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Planning Your Trip

The largest of the three Cayman Islands offers the ultimate beach vacation, starting with its world-famous Seven Mile Beach. Divers, foodies, couples and spa aficionados alike converge on this coastal paradise, where advance packing is as easy as sauntering onto the soft sand when you arrive.

RESORT ESSENTIALS

Heading to Grand Cayman? Your packing list is nearly as enviable as your destination. You can live in light, casual warm-weather layers that fold into nothing in your suitcase.

 

  • The bare essentials: swimwear, sun protection (hat, sunglasses), casual wear, sandals and a beach tote.
  • Bring your workout gear to take advantage of the resort’s state-of-the-art fitness center, which includes a circuit training room, group classes and personal training.
  • For an evening out, think resort elegance: long pants and boat shoes or loafers for gentlemen; a stylish dress or jumpsuit with sandals or heels for ladies.

BEACH VACATION

Whether you’re traveling to Grand Cayman for a romantic getaway or a family beach trip, be sure to pack the essentials to make the most of the beach.

 

  • It seems counterintuitive, but you can leave your SPF at home. Rather than pack a used, possibly expired bottle, buy a nourishing new sunscreen on-site at the resort. Whatever’s left over makes a fine, fragrant memento of your trip later.
  • If you’re traveling with little ones, you’ll need kid-friendly beach gear such as sunscreen, swim diapers, beach toys, hats and rash guards. A lightweight beach tent provides a shady place to play or nap.
  • For women, an oversize, lightweight scarf does double duty as a poolside cover-up and an extra layer at night and on the plane.

OUTDOOR ESSENTIALS

Plan to be outside — whether on dry land or in the water — all day. Sun protection, comfortable clothes and plenty of water are essential.

 

 

  • Pack a waterproof GoPro camera. Snorkeling, scuba diving and stingray spotting are must-do activities in Grand Cayman, and a GoPro is the best way to capture those marine moments.
  • Bring your golf clubs to take advantage of the resort’s nine-hole, Greg Norman-designed course, or rent your equipment from the Golf Shop on site.
  • Tennis lovers must not forget their rackets; the two red clay courts and two hard courts at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman offer superior play in a breathtaking setting.  
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Don't Forget:

The legendary Cayman Cookout has grown from an insider culinary getaway to one of the most treasured annual events in food and wine. Led by Chef Eric Ripert and friends including Anthony Bourdain and José Andrés, the cookout celebrates its 10th iteration in 2018 with more surprises up its sleeve than ever. Bring your appetite for culinary demonstrations in the sand, a barefoot barbecue, a catamaran ride to Stingray City, an unforgettable 10-course finale and more.

Over planning is unnecessary in the Caribbean, where island time and barefoot style work their soothing magic on even the most Type A among us. Here’s what you can’t miss.

Dining Reservations

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Dining in Grand Cayman goes far beyond fresh fish and fruity cocktails — though stellar examples of each are more than worth seeking out. For the island’s most exciting, and elevated, preparation of local seafood, reserve a table at Blue by Eric Ripert, the acclaimed restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman helmed by one of the world’s most celebrated chefs. Breathtaking views and spectacular steaks await at Seven, the resort’s premier steakhouse. And farther up the coast, in West Bay, is The Cracked Conch, a longtime favorite offering standout views, short-rib ravioli and creative fresh seafood.

Spa Appointments

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It’s hard to imagine Grand Cayman being any more heavenly than it already is, but the wellness experts behind the la prairie spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman are taking euphoria to new heights. Inspired by the natural sanctuary of its surroundings and incorporating advanced skin science and luxury ingredients, this distinctive enclave is the island’s premier spa experience. Refresh after a long trip with the Travel Recovery treatment, which includes a nourishing la prairie facial and a 60-minute Swedish massage, or enjoy an added layer of privacy with treatments from the comfort of your guest room.

Outdoor Excursions

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Snorkeling or diving is a must as the waters around Grand Cayman are among the clearest on the planet, all the better to observe the marine life — from colorful schools of fish to beautiful coral and maybe a turtle or two. If you’re a nature lover, do not miss a guided hike on the Mastic Trail, a 200-year-old path that winds through a native mangrove swamp and a pristine, 2 million-year-old woodland area that is home to a diverse array of wildlife, colorful plants and flowers, and rare, ancient trees (including the mastic of its name). 

DAY TRIPS

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Set sail on a catamaran to Stingray City, one of the Caribbean’s most beloved destinations. This series of shallow sandbars is home to a large population of stingrays that interact with visitors in the gentlest of ways (one might even give you a kiss!). Visit the Cayman Turtle Centre, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year with inspired wildlife encounters, conservation and education. Take a dry, air-conditioned ride 100 feet below sea level on the 50-foot Atlantis submarine, which guides you through Cayman’s spectacular coral reef and marine life — and even illuminates them at night.

The beaches of Grand Cayman are world famous for their powder-like sand and warm, crystal-clear waters. But there’s much more to enjoy than just days soaking in the sun. The island is tailor-made for families and adventure seekers. The ocean teems with rare opportunities to view exotic creatures like stingrays and tropical fish up close. Explore caves and shipwrecks and take hikes along lush trails. Afterward, enjoy some well-earned rest and relaxation at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, which offers restaurants from internationally acclaimed chefs, a luxury spa sanctuary and plush accommodations you won’t want to leave.

Family Fun

Grand Cayman has all the elements necessary to have an unforgettable vacation with your family. The youngest ones can learn about the wonders of sea life and fascinating creatures at the Ambassadors of the Environment or splash around Starfish Cay, the only water park in Grand Cayman. 

 

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Island Adventures

With its miles of soft sand, warm Caribbean breeze and scenic natural setting, Grand Cayman is the perfect destination for curious adventurers. Interact with gentle stingrays. Explore caves covered in intricate crystals. Go deep-sea diving to shipwreck sites. 

 

 

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