The Inspirato Guide to Grand Cayman

Grand Cayman is known for its sugar-sand beaches (including world-renowned Seven Mile Beach), perfectly aged rum, and stellar scuba diving along coral walls. Its convenient location — less than a 90-minute flight from Miami — make it a favorite among Inspirato Members. And with temperatures in the high 70s to low 80s and little-to-no rain, Grand Cayman is a perfect winter getaway.

Inspirato’s accommodations in the Cayman Islands are spread out along the west coast of Grand Cayman, the largest island in the archipelago. Members have their pick of several luxury condos at the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman as well as private residences. While staying at the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman, enjoy swimming pools, six restaurants and bars, a tennis center, and la prairie spa. Read more to discover our recommendations for sightseeing, restaurants, and activities on this Caribbean jewel.

We love Grand Cayman and we loved our residence. The views are incredible from the terrace. Our concierge was amazing and helpful in every possible way. Cannot say enough great things about this property. Will definitely be back.
Tom Pease

Things to Do

Beach

Beach

Seven Mile Beach may be the most famous beach in Grand Cayman, but it is certainly not the only one. Cemetery Beach has the best snorkeling and a little more shade for those who want to stay out of the sun.

Spa

Spa

Surrender to relaxation with a visit to the serene la prairie spa at the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman. This oasis offers advanced skincare treatments, a variety of massages, men’s and women’s sanctuaries, and saunas and steam rooms.

Romantic

Flowers

Savor a quiet afternoon with your sweetheart in the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park. Stroll past lily ponds surrounded by palm trees and the two-acre lake and wetlands area that hosts rare native birds. Keep an eye out for the blue iguana, the world’s most endangered iguana, found only on Grand Cayman.

Adventure

Adventure

Less a “city” than a shallow sandbar, Stingray City allows you to snorkel or scuba dive alongside Atlantic Southern Stingrays. The experience is very safe; the stingrays are much more interested in eating fish than in stinging you.

Rum

Rum is the beverage of choice for Caymanians, and no one has perfected the art of small-batch distilling better than Cayman Spirits Co. Combining traditional ocean-aging techniques and modern technology, Cayman Spirits Company produces award-winning white, dark, and spiced rum.

Golf

Take on the nine-hole Blue Tip Golf Course with challenging water features and breezes right off the ocean. For a full day, try the 18-hole North Sound Golf Course, part of the Ritz-Carlton Resort. Especially notable is the 11th hole, which requires a power shot over a pond while looking out across the water.

Dining

Dining

Romantic

Blue by Eric Ripert — New York chef Eric Ripert puts a spin on his best-known dishes using local ingredients. The famous tuna foie gras is amplified with Cayman Island sea salt, and spiny lobster is paired with purple cauliflower and macadamia nuts in truffle butter.

Fine Dining

Ortanique — Ortanique is a spot to linger, with a patio shaded by sea grape trees overlooking Camana Bay and a refined plantation-style dining room cooled by sea breezes. One menu highlight is the signature jerk pork chop with guava and spiced rum glaze.

Local

Vivine’s Kitchen — There is no casual pretense in the name; it’s literally the kitchen of Vivine Watler in the home where she lives with her husband. The menu changes every day based on what’s available. Try traditional island dishes like stewed turtle or curried goat.

Family

Sunshine Grill — Hard to miss with its lemon-yellow exterior, orange umbrellas, and bright green shutters, Sunshine Grill has managed to mostly stay a local secret. The casual atmosphere belies the expertly crafted food, including jerk chicken egg rolls, fish tacos, and one of the island’s best burgers.

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

You’ll fly into Owen Roberts International Airport (GCM). There are taxis waiting at the airport, but we recommend renting a car. Note that cars drive on the left-hand side of the road, which may take some getting used to. Grand Cayman is on Central Standard Time, just one hour behind New York and two hours ahead of Los Angeles.