For those of you who have followed my Instagram, and in particular, my Insta-Stories, you know that this summer, much like many previous summers, we ventured back to one of our favorite places, a place we love to call home away from home, Grand Cayman.
I’ve done posts about where we stay and why love it so (you can see one HERE) but this post will be different. I found myself sharing at least once a day my love for this booming island all of my favorite spots. You see, when you lose track of how many times you’ve been there, and the folks at the airport see you coming off the plane and say OH MY GOODNESS, GIANOS FAMILY!!!, you know it’s definitely a place to call “home”. Yes, that actually happened!
So for those of you who are planning an adventure to this gem of an island, take note. Grab your pen and paper, or better yet, bookmark this post for future reference.
I am publishing this post on the verge of a huge BOOM that the country is experiencing. It’s growing like crazy, and what was once this not-so-crowded gem of an island in the Carribean is now on it’s way to becoming the Riviera of the Carribean. Highways are being built left and right, large hotel chains are coming in, and it’s definitely not the Grand Cayman we once knew. It’s private, more quaint charm is slowly going away, however, we’ll never stop loving this place. We love it because it’s clean, it’s safe, we love everything we’ve experienced, and HELLO, did you see the sand and clean water? Enough said!
1. Hotel We always have stayed at The Ritz Carlton. Nestled in the heart of Seven Mile Beach, it’s known for its personalized service, and hands down, it never disappoints. The staff is the most personable you can imagine, always addressing us by name, and welcoming us as if we’re part of their family. While the island is covered in condos, I personally prefer staying here because, well, I’m on vacation! And that means, no I don’t want to make my bed. I don’t want to cook. I don’t want to worry about my towels. I want the ability to order room service if I’m too pooped to go out to dinner from the heat and the sun. I want to be PAMPERED. Why? Because I feel like I work hard all year long and this is my time to be taken care of by others. Simple. 🙂
A few other things that make The Ritz Carlton my top choice in where to stay.
The Silver Rain Spa is one of the little divulges I enjoyed daily with Margo. After enjoying a full day at the ocean, instead of showering in our room, we enjoyed the wet sauna, dry sauna, jacuzzi tub, and full amenities the spa had to offer. And that meant showering too. We were able to detox and unwind before getting ready for dinner. Absolute perfection.
For the kids, and actually, for the adults too, come to find out, The Jean-Michele Cousteau Ambassadors of the Environment Program is an ABSOLUTE MUST do. So truth be told, this program is the reason why we begin coming here all along. My children were young, and I was looking for a resort that had a kids program, but not simply a “daycare” to dump them off at. I wanted a place that they would have a wonderful, memorable experience, a place that they would actually learn something, be educated, and not be cared for by high school kids. Nothing wrong with high school kids to care for my children, but the staff of The Ambassadors of the Environment has college degrees with studies in nature, the sea, the earth, marine life, and all the eco-stuff (don’t you like my fancy words!) that are needed to lead this world-renowned program. They have various programs throughout the day for you to enroll your kids in, and EVEN yourself! We went on a night snorkel and it was absolutely amazing! Margo went on an excursion teaching underwater photography! It was SO cool! The coolest part of it? It just so happened to be that Jean-Michele Cousteau was there when we were and we got to hang out with him. Bucket list moment right there. We even got to see the moon with him!
2. Car Rental We DO choose to rent a car. If you do, PLEASE PLEASE drive with caution. They drive British style, all in the opposite side of the road, and there are lots of roundabouts throughout the towns. Proceed with caution. If you DO choose to rent a car, we love to use Andy’s. It’s locally owned and much easier to deal with than the major companies we know here. Instead of waiting in lines after our planes land and everyone is getting their cars, we walk across the street from the airport to the cute little grey and blue house known as Andy’s.
3. Restaurants Where do I even begin? I’ll say this. We’re creatures of habit. So my recommendations will be based upon the fact that we go to the same places over and over again because we love them so much. It’s that simple. It’s not that we don’t like trying new places, but it’s that we don’t want to miss out on what we love so much already. Does that make sense? So, here I go listing them with a brief detail about what they offer.
Ragazzi Italian with a European flair. Incredible pasta and pizza. I actually started getting the tuna and it’s incredible! INSANE good! One of our faves hands down we go to AT LEAST once each trip. A hot spot for locals. It’s packed every night, so be sure to call for reservations. You shouldn’t have a hard time getting in, but know that it’s a popular place.
Taikun Incredible sushi. SO good. So fresh. They even served us a chocolate bonsai tree that was undescribable. It was rich, and almost fudge like with a hint of caramel sea salt in it, unreal!
Canton Great chinese. It’s nothing out of the ordinary other than good chinese food if you’re in the mood for that and it’s a very casual atmosphere.
Luca Contemporary Italian food, one of the best on the island as well. Same owners as Ragazzi. This is has a beach view as it’s on the first floor of the Carribean Club. You’re not actually on the beach, but if you choose to sit outside, you do get to see the ocean.
Eduardos Rich authentic Italian food. Very good, also very heavy, but SO delicious!
Cassanova Oceanfront, literally be seated on the water and have authentic Italian food, a favorite that has been there for decades. The owner (from Italy) is there to greet you when you come in and you can see pictures and polaroids on the walls as you come in of guests on the wall throughout the years. Many of his waiters are from Italy as well. One of my favorites for lobster ravioli or whatever lobster and pasta with champagne sauce. To die for!
Calypso Grill Contemporary seafood, right on the water as well.
Seven Wonderful steaks, incredible sides, the bread with mango butter is to die for. They do a fresh catch fish that’s baked in sea salt and banana leaves that’s incredible as well.
Andiamo If you’re staying at The Ritz Carlton, this place has incredible pizza. Also, when the sun sets, they have a big screen outdoor movie off to the side that’s connected to it that plays every evening, so the kids can go there to watch the movie while the adults hang out at the restaurant.
Bar Jack They serve the BEST sauces with plantain chips every day as you are waiting for your food to be served. I ate the fish burger minus the bun OR the fish tacos every day for lunch. SO yummy!
Chicken! Chicken! Ok YOU GUYS!!!! Can we PLEASE PLEASE bring Chicken! Chicken! to the US? PLEASE? Again, another SUPER FAVORITE! Tucked away in a strip shopping center, it’s nothing but rotisserie chicken and you go through a line to select your sides. I can’t say enough about this place. BEST CHICKEN EVER! Incredible sides! Cornbread like nobody’s business! Not a fancy place at all, but think of it like a “subway” style type of place where you pick your sides, and it’s served on a plate and you go sit down. We went after we grabbed our car before checking in, and we went before leaving to come home on our way to the airport. It’s THAT good.
SILVER PALM LOUNGE This elegant lounge in our hotel was our go-to hangout every evening. We were able to meet and hang out with other guests and make the trip even more memorable with new friendships made. But one of the BEST things about this lounge? This…
These truffle oil chips were TO DIE for! I want the recipe!
ROOM SERVICE! Seriously you guys! If you are staying at The Ritz, it’s so good! Not all room service menus are created equal. Just sayin. You can’t beat it! THE BEST Truffle Mac and Cheese! and Key Lime Pie to DIE FOR! I’m just sayin…
3. Grocery Store FostersFoodFair. It’s close to our hotel and if you need anything, it’s there. And it’s SO cute. Just sayin.
4. Excursions/Private Boat There are lots of boats to take you snorkeling, to Starfish Point, and the famous sandbar where you can hold the stingrays. We have a guy that can do a private trip, or divide it up with some families. He’s been doing this for decades and we love him! Meet Captain Mario and his Co-Captain Antonio! He will take you out, take you wherever you’d like, and even take underwater pictures for you, price included. He can be found at Acquarius.ky.
Jewelry Ok. You guys. You KNOW I love my bags, I love my lipglosses, and I LOVE my baubles. The older I get, the more I’m investing in good quality pieces of jewelry. Bringing home a bauble is a little souvenir for me (and I tell The Mister these are things that will last a lifetime, that will get passed down to my kids). Through the years, I’ve collected a few choice pieces. If you’re a bling girl like me, you’ve GOT to got to GOT to see my man, Jay. He and his family have Magnum Jewelers. They design their own pieces and have amazing designs that I haven’t seen anywhere else. Their quality is the best and they have some of the finest pieces I’ve set my eyes on…
Like this….
No, that didn’t come home with me! I called that a Beyonce ring because it’s THAT fabulous! It’s on my bucket list… when I win the $35mil lottery!
You’ve seen lots of things I’ve purchased from Jay. My diamond hoop earrings I wear daily are from him, and I know you remember this ring.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BgXnIGdHtCd/?taken-by=irenegianos
https://www.instagram.com/p/BffQdS7HmEu/?taken-by=irenegianos
My latest purchase? This bracelet.
Tell him I sent you! He’ll give you a great deal!
As far as other shopping, honestly, I don’t go there to shop for clothing, bags, shoes. So as far as recommendations for those things, I can’t say that there aren’t places to shop for those things, but I just don’t shop when I’m there. For the most part, my time is spent as much as possible on the sand and in the ocean.
Other Things To See
Rum Point is at the top of the island, and is a public beach type of setting, with places to eat and drink. Red Sail Sports is there for you to rent sailboats and other types of water sports activities to rent. The beaches there are different than the beach on Seven Mile Beach. There are more trees and it feels more tropical. It’s a fun place to go with friends and say you’ve experienced Rum Point.
Kaibo is one of our FAVORITE spots to go to and it’s up just past Rum Point. It’s a marina, beach bar, restaurant all nestled on the beautiful white sand. We love the setting, the food is outstanding, and they have the world famous Mudslides I shared with you. You can see it here. We take the car up the island and venture for lunch at Kaibo every time.
Starfish Point So this is my little bit of heaven on earth. You can go with an excursion group, like most do, however, I’ve found a secret little tucked away place to get to it by foot. Literally, it’s a nature “park” where starfish live right there in the water. I was VERY disappointed to see this time that a little mobile “water park” has been built and was there. It’s taken away the tranquilness and beauty of what nature exists there. Starfish Point wasn’t meant to have a jungle gym for kids to play on and jump off of into the water where the starfish reside. I was very sad to see this. But I still encourage you to visit Starfish Point. It’s amazing to just be one with nature, and that’s exactly what I get from going there.
Extra help with travel When spending serious bucks traveling to a foreign country, you may want some help in travel arrangements. Someone who plans trips for families, for destination weddings, for huge group events, someone who has been doing travel planning for years, my go-to person is Time 4 My Vacation. Terri has planned trips for me and my parents and she’s my go-to gal for all things travel. Call her!
So there you have it.
My favorites from one of my favorite places. Feel free to leave me any questions or comments below. This is not a paid post, this is totally a share-the-love kind of post. Obviously, I pulled photos from everywhere! My hope is that if you choose to go to Grand Cayman ever, that it gives you the joy it’s given our family.
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