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Jun 14 2020

New Cleaning Protocols Against COVID

Villa Cleaning and Sanitiation — We’re tightening our cleaning and sanitation protocols to ensure your health and safety.

To all the daydreamers fantasizing about their next Caribbean vacation, we’re right there with you. For many of us, travel is an essential and rewarding part of our lives. Some of the best memories have been those shared with loved ones on trips, near and far.

Recent events have been a shock to us all as nearly every aspect of daily life has been disrupted. Yet, we still look forward to sunnier days when we can welcome you back to our island paradise.

That day will soon come, but in the meantime, we are taking actions right now to protect your health and safety once you’re ready to travel again. That is why we’re re-examining our villa cleaning procedures to take into account recent guidance from leading health and hospitality experts as well as government authorities.

We are adding procedures and products to our housekeeping protocols, as well an additional inspection. Our housekeeping staff will follow our Silver Thatch Cleanliness Guidelines when preparing each villa for guest arrival. Now, more than ever, we want to provide peace of mind that you and your families have a safe, clean home away from home in Grand Cayman.

Before the world was turned upside down, our housekeeping teams cleaned and inspected every villa from top to bottom prior to each guest’s arrival. We rarely had any guest complaints about the cleanliness of our homes which speaks to the impeccable job they do every day.

For their protection as well as your own, the following steps will be taken by all housekeeping teams across all our properties.

Housekeepers

• All team members will receive training on best practices for personal hygiene and cleaning protocols based on guidance from local authorities, the Center for Disease Control (CDC), and the World Health Organization (WHO).
• Team members will be instructed not to report for duty should they exhibit symptoms of any illness.
• Masks and disposable gloves will be worn throughout the cleaning process.
• EPA-approved cleaning products and household disinfectants will be used exclusively (e.g. Clorox, Lysol, Fabuloso, Pine-Sol, etc.)
• All towels and linens will be laundered at the highest temperature setting recommended by the manufacturer and dried thoroughly.

Villa Cleaning & Sanitation

New Housekeeping Protocols — CDC approved cleaners and disinfectants will be used against all high-touch surfaces and common areas.

• All high touch surfaces will be cleaned with anti-bacterial soap and water. Examples include: dining tables, kitchen countertops and appliances, light switches, door knobs, cabinet pulls and handles, railings, faucets, knobs, telephones, sinks, and toilets.
• Windows in bedrooms and common areas will be opened to allow fresh air to circulate during the cleaning process.
• All electronics and light fixtures will be wiped down including remotes and thermostats
• All floors will be swept and mopped with approved disinfectant cleaners.
• All doors & hardware will be cleaned and disinfected.

While this list is not exhaustive, we will continue to add to our new cleaning protocols as we learn more from global health experts and local authorities.

In addition, we intend to provide all guests with a starter supply of essential amenities during their stay, again for peace of mind:

• Anti-bacterial hand sanitizer (e.g. Purell)
• Anti-bacterial hand soap
• Disposable disinfectant wipes
• Paper towels and toilet paper

Guests will likely want to purchase larger quantities of these items from local supermarkets or elect to have these items stocked and delivered to their villa prior to arrival.

We hope the actions we take today will provide our guests both clarity and reassurance as they daydream about their next Caribbean vacation.

Once you are ready to travel and explore our beautiful island once again, we will be ready to welcome you to your private home away from home in Grand Cayman.

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.

Apr 01 2019

Spring Into Vacation Mode

Summer Vacation Rentals on Grand Cayman — Sunshine and ocean views await you this summer in Cayman (Pictured above: Heritage House, Fischer’s Reef, Northern Lights, and Lone Palm).

Get a spring on your summer vacation planning and book your dream beach house before it’s too late. We’ve rounded up a few of our favorites to help you find the perfect vacation home for your family.

Our Cayman Cottage

Rates as low as $1,695 per night.

Oceanfront vacation rentals — Savor the elevated Caribbean views from Our Cayman Cottage’s stunning pool and hot tub.

This family home sits in the secluded East End of Grand Cayman. Enjoy quiet days lounging in your own private pool and hot tub as you savor the scenic ocean views. This home offers great snorkeling nearby (you might come across a spotted eagle ray or two) and a sandy beach cove that gets raked every other day. Just don’t forget your pool shoes or fins for foot protection when in the water! With two tandem kayaks included, plus a retro-arcade and game room on the pool level, there’s something here for the whole family to enjoy.

Heritage House

Rates as low as $710 per night.

Family vacation rentals in Grand Cayman — Heritage House is a great family home with a pool in front and a sandy beach out back.

If you’re looking for a large beach to call your very own, then look no further! Heritage House is a great home for small families. You get a beautiful soft beach and your own pool in the stunning Rum Point neighborhood. Walk down to The Rum Point Club for an afternoon of beach fun, watersports, and a quick bite to eat. The oceanfront porch has a family dining table for unforgettable dinners with a view.

Hidden Cove

Rates as low as $800 per night.

Family Vacation Rentals — Sneak away to this hidden adventure retreat in Cayman Kai.

This secret hideaway is superb for the active adventure-seeking family. With 6 kayaks and 10 bikes, you’ll never run out of fun exploring Cayman Kai! Take the kayaks across the street to the public launch and explore Bio Bay at night. Watch the water glow as you paddle around one of the few bioluminescent bays in the world! With the villa’s private dock, thrill-seekers can rent jet skis and keep them moored behind the villa during their stay. After an entire day of fun under the sun, mount your bikes and cruise on down to The Kaibo for barefoot beach BBQ every Tuesday night. The Kaibo also has a casual restaurant with a full take-out menu featuring burgers and sandwiches, salads, entrees, and a kid’s menu.

Fischer’s Reef

Rates as low as $2,400 per night.

This stunning home features eight bedrooms with plenty of gathering spaces, both inside and out, on a sandy stretch of beach in Rum Point. With two separate wings, Fischer’s Reef is the perfect fit for two families wanting to vacation together. Many of our guests end up loving Fischer’s Reef so much that they come back year after year. The stunning interiors rival the outdoor living areas making this beach house feel like a mini-resort.

Northern Lights No. 5

Rates as low as $225 per night.

Family vacation rentals on Grand Cayman — Escape the crowds for a relaxing stay at Northern Lights.

Staying at Northern Lights No. 5 is like staying at your own private resort. This residential community of 9 two-story townhomes has only a few units participating in a rental program. That means fewer tourists crowding the pool deck and more room for you and your family to spread out. Located in the East End, Northern Lights features a shared oceanfront pool and thatched cabana pier with a ladder for gentle water entry.

Lone Palm

Rates as low as $550 per night.

Caribbean Vacation Rentals — Venture to the East End for a slice of paradise at Lone Palm.

With forty 5-star reviews, it’s easy to see why families love staying at Lone Palm. With gorgeous interiors, an oceanfront porch, private pool, and spectacular beach with great snorkeling, Lone Palm has it all. Located within walking distance to Ocean Frontiers, one of the best dive centers on Cayman, families can take SCUBA lessons before venturing out into open waters for their first dive together. A handful of restaurants are also within walking distance while a grocery store and two resorts are only a short drive away.

Don’t delay! Our homes fill up quickly. Secure your spot on the beach and book your island oasis today!

Need help with your vacation planning? Give us a call toll-free at 866-358-8455. Our villa team is on standby to match you with the vacation villa of your dreams.

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

Jan 08 2019

Indoor-Outdoor Living at Its Finest

Indoor-Outdoor Villas — Amoraflora, Moon Kai, Cayman Castle, and Ocean Kai (pictured above left to right) highlight the best of indoor-outdoor living.

Let’s be real, you’re likely not going to be spending all your time coop up indoors on your Cayman vacation. No matter how beautiful the villa is, you’re going to want to spend the bulk of your time out in the warm Cayman sunshine.

These 10 spectacular homes capture the best of the great outdoors, from ocean views to designer pools, and are sure to leave you breathless.

Amoraflora

Amoraflora is a modern coastal retreat with a unique flow to its design and featuring a lap pool, wrap around sun deck, and pickle ball court. Living areas and bedrooms open out onto the oceanfront deck, allowing ocean breezes and turquoise views to take center stage. The floating gazebo over the the lap pool will have you asking, “Am I outside or in?”, with its views of both the beach and pool, plus the occasional swimmer passing underneath–that’s right, guests can swim under the gazebo! This home seeks to bring the beauty of the outdoors in, and does so flawlessly through impeccable design, unending coziness, and an openness to the island’s stunning natural surroundings.

*Rates starting as low as $795 per night.*

Great Bluff Estates

Grate Bluff Estates vacation rental in Grand Cayman — Panoramic views from the upper terrace overlooking the villa’s multi-level pool deck.

Simply put, the backyard at Great Bluff Estates is astounding! This oceanfront masterpiece features multiple decks full of dining tables, couches, and loungers. Everyone can have their own little slice of paradise here! One of the best parts of this elegant multi-level backyard is the beautifully landscaped sun lawn by the beach. It’s the perfect spot for sunbathing, reading, or an afternoon cat nap. The designer feel of this home flows into the outdoors, making this home just as gorgeous on the outside as it is on the inside.

*Rates starting as low as $1,250 per night.*

Cayman Castle & Guesthouse

This Caribbean dream home looks out onto miles of crystal-clear blue waters and comes with an adjacent private beach lot with kayaks, thatched beach palapas, and loungers. The main terrace features a custom 17-foot mosaic dining table with the most stunning dinner-side views. The Castle also offers a covered outdoor patio by the pool and a waterfront stone sundeck with loungers and Adirondack chairs, perfect for stargazing or watching the ocean tides. They say a person’s home is their castle and Cayman Castle balances outdoor and indoor living perfectly.

*Rates starting as low as $1,275 per night. Cayman Castle (5BR) and Castle Guesthouse (2BR) available for rent separately at lower rates.*

Kaiku

This nature lover’s paradise is the perfect Caribbean hideaway in the popular resort-neighborhood of Cayman Kai. The entryway leading to the home is full of lush tropical landscaping that doubles as a privacy hedge. Blooming tropical paths and hidden sandy shores dotted with hammocks provide the perfect seaside retreat for those seeking serenity. The nursery even features an outdoor zen garden that’s sure to soothe any baby into a tranquil sleep. Kaiku’s large pool deck features a shaded pool with multiple lounging areas, and a spa to relax your troubles away. More adventurous guests will want to take advantage of Kaiku’s dock and rent jet skis to keep behind the villa during their stay.

*Rates starting as low as $1,660 per night.*

Moon Kai

This spectacular villa boasts stunning interior design and luxury features including: an elevator, four kayaks, and six screened porches. There won’t be any fighting over who gets the bedroom with the screened balcony, because they all have one! Everyone can gather together on the living room porch to enjoy a night of board games or to admire the gorgeous sunsets of Cayman Kai. Oh, and let’s not forget about the views from the pool!

*Rates starting as low as $2,225 per night*

Cos Kai

Mesmerizing views of the Caribbean pervade every inch of this fabulous 2 story villa. Both upper-level bedroom suites open onto a shared terrace providing elevated ocean and beach views. The barefoot white sand beach at Cos Kai faces west so you’re guaranteed spectacular sunsets. The oceanfront porch is screened from floor to ceiling, taking both the ocean breeze and water views to the max. With a bar, lounge and dining area, Cos Kai’s porch is the perfect spot for entertaining as the evening sun sets into the night.

*Rates starting as low as $950 per night.*

Babylon Reef

Looking for a family-friendly space with killer indoor-outdoor vibes? Well look no further than Babylon Reef. The lower level master suite offers direct access to the pool and sunroom, allowing you to rise with your morning coffee and step out into paradise. A large wooden deck rings the pool and connects to the villa’s sunroom. Babylon Reef has a sandy patch of beach with a hammock overlooking the water, and corn hole boards for a friendly game in the sun. The real attraction at Babylon Reef, however, is its proximity to some of the island’s best shallow snorkeling sites. If you love to snorkel, you’ll want to stay here!

*Rates starting as low as $550 per night.*

Ocean Kai

This serene villa epitomizes modern seaside living. Enjoy al fresco dining under starlit skies on Ocean Kai’s veranda, which also has a breezy lounge area perfect for sunset cocktails with friends. During the day, relax by the pool overlooking the ocean or lay out on your private stretch of beach. This villa features over 5,500-square-feet of modern living space to enjoy, but you’ll feel like every moment is spent outside by the ocean.

*Rates starting as low as $1,200 per night.*

Cayman Sands

Freshwater pool? Check. Shore scuba-diving off the famous Cayman Wall? Check. Indoor-outdoor living? Check. From the pool atrium to the oceanside gazebo, Cayman Sands won’t disappoint. Its oceanfront living area with vaulted ceilings shows off magnificent views of the pool and Caribbean waves. Follow the deck onto soft white sand and relax with the sea breeze under the shade of the oceanfront gazebo. The star of the show is the screened atrium encasing the freshwater pool and lounge area looking out on to the ocean. The atrium provides some shade but more importantly keeps the bugs away so you can maximize your pool time!

*Rates starting as low as $750 per night*

Olympus

This designer contemporary villa epitomizes indoor/outdoor living. Featuring multiple bedroom terraces, a rooftop garden with an outdoor kitchen and endless views, plus an L-shaped oceanfront pool, Olympus is sure to leave you speechless upon arrival. Watching the living room’s 40 foot, floor-to-ceiling wall open onto the pool deck is a sight to behold. It’s like having the ocean in your living room!

*Rates starting as low as $1,500 per night.*

No matter which of these beautiful homes you choose, rest assured they all have one thing in common—the warm Cayman sunshine will find them all!