EARLY mornings come quietly on Seven Mile Beach, which, at 5.5 miles long, isn’t quite as long as the name suggests, though it more than lives up to expectations. I stand barefoot on powder-soft sand as Grand Cayman stretches into the day, the sea catching the first light. This fleeting hour, when the beach belongs only to early risers and seabirds, quickly becomes my favourite time of the day.
Yet as restorative as these mornings are, they are only the beginning. Grand Cayman unfolds as a destination defined by warmth, vibrant culture and a culinary scene that more than rewards curiosity – all converging along the island’s western edge near George Town, where I am staying.
Main pool
At The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman, barefoot luxury is translated into something quietly refined. The resort feels assured and welcoming, its design-led interiors balancing sophistication with the relaxed Caribbean life. Light-filled, sociable spaces invite guests to linger, even during the warmest part of the day.
I’m particularly drawn to the Gallery, a striking throughfare linking the Resort and Ocean sides, where artwork created by local artists adorns the walls, adding a sense of place that flows through the resort’s corridors, connecting its 369 guest rooms, suites and restaurants.
Beach and Saint June
Inside my ocean-side room, the connection to the landscape continues. Layered textiles, natural finishes, and soft organic textures create a space that feels grounding, not overly indulgent. Sunlight settles across woven fabrics and dark wood finishes. The bathroom features a walk-in shower stocked with Diptyque products, which I use generously during my stay.
My private balcony, complete with a small bistro set, becomes a favourite vantage point from sunrise to golden hour. Panoramic views stretch across the resort’s pools and white-fringed loungers to the sea and beyond.
Golf course
Spanning 144 acres, the resort is divided between Ocean and Resort sides, naturally encouraging exploration. Guests have access to two main pools, a children’s water park, the newly refurbished spa and fitness centre, the Ambassadors of the Environment centre, tennis and basketball courts, a Greg Norman-designed golf course, and direct access to Seven Mile Beach’s famously clear waters.
Dining at The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman embraces indulgence with thoughtful balance. Options range from Seven, Andiamo Circolo Sportivo and Saint June to cocktails at the Silver Palm, the Club Lounge, refined Asian dining at Taikun and Blue – the resort’s signature restaurant led by the Michelin-starred chef Eric Ripert and the Caribbean’s only AAA Five-Diamond dining experience.
Saint June
The reimagined spa is a sanctuary of architectural beauty and restoration. Shaped from natural stone and warm woods, it features 15 treatment rooms, thermal facilities, and heated plunge pools for a serene wellness experience.
My first treatment is the Celestial Black Diamond facial, developed by Dr Yannis Alexandrides of 111SKIN London. The 90-minute ritual unfolds through cleansing, toning, masks, and serums applied while I lie cocooned on a heated bed, drifting in and out of sleep to music from the spa’s curated sound menu.
Afterwards, my skin feels luminous and hydrated, though it’s my mind that feels most refreshed. The following day brings a deeply restorative stress relief massage, leaving little to be desired beyond more time, followed by lingering moments between the plunge pools and whirlpools before stepping back into the sunshine.
Spa entrance
Slowly, I settle into what I came for – to soften, unwind and simply be. Some mornings begin with yoga in the gardens or private sound bath sessions, where low-frequency crystal bowls are designed to synchronise with the brain’s natural frequencies – the equivalent of two hours’ sleep. Hours pass easily, carrying me towards evenings, when cocktail hour slips into dinner and the day winds down unhurried and content.
One evening, we dine at Taikun, the resort’s newest addition. Translating to “lucky cat”, the name fits, as there’s a sense of good fortune in finding yourself here. The room glows in warm dusty pink and brushed gold tones, creating an atmosphere both intimate and glamorous. Sharing plates arrive like works of art, while the highlight comes tableside as fresh wasabi root is grated to order, revealing vibrant, aromatic and delicate flavours that transform each bite.
Taikun
Beyond the resort, Grand Cayman’s natural beauty beckons. A sunset catamaran cruise offers the rare sight of the Caribbean green ray flickering briefly across the horizon, followed by stargazing beneath an impossibly clear night sky. Another day takes us to Stingray City, where southern stingrays glide gracefully through waist-deep turquoise waters. Later, kayaking through shaded mangroves alongside the Ambassadors of the Environment team reveals a fragile ecosystem thriving beneath the surface.
Departure arrives slowly, as all good departures should. There’s time for boutique browsing followed by a leisurely breakfast and one last mocktail enjoyed with feet in the sand. As I watch the sea shimmer under the morning sun, rows of pristine loungers wait for lucky new guests. For me, it’s time to leave – carrying with me the quiet luxury that defines The-Ritz Grand Cayman, long after the island disappears.
by Penny Clements
BA Holidays offers a seven-night holiday with return flights from £2421 per person staying on a room only basis. https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/gcmrz-the-ritz-carlton-grand-cayman/overview/