In the Cayman Islands, getting away from it all is as simple as watching the tide roll in. Situated in the western Caribbean some 480 miles south of Miami, the Cayman Islands is an archipelago of three islands: Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. Visitors are lured to the luxe destination by its endless sunshine, golden sands, and elevated accommodations—and stay for the adventures in and under the water, the exquisite cuisine, and the chance to unwind completely. Below, a T&C travel guide: three days of pristine beaches, azure waters, and tropical breezes.
Day 1:
Where to Stay
Set on scenic Seven Mile Beach, Palm Heights is the first all-suite boutique hotel on Grand Cayman. Each guest room is an ocean-view retreat with low-slung furnishings and decor that mirror the natural surroundings. The activity menu is robust, featuring water sports, specialized fitness classes, and more. And the opportunities for blissful relaxation are just as enticing—treatments in the serene spa, poolside loungers, and beach setups positioned under yellow umbrellas are all available. Because Palm Heights has thought of everything, its on-site bookshop and library can even introduce you to your next beach read. There are four dining options on the property, which include fine Caribbean cuisine and a charming pizza garden.
What to See and Do
While you could sleep in, why not wake up and make the most of paradise? Explore Grand Cayman's lush tropical foliage, mangroves, and wetlands on an ATV tour across Barkers Beach in West Bay. When you're ready to cool down, take a cultural breather on a guided tour of the National Gallery, where Caymanian art and sculpture are on display.
What to Eat
Plan for all that exploration to work up a hearty appetite. Before venturing out for the day, stop by Tillie's for the decadent layered French toast with tiers of dulce de leche, ricotta, and raspberry-guava compote, paired with a mimosa. Post-ATV adventure in West Bay, head to local favorite Heritage Kitchen for lunch staples like coconut grouper and tamarind juice. And when you wake up from your late-afternoon nap, experience the impeccable service at Taikun at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, where the wasabi is grated tableside. Try the chef's special omakase menu for an even more memorable experience.
Day 2:
What to See and Do
No island escape is complete without the opportunity to mingle with marine life. An early-morning excursion with Red Sail Sports will take you, via catamaran, to a sandbar 25 miles offshore of Grand Cayman where you can swim with, feed, and take snaps with friendly Southern stingrays. Back on land, go shopping at Camana Bay, where you'll find local boutiques, handicrafts outposts, high-fashion shops, and duty-free jewelry stores. As day turns to night, don't miss the breathtaking sunset at Smith Cove.
What to Eat
Head to Peppers in West Bay, which specializes in Jamaican jerk served with a smile. A traditional—and filling—favorite is the jerk pork, roast breadfruit, and callaloo rice dish. Ask any local for a dinner recommendation and they'll likely point you toward Grand Old House, an island staple since 1908. Located in South Sound, with epic water views, this institution affords all the historic grandeur without a hint of attitude. The lobster bisque and sticky-toffee pudding are must-tries.
Day 3:
What to See and Do
Experience the magic of waking up just steps from the world-renowned Seven Mile Beach. Take an early-morning stroll as the sun moves high into the sky, and stroll across the golden sands listening the lull of the ocean. Next, learn about the islands' storied history at Pedro St. James National Historic Site in Bodden Town. Known to locals as "Pedro Castle," it is the oldest surviving stone structure in Cayman, and offers guided tours highlighting the building's past as the birthplace of democracy in the Cayman Islands.
Afterward, head to the district of East End to fill your social media feed with snaps of scenic spots like the Blowholes—where the water spray can reach up to 15 feet—and Lovers Wall, a serpentine stretch of rock wall along Queen's Highway bearing heart-shaped signs that spell out the site's name. As a last hurrah, discover the beauty of bioluminescence—the wonder of tiny plankton glowing beneath the water's surface—on a night-kayaking excursion with Cayman Kayaks. Under a starry night sky, you'll see this natural wonder on full display.
What to Eat
A visit to Pedro St. James is best followed by a meal at Thatch and Barrel, which features farm-to-table fare. It's the only place on the island where you can find 1780, an unfiltered blend of rum that's distilled, aged, and bottled at Pedro St. James; many of the dishes are also infused with the spirit. To end your vacation on an epicurean note, savor the six-course tasting menu paired with rare rum cocktails at Kaibo Upstairs in Rum Point. The experience takes you on a journey of the senses, in which each dish incorporates elements from the Caribbean Sea.
Don't wait to book your epic getaway today—learn more at visitcaymanislands.com.
