The Cayman Islands are a collection of three islands located south of Jamaica. Grand Cayman, where we stayed, is the largest. The islands are known for their excellent diving and snorkelling. The Cayman Islands has over 365 dive sites spread throughout the three islands with the majority off the coast of Grand Cayman. The waters are ideal for diving – they’re relatively warm all year round and the visibility is great. With numerous dives sites, you will have a range of great diving from shipwrecks to wall dives! It’s no surprise the Caymans is renowned as one of the best diving destinations in the world.
As someone who loves sun, beaches, and shopping, Cayman is a perfect destination. I have been extremely fortunate to have visited the islands three times. Two as land stays and one day as a port of call stop during a cruise. The islands have the most stunning views, food, and local vibes that captivate your heart.
The Seven Mile Beach is known as one of the “world’s best beaches.” A stroll on the pristine and sun-bleached beach with a setting sun will make a home in your heart.
Food on the Cayman Islands is amazing and known as “the culinary capital of the Caribbean.” It may get a run for its money from Jamaica. From street food to fine dining restaurants in Cayman, it is a treat to the souls of foodies!
The moderate climate is more than enough to keep you coming back. The average temperature in the Cayman Islands is 28°C, so you get ample sun and the right dose of Vitamin D.
The local farmer and artisans market has everything from exotic fruits to fresh vegetables to handmade jewellry and other items.
One of our times in Grand Cayman, we actually stayed in the middle of the island in Bodden Town, the island’s historic first capital, with beautiful beaches. Our accommodation was the Turtle Nest Inn. It is pretty much at the geographical centre of Grand Cayman, approximately 16 kilometres east of George Town and the airport, and about midway to East End and Rum Point. Seven Mile Beach is just west of George Town, the capital, while the Inn is in Bodden Town, on a quieter and more secluded sandy beach away from the tourist crowds. In the Seven Mile Beach area, you’ll mostly run into tourists, and very few natives. It is the opposite in Bodden Town as this is an area perhaps more appealing to the “traveller” than to the tourist. A nice added value in staying at this resort is that a car rental is included in the accommodation rate. You will definitely get more out of your vacation with your own vehicle and save money as well! There’s really no other way to fully explore the island and have access to the full range of restaurants, including the more reasonably priced ones. Grocery shopping at the supermarkets is difficult without a car. And, renting one for pick-up right at the airport is simple and affordable, given the discounted rates Turtle Nest Inn has negotiated. Other than the fun of open-air driving, there’s no need for a Jeep — roads are good, there are no mountains, and driving on the beach is illegal.
Not far from the hotel is an amazing little shop, Beach Bubbles Cayman, with lots of local products and an amazing selection of soap products. Soaps to heal mosquito bites, scented soaps of every kind, and some with great names like ‘monkey farts’ for the kids.
Owned by Nina and the one who introduced me to her coconut lotions and soaps. The soaps are so creamy and refreshing. They smell so good, are colorful and have great names! The lotions are super moisturizing and very luxurious on the skin. The scrubs and shuffles are absolutely divine. They are all hand-made with love on the island.
O loves coconut and is totally hooked on these goodies. I stock up every time we visit the islands. If not, I get some shipped to me. Alas, shipping has been affected during this time of CoVid.
