature tour to experience the tropical wonders of the Cayman Islands, golf on The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman’s nine-hole course, have a hit of tennis on the clay courts or sail, snorkel or scuba in its beautiful Caribbean waters.
Eat + Drink: With six restaurants and bars, you won’t need to leave the resort to find fresh food and exotic cocktails. Renowned chef Eric Ripert is the mastermind behind Blue, one of the resort’s fine-dining destinations where the culinary focus is on fresh local seafood. You’ll leave wondering how you ever lived without the Grilled Swordfish with sunchoke (Jerusalem artichokes), green papaya, and a mustard emulsion. At Andiamo, casual Caribbean vibes merge with a classic Italian menu on an open terrace overlooking the winding canals of the resort. Or indulge in a delicious steak experience and bourbon-inspired cocktails at Seven, named after its idyllic location on Seven Mile Beach. Sushi lovers will, well love, Taikun, the hotel’s gourmet sushi restaurant where the sushi is so fresh the wasabi root is grated tableside against sharkskin – just as it is in Japan. Come cocktail hour, kick back over a piña colada and watch the sunset at the beachside lounge Bar Jack. Or for a more elevated aperitif or nightcap try the Silver Palm lounge named in honor of the Cayman Islands national tree, the Silver Thatch Palm.
Beauty + Wellness: Within the resort’s island oasis lives a spa from luxe Swiss skincare brand La Prairie. As you would expect, the spa treatments infuse with the brand’s signature ingredients caviar and gold and the latest in high tech rejuvenation. Revitalize your skin kissed skin with the Pure Gold Radiance Facial or relax and firm your body with the Signature La Prairie Caviar Massage. Delish.
A Curated Stay
Drum roll: The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman has introduced new customized packages for extended stays (sign us up), following the announcement by the Cayman Islands of expanded travel programs designed to make it easier for travelers to visit. As the mercury drops and with most of us working from home and homeschooling this seems like the perfect winter retreat. The best bit? The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman has a devoted Travel Concierge Program on hand to assist guests with every aspect of the process to ensure their transition to island life’s a breeze. The program includes the Shelter in Luxury accommodations program, enabling all guests to fulfill the mandatory quarantine period in place for all travelers to the Cayman Islands in Caribbean comfort and style. Seriously, all you have to do is pack.
The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman is part of Marriott Bonvoy, Marriott International’s travel program which allows guests to earn and redeem valuable points for their stay. Through Marriott Bonvoy’s Work Anywhere program, members may also enjoy additional benefits for long-term stays when planning a work remote getaway. Monthly rates for residential units start at $30,000, while oceanfront rooms start at $10,000. For more information on long-term stays and the current health and safety procedures at The Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman please contact Alan O’Connell, Sales Manager: alan.oconnell@ritzcarlton.com.
