Cayman Destination Wedding

The popular big sister of the Cayman Island trio, Grand Cayman offers luxury resorts, clean beaches, clear blue waters and a myriad of island activities, from scuba diving with stingrays to a horseback riding beach tour. It is also a popular port stop for cruises. The expansive fine, white sand Seven Mile Beach attracts the majority of tourists to its pearly expanse of sand; it’s full of hotels and resorts, nightclubs, restaurants and island sports shops.

Another island attraction is the Grand Cayman Turtle Farm on Boatswain’s Beach, a non-profit that that raises sea turtles—14,000 of them. Almost half of each year’s hatchlings are released into the ocean while the rest are raised for local food, a Cayman Island delicacy. Stingray City is another popular attraction, where divers can swim with the docile creatures; glass bottom boat rides are also offered for non-divers.

Grand Cayman has several natural parks ideal for viewing exotic species: Cardinal D’s Park, near Seven Mile Beach, has more than 60 birds species; Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park offers a swampy tour to see orchids and bromeliads and a variety of animals from the Cayman parrot to the extremely rare Grand Cayman Blue Lizard. Aside from its natural attractions, Grand Cayman also offers extensive tax-free, offshore banking services.  

The Westin Casuarina Resort and Spa, Grand Cayman, is on the warm sands of the famous Seven Mile Beach. The resort offers easy access to all of Grand Cayman's attractions, as well as a swim-up pool bar and a nearby 18-hole golf course. Explore some of the world's best scuba-diving spots with gear from the on-site dive shop or get pampered at the full-service spa. There is also a fitness room on site with whirlpool tubs. As the sun sets, don't miss a blend of Cuban and Caribbean cuisine at the open-air, oceanfront Casa Havana restaurant. At Ferdinand's, experience the tropical flavors of the Caribbean. Enjoy casual dining at the Beach Bar, Lobby Bar, and Courtyard Cafe. Room service is available 24 hours a day. Other hotel services include porters, car rental, hairdressing, dry cleaning, valet laundry, and wake-up calls. For additional service and security, the front desk is open 24 hours a day and there is a concierge on site. There is also a large ballroom on site. Each room has cable television, coffeemaker, iron, hairdryer, and dataport. Within five miles of the resort are Links at Safehaven Golf Course, Hell Park, Turtle Farm, Georgetown, and Maritime Museum.

Seven Mile Beach is falsely named, because it's actually five and a half miles long. Nobody really complains though, because all they really need is enough space to lay on a beach towel on this gorgeous strip of coral sand. Seven Mile Beach is the tourist center of Grand Cayman, located just north of George Town and including resorts like the Westin Casuarina, Hyatt Regency, Coral Sands, Grand Caymanian and even the local Ritz-Carlton on the northern end. Smaller hotels and villas also abound along this strip, together with restaurants, shopping and nightlife.

The Casa Havana Restaurant is one of the only AAA Four Diamond-rated restaurants in the Cayman Islands, located within the Westin Casuarina Resort. The restaurant offers an international menu with a touch of Caribbean flair, providing an unforgettable dining experience in an elegant beachside setting. Enjoy the musical stylings of a live harpist most nights.

Cayman Islands Helicopters provides many different flying tours, including a short beach tour, a whole-island tour, and a Stingray tour. Guests can also rent the helicopter for charters, pictures or movies. It's a one of a kind experience.

Grand Old House is an Old Coconut Plantation House, set on the magnificent Caribbean sea just south of George Town and has become Grand Cayman's finest dining establishment for almost 30 years. The legend of Grand Old House, Petra Plantation, has been kept alive for over 90 years thanks to careful preservation and restoration efforts. The menu is decidedly seafood heavy, featuring everything from conch chowder and sashimi to lobster thermidor, turtle steak and crusty tuna. Beef, lamb and pork dishes are also available. See their website for menu, wine list and more.

Not too long ago crumbling ruins were lovingly restored by the Cayman government to resemble an original 18th century plantation owner's home. Come see what a rich landowner lived like, or read about the property's lengthy history, which is tied in with the island's own. The site is also used for weddings and events. Admission is USD8; children under 12 get in for USD4, and those under six are free.

Learn how to shoot undersea photos during diving classes with renowned photographer Cathy Church.

SeaHarvest is located on the waterfront, within Sunset House, the world-famous diving resort. Diners can choose to be seated in the indoor, air-conditioned dining area, or on the outdoor patio by the water. The restaurant boasts a lovely atmosphere and gorgeous views of marvelous Caribbean sunsets. The restaurant is officially open for dinner only, although lunch is actually served through My Bar, which is right beside it at the resort.

Slip on your flippers, adjust your oxygen tank and head to the Cayman Islands for some of the best deep-water diving in the world.

Reef Grill, recipient of high honors from several travel publications, is renowned for its cuisine, relaxed professional service and rich ambiance. The menu features appetizers and entrees of lovingly prepared seafood. Lamb, beef, pasta and vegetarian options are available. Adjacent to the Reef Grill restaurant is the Royal Palms Beach Bar. The complex is a great place to relax on the beach, enjoy watersports and other activities or listen to the islands' best musicians playing Soca, Calypso and Reggae. See website for full menu, wine list, webcams, private party info and more.

The Lone Star Bar is one of Grand Cayman's best bars -- actually, one of the top 100 bars in the world, according to Newsweek magazine. The food here ranges from Caribbean favorites like Jerk Chicken to hearty pan-American meals like steak sandwiches. At night the noise level rises as people sample ubiquitously from the 104-shot menu or just down a few pints. Definitely not to be missed. This bar & grill opens at 11a daily.

About a 25 minute drive east of George Town, well away from Grand Cayman's beaches, lies the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park. On 65 acres of public land, most of the native plants of Grand Cayman have been carefully cultivated and shaped into tropical gardens. Hiking trails and an iguana habitat round out the offerings, giving visitors a rare glimpse of life away from the beaches. Admission is KYD6 for adults, KYD4 for children.

The Rum Point beach offers a relaxing alternative to "hectic" Seven Mile Beach. Set yourself to bake on a towel by the ocean, or go swimming or snorkeling over the nearby reef. When you get hungry, visit the snack bar and nosh on whatever it is you got at the shaded picnic tables. The Hyatt Regency now shuttles people over to this beach, but it still remains an uncrowded alternative to many of the more touristy spots.

Feeling an edge of hunger? Or would you prefer to lie on the beach in more than just a sun-baked haze? The Wreck Bar offers an excellent lunch menu and full bar at Rum Point, just to satisfy these urges. Step into the relaxing dimness and let go of your worries for a while -- if you had any left by this point, that is.