Three-Bedroom Residential Suite - Garden View

Planning Your Trip

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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.

Sunset Sail
Sunset Sail
Planning Your Trip
What to Pack
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.
A woman holding a pole stands on a surfboard in the ocean at sunset
A woman holding a pole stands on a surfboard in the ocean at sunset
Planning Your Trip
What to Reserve

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 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.

It’s hard to imagine Grand Cayman being any more heavenly than it already is, but the wellness experts behind The Ritz-Carlton Spa, 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 Rose Gold Radiance facial and a 60-minute Relaxation massage, or enjoy an added layer of privacy with treatments from the comfort of your guest room.

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). 

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.

Harbor Pool
Harbor Pool
Planning Your Trip
Itineraries

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.

Morning

Deep Dive. Once used to recover items from the Challenger Space Shuttle, the sunken Kittiwake vessel is now one of the most well-known underwater shipwrecks for divers. It’s conveniently near Seven Mile Beach and is a haven for creatures, including sea urchin and colorful tropical fish.

Midday

Reefs Up Close. See more wonders of the sea on one of Atlantis Submarines’ tours. Their watercraft safely descend 100 feet so your children, ages 4 or older, can get an intimate view of the reefs and marine life from a dry, air-conditioned environment. 

Afternoon

Enjoy an Afternoon at the Park. One of the largest public parks in Grand Cayman, Dart Family Park has an oceanfront playground, a small beach and tables that are perfect for a relaxed afternoon picnic.

Evening

I Scream, You Scream. The popular Gelato and Co. Cremeria Italiana serves a rotating selection of almost 30 types of gelato and sorbet, including Key lime pie, pistachio and salted caramel. Top your selection with specialty sauces like melted Nutella or amaretti cookies.

Morning

Take Advantage of the Pristine Beaches. Every morning at 10:30, snorkeling lessons commence. Reserve a spot in the class or take advantage of other resort fun: swing in a hammock, take a ride in a catamaran or rent a paddleboard or water tricycle from the beach staff.

Midday

Tour a Cave Full of Beautiful Crystals. Formed over millions of years, Crystal Caves is covered in an otherworldly series of crystalline stalagmites and stalactite structures. A number of wildlife creatures, including bats and parrots, can be spotted on a tour.

Afternoon

Pet and Feed Stingrays in the Ocean. Have the concierge book a boat tour of Stingray City, a small patch of shallow sandbars on the North Sound of the island where large but friendly stingrays gather and await visitors. Stand in the 3-feet-deep water with food and they’ll glide over to eat it, allowing you to pet their soft skin.

Evening

Enjoy a Lady Loren at Sunset. Saint June at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman is perfectly situated for enjoying the famous Caribbean sunset. The day menu features nourishing, organic and seasonal fare, which transitions to an interactive and experimental offering in the evening with Ophelia Bar taking center stage.

Morning

Flora and Fauna. At the Queen Elizabeth II Royal Botanic Park, a variety of plants and animals are on display. Stroll through the shaded paths to learn about the fascinating blue iguana, beautiful varieties of orchids and dozens of rare birds, including the West Indies whistling duck.

Midday

Enjoy Lunch on the Beach. Have a casual lunch on the shores of Seven Mile Beach at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman’s Bar Jack. The outdoor grill serves something for everyone: fish tacos made with local catches, tomato mozzarella salads and the best (dairy-free) Piña Colada on the island. Don’t miss the list of refreshing cocktails.

Afternoon

Visit an Amusement Park. Locked Inn is a bit like a live-action arcade. Your group works together to solve a puzzle in an altered-reality simulation room. Sign up for the “Pirate’s Cellar” sequence to go on a family hunt for Blackbeard’s hidden treasure.

Evening

Plan a Magical Nighttime Adventure. On this guided tour by Cayman Kayaks, your family will board electric catamarans and be led by a passionate expert to bioluminescent plankton that sparkle in the water at night. Panels in the boat even detach so you can interact with the microorganisms.

Morning

Observe Starfish in Their Natural Habitat. At Starfish Point, a shallow, crystal-clear corner of beach on the north end of Grand Cayman, bright red starfish move along the floor of the ocean. Set in just foot-deep waters, the area is suitable for young children.

Midday

Ride a Horse in the Water. Grand Cayman’s Pampered Ponies gives children and adults the rare opportunity to mount a horse on a quiet beach, ride along on the sand and then wade into the ocean. Their horses are gentle, excellent swimmers.

Afternoon

Drop the Kids Off and Take a Break. Bring your children to Ambassadors of the Environment or to Wave Game room for an afternoon of play while the adults escape to The Ritz-Carlton spa, Grand Cayman, or to the resort’s nine-hole, Greg Norman-designed golf course.

Evening

Pizza Party. At the retro-feeling Brooklyn restaurant, bubbly crusted pizzas are prepared in a wood-fired oven. The menu has a mix of classics, like margherita and pepperoni, and some creative options, too, like the lamb-bacon-topped Midnight Express and the Orchard with pears and truffle honey.

Morning

Explore the Great Outdoors. On Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment eco-tours, your family will develop a greater appreciation for nature. Sign up for activities that uncover the mysteries of turtles, coral reefs and other environmental wonders.

Midday

Get a Better View of the Island. One of Grand Cayman’s tallest structures, the 75-foot observation tower provides a panoramic view of the island’s beauty. Take an elevator to the top or ascend a double-helix staircase that leads past a colorful mosaic of Cayman’s coral reefs.

Afternoon

Experience the Art Scene. The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands promotes the area’s most talented and visionary artists. In addition to a permanent collection, the 9,000-square-foot museum features six rotating exhibits at a time that highlight local talent.

Evening

Enjoy a Decadent Seafood Feast. Catch serves seafood every which way. Located over the water in Morgan’s Harbour, you’ll find exquisite locally caught seafood dishes such as wahoo or tuna carpaccio, hearty meat creations, tangy ceviche made with local fish and creatively crafted cocktails.

Morning

Spend a Day at Sea. Devote at least one day to underwater adventures in Grand Cayman. Through the concierge, arrange for a private yacht tour that leads to the best diving and snorkeling spots around an island that is full of them.

Dive at Bloody Bay Marine Park.A favorite location for divers of all skill levels, Bloody Bay’s main draw is a spectacular reef wall that begins 20 feet underwater and keeps going for several thousand feet deeper. Spot turtles, sharks and stunning reef formations at this Little Cayman dive site.

Midday

Observe a Wild Array of Marine Life. A little under 50 miles away from Seven Mile Beach sit two exceptional diving opportunities: Eden Rock and Devil’s Grotto. Wander through both underwater sites to gawk at everything from barracuda and eel to large tarpon.

Afternoon

Feed Some Friendly Stingrays. While it may sound eerie, the creatures who glide around Stingray City are perfectly gentle and accustomed to human visitors. Your guide will hand you food, which the stingrays eat out of your hands. The creatures will likely circle around you, brushing your shoulders, a passive invitation to pet their smooth bodies.

Evening

Dine on Masterfully Prepared Seafood. At The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman’s Blue by Eric Ripert, Grand Cayman’s superb seafood takes center stage. The menu of legendary chef Ripert, whose Le Bernardin restaurant in New York City is known by many food obsessives as a temple to seafood, includes fluke, scallops and other fresh catches from the Caribbean.

Morning

Hit the Links. Famed golf course designer Greg Norman created the nine-hole course at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman to accentuate the natural setting of the island. The last hole ends with a challenge: The putting green is on its own island surrounded by a saltwater lagoon. 

Fuel Up. At Seven Restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, the staff prepares an epic breakfast spread of exotic fresh juices, made-to-order eggs and smoked trout. Enjoy it all with a view of the Caribbean Sea.

Midday

Hike a 200-Year-Old Trail. Mastic Trail is not incredibly challenging, but it is incredibly rewarding. Built on the largest swath of untouched forest growth on Grand Cayman, it cuts through mangrove swamps filled with bright, beautiful plants and birds.

Afternoon

Take a Curious Detour. You’ll know why locals refer to this natural wonder simply as Hell when you arrive. The plot of land, which spans about 180 feet long, is filled with spiky clusters of black limestone that give it the appearance of a desolate, alien landscape.

Evening

Enjoy a Piña Colada at Sunset. Bar Jack at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman is perfectly situated for enjoying the famous Caribbean sunset. Grab light fare like chips and guacamole, order a perfectly creamy piña colada and enjoy the world-famous Cayman sunsets.

Morning

Take Flight. Seven Mile Beach is one of the most picturesque in the Caribbean. To properly take in its beauty, have the concierge arrange a parasailing adventure. You’ll soar 400 feet ahead and look down on the patchwork of blues that paint the Caribbean Sea.

Midday

Go Spelunking in a Beautiful Cave. Side by side an impressively lush tropical forest of balsam trees and air plants, Crystal Caves is a network of startlingly beautiful caves. The walls are covered in crystalline stalagmites and stalactites that look as though they’ve melted from rock.

Afternoon

Snorkel at a Lively Reef. Coral Gardens is so ideal for spotting fish it is sometimes called the aquarium. Spot morays, turtles and other tropical creatures of all colors in the shallow waters.

Evening

Dine on Gourmet Sushi. Taikun at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman goes the extra mile to create a memorable and authentic Japanese dining experience. Order the omakase for a chef’s selection of the finest fish available that day. Instead of serving the wasabi paste favored by many restaurants, servers grate fresh wasabi root against sharkskin as you’d find in Japan.