Elite Traveler March-April 2017

EXPLORE GRAND CAYMAN GUIDE TO GRAND CAYMAN

Grand Cayman, the largest of the three Cayman Islands, is a banker’s paradise (roughly 80 percent of all hedge funds are registered here), but it’s also a natural one. The island’s protected marine areas, coral reefs and national parks make it a haven for endangered species – from the blue iguana, to the Grand Cayman parrot – and heaven for snorkelers, scuba divers and hikers, who flock to the pristine

waters and forest trails. For foodies, it’s one of the Caribbean’s culinary hot spots with a farm-to-table movement, international chefs and fusion cuisine. The west side of the island buzzes with restaurants, museums and galleries, nightlife and shopping – from the capital George Town, to Camana Bay, a New Urbanist town just a few miles away on the North Sound (and home to the island’s only movie theater).

Most of the island’s top resorts are found along Seven Mile Beach – with its golden sands and aquamarine waves, it’s one of the Caribbean’s loveliest beaches. The quieter eastern districts have a number of top diving and snorkeling spots.

by Sunshine Flint

TOP RESTAURANTS

Catch This West Bay eatery has ample outdoor seating overlooking a marina. Diners tuck into ceviche, wahoo tartare and fried crispy trigger fish. catch.ky Di Kit-Chin Grab a seat at a picnic table and enjoy this no-frills Jamaican spot’s insanely good jerk turkey and pork, chicken sausage and goat curry. Everything’s homemade, including the hot sauce. +1 345 929 8571 The Brasserie In downtown George Town, locavore chef Dean Max’s kitchen garden and greenhouse supply him with everything from tarragon to breadfruit. Two fishing boats bring him the freshest catch of the day. brasseriecayman.com opportunity to savor riffs on local wahoo, lobster, conch and cobia from the master of seafood. Choose from six- or seven-course tasting menus and raw or lightly cooked options. ritzcarlton.com Blue by Eric Ripert This is a fabulous

TOP SUITES

SEVEN SOUTH The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman Elegant and spacious, this 8,000 sq ft three-bedroom suite includes generous wraparound terraces and panoramic views of Seven Mile Beach and the ocean from nearly every spot, including the round bathtub. The cinema room has a projector screen, and the dining room seats 12, while private check-in and elevator ensure the most discreet arrival possible. From $15,000 per night Contact Audrey Sanchez, reservations manager, audrey.sanchez@ritzcarlton, +1 345 943 9000, ritzcarlton.com/ grandcayman PRESIDENTIAL SUITE Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa This chic suite takes up the entire top floor of the resort (which is the tallest on the island) and offers guests sweeping views across Seven Mile Beach through its floor-to-ceiling windows. The Sputnik -inspired chandelier over the glass dining table and the waterfall sconces in the master bedroom add a note of mid-century grace, while the

GOVERNOR’S SUITE Westin Grand Cayman

This pleasant plantation-style suite on the third floor is all about the outdoors, with a stunning 1,500 sq ft veranda that offers total privacy, enclosed by swaying palms and green trees. The widest section of Seven Mile Beach is just beyond, with the waves nearly close enough to touch. From $1,479 per night Contact Reservations Team, wstngc@ westin-cayman.com, +1 345 945 3800, westingrandcayman.com

outdoor kitchen and accordion- style patio doors facilitate alfresco

dining and entertaining. From $10,000 per night

Contact Melissa Brooke, melissa. brooke@seafireresortandspa.com, +1 345 746 0000, seafireresortandspa.com

MangoRestaurant It’s just a 30-minute hop to sister island Cayman Brac and a meal at Mango Restaurant at Le Soleil d’Or, a boutique

WORTH THE TRIP

find their way into cocktails, jellies and even spa treatments, plus fresh eggs from the flock of 200 chickens. lesoleildor.com

resort where Caribbean abundance meets a Mediterranean vibe. The 20-acre organic farm provides more than 300 fruits and vegetables that