Three Amazing Days at the Ritz Carlton in the Cayman Islands

Are three days in paradise  enough to transform your wanderlust soul?  In our opinion, absolutely! Our long weekend in the Cayman Islands could not have been more sublime. The perfect balance of adventure and relaxation during our three days at the most stunning and luxurious Ritz Carlton in Grand Cayman was the ideal tropical retreat.  Within three days time, we had plenty of opportunity to explore, rejuvenate and have quality mother-daughter bonding time.

If you are looking for a tropical paradise, an opportunity to meet the warmest people on the planet and experience the perfect balance of luxury and adventure, then follow us to the Ritz Carlton on the magical island of Grand Cayman.

Our stay at the beautiful Ritz Carlton was a dream come true, and we want to share our itinerary with you so you can enjoy the tropical bliss that we just experienced.  Our itinerary is the perfect balance of exciting morning excursions balanced with afternoon and evening time to relax and appreciate the numerous amenities at this exquisite and breathtaking resort.  

                           Pastel Sunsets, Turquoise Water, Gentle Palm Tree Breezes

Here is Our Perfect Three Day Itinerary:

Day One:

We had an early morning flight on Delta from O’hare, connecting in Atlanta, then on to Grand Cayman. During high season, there are direct flights from Chicago to Grand Cayman, but since we were traveling in October, we had a layover.  Nevertheless, it was a completely stress free travel experience. We can see why so many people choose the Cayman Islands as a long weekend getaway, as well as extended vacation stays. We arrived in Grand Cayman by noon and arrived at Ritz Carlton before 1pm, so we had most of our first day to explore the hotel, enjoy the glorious pool, as well swim, snorkel, paddle board, kayak and lounge right on the pristine white sand Seven Mile Beach, literally just steps from the resort.

                                            First Day at Seven Mile Beach

When we first entered the Ritz, we were in awe of the elegant decor.  The grand foyer set the mood for sheer tropical luxury at its finest.  We were greeted with refreshing tropical drinks and shown to our luxurious room within fifteen minutes upon arrival. Since pictures are worth a thousand words, we will let our photos do the talking about the luxury we experienced at this tropical resort paradise.

The rooms are stately,extravagant and grand.  We both agreed the beds and pillows were divinely plush and heavenly.  The luxurious spa bathroom was lavishly stocked with every pampering essential you would desire.

What far surpassed our expectations, besides the architectural and natural beauty found on site,  was the warmth and friendliness of the Ritz Carlton Staff.  We have stayed at many Five Star Resorts around the world, and the staff here, without a doubt, devotes all effort into making guests feel pampered and loved. From Gilbert, who cared for our every  beachfront need and want,  to Ashley, our server at Seven, a beautiful restaurant, went out of her way to get to know us personally.  As many of you know, Brooke, my animal lover, immediately bonded with the hotel cat, George, and requested a bowl of milk each morning to persuade George to join us for breakfast.  Ashley picked up on this immediately, and had a bowl of milk ready for Brooke to feed George each morning.   Each staff member will greet you by name and engage in thoughtful conversations.  The staff never seemed rushed and fine details were never overlooked.  It was as if they could read your mind and tend to your needs before you even asked. Within three days, we felt like family and truly appreciate the abundance of hospitality at the Ritz.  Staying here, you will immediately feel as though each staff member’s goal is to ensure that you are pampered, at ease and experience luxury service every moment of your stay.

We miss you already, Ashley! Thank you!

George, the sweetest hotel cat that Brooke spoiled each day.

Not only is the Ritz Carlton staff the most professional and caring people we’ve ever had the privilege of meeting, the beauty of their diversity was inspiring. In three days time, we met staff members from over 18 countries. The Ritz Carlton even has an international scavenger hunt designed for children. (I must say I definitely enjoyed this just as much as Brooke did).   Seeking out staff members from as many countries as possible, interviewing them to learn their stories as to how they emigrated to the Cayman Islands, and even receiving an adorable prize for acquiring all of their signatures, fostered an immediate bond between the staff and children, while offering such a unique cultural and educational experience.

                                          Country Scavenger Hunt

Brooke Conducting Interviews with the Wonderful Staff Members

 

So after our much needed beach time and experiencing our first breathtaking Cayman Island sunset, we took a five minute taxi ride to Camana Bay, a lovely area with shops and a marina. We had an amazing dinner at a popular outdoor restaurant called Brooklyn.  Again, the warmness of the people we met nearly had us convinced to start looking at real estate on the island.  It was only the end of the first day and we had fallen in Cayman Island love.

Camana Bay

A bit chilly compared to the warm Caribbean water at Seven Mile Beach

 

More Day One Photos!

We were so impressed with the fitness center!  Best gym we’ve ever been to..

  Day Two:

We woke up very early and were met by our shuttle to head out for an exciting morning of horseback riding along West Bay Beach with Pampered Ponies. The unique aspect of this ride is that these horses not only take you along the shoreline, they head right into the Caribbean Sea for a swim! (Blog coming soon)    

Being quite exhausted from our morning adventures, we returned to the Ritz Carlton, enjoyed a beach side lunch, and lounged until dinner.  After dining, we were ready for our next adventure.  We were picked up by Cayman Kayaks and headed to Rum Point for a Bioluminescent Tour.  This was one of those experiences that you cannot even begin to describe.  Witnessing this fragile ecosystem first hand was one of the most amazing and educational natural experiences we have ever had. Without question, if you visit the Cayman Islands, this is a must do, whether age 5 or 75! (Blog coming soon) Our apologies, but no photographs were permitted during this tour which actually added to the beauty of the experience.

Day Three:

We again rose early to meet our shuttle with Captain Marvin’s Crew  and headed to Stingray City, to swim with stingrays (lots of kissing and hugging them occurred as well–details in upcoming blog) and snorkel at the most colorful and thriving coral reefs. At this point we couldn’t believe that anything could come close in comparison to swimming horses, holding baby sea turtles or experiencing glowing life underwater, but this excursion was absolutely incredible! No one should visit the Cayman Islands without visiting Sting Ray City and Captain Marvin is the company to sail with.

 Culinary Paradise:

During our three glorious days, we dined like queens.  There are five amazing restaurants, as well as a culinary studio. Breakfast is our favorite meal of the day and Seven’s breakfast is delectable. Fresh fruit, sumptuous eggs benedict, omeletes, quiches, a cheese and meat station, a plethora of pastries, yogurt parfaits, salmon, and the best fresh squeezed orange juice we’ve ever tasted.

The Sweetest Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice-We actually asked if these were a special tropical type of orange since we’ve never tasted orange juice this good!  There is also a green breakfast smoothie that’s absolutely delicious.

Most amazing Pina Colada I’ve ever had!

Shrimp Quesadillas delivered directly to your cabana or beach chair

We will return!

There is not a doubt that we will be returning to the Ritz Carlton in the Cayman Islands very soon. In fact, Christmas break may be the perfect time to return.  The attention to detail was flawless, the resort immaculate, the food phenomenal…we could go on and on.  We cannot thank the concierge service, the management and all of the staff  for the most professional, warm and kindhearted treatment.  Our three days at the Ritz has changed us forever.  Hats off to you!