Why go?

Grand Cayman is the most cosmopolitan of the three Cayman Islands, but the pace of life in George Town, its capital, is best described as leisurely. While locals joke that banking is the new piracy, this paradise island is more a haven for nature than it is for tax – its emerald forests and coral reefs are home to numerous endemic species. Go for picture-perfect beaches, laid-back Caribbean vibes and January temperatures of up to 26C.

What to do

The island is entirely surrounded by coral reefs that are home to a cornucopia of colourful sea life: schools of parrot fish, rare Nassau groupers and eagle rays to name but a few. The year-round sea temperature of 27-30C and fact that only one boat is allowed per site make for exceptional diving conditions – glide through the portholes of the island’s newest shipwreck, the USS Kittiwake, with Deep Blue Divers 00 1345 916 1293, deepbluediverscayman.com or charter a fishing boat to explore clandestine coves on the remote east end of the island. For a thrill, Oh Boy Private Charters 00 1345 926 0898, ohboycharters.com lets you try shark fishing at night, or join a Sea Elements 00 1345 936 8687, caymanseaelements.com tour and kayak through shadowy mangrove forests. The Cayman Motor Museum boasts the original Batmobile from the Batman TV series of the 1960s 00 1345 947 7741, caymanmotormuseum.com while the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park 00 1345 947 9462, is home to giant blue iguanas, a prehistoric native of Grand Cayman and the first species to be successfully saved from extinction in the 21st century.

Where to stay

Grand Cayman specialises in glossy resorts with ocean views, and famous Seven Mile Beach is home to the best. The Ritz-Carlton 00 1345 943 9000, ritzcarlton.com rises head and shoulders above other accommodation when it comes to luxury, and it owns a prize swathe of the powdery sand. Book a private cabana and enjoy the shade of cool linen curtains and comfortable day beds, as well as the use of a ‘coconut phone’ – essentially an iPad on which you can order food and drinks from the hotel’s handy beach butler. Grand Cayman Beach Suites 00 1345 949 1234, grandcaymanbeachsuites.com practices opulence on a smaller scale with 53 rooms, all offering spacious balconies and sea views. Caribbean Club 00 1800 941 1126, caribclub.com is an exclusive boutique hotel, with just 37 suites and villas. Service is impeccable – the concierge will organise anything from horse riding to an in-room massage. The Westin 00 1345 945 3800, westingrandcayman.com has a vast beachside pool with a swim-up bar.

Where to eat and drink

Local cuisine is characterised by bright colours and strong, exotic flavours, with coconut, plantain, yams and fresh fish dominating menus. The national dish is green sea turtle – the Cayman Islands is the only place in the world where they can be legally eaten. Blue at the Ritz-Carlton offers the best of local seafood: chef Eric Ripon’s tasting menus deliver a compelling taste of island life, with small plates including yellowtail tartare, luke ceviche and octopus with green olives, all expertly matched with wine from the hotel’s 700-plus wine collection. The Grand Old House 00 1345 949 9333, grandoldhouse.com oozes old-world elegance with wood-panelled interiors and an in-house Cuban torcedor; book a table on its seafront deck, which is canopied by twinkling fairy lights, and puff on a freshly rolled cigar long into the night. If it’s a casual lunch that you’re after, Ortanique serves contemporary Caribbean cuisine 00 1345 640 7710, ortaniquerestaurants.com like curried catch of the day with smashed green banana alongside fabulous views over Camana Bay. At sunset, head to Tiki Beach club 00 1345 516 4801, tikibeachcayman.com and sip on a zingy mojito as you enjoy chilled lounge beats with the sand between your toes.

Time running out?

Head to the farmers’ market at Camana Bay on Wednesday afternoons for live music and local produce.

Travel Information

Travel Information

Currency is the Caymanian dollar. George Town is five hours behind the UK. Flight time is 12 hours from London. The cost to carbon-offset is £16. 40, climatecare.org

Getting There

American Airlines/Cayman Airways Fly from London Heathrow to Grand Cayman via Miami. aa.com, caymanairways.com
British Airways Flies direct from London Heathrow daily. ba.com

Resources

Cayman Islands is the official tourist board website, providing information, itineraries and offers. caymanislands.co.uk