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  • A grand adventure awaits: Our Grand Cayman travel guide

A grand adventure awaits: Our Grand Cayman travel guide

Published

12 August, 2022

Edited

13 April, 2023

Framed by the aquamarine shores of the Caribbean Sea, the enchanting island of Grand Cayman manages to squeeze a whole lot of beauty into just 76 square miles. Along its glittering coast, pristine beaches with powdery sands and swaying palms attract both sun seekers and seafarers alike. Meanwhile, the island’s wild heart offers an abundance of scenic hiking trails hidden among lush foliage, and far off the beaten track.

Back within civilisation, the capital city of George Town lets you delve into the island’s rich culture; a thriving port lined where luxury boutiques and upscale restaurants meet colourfully painted tapas bars and traditional grill houses serving up seriously fresh seafood dishes.

Take a dip in crystalline waters

Good news for those who plan on heading straight for the coast with their towels and swimming gear in tow - Grand Cayman is home to a whole host of stunning beaches.

Seven Mile Beach

While the actual length of the award-winning Seven Mile Beach might be up for dispute, the glowing descriptions of its breathtaking beauty certainly aren’t. With brilliant white sand, lush palms, and turquoise shores, this idyllic beach is a true tropical paradise. If that wasn’t enough, its west-facing position guarantees the most spectacular sunset views every evening.

West Bay

On the quieter northern end of Seven Mile Beach is the lovely West Bay. Lined by crystal-clear waters and dotted with hammocks that gently sway to the coast’s refreshing sea breezes, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy an afternoon snooze under the palms. While the beach is plenty peaceful, you’ll find a good number of amenities and cafes close by if you feel like grabbing a cold cocktail or a tasty snack.

Rum Point

Set on the northern coast of Grand Cayman, Rum Point is an excellent spot for families with shallow, crystalline waters safe for young children to swim and paddle in. There’s an interesting history behind the name of this idyllic beach - local legend says that rum barrels would often wash ashore from sinking ships.

The island’s best experiences

From lively city streets to wild rainforests, this dazzling Caribbean island is brimming with fascinating landmarks offering vacationers a wide variety of enticing experiences throughout the island.

Spend an afternoon in George Town

A visit to Grand Cayman isn’t complete without a visit to the capital of George Town. Filled with an array of excellent restaurants, duty-free shops, and intriguing museums, there are plenty of ways to fill up your afternoon itinerary. Your first stop should be the Cayman Islands National Museum; one of the few remaining 19th-century buildings on the island, housing over 8,000 Caymanian artefacts. Afterwards, head to the Pure Art Gallery before taking a relaxed stroll over to the powdery sands of South Sound Beach.

Uncover the enchanting Cayman Crystal Caves

Hidden among a lush rainforest, the Cayman Crystal Caves have been over a million years in the making. Step into an otherworldly setting, where stalactite crystals hang from the cave’s towering ceilings, and the walls and floors show signs of prehistoric sea life in fossilized shells. The tour itself takes around an hour and a half, taking you through the caves and the surrounding rainforest.

Take a tour of the Cayman Spirits Co. Distillery

Sample the island's award-winning rums with a tour around the Cayman Spirits Co. Distillery in George Town. Using traditional West Indies distilling techniques, the distillery produces a range of small-batch spirits. From fiery rums to premium vodka and liqueurs, you might find yourself bringing home a bottle or two after giving them a try.

Mesmerising marine adventures

A thriving marine metropolis awaits beneath your feet - prepare to be amazed as you swim with the resident sting rays or kayak through the island’s unique bioluminescent plankton.

Meet the residents of Stingray City

25 miles off the coast are a group of sandbars that have proven to be something of a hotspot for stingrays to swim and bask in. Hop on a boat to the aptly-named Stingray City, and you can spend the day snorkelling with these friendly and fascinating creatures.

Swim in the glowing waters of Bioluminescent Bay

Your coastal explorations don’t have to stop when the sun goes down. At Bioluminescent Bay, you can head out on a moonlit boat tour before getting into the still-warm waters for a refreshing swim. Illuminated by the blue glow of the bioluminescent plankton, it’s certainly a unique experience.

Where to eat in Grand Cayman

Rustic farm-to-table restaurants and elegant dining rooms with spectacular sea views - these outstanding eateries serve up authentic Caribbean flavours and seafood straight from the island’s shores.

Upstairs

Boasting the most gorgeous views across the sweeping shores of Rum Point, Upstairs is a fabulous setting for a romantic evening meal. Recognised as one of Grand Cayman’s best restaurants, this refined eatery combines contemporary European cooking techniques with classic Caribbean ingredients. Accompanying the menu is a boutique wine list, carefully selected to compliment each dish.

The Brasserie

Enjoy a farm-to-table experience in an elegant setting at The Brasserie in George Town. Diners can tuck into fresh lobster and conch straight from the waters of the Caribbean Sea, among many other delectable dishes inspired by the island’s native ingredients. The restaurant works with local farmers to ensure that every meal is as fresh and as sustainable as it possibly can.

Agua

Set within the bustling district of Camana Bay, Agua is a sophisticated restaurant showcasing the very best of Italian and Peruvian cuisine. Expect to find wild-caught seafood, artisan-crafted pasta, and sustainably-sourced meats on the menu - paired with an extensive cocktail and wine list.

Ave

Nestled on the idyllic waterfront of West Bay, Ave offers a delicious Mediterranean inspired menu, curated by Executive Chef Massimo De Francesca and crafted with local ingredients. While it’s an excellent spot for evening meals, the Sunday Brunch is another great option where you’ll enjoy a bountiful spread of hand-rolled sushi, cheeses, charcuterie, and an assortment of indulgent desserts.

The onefinestay experience

At onefinestay, we know that the perfect holiday can take a good deal of planning. To make your stay as stress-free as it should be, we offer an exclusive range of services alongside our dedicated concierge support. From grocery deliveries to arranging car rentals, we’ll take care of all the small details for you. We can also prepare unique experiences, including private chefs, in-villa spa treatments, and exciting outdoor excursions. Your personal concierge will take you through all the available options when you book with us.

Planning a getaway to Grand Cayman?

SPEAK TO ONE OF OUR TRAVEL ADVISORS TO BEGIN PLANNING YOUR GRAND CAYMAN GETAWAY TODAY. WE’LL FIND THE PERFECT VILLA FOR YOU AND CRAFT THE TRIP OF A LIFETIME.