The Cayman Islands are three small plots of land in the Caribbean Sea about 120 miles off the southeastern coast of Cuba. Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac are separated by as much as 89 miles of ocean. The islands are home to a wide array of natural attractions, as well as some of the best hotels in the Caribbean.
The Reef Resort is located on the ocean in the northeast corner of Grand Cayman, about 37 miles drive from the Grand Cayman International Airport. The resort features snorkeling, kayaking, diving, fishing, a full-service spa, tennis courts and beach volleyball. Guest can also enjoy the infinity, kiddie and regular swimming pools, outdoor Jacuzzi and a daily menu of events and activities in which they are free to join for an additional fee. Dining options include the outdoor Pelican's Reef and Rusty Pelican restaurants and the casual indoor Barefoot Bistro. The resort is also capable of hosting weddings and business events in its 900 square foot meeting room and ample outdoor spaces. All studio, deluxe, one and two bedroom suites and condos at the resort have a patio or balcony, kitchen or kitchenette, cable TV and DVD player. Rates for an all-inclusive studio start around $529 as of January 2011.
The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman is a luxury resort located along the shoreline on the western leg of Grand Cayman, about five miles north of the airport. The resort occupies a sprawling plot of oceanfront property with luxury accommodations and a private nine-hole Greg Norman-designed golf course. The resort features grass and clay tennis courts, snorkeling, kayaking, sailing and rafting, a fitness center, beach and poolside cabanas, golf course and the Silver Rain - a La Prairie Spa. Dining options at the resort include five restaurants and two bars with cuisine ranging from steaks to sushi, gourmet seafood to traditional Caribbean fare. The guestrooms and suites are bright and friendly, with floral patterned sheets and curtains. Each room has a large private balcony, marble bathroom, Wi-Fi Internet, minibar with snacks, twice a day cleaning and 24-hour room service. Rates for a garden view room start around $499 as of January 2011.
Three miles north of the airport are the beachfront Grand Cayman Beach Suites, Seven Mile Beach resort. The all-suite resort provides direct access to the beach and a landscaped setting that blends luxury accommodation, deluxe beach club and a Jack Nicklaus golf course to create an elegant recreational property. Activities at the resort include a full selection of water sports, two large outdoor swimming pools with swim up bar, fitness center, the nine-hole Brittania Golf Club course and Little Turtles Kids Camp. Dining options include the very popular, reservations-required Hemingway's, where Caribbean cuisine is served on the beach. The resort also has five lounges and bars from which to choose. Suites are available with one or two bedrooms and feature a balcony, wet bar, microwave, separate dining area, bathrobes, turn-down service, fresh fruit, flat-screen TV, refrigerator, toaster and coffee maker. Rates for an ocean view suite start around $455 as of January 2011.
The Christopher Columbus Condos are a complete shift in gear from the mega luxury hotels that line Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman. The holiday condos are favored by travelers who enjoy having their own apartment in paradise rather than a hotel room. The property has a large outdoor freshwater pool, beach gazebo and cabanas, two tennis courts and a guest laundry. There are 30 condominium units available in two bed/two bath, three bed/two bath and penthouse layouts with a maximum capacity of six. Each room features private patios or balconies, central air-conditioning, full kitchen, cable TV, free Wi-Fi and a barbecue grill. Rates for a two-bedroom condo start around $250 as of January 2011.
