You’ve just hosted the most memorable event of the century, your friends will be complementing you on for years to come . Now it is time for you and your love to escape to the Caribbean treasure Christopher Columbus discovered on his
last trip to the new world. It is time to bask, relax, rejuvenate and discover each other in the gentle azure waters and luxurious climate of Grand Cayman.
LAY OF THE LAND
At twenty two miles long and eight miles
wide Grand Cayman is the largest of the
Cayman Islands named “Caymanas” word for crocodile. Traditionally joined with Jamaica until 1960, the Cayman Islands elected to become a British Overseas Protectorate upon Jamaican independence. The main industry is fishing and banking. The Queen appoints a Governor, that presides over the
Cabinet whose members are chosen from
the 15 member legislative assembly.
The Cayman Islands also offer a Hurricane
Guarantee which covers any cancellations
made prior to arrival and or if a vacation
is cut short due to inclement weather.
Strict environmental laws ensure that the
delicate coral formations and local wild
life are protected for all to see and enjoy.
Consequently no objects, living or dead,
are allowed to be removed from the islands, heavy fines and even jail terms accompany violation of these laws.
TOP MUST-SEE'S MUST-DO'S
Explore the Sea
The crystal clear waters of Grand Cayman
are protected from strong ocean currents by
the reefs which provide a beautiful, gentle
and safe swimming experience. Snorkeling
is the best way to experience the incredible
life off shore. Novices can learn the basics
from experienced operators and be ready
to take the plunge immediately. Charters
are available to take snorkelers to the best
sights often providing lunch. Meander
with life under water as you join in up
close swimming with stingrays and gliding
over stunning coral in the underwater
conservancies.
For those who want to explore the
depths, welcome to the birth place of
recreational diving! 200 marked sites offer
diving excursions in calm clear water with
up to 100 feet visibility for divers from novice to Nitrox and Tec diving. Unspoiled
coral reefs and off shore wrecks with 119
mooring sites allow diving excursions to
disperse and reduces anchor damage to
the coral.
If you want to stay dry the Cayman Islands
feature four different types of vessels to
experience life under the sea. The Seaworld Explorer’s glassed lower deck provides views just under the surface, or submerge to 100 feet in the Expedition. For the once in a life time experience, there is the Deep Explorer Research Sub which will take two passengers down to a thrilling 1,000 feet, intimate and exciting.
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Scuba Dive
Just like sailing, you don’t need to be
a pro to appreciate the excellent diving
that can be done in these islands.
There are opportunities to see stunning
underwater views and wildlife in the
clear waters off most of the islands.
If you’ve dived before, you can rent
gear and get going, otherwise there are
trained instructors ready to guide you
on your first dive.
Explore On Shore
Explore Grand Cayman’s tropical beauty
over hiking trails into the interior. The
Mastic Trail is a two mile trek through a dry
subtropical forest, with animals and plants
unique to the Cayman Islands.
Experience Grand Cayman below ground
at Peter’s Cave with its view of the south
side bluffs, the stalactite and stalagmite
formations in the Great Cave and the aptly
named Bat’s Cave. Enjoy a romantic horseback ride on the beach at sunset with Nikki’s Beach Rides who caters to riders of all skill levels.
The Beaches
Don’t forget the best the Caribbean has
to offer, the beaches! Grand Cayman has
ten beaches with varying levels of activities
and privacy. Seven Mile Beach offers the
most with water sports operators, beachside dining and the resorts you will find a bit of everything, especially lounging and watching the ocean waves roll in. Public Beach offers a watersports operator with food and drinks at Calico Jack’s including restrooms, showers and changing facilities. Escape the mainstream and discover each other at the secluded East End Public Beach with only the sound of birds, waves and each other interrupting the stillness. Rediscover the party life of spring break at Cayman Kai with beach volleyball and New Orleans style Kaibo bar and grill.
WHERE TO STAY:
Many of the resorts are dive resorts set
up for the convenience of those who visit
solely for the diving experience, though well appointed and luxurious. Other resorts offer a diversity of activities including tennis, golf and spas.
Back To Destinations |
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The Reef Resort - www.thereef.com
The
Reef Resort has all beachfront
suites offering views of palm trees sand
and sea. Located on the east end of the
island away from the crowds, The Reef
Resort offers a more secluded private and
romantic experience. An excellent choice
for divers since the Reef is affiliated with
Red Sail. Non-diving guests have two
swimming areas, two fresh water pools,
beach volleyball and tennis plus two
restaurants, the Rusty Pelican and Pelican’s Reef. Contact The Reef in advance and they will set up your excursions depending on your tastes and interests including rentals and dive excursions. Kayaking, and a power
snorkeling tour which begins up the coast
and ends back at the resort with a glass
of rum or punch and the chance to relive
the sea life you experienced. All manner
of fishing is abundant throughout the
island and The Reef’s staff can assist you in charters. When your body is tired from all
there is to do, regenerate at the Le Soleil
Spa featuring aromatherapy, phytotherapy,
fruit therapy, and marine therapy. Wi-fi is
available throughout the resort.
The Ritz-Carlton - www.ritzcarlton.com
Located on seven mile beach, the
Ritz-Carlton offers Blue, Eric Riperts
signature restaurant and four other dining
experiences, a tennis center designed by
Nick Bollettierei, and nine hole golf course
designed by Greg Norman. In celebration
of Grand Cayman’s natural wonders
Ambassadors of the Environment, designed by Jean-Michel Cousteau showcases the natural local beauty and highlights human stewardship of these wonders. Two truly unique spas the Silver Haven and Silver Rain a la Prairie which “celebrates the healing energy of water in all its forms”. Two pools with luxury cabanas, a fitness center and beach front Jacuzzi also with beach front luxury cabanas. There are also nightly movies under the stars available to all guests.
Grand Cayman Beach Suites
www.grand-cayman-beach-suites.com
Grand Cayman Beach Suites provides
ocean views for its suites and hotel rooms.
Coconut Joe’s and the Kaibo Beach Bar and Grill two restaurants located in the resort and the Vivendi Cabaret, and four pubs provide an abundant night life. La Mer
Spa offers relaxation and revitalization to
prepare you for your Caribbean adventures. Red Sail Sports has on sight watersport equipment. Two pools, a water bar and whirlpool overlooking the pools are
complimentary, as well as the fitness center. The Britannia Golf Course is the only Jack Nicklaus signature course in the Caribbean.
Where ever you roam on Grand Cayman,
on land or under water, the first memories
you forge of your marriage with the golden
back drop of the Caribbean’s most stunning
local will be the treasure you return with.
So who needs pirate gold you’ve got Grand
Cayman.
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