Moving on, our next destination is the Grand Cayman, the largest of the Cayman Islands. Seven Mile beach is the island’s main attraction, while this beach is well-known, having claimed the title “The Ultimate Beach” by Caribbean Travel + Life it’s often less crowded than most beaches making it the choice vacation destination for many. In this tropical paradise our family hotel pick is The Ritz Carleton which has received Trip Advisor’s ‘Traveler’s Choice Award’ in 2012 for the categories Luxury, Top 25 in the Caribbean and Family. This family friendly hotel is packed with things to do and with their ‘Kids Stay Free*’ program it’s more affordable than ever to take that long awaited family vacation.
While this resort is not an all inclusive establishment, those who stay in Club level rooms receive access to their Club Lounge which provides continuous culinary offerings (breakfast, light snacks, hors d’oeuvres, beverages and sweets) as well as access to laptop computers with internet access. There are also six restaurants on the property ranging from seafood and sushi to Italian and fine dining.
The Ritz has a number of activities for children in their Ambassador’s of the Environment Program; this program has segments for kids, youth, adults and families as well as group activities. Segments focus on animals found in the Cayman Islands and ecological sights and wonders that will allow your kids to gain knowledge of the nature that surrounds them. Some segment topics include: Cosmic Adventure (4-12), Have You Ever Seen a Blue Iguana? (4+), Frogtastic Fun (4-12), Shipwreck Exploration Snorkel (8+) and a Mangrove Kayak Adventure (10+).
While the kids are occupied treat yourself to a spa treatment, such as the Silver Rain with healing waters, or relax in a yoga session at the fitness center followed by a stint in the sauna or steam room. Golf lover’s will enjoy the Blue Tip golf course, a nine hole course, eight of which are on water. Speaking of water, I haven’t even mentioned the water activities available at the beach. Complementary of the hotel there is snorkel gear, water trikes, kayaks, floating rafts and water hammocks that will enhance your beach experience or make us of one their beach Cabana’s to really relax in style.
The Ritz also hosts a number of events that will truly make your stay memorable. Some of December’s events include: a Gingerbread House Workshop, Christmas Dinner Delivered, Cocoa & Cocktails, Christmas Brunch & Santa’s Workshop, Beach BBQ & Bonfire and a Sweet Dreams Chocolate Buffet – YUM! See the complete list of events and dates here. Also, every afternoon the Ritz feeds tarpons; these silver fish of the Caribbean grow 5 to 8 feet long! After the fish feeding there’s a children’s buffet at their Periwinkle restaurant followed by a movie under the stars with popcorn.
With all these options available at the hotels you won’t ever want to leave. Heck, they may as well put your name on the door, but there’s just as much to do off the resort as there is on it, which is why the Cayman Islands are a great vacation destination.
*Not applicable to Club level categories, applies to children 17 and under sharing with two adults and using existing bedding