holiday island getaway
The Cayman Islands provides
the ultimate escape.
and spirits tastings, demonstrations,
seminars, dinners and more in the
setting of Cayman’s natural beauty.
Whether it’s dining ankle-deep in the
Caribbean sea at Barefoot Barbecue, or
enjoying one of Cayman’s fine restaurants, Cayman Cookout is a delight
for foodies. In its sixth year, Cayman
Cookout 2014 will feature Chefs Eric
Ripert, Anthony Bourdain, José Andrés, Daniel Boulud, Daniel Humm,
Lidia Bastianich, and Jacques Torres,
among others.
In addition to unmatched epicurean delights, the Cayman Islands
is also host to many other activities.
Recognized as the birthplace of recreational scuba diving, the 80 degree
water temperature makes diving off
the coast of Cayman divine. With
more than 365 dive sites, one for each
day of the year, ranging from shallow
reefs and deep walls to shipwrecks,
divers of any level are able to enjoy
Cayman’s underwater playground.
Visitors can also enjoy Cayman’s
waters while snorkeling with the
stingrays at Stingray City, where interactions with the friendly creatures are
encouraged and receiving a kiss from
one is considered good fortune. Water sports draw visitors to the famous
Seven Mile Beach, where paddle
boarding, snorkeling, kite surfing,
126 FOOD TRAVELER | WINTER 2013
jet skis and kayaking adventures are
available. Those se eking a more quiet
experience can venture to Rum Point
and relax in the tranquil setting to enjoy water activities in a more secluded
environment.
The Atlantis Submarine allows
for travelers to explore the depths
of Cayman’s waters without getting
wet. Participants are able to observe
the extensive and colorful marine life
of the Cayman Islands in its natural
habitat, including the reefs and shipwrecks of Georgetown harbor to coral
reefs 100 feet below the surface, making it a truly memorable experience.
Various attractions are available
for visitors who want to try or learn
something new. At the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, guests can take
a respite from the beach and aquatic
activities surrounded by the Cayman
Islands’ indigenous flora and fauna.
Exhibits such as The Floral Color Garden, The Woodland Trail, and Orchids
in the Park promote conservation
values in understandable and engaging formats. For those interested in
learning more about the Cayman Islands’ conservation efforts, The Blue
Iguana Recovery Program offers visitors insight into the measures taken
to preserve Cayman’s native species
and learn about efforts to bring back
the Grand Cayman Blue Iguana from
the brink of extinction.
Pedro Saint James, one of the oldest houses on the Cayman Islands, is
a treasure trove of historical information, making it a must visit for any
history buff. A complete restoration
of the original home, Pedro Saint
James is known as the birthplace of
democracy on the Cayman Islands.
The house has a multi-media theatre
and exhibit that depicts what life was
like in the 18th and 19th centuries as
Cayman was colonized by the British.
Cayman Island Helicopter tours
give visitors the opportunity to view
Cayman from above, an experience
unrivaled anywhere else in the Caribbean. There are a variety of tour
options available, ensuring that visitors have only the best experience.
Camana Bay, one of the newest
shopping, lifestyle and entertainment
centers on Grand Cayman, is a wonderful area to visit. Sporting a movie
theatre, various international stores
and restaurants, an event calendar offering live music and outdoor concerts
throughout the year, Camana Bay is
certain to provide endless hours of
enjoyment for visitors.
With sandy white beaches, tempting blue waters, and unmatched
culinary experiences, few other
islands in the Caribbean can offer
the diversity of experiences in one
package than the Cayman Islands.
In order to book a trip to this Caribbean paradise, or learn more about
the many possibilities available, visit
www.caymankind.com.