You know the scene at the end of Titanic? When Old Rose dies, and floats ethereally back through the halls of the ship? Everybody’s waiting for her around the Grand Staircase — Mr. Andrews, Molly Brown, and of course skinny Leo at the top of the stairs in his green suspenders. They kiss…everybody claps. Suddenly Rose is young and beautiful again, just as Jack drew her those 84 years ago. (“It’s been 84 years and I can still smell the fresh paint!”)

…Well, Grand Cayman is my Titanic.

Okay, let me back it up a bit. Titanic was Rose’s Moment in Time — the moment she felt the most alive. She was her happiest, the truest self, and only in heaven would she reach that moment again. Grand Cayman is mine. It’s where I married the love of my life, literally against a backdrop of sunset and rainbows, and where 109 of our closest friends and family came together for the best destination wedding ever (I’m obviously biased).

I remember sitting up on the balcony of my hotel room, watching the sunset with my new husband. We could see our bronzed loved ones peppered around down at the beach as the Marriott’s smores bonfire kicked up. And I remember thinking, this is where I want to go when I die. That’s grim. I’m sorry, but I really want to drive the point home. I LOVE THIS ISLAND and the people I got to share it with.

Thankfully my wedding weekend panned out better than the Titanic — although, we did have a few minor snafus, including stitches and a concussion (two separate incidents). But even still, it was the ultimate vacation.

Grand Cayman is called the Island of Dreams, and it was. It really was.

Getting There

• Direct flights are available on JetBlue and Cayman Airways from JFK airport. Flights are in the $300-400 roundtrip rage, including taxes*. Direct flights are also available from Atlanta, Charlotte, Houston, Miami, Tampa and Washington, D.C.
• Taxi from airport costs $18.75 USD, so you can give a $20. Most are larger vans that seat 6+ people, so I recommend sharing.
• Seven Mile Beach is 10-15 minutes from the airport by car. There is no need to arrive for your return flight to the U.S. too early, the terminal is very small. So enjoy the sunshine!

Where to Stay

We encouraged everyone to stay at the Marriott on Seven Mile Beach, which had been recently renovated and definitely had the best rates. The decor is beach-y and airy and small enough that we were constantly running into people from our party. The staff was super accommodating. It’s about 2 miles from Georgetown. I wouldn’t change a thing. It was the perfect experience.

We also stayed at the Westin during our first visit. The pool area is better, because the resort offers better shade, but that’s about it. If you’re real fancy, the Ritz-Carlton is where all the swanky Europeans stay. It’s elegant for sure, but a little too beige for my taste. 

What to do in Cayman Island

Seven Mile Beach

Big chain hotels located on the seven mile stretch of the whitest sand and the clearest water you’ll ever see.  If you’re staying in one of the hotels, chances are this is where you’ll spend the majority of your time — lounging on a float in the Caribbean Sea, laying out in the lounge chairs, sipping cocktails at the pool bar, or zipping around on a Jetski. Grand Cayman is all about relaxation. Don’t sell yourself short here.

Stingray City

We had a group of 12-plus, so we were able to charter a boat for $40 a person. (This was the same price for Starfish Point and Snorkeling excursion) Consult your hotel concierge, because they’ll all have tours that run most days, expect Sundays where you’ll have to charter a private boat. Basically, a boat takes you out to this sand bar where you hop out and swim with hundreds of sting rays. They’re known to be docile, and they’ll swim right up against you with their slippery bodies. It takes a little getting used to. It’s actually really terrifying at first.  But it’s an amazing experience that should not be missed.

RumPoint

Is a secluded beach on the north end of Grand Cayman. First order of business, grab yourself mudslide at one of the huts They don’t call it Rum Point for nothing; and then park yourself in a hammock. My husband and I spent the afternoon cuddling in one of those bad boys, and it was perfect. Sip. Nap. Relax. Repeat. You’re welcome. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere with nothing, but the sound of birds chirping and the whir of a blender.

Tip: Avoid days when you know cruise ships will be docking (consult concierge on this). The throngs of people will not make for a relaxing day.

Snorkeling

Whether off a boat or off the hotel, there are some amazing coral reefs with lots of fish to see.

George Town

Full disclosure, I didn’t actually get into town. But, I hear it’s nice if for some reason (unbeknownst to me) you’re not into the beach.

Where to Eat

Grand Old House

This is where we tied the knot, and it also happens to be named one of the top 10 dishes in Grand Cayman by Forbes Travel Guide. It’s an old Plantation, and the food (even for a wedding) was divine. Make a reservation and ask for a seat on the deck. It has the best sunset views on the island (just refer to our wedding photos).

Sunshine Grill

Holy hell, I love this place. We had gone not once, but twice, the first time we were in Cayman a year before the wedding! And that says a lot, because my husband refuses to go anywhere twice — especially in the same week.  I held on to the promise that we would meet again all through my grueling wedding diet. Whenever someone asked me what my first meal, post wedding would be, I’d say: “Blue Cheese Burger, Fish Tacos and Sunshine Scramble from Sunshine Grill.” This restaurant, tucked away in the middle of the Sunshine Suites resort, is one of the best values around, the food is fantastic and atmosphere is casual. Try the signature “Painkiller” cocktail. No reservations and very casual.

Casanova by the Sea

Surprisingly on point Italian cuisine. If it’s not too hot, request a table outside by the water to get a view of the circling “sharks” by the rocks (they’re actually just really big fish). While on the expensive side, the food is great. The Linguini Tutto Mare (linguini with seafood) was massive with lobster and shrimp cooked perfectly.

Blue by Eric Ripert at the Ritz-Carlton

If you are a foodie, this is the restaurant for you. The price tag can be a bit shocking, but if it’s anything like Ripert’s Le Bernadin in NYC, it’s a special experience. For the most variety, opt for one of the tasting menus. A la carte items are also available. This is the only AAA 5-Diamond restaurant on the island.

Vista Beach Bar at the Marriott

AMAZING chicken nachos.

Coconut Joe’s Beachouse Bar & Grill

This is located directly across from the Marriott and pretty much where everybody got breakfast during our wedding weekend. We’d show up, and our party would literally take over the whole place.

 

Other Random Tips

• High season is December through April — this is also the most expensive time. Weather is often perfect 75-80 degrees with clear skies. It starts to get a big more humid in May, but this is when the hotel rates drop significantly. We visited in June the first time and pushed the wedding to July 11th. Both trips — although technically hurricane season —  we only had about an hour of rain. August, September, October the island is pretty much dead, but it picks back up towards the end of November with the pirate festival.

• You can use USD almost anywhere, no need to convert money. Also keep in mind, there are no all-inclusive resorts on the Island.
• It’s pricey. The exchange rate is roughly CI$1.25 to US$1. Be sure you are aware what currency you are looking at on a bill or price tag.
• Many restaurants include a service charge (10-15%), so again tip for exceptional service. A total of 15%-20% including the service charge on the bill plus an additional tip is a good rule of thumb.
• There are liquor stores within 5-minute walking distance of most of the hotel, so save yourself the high cost of hotel bar drinks! Go for the Tortuga Rum.
• Taxis are easily accessible outside of your hotel.
• No electricity adapters are needed, they use standard U.S. voltage.
• Wear sunscreen!