Activities Archives - Page 5 of 10 - Grand Cayman Villas & Condos

Jul 27 2020

Grand Places to Stay on Cayman

Cayman Kai Aerial — High above the resort neighborhood of Cayman Kai.

Finding the perfect neighborhood for your Grand Cayman vacation can be tricky. You might have pinpointed certain areas where you’d like to stay based on proximity to certain attractions, or certain areas to avoid based on online reviews.

If you’re still unsure of where to stay and want to learn more about what each spot on the island offers, then this blog is for you!

We’ve been renting oceanfront vacation rentals on Grand Cayman for many years and have gained extensive local knowledge to help match you with the perfect home away from home for your island vacation. More importantly, we only represent homes that we ourselves would feel comfortable in renting as tourists. Neighborhood safety, modern amenities, home design, and decor are some of the perquisites we factor for when deciding whether a home receives our seal of approval for welcoming tourists. Read on to discover where the best places to stay on Grand Cayman are depending on your personal interests.

The first step in finding your perfect getaway is to download our exclusive free Cayman Escape Guide. Inside, we’ve compiled some of the best activities to do on-island from local restaurants to the best beach spots, outdoor adventures, and more! Grab your free copy today.

Find the Best Place to Stay on Grand Cayman

Stingrays in Grand Cayman — You can snorkel the coral reefs or head to Stingray City in Cayman!

For a Snorkeling Adventure: Rum Point

Rum Point is located on the northern center tip of Grand Cayman and is one of the island’s most stunning areas. It’s particularly ideal for travelers looking to explore the underwater world of the Caribbean Sea. If you and your family are big on snorkeling and want to indulge your underwater hobby, then we highly recommend you stay in Rum Point. The water is crystal clear, sheltered from the barrier reef and corals, and is easy for beginners. It’s also very safe as boats are not allowed to cruise within the reef. Get ready to see some stunning corals and sea life! Once you’re done snorkeling, enjoy a refreshing Mudslide cocktail by the beach at The Rum Point Club. This delicious chocolate and rum milkshake is the ideal treat after swimming all day–cheers!

Select Villas: Kai Tana, Thatch Hill, Olympus, Blue Water Villa

Browse All Rum Point Villas >>>

For a Picture-Perfect Beach Stay: Seven Mile Beach

Seven Mile Beach offers the picture-perfect views and clear water vistas you’d expect to see on any tropical vacation. There’s a reason why it was named to Forbes Top Caribbean Beaches for 2020! It’s located on the western side of the island and offers an incredible selection of five-star restaurants, beach bars, ritzy wellness spas, and shopping. It’s the place to stay if you want to enjoy a beachfront vacation with all the island entertainment that comes with it. Walk along the waterfront, be dazzled by the breathtaking vistas, and have a fun night out eating delicious food and living it up island-style.

Select Condo Resorts: The Beachcomber, The Meridian, The Coral Stone Club

Browse Seven Mile Beach Condos >>>

We'll Sea by Grand Cayman Villas — We’ll Sea’s picture-perfect beach in Cayman Kai!

For Beach Lovers: Cayman Kai

Do you just want to escape and unwind by the beach during your entire vacation? Then, Cayman Kai is perfect for that. It’s one of the best places to stay on Grand Cayman when you want to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and soak up some serious rays with your toes in the sand.

There, you’ll enjoy plenty of privacy to reconnect with loved ones, read your favorite books, play board games late into the night, and sip delicious cocktails by the water. It’s like staying on your own private resort, while still being close to Grand Cayman’s top attractions. For food, drink, and island nightlife head on over to The Kaibo, Cayman Kai’s luxe dining destination. With a beach bar and grill for dine-in or takeout, a coffee shop, and dreamy beachfront with daybeds and hammocks you’re sure to become a regular.

Select Villas: We’ll Sea, Pools of the Kai #3, Les Jalousies, Crystal Waters

View All Cayman Kai Villas >>>

For Water Sport Enthusiasts: North Side

Are you the kind of outdoor enthusiast that loves to try new things and have fun above and below the waves? If so, the North Side is the best place to stay on Grand Cayman for you.

Similar to Rum Point, it offers spectacular spots for snorkeling and scuba diving, but it’s also ideal for kayakers and kitesurfers! The beaches vary from pristine to rugged and are slightly secluded with fewer people along the shore. You can also rent kayaks and SeaView boards to explore the turquoise waters all day long. After all, the North Side is all about having fun under the sun and waves!

Select Villas: Babylon Reef, Cayman Sands, Twin Palms

View All North Side Villas >>>

Ready to Find Your Villa?

Now that you know some of the wonderful areas where you can stay on Grand Cayman, it’s time to find your vacation villa.

At Grand Cayman Villas and Condos, we offer a wide selection of some of the best homes on the island. Whether you are traveling with your significant other or with a large family, we’ve got what you are looking for. Imagine waking up to the rising sun over the ocean, walking out on to your private beach, and feeling the sand between your toes and the sunshine on your nose. Enjoy a scenic breakfast on your patio, then head out for a fun adventure. With the entire island only 22 miles wide, our properties are ideally located within minutes of the top restaurants and attractions on Grand Cayman!

So, what are you waiting for? Browse our selection today and take your pick! Or email our villa experts and we’ll guide you into the perfect vacation villa for your family and your budget.

Let’s Find Your Vacation Villa >>>

Jun 05 2020

Fitness in the Time of COVID

Our members-only fitness center is your private workout paradise.

Our fitness center at our Silver Thatch Welcome Center remains one of the island’s best-kept secrets. Open for the exclusive use of our villa guests and owners, it’s the only fitness center of its kind in the Eastern Districts. For one, it’s conveniently located within a short 10-minute drive from a majority of our homes. And the best part, you’re likely to have it all to yourself as most guests skip workouts while in vacation mode.

Spanning over 1,300 square feet and equipped with cardio machines (2 treadmills, 2 ellipticals, 1 rower, 1 recumbent bike, and 1 stationary bike) and resistance training equipment (free weights, benches, and a universal machine), guests and owners alike can drop by for an invigorating workout. If yoga is your thing, our yoga flooring and yoga mats create the perfect setting to find your inner peace and strengthen your core. Have a look for yourself with our virtual tour of the fitness center.

Since the world went sideways, fitness centers have had to readjust to the new realities brought to light with COVID-19. As the Cayman Government develops guidance for the reopening of gyms, we are adopting some enhanced measures to safeguard your health and those of our hospitality staff.

Yoga Flooring in Fitness Center — Find your zen on our yoga floor and mats, Namaste.

Some steps we are taking include:

− Fitness center hours will be reduced to staffed hours only (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily).
− To allow for social distancing, we will permit no more than 6 people in the fitness center at any given time.
− Touch-less dispensers will be available for guests to sanitize their hands upon entering and leaving the fitness center.
− Disinfectant spray bottles and paper towels will be supplied for guests to wipe down any equipment they come in contact with.
− Ceiling fans will be on at all times to improve airflow.
− Fitness center flooring, plus machines and equipment will be disinfected daily using CDC approved cleaners.
− For the safety of our staff, we require that all guests wear masks upon entering the Welcome Center to access the Fitness Center. A mask is not required while exercising.
− For your safety, we encourage you to practice social distancing with other guests using the gym and to follow personal hygiene standards (e.g. washing of hands, sneezing into your elbow, etc.) as recommended by the CDC.

We understand your body, mind, and health come first. If you are still hesitant about using our fitness center consider an at-villa workout by hiring a personal trainer or yoga instructor. We have a number of highly-qualified fitness professionals who will come to you for a full-body workout by the pool, or a yoga session on the beach. Just ask our reservations team for info at any time during your trip planning.

Feb 15 2019

Cayman’s Golden Hour for Family Photos

Family Portrait Photos in Grand Cayman — Family photo session on the dock of the bay in Cayman Kai.

You did it! After months of planning and coordinating travel schedules with your spouse and adult children, plus your parents, any siblings and maybe even their kids, everyone is finally on Grand Cayman and under one roof for a week-long family vacation.

You can’t recall how long it has been since everyone was together, but it seems like ages ago. Kids grow up fast. Life marches on and memories have a habit of fading away.

It’s in moments like these we turn to photography to capture the joy of being surrounded by our loved ones. Sure, everyone in your family has a smartphone and will be taking enough Instagram selfies and SnapChats to share online. But, for a dynamic family portrait nothing compares to a professional photographer.

I recently sat down with Janet Jarchow, who also goes by JJ, a photographer at one of our favorite on-island portrait studios, Better Angle Photography, to better understand what guests can expect during a family photo shoot.

“The Golden Hour,” usually an hour before sunset, “is my favorite time of the day for a shoot,” says Janet. “The lighting is flattering, it’s not as hot, and the way the setting sun lights the sky and sparkles against the water makes for a beautiful backdrop.” Janet doesn’t hesitate to cite the villas in Cayman Kai and North Side as the best locations for lighting.

Sunsets in the summer months occur between 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm and in the winter between 5:00 to 6:00 pm. Morning and afternoon photo sessions can also be scheduled depending on availability but then you have the heat and high sun to contend with.

“We’re exceptionally busy during Christmas and Easter. And, since there’s only three of us David, Melissa, and myself—and only one golden hour per day, our availability becomes limited.” Janet interjects that, “it’s best to schedule the shoot on the front end of their holiday while everyone’s enthusiasm for being on island is high and their clothes clean and crisp.”

Color coordinated outfits make for the best photos—think blues, whites and khakis. It’s also best to have some hair ties on hand to keep the wind out of your face.

“Our photographer arrives at the guest’s villa just before the session start time for a quick chat on what the client wants in their photos—single portraits of the kids on the beach, couples portraits by the ocean, or multi-generational group shots which remains very popular with tourists on holiday.”

Once the guest shares their expectations, the photographer leads the portrait session snapping pictures of the family for a good hour. “It’s important,” Janet continues, ”to get the kids photos taken first, so they don’t get bored or fussy during the group portraits.” Starting with the children also tends to have a positive effect on the adults, “their smiles widen when the kids are having fun—you can see it through the camera.”

After the photo shoot, the photographer goes to work batch editing anywhere between 100-150 images using Adobe Lightroom. Balancing exposure levels, color correction, and image cropping are basic photo editing services covered by the session fee. Additional cosmetic edits and retouching will run extra.

The retouched images are then uploaded to a private image gallery and shared with the guest via an emailed link. Each gallery is connected to a network of US-based printers for professionally printed photos, or photo printing websites like Shutterfly.

Prints from Better Angle Photography come in varying sizes and use archival paper which won’t fade over time. Follow this link to check out their pricing on prints and photo services. Click here for a full FAQ on what to expect during your photo shoot.

As a member of Silver Thatch’s preferred vendor network, Better Angle Photography extends a 10% discount to our villa guests. We recommend booking your portrait session as early as possible to secure the coveted “golden hour” time slot.

Of all the excursions and experiences to be had while vacationing in Grand Cayman, none will remain with you for years to come as an island family portrait session. We invite you to visit Better Angle Photography’s website and portfolios for David & Mellisa Wolfe, and Janet Jarchow at the links below.

All images courtesy of Better Angle Photography: Website | Facebook | Instagram

David Wolfe Photography: Portfolio

Melissa Wolfe Photography: Portfolio

Nov 14 2018

Say Ahoy! to Silver Thatch Watersports

We are thrilled to introduce our newest preferred charter partner, Silver Thatch Water Sports!

Located next door to us at the Silver Thatch Welcome Center villa guests can receive exclusive discounts on private charters and retail purchases from swim wear to aqua socks, beach gear and more.

One of the best excursions hands down on any island is a private boat charter out on the open seas. Spend a day swimming with stingrays or log a dive at any one of Grand Cayman’s 70+ dive sites.

Diving not your thing? No worries! Book a fabulous sunset cruise for a laidback voyage around the island with your family. Or, arrive in style with a dinner cruise from the Kaibo Marina to the restaurants at Camana Bay. After dinner, the return voyage across the sound and under the night stars is an experience you won’t soon forget.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing voyage above the waves or an underwater adventure exploring the depths, Silver Thatch Watersports can make it happen!

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Why should I book a private charter instead of a group charter?” Let’s breakdown some reasons why.

Private Charters on Grand Cayman — Kick back and relax as Captain George cruises you around Grand Cayman.

First, with a private charter “you are the Captain now.” No, you don’t get to pilot the boat. But, you do get to set the day’s itinerary deciding where you want to go and how much time to spend there. Captain George Evans can recommend the best spots and times to visit avoiding the crowds at the more popular attractions like Stingray City. Side note: You haven’t really lived until you’ve had a stingray climb on your back.

Second, it’s private! You don’t have to worry about being around a large group of people. Keep it simple and make memories together without the worry of strangers photobombing your family photos. It’ll be all about your group the whole time while out on the water.

Third, explore parts of Cayman that lily livered land-loving tourists don’t often get to see. Captain George knows all the best water spots for diving and snorkeling. Their smaller boat can fit into areas that larger boat charters can’t access.

Finally, if your villa has a boat dock you can get curbside service right off your backyard. Captain George and crew will arrive to pick you up and drop you off right at your villa. No driving to the public marina. No hassle driving back to your villa. It couldn’t be any easier! See below for a list of villas with accessible docks.

Charter availability is limited and fills up fast during the winter months. To book your charter contact Silver Thatch Water Sports via email or call (345) 936-7263. You can also reach them via chat on Facebook.

You can also drop by next door at check-in for last minute availability or to purchase any beach gear you forgot to pack. Just be sure to flash your Silver Thatch Membership card to receive a discount on your purchase.

Villas with docks for charter pickup and drop off:

Mar 30 2018

Spring Break on Cayman’s North Side

When you think of young people on spring break, you might think of loud, not-so-family-friendly partying. If you’re hoping for quality time during spring break, Grand Cayman can be the perfect destination: a range of activities, quieter spots for parents, and plenty of beautiful beaches.

Last week, we hosted our youngest daughter and seven of her sorority sisters in Grand Cayman. We wanted to make this special for the girls and give them a fun, memorable, safe experience before they headed into the real world. Grand Cayman doesn’t attract the kind of wild partying that occurs at other Caribbean destinations. Our stay on the North Side – away from the cruise ship crowds – was the perfect setting.

An Island Itinerary to Please Everyone

We stayed at Twin Palms, a gorgeous seven-bedroom villa that was spacious enough to comfortably accommodate all ten of us. We also rented a small sedan and a nine-person Hyundai H1 van to get us around the island for the week.

After figuring out sleeping arrangements in the spacious villa, we took the girls for a casual dinner at Tukka Restaurant in East End. Tukka offers a unique menu incorporating Chef Ron’s Australian roots. We had a wonderful table outside on the sand near the water. The gentle island breeze felt so relaxing after our long flights. Most of us ordered fresh fish, and a few tried Chef Ron’s Kangaroo Pops and his signature Tukka Brochette, which they loved!

Every morning we awoke to a gorgeous panoramic view of the Caribbean. After breakfast most days, the girls put on their suits and lounged by the pool listening to music. The blender was put to good use in the afternoons with piña coladas and strawberry daiquiris before heading to dinner.

Sunday was sushi night at Over the Edge Cafe. The cocktails were good and the sushi was great, but I highly recommend getting there early as service is slow, especially for a party our size.

Monday afternoon we packed a cooler of Coronas and limes and had a day on the water with Silver Thatch Charters.

We visited must-see Stingray City to swim with the stingrays and snorkel on the nearby reef. Afterward, we motored over to tranquil Starfish Point. The girls had fun sitting in the shallow water near the beach and taking pictures of the starfish.

Tuesday morning, we headed to the Silver Thatch Welcome Center for a private yoga session with Lindsay Correia of Grand Cayman Yoga. It was a great way to start the morning!

Morning Yoga at Silver Thatch’s Fitness Center

Later that afternoon, three of the girls who were PADI certified went on a private dive with White Sand Diving.

Wednesday was a day trip to Seven Mile Beach to experience the other more commercial side of the island. After lunch and a few rounds of mai tais and mojitos at Hemingways, I went back to my chair to read and the girls moved on to Royal Palms, another beachfront bar. Both bars can get a little rowdy late at night, but one of the benefits of staying on the quieter side of the island is that it’s easy to avoid that if you want to.

Two more wonderful meals at The Lighthouse Restaurant and Rum Point Club rounded out the week, and then it was time for the girls to head back to school for the few weeks remaining in the semester.

Peace of Mind in Paradise

We very much enjoyed spending a great week with our daughter and her friends, and I think they did too! I highly encourage you to consider Cayman’s North Side for your next spring break. There’s so much to do and plenty of good times to be had without anyone getting into trouble!

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