Grand Cayman has garnered a reputation as being one of the safest, most affluent and hospitable islands in the Caribbean. Boasting friendly locals, fabulous dining, duty-free shopping and spectacular natural beauty including the famous Seven Mile Beach, it is easy to understand why Grand Cayman is one of the Caribbean’s most visited islands.
One of an island trio, Grand Cayman is the largest and most populated, occupying about 76 square miles, while its sister islands–Cayman Brac and Little Cayman–are significantly smaller in size. Surrounding the Caymans is an amazing coral reef system, which creates not only a colorful barrier, but also perfect conditions for sport fishing, diving and snorkeling. Continually named among the top five destinations in the world for the latter two activities, Grand Cayman boasts 250 different dive sites with a myriad of shallow reefs, majestic walls, wreckage, unrivaled ecosystems, aquaculture and underwater views only found in its tropical paradise.
Not too far off the coast of Grand Cayman is one of the island’s most famous shallow dive sites: Stingray City. Known as the “world’s best 12-foot dive,” more than two dozen tame stingrays swim through the water, allowing visitors to stroke their silky skin. A catamaran trip is a great way to explore this popular spot. If you’re not up for scuba diving, surface skimmers should check out “The Aquarium.” Popular and appropriately named, it is an amazing place to snorkel. Another of Grand Cayman’s many draws is Seven Mile Beach–famous as the backdrop for the shoreline seduction scene in “The Firm,” starring Tom Cruise. This long stretch of white sand is one of the most beautiful beaches in the entire Caribbean. It is the perfect place to enjoy an early-morning power walk or a romantic late-night stroll without interruption.
But the Cayman Islands offer much more than the gentle splendors of sun, sand, surf, scuba and snorkel. Some of the more popular land activities include cricket, horseback riding, golfing and spending. George Town, the capital city of Grand Cayman, boasts fine Caribbean cuisine and high-end retail. Whether it is scavenging for coveted fine diamonds or a new Omega watch, the island’s duty-free shopping puts the “urge” in “splurge.”
Once you’ve fallen in love with Grand Cayman, consider a permanent stay. Located on a private island in the center of The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman Resort, is Secret Harbour’s residences. The latest offering in vacation homes of the grand, luxe development, Secret Harbour offers many unique qualities beginning with an entry-level price of just $500,000. Residential offerings in previous phases of the prized development were priced up to $44 million, and never before less than $1 million. In fact, 70 percent of the promenade-level homes sold out after being released this year. In addition to value-driven pricing for the residences, the Cayman Islands’ lack of taxes further adds to the already attractive package. (The Cayman Islands are one of the few countries in the world that has no tax, no sales tax, no income tax, no capital gains tax, no property tax and no inheritance tax. One of the few costs associated with purchase is a stamp duty.)
Secret Harbour is part of an exclusive 360-acre water-based community, situated on an island in the center of The Ritz-Carlton and surrounded by waterways and golf course greens. Owners and guests arrive by boat to their residence, and also may choose this relaxing mode of transportation when partaking in the amenities of The Ritz-Carlton. Designed as a seaside village, owners match their lifestyle and tastes by choosing one of more than 44 different floor plans. Plans range from one- to four-bedroom Residences, Harbour Lofts, Skyhouses and Bridge Residences, all surrounded by the waterways and golf course with expansive views of the North Sound.
In addition to claiming a top-quality property, the benefits of ownership essentially are endless. Included in the purchase price of a Secret Harbour residence is unlimited access to the facilities and amenities available at the resort–an impressive list, which includes several dining venues with menus created by renowned chef Eric Ripert (a seafood specialist); Silver Rain, the 20,000-square-foot Swiss-inspired La Prairie Spa; and a Nick Bollettieri tennis center with clay and grass courts. Ownership also comes with the right to acquire access to golf memberships at the Greg Norman-designed Blue Tip golf course and to the future new championship 18-hole Greg Norman Golf Course on property. Secret Harbour also will feature its own amenities for residents including a 12,000-square-foot private clubhouse with an infinity-edge swimming pool, wine bar, gourmet cafe, executive boardroom, private movie theater and La Prairie spa suites.
Those with little ones in tow will appreciate the “Ambassadors of the Environment” program. Developed by Jean-Michel Cousteau and the Ocean Futures Society, this unique offering enables children to explore the Caribbean in a monitored environment that is entertaining, educational and eco-safe. Also available on-site is a state-of-the-art fitness center, oceanfront free-form pool with private cabanas, lagoon side pool, shopping and the island’s largest indoor/outdoor special events area. If owning a residence is not a possibility or all your relatives decide to visit on the same holiday weekend, not to worry. Rooms at the resort aren’t exactly shabby seconds by any stretch of the imagination.
With a true sense of place, the resort captures the authentic laid-back island vibe. While refined, it is surprisingly unpretentious. The resort’s complementary color tapestry–shades of aquamarine, yellow and tangerine–integrates the natural surroundings of Grand Cayman into the hotel, weaving a Caribbean aesthetic throughout. A large, open-air lobby welcomes guests, and spacious guest rooms are designed with relaxation in mind. We’re talking private balconies, quality furnishings and lush fabrics. King rooms are equipped with a love seat that converts to a single bed; double rooms offer two queens. Amenity-laden bathrooms are signature Ritz with black and white marbling and a welcome separation between bathtub and shower. High-speed Internet access is available for those who need it; those who don’t will find respite on their room’s private balcony, a great place to gaze at the water and relax. In the evening, guests drift to sleep in possibly the most comfortable bed of all time–dressed in signature linens, no less. Talk about sweet dreams!
For a step up in accommodations (it is The Ritz-Carlton, remember), reserve one of five style suites. Book on the club level, and receive five food preparations a day plus beverages! No notch is higher, however, than “The Reserve” level, consisting of 24 one-, two- or three-bedroom residential suites with chef’s kitchens and concierge service. Indulge in The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, and enjoy accommodations between 2,400 square feet to 20,000 square feet. Floor plans are available with two to six bedrooms, all very well-appointed with luxury finishes, spacious rooms, a professionally equipped chef’s kitchen and at least two private terraces with fantastic views of the Caribbean Sea. Residences are available for booking or purchase.
Whether you choose to own a Secret Harbour Residence or simply enjoy taking up residence at a five-star resort, hop a Delta Air Lines non-stop flight from Atlanta to Grand Cayman, where an island escape is just a reservation away.