By Christine Ciamello
No one knows a destination
Stingray City is one of the most popular to-dos on the island, but not everyone wants
The two most captivating amenities of Le Soleil D’Or appear courtesy of nature:
like a hotel insider. We
to battle boats and crowds. That’s the appeal of a private helicopter, says Ann Whiting, concierge at Luxury Cayman Villas. In the 45-minute aerial overview, the water is so crystal-clear that you can see the stingrays fluttering among the swimmers. Other sites are the shipwrecks that are on divers’ bucket lists , Pedro St. James Castle, the super tropical East End, and Rum Point. Call it GC’s heli-primer.
the stars and the waters. You can see the Milky Way from Cayman Brac, where there’s practically zero light pollution, says Lucia Poleon, guest relations coordinator. Holistic and spiritual wellness is a key at Cayman Brac’s Le Soleil, where guests can tailor scrubs, masks and detox juices by harvesting ingredients from the onsite 20-acre farm.
spoke to five of the best to get their takes on what’s tops.
Seven Mile Beach. Beautiful, absolutely. Popular, without a doubt. Elena Karpechenko, an events manager at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman,
recommends an alternative spot, Smith Cove, near George Town. It isn’t unpopular, particularly on the weekends but it feels like a giant swimming pool with the added benefit of a drop-off close to shore. Bonus: The cove is protected from stronger winds. (Translation: snorkeling spectacular.)
The stand-up paddleboard is the current choice activity for many beach goers, but Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa puts a new spin on it. The instructor not only teaches newbies how to SUP but also how to do yoga and other fitness moves while afloat, explains Virgil Napier, director of sales and marketing. You can even pair your workout with kombucha or fresh juice (or the poison of your choice). Afterward, take your newfound balance and hit the sea on a kayak, Hobie cat or jet ski.
People are surprised to discover the amount of culture on the island, says Danielle Wolfe, general manager of boutique
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Caribbean Club hotel. Half the island are expats, and they bring their traditions with them—in art, in food and in music. Check local listings for art gallery openings at The National Gallery, plays being performed at the theaters, or local live musicians playing at Havana Club Cigar Lounge or The Wharf. Barefoot Man and Hi-Tide are two top draws.
2017 EDITION / CAYMANVOWS.COM
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