talking shop ON LOCATION GRAND CAYMAN Courses in the Caribbean Part Two of our
report on the Caribbean Tourism Organisation’s
Courses in the Caribbean fam trip this spring takes us to Grand Cayman. Laura Gelder joined in the fun. The flight from Jamaica to Grand
Cayman takes around an hour and we file into the tiny airport past a cheerful band playing lilting Caribbean music and queue for the Immigration desks underneath the watchful stare of Queen Elizabeth II. The Cayman Islands is a British territory, but its tax-free status means its population is international. The capital of Grand Cayman, George
Town, surprises Jenny Stephenson from Many Happy Returns: “I thought it would be quiet but it’s just the opposite! It’s 'Americanised,' although in a good way, because it has great service, restaurants and a lively atmosphere.” We have lunch in the raucous Margaritaville, where even at midday the free tequila flows freely! The Atlantis Submarine trip leaves from George Town harbour and dives to depths of up to 100 feet. The kids on board loved the jokey commentary and peering out of the portholes. “It’s a great way to experience being beneath the ocean without getting wet”, said Aliison Sill of Star Travel. Our first site inspection is at Caribbean Club, a condominium hotel overlooking Seven Mile Beach. Although perfectly pleasant the reception area doesn’t prepare us for the huge three-bedroom and bathroom apartment we see, with its big kitchen and sweeping deck that provides our first view of Grand Cayman’s most famous stretch of soft sand. BEST FOR: Groups and families that want
to holiday together but still want their own privacy. “A beautiful boutique hotel in a stunning location, perfect for a wedding. You will be looked after from start to finish in five-star style.” Angela Chan, Adams Travel
Next up is the Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort, also on Seven Mile Beach. It’s a large hotel with several restaurants, including the ocean- front Solana, and a spa. BEST FOR: Couples, friends, beach lovers. “A lovely hotel with dinner is at the friendly Brick House in Grand Harbour, where we dine al fresco enjoying the warm night and a menu including baked brie with roasted garlic and guava jam and coconut red snapper with mango salsa.
A site inspection of the Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman reveals the 144-acre hotel has two sides: one ocean-front, one with views of the gardens, golf course and river. Stand-out features include a
48 July/August 2011 •
www.sellinglonghaul.com
GRAND CAYMAN Top Selling Tips..
• “My tip would be to explore out of George Town and to see Seven Mile Beach – it’s gorgeous." CAROL SMITH
• “You don’t have to stay on Seven Mile Beach to be in the most hip area. The distances are short so get a hire car for a few days. It is expensive but you don’t have to go five star.” JENNY STEPHENSON
• “The snorkelling and scuba diving in Grand Cayman is fantastic. With no rivers on the island there is no silt – so the visibility is top-notch.” NATALIE
Clockwise from top left:: Stingray City; George Town; at the Sunshine Suites; the Atlantis submarine; Reef Resort beach; those stingrays
huge pool and a Tiffany boutique. The Pièce de résistance is Silver Rain, a La Prairie spa with a Narnia-like entrance of crystal and running water. Inside the air is scented and the softly-carpeted relaxation area, Silver Haven, has 'pearlescent' lockers and fuzzy walls, giving the effect of being on a cloud. BEST FOR: A special treat – perhaps ladies looking for a spa getaway or a honeymoon couple splashing out. “Apart from the exceptional service and the fine dining, the Ritz Carlton’s selling points are its fantastic beachfront location, the chic spa and an exclusive golf course for guests.” Jenny Stephenson, Many Happy Returns
After sampling the Ritz’s signature eggs benedict we head to Pedro St James, a historic building where the Cayman Islands’ government was formed and now restored to its former glory. "It was interesting to learn about the
history of the house and the Islands,” said Jeff Paulet from Westgate Travel,
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