Caribbean with a difference – the Cayman Islands

When it comes to a Caribbean holiday most people request an all-inclusive holiday - for reasons such as the high cost of living and a lack of nearby restaurants, thus favouring a resort style hotel. On a recent visit to the Cayman Islands, courtesy of the Department of Tourism, it was really refreshing to discover an alternative way of enjoying the Caribbean.

Being so close to the US mainland, the Caymans (pronounced K-Man by the locals!) have a definite Floridian feel to them – palm trees, low-rise shopping malls and ocean-front accommodation. That’s the where similarity ends! Life is otherwise laid-back and low-key.

On the main island, Grand Cayman, hiring a car is a really good option. The freedom and independence allow you to dine out, go shopping and sight-seeing at your own pace. Dine at the numerous restaurants in George Town and around the island. I found the quality of food of an exceptional standard and at unexpectedly affordable prices. Breakfast at ‘Icoa fine foods’ was truly delicious! Shopping at duty free prices is a bonus! There is a choice of designer branded luxury goods, local handicrafts and the obligatory fridge magnet! Wander around quaint George Town or Camana Bay’s designer shops. There’s something for everyone!

My sight-seeing experiences were wide and varied. They included: Sun-bathing and cocktails at Rum Point, learning the history of the Islands at Pedro St James and enjoying the flora & fauna at the QE2 Botanic Park. The highlight has to be the boat excursion to Sting Ray city with snorkelling- walking amongst the Sting Rays and swimming with a wild dolphin– exciting and scary at the same time! Snorkelling at Paradise Reef bar with schools of colourful fish was also amazing!

Accommodation comes in various forms and there are no high rise blocks! You can choose from luxury chain hotels on 7 Mile beach and boutique cottages off the beaten track. Condos & apartments are plentiful and perfect for a self-catering holiday. Dotted all-round the island are small hotels and apartments specifically catering to divers (there are over 200 dive sites with exceptional visibility and clarity). Some offer a ‘valet diving’ service where they take care of setting up of your gear, disassemble and rinse it when the dive is done and have it ready on the boat for your next dive! Some hotels are so close to the ‘Wall’ that you can dive from the beach!

I had heard that the Cayman Islands were a wonderful place to dive and now I know why. It’s just as easy to snorkel there too. But if you don’t fancy getting your hair wet you can book a seat on the Atlantis Submarine, travel down to a depth of 101ft and enjoy the underwater reefs and marine life.

For complete tranquillity take a short flight to Little Cayman to experience solitude and barefoot luxury. I spent a day there looking around pastel-painted boutique hotels and cottages with picture postcard views of the turquoise ocean as well as coconut husk covered beaches. I only wish that I could have stayed longer!

I didn’t get to visit Cayman Brac this time round. I understood it to be quite different from the other two islands. It attracts those looking to get off the beaten track, for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Before I visited the Cayman Islands my perception of the destination was that it was very ‘expensive’, ‘a tax haven’, and a ‘playground for the rich’. How wrong I was! Whilst there are designer shops and gourmet restaurants there are also quaint local shops, inexpensive local restaurants on the waterfront as well as affordable apartments and hotels. There is something for everyone. Overall it is safe, friendly with its own unique charm. The Cayman Islands is a fabulous alternative to the more well-known Caribbean islands. If you are considering a trip here then I’d love to have a chat with you about my experiences.