Just one of the little gems you find all around this beautiful island. So you pull off the side of the road, take a few pictures, take a deep breath and embrace your good fortune. Look out at the beautiful Caribbean blue water, surrounded by the women that bring you strength, love and laughter. You are ready for a weekend of insanity that gives you the sanity to deal with your every day life... it's Girl's Weekend!
Grand Cayman touts some of the bluest waters, most pristine beaches and the best snorkeling and diving in the Caribbean. A mid-morning arrival and quick pick up of a soft top Jeep - because if you can get a convertible, this is where you want it - from Marshalls the local car rental company across the street from the airport and the adventure begins!
Head to the less popular, but equally as fabulous East End of the island, to the Wyndham Reef Resort. Slightly off the beaten track and heavy on the tropical relaxation vibe, a lovely 2 bedroom unit is ideal for beachfront relaxation while still providing full service amenities. The view from the living room window shows just how beachfront... 30 steps and you're toes are in the Caribbean! With a grocery store and liquor store right across the street, being stocked for the the weekend with libations and food is quick and simple. After a little exploring of the hotel and a welcome drink from the ultra-friendly lobby staff, including Mariam, it is time to get ready for happy hour!
The Beach Bar, manned by some very friendly bartenders, especially Samir, has an amazing view. At 4:30pm daily you can go out to the end of the dock for the fish feeding. The views over the water are amazing, the live music is fun and the drinks are tropically delicious. Happy hour from 4-6pm is a great deal, especially if you are not doing the all-inclusive plan. Dinner at Tide's Restaurant is a great way to wind down the first night after a full day of travel.
When plans to head out on a Sting Ray City excursion don't work out due to high winds or other weather, don't worry, there is plenty to do around the island. At the northwest corner of the island, in West Bay, is Hell, where you can send a postcard to your friends and family to say 'Hi from Hell', because that is pretty much all that is there, a small souvenir shop, a post office and an outcropping of rocks that looks like Satan will pop right out and whisk you to the underworld - there is actually a small satan nestled amongst the rocks if you can spot him. Surprisingly this is not volcanic rock, but an outcroping of limestone that has undergone extreme bio-erosion. Worth a short stop to check it out, say you've been to Hell and send a few postcards to laugh about later.
A meer 5 minute drive south, you will find yourself in the paradise that is Seven Mile Beach. Voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean, the coral sand beaches and the signature blue green waters are the picture of tropical serenity.
There is something for everyone, at every budget point at Seven Mile Beach, from the high end resorts to the public parking areas with picnic benches, everyone can enjoy Seven Mile Beach. The is the West End, the popular side of the island, here you will find the majority of restaurants, bars and shopping. Many of the cruise ships run excursions to this area and many of the islands activities are run from this area. This is where the poeple are, so if you want that vibe, then the West End is where you want to be.
After spending some time on the West End, the southern road leads you back towards the East End. Pass the airport and about 30 minutes along you will come to the Blow Holes on your right. Underground caverns force water up through the openings along the shore to (sometimes) cause a fantastic show. Although typically they are supposed to be best when it is windy, depeding on which way the wind is blowing, it may be too still to see much action. It is still an amazing view and another landscape on your adventure. You can often see the cruise ships making their way in and out of port, so make the stop and if you don't see them one day, try again later if you are in the area.
Continuing further east, you will come across the Cayman Parrot Sanctuary. A cute little place with some very entertaining birds as well as other native animals, reptiles and other creatures. It is not a very large facility, so you don't need a ton of time here if you are not traveling with children, but definitely stop to chill out and talk to some cool parrots. The facility is interactive and educational while also rehabilitating injured and otherwise mistreated parrots. The Sanctuary is very family friendly, so if you are traveling with young ones plan on visiting, the kids will have a great time not only with the birds and animals, but running free at the multiple play areas.
Continuing up and around into the East End you will find a gem of a restaurant, Tukka East Restaurant and Bar. The restaurant features original cuisine that is a mix of fresh local seafood with a type of Australian-Caribbean fusion. The staff is super friendly, the food is amazing, the drinks are refreshing, the view is breath-taking and the atmosphere is pure Caribbean!
A great choice for lunch, happy hour and dinner. You won't be disappointed stopping here on more than one occasion. AND they run a shuttle to area hotels, so you don't have to drive or arrange a taxi.
In case that isn't enough, if you are around at 5pm-ish you can feed the birds. And these birds are huge. So, if you dare, put on a glove, pick up a chunk of fish and put your hand in the air. The huge Frigate birds, also known as man of war birds, will dive down and swipe the morsel right out of your hand!
After an exciting day it is time to head back to the resort to take advantage of one of the multiple hot tubs and soak up some much needed relaxation. Enjoy some late night snacks and girl time!
Continue the relaxation in the morning and soak up some rays on the fabulous beach before heading out for some more adventures.
If it happens to be a Sunday, head south for a great fish fry. On the way, definitely make a stop at The Wreck of the Ten Sails Monument and learn about the 10 British ships that crashed on the shallow reefs along Caymans southeastern shores, marking one of the greatest maritime disasters in history. The bright side is the story of how the locals jumped to action and saved the lives of all of the shipwrecked crew members. Paths wind through the local fauna to a beautiful vista overlooking the reef and the site of the wrecks. A picturesque spot to stop, get some local history and take some fantastic pictures.
One stop down and now for lunch. You don't get more 'island' than a local Sunday fish fry on the beach and Eastern Star Bar & Fish Fry will not disappoint! You place your order at the window, grab a drink at the beachfront bar, soak in some more rays at the colorful picnic benches and wait for a bit. But oh, it is worth the wait because it is so, so fresh and mmm-mmm good!
With a full belly, continue on the clockwise loop. If you were not lucky enough to see much action at the Blow Holes, here is your opportunity to make another stop.
Continuing around, follow signs taking a right on the only other major road that cuts through the center of the island and head towards the Queen Elizabeth II Botanical Park. You could spend hours wandering the various gardens throughout the 65 acre nature reserve. Beyond walking through gardens, which include a succulent garden, orchid garden, of course a floral garden and a woodland trail, there is also a large lake which is habitat to many of the Caribbean's native birds, insects and lizards. Also within the park is the Blue Iguana Conservation Facility, where you can see the Cayman Native Blue Iguana which is working its way back from near extinction. Make sure to check the hours of the Blue Iguana Conservation Facility as it is only open at certain times. However, even if it is not open, keep your eye out for the Blue Iguana in the wild, as they roam there as well!
Making a right out of the gardens and heading north up and around making a right at the top of the island, drive along the North Side overlooking Old Man Bay. It is here you will come across the fun and whimsical #goodmoodswing. A quick and enjoyable little stop where you can take a moment to swing on a swing, embrace your inner child, be happy and carefree and breath the salty sweet air!
Head back to your hotel and grab a few in the pool or the hot tub before getting ready to head back to Tukka or to the Tides Restaurant at the resort. If you go to Tukka, after you eat your sure to be delicious meal, make sure you stop to talk to Tito at their Cigar and Rum Bar. He will talk you through the selections and you can grab a stogie and a delicious local rum to enjoy when you get back to the resort. When you get back, grab a lounge chair on the beach where you can relax with your goodies and look up at the stars. You are on the less popular side of the island and one major advantage to that is it is the 'dark side' and the stargazing is absolutely spectacular.
For the last full day on the island, the wind finally dies down and Sting Ray City is on the agenda! Drive west across the North End to the last remaining area to visit, Rum Point. On the way, grab a bite to eat at Over The Edge Restaurant, again with super fresh seafood and amazing views sitting over the water of Old Man Bay. Continue West and make a quick stop at Rum Point. Walk out on the pier and to see fish and perhaps be lucky enough to glimpse some sea turtles.
Continue to the end of the peninsula to Star Fish Point to meet up with your Ocean Frontiers guides at the pier at Kaibo Marina to head out to Sting Ray City. Make sure you check out the beach before you head out to see a a wide variety of star fish. Just a short distance away you can visit Star Fish Point for even more star fish encounters after seeing the sting rays.
After a short exhilarating boat ride with only 10 people on board, its time to jump in and swim with the rays. A little daunting at first, take the dive and feel the exhilaration of swimming amongst these gracious animals that glide through the water.
Your guides (Ben & Neev are awesome) will ensure you know what you are doing and will ensure an incredible experience. Even though it may be crowded and you may be surrounded by bigger groups, if you stick with your guides your small group will create a very personal experience. You can hold the sting rays, kiss the sting rays, or just swim with them, whatever your comfort level is. It is an experience you should have at least once in your lifetime.
Congrats, you have driven around the entire island from point to point. So for your last night, pick your favorite spot for dinner, or stop at a new one. Enjoy another drink at the Beach Bar, listen to some live music, relax and unwind. Laugh and revel in the chill Caribbean vibes. Share your favorite experiences from the trip. Soak up every last minute of this respite from 'real life'. Feel the strength and peace of mind now that you have re-centered yourself.
Plan a flight later in the afternoon so you can hang late into the night, sleep in and grab some rays to top off your savage tan before packing and heading back to the airport. If you haven't had success with the Blow Holes yet, make another quick stop, it is on the way, so is Lover's Wall if you want to take a quick picture from the car as you drive by. Return your car, check your bags and then board your plane and fly off into the sunset!
So, where do you want to go on your next Girl's Weekend? Click the link below to email me - start planning today!