Destination Spotlight – Grand Cayman

Nestled in the calm, turquoise waters of the Western Caribbean, the Cayman Islands is comprised of three island gems – Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman – each offering endless possibilities for the Canadian traveller. Cosmopolitan Grand Cayman is the largest of the three with fine dining, shopping and a wealth of activities to soothe the stressed. Cayman Brac is unspoiled and perfect for those wishing to awaken their adventurous spirit, while Little Cayman is quiet and serene with pristine beaches, nature activities and some of the world’s best diving.

A British Overseas Territory, the Cayman Islands offer an alternative to the more traditional all-inclusive Caribbean vacation. Travellers will experience an a la carte holiday, appealing to a discerning vacationer who wants to be free to dine at local restaurants as well as sample a wide variety of island activities, both above and below the sea. Grand Cayman, the largest of the three islands, is where most travellers begin their Cayman vacation, often on its miles of powdery, sugar-sand beaches. The vast majority of accommodations are located on Seven Mile Beach and travellers benefit from a no vending rule, lending the beach a serene, secluded feel.

 

Sightseeing and Attractions

 

stingrayHome to numerous attractions including the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, Pedro St.James National Historic Site, Cayman Motor Museum, Town of Hell Post Office, Atlantis Submarine, Cayman Turtle Farm, National Gallery, Rum Point, Seven Fathoms Rum Tour and many more, Grand Cayman has something for every visitor. Watersports abound with diving, snorkelling, parasailing, kayaking, kiteboarding, paddleboarding, fishing and just about anything the water lover can dream of. As the birthplace of recreational diving in the Caribbean, the Cayman Islands provide some of the world’s best dive experiences including Grand Cayman’s most famous attraction: Stingray City. Availableto both divers and snorkellers, Stingray City allows visitors to interact with wild Southern Stingrays in their natural habitat. The newest water attraction in Cayman however is the USS Kittiwake where divers and snorkellers alike can hover over and around a decommissioned naval ship that was recently sunk for the purpose of establishing anew reef. The Cayman Islands have 365 dive sites, one for every single day of the year.

Also new to the island is JetPack Cayman, a heart-pounding experience where you’ll take flight over the water while being lifted by high-pressure water jets. For those who want to stay dry, check out the new Camana Bay Town Centre, best described by its stunning modern design, upscale shops, numerous outdoor restaurants and vibranturban sensibility.

 

Unsurpassed Service and Accommodations

 

cottontreeThe Cayman Islands offer high quality accommodations on all three islands and visitors can choose from a wide variety of hotels and resorts to spacious condos and villas. Visitors who choose condominium and villa properties enjoy all the luxuries of a lavish vacation with the coziness and freedom of a home away from home with many also providing concierge services. Resort hotels on Grand Cayman include familiar brand names like Marriott, Westin and the Ritz-Carlton with many offering unique activity programs for children. And for the more budget conscious, options like the Comfort Suites and Sunshine Suites won’t break the bank. For divers, there are numerous dive lodges that cater to their unique needs and provide on site dive programs and equipment rentals. Whether its elegance and sophistication or a family friendly and relaxed environment you seek, the Cayman Islands provide a wealth of options to choose from.