Less than a hundred miles south of Cuba, the Caribbean island group of the Caymans is very different than its Latin infused neighbour. They do, however, share some enviable natural conditions. Clear water, beautiful coral reefs and stunning beaches have given the islands an appeal far greater than their actual size. The population is just over 50,000 and, although it’s a British territory, the currency is the dollar and it’s an international sort of place. Book a hotel on Grand Cayman, the largest island, which is developed and ordered but still with plenty of a wild side. Head to smaller islands like Little Cayman and Cayman Brac and you’ll be boosting the population significantly.
Where to Stay on the Cayman Islands
Grand Cayman - The largest and most developed island. This is where most of the tourist facilities, hotels resorts are based.
George Town - The capital of the islands, and the closest settlement to the magnificent Seven Mile Beach, a frequent entry into the top ten of the world’s best beaches.
Little Cayman - The smallest and probably least developed of the three islands. It’s just 10 miles long and a mile wide but a top diving destination.
Cayman Brac - Just 14 square miles of island but another of the world’s best diving locations, with plenty of wreck and reef sites to choose from.
Things to See with a Hotel in the Cayman Islands
Seven Mile Beach is an absolute must during your stay. Its white sands and pristine waters make it one of the best in the world. Visit Blossom Village Park, site of the original settlement in the 1660s and developed by the National Trust. Along the coast, when the waves get up and the swell is big, there are more than 20 blow holes, where water is forced out from caves below. For the best views of the islands, climb the 75-foot Camana Bay Observation Tower, and drink in the 360˚ vistas. Or you can meet some of the islands’ most charming inhabitants at the Cayman Turtle Farm.
If you’ve ever wanted to get up close and personal with a dolphin, then the Dolphin Discovery is your chance to do just that. Get your picture taken with one of these adorable animals. Find out more about the islands’ history at the Little Cayman Museum or experience it first hand at Heritage House and Mission House. Try your hand at some watersports, or take a boat trip out to experience some fishing, Caribbean style. You can also learn to dive on Little Cayman and Cayman Brac, with scores of dive spots including some of the world’s best reef and wreck sites. Hit the beaches, try Cayman cooking and simply soak up the island charm.