Where Luxury Meets the Caribbean: The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman

Every time I arrive at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, it feels like stepping into a place where time slows and worries melt into the turquoise water. I’ve been coming here for years, and each visit feels both familiar and brand-new, like catching up with an old friend who always has a few delightful surprises waiting. The resort is the perfect mix of polished and relaxed—elegant without feeling stuffy, with mornings that start slow and afternoons that melt into Seven Mile Beach bliss. And whether it’s before dinner or after, I always make a point to stop into Silver Palm (right in The Ritz) for a drink. The atmosphere is warm and lively, the perfect place to socialize, people-watch, and truly settle into vacation mode.

If you’re someone who loves to stay busy on vacation (or at least pretend you’re busy between lounging), the resort makes it so easy. Start the day with a walk along Seven Mile Beach, sneak in a workout, snorkel right off the beach, or just grab your spot by the pool and let the day unfold. The cabanas are a dream if you reserve ahead, and the whole vibe is pure vacation mode.

And if you want to mix in a little movement with the relaxation, there are so many ways to do it here. The golf course has breathtaking views of the North Sound, the fitness center offers tons of classes (including yoga on the beach—yes please), and you can even take a lesson with a tennis pro for something fun and active.

Speaking of the spa… walking into The Ritz-Carlton Spa is pretty incredible. It feels like a beautifully designed sanctuary inspired by the Caribbean Sea, and going upstairs into the relaxation areas instantly calms you down. The treatments are next-level too, with ESPA and 111SKIN rituals, advanced facials, and vibroacoustic wellness beds paired with immersive soundscapes. It’s truly a full reset.

The spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman.

For families, Club Lounge access is worth every penny—endless treats, quick bites between beach swims, and a calm, comfortable space to recharge. And with kids, there’s truly no shortage of fun: Dolphin Discovery is always a big hit, and the Cayman Turtle Centre is another one of those classic family-friendly stops that feels like a “you can only do this here” kind of experience.

The club

Seven Mile Beach is your front yard, but Grand Cayman also invites you to explore and it’s one of those islands where you can make it as adventurous (or as relaxed) as you want. If you’re up for it, you can hop on a jet ski, go parasailing, take a submarine ride, or book a sunset catamaran cruise that somehow always ends up being one of the most memorable parts of the trip. And if you’re a diver (or even a “maybe I’ll try diving” person), Grand Cayman is world-famous for it. I’ve done the wall dives, and seeing the ocean drop off into that deep blue is truly unforgettable.

One of my favorite “do it all in one day” ideas is booking a boat tour where you can combine Stingray City, Starfish Beach, snorkeling, and Rum Point and even a bioluminescent swim at night (depending on the tour.) It’s such a fun way to see the best of Grand Cayman without feeling like you’re constantly rushing around.

And if you’re traveling in January, Cayman Cookout transforms the island into a culinary wonderland with world-class chefs and unforgettable beachside tastings. All at The Ritz-Carlton.

Dining is a huge part of the experience here. You could honestly spend the whole trip just eating your way around the resort. Breakfast at Seven is a total wow-factor buffet, and dinner is just as good with melt-in-your-mouth porterhouse, amazing seafood, and a salmon that never misses. My husband’s favorite is the pork chop, my daughter swears by the mushroom risotto (with a side of bacon with mac & cheese), and if you’re with a group, the thirsty seafood platter is the perfect starter. And you have to save room for dessert. Their soufflé (chocolate or the daily special) is hands-down our family favorite.

While sitting by the pool, we always end up at Andiamo Circolo Sportivo—it’s such an easy, happy place to grab something casual without leaving the sunshine. We’ve loved the prosciutto and melon, the margarita pizza, the Capri sandwich, and of course a classic burger… and if you’re really leaning into vacation, maybe sneak in a rum runner too.

Saint June is another favorite for a laid-back lunch—especially something like the chili lime fruit (who doesn’t love that after sitting in the sun?), with chips and salsa on the side. My daughter loves their tuna bowl, and I mean… who doesn’t love a lobster roll on vacation?

Taikun is always a hit too. My family loves the gyoza and sushi, and they’re always trying something new. I’ve really enjoyed their ramen dish, and my son is all about the maki teriyaki chicken. It’s one of those places that works for everyone.

And of course, Blue by Eric Ripert is the resort’s iconic “once-in-a-lifetime” dining experience. I haven’t been personally yet, but it’s one of those restaurants everyone raves about, so it’s absolutely worth reserving early if you want to experience it.

For shopping and a fun little break from the beach, Georgetown is always worth a stop. I love wandering the stores, and I always recommend peeking into Guy Harvey’s shop. I’ve actually seen him there quite a few times, which is such a fun surprise. And while you’re in town, lunch at Guy Harvey’s Island Grill is an easy win before heading back to the resort.

The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman is the rare kind of place that’s as wonderful for grandparents as it is for toddlers, as perfect for couples as it is for groups of friends. It’s polished but never stuffy, relaxed but never ordinary. Every time I leave, I tuck away the memories like seashells—the laughter down the beach, the salt in the evening air, and that feeling that this is not just a resort, but a place that knows how to hold your heart until you come back again.

The view from Cracked Conch Restaurant & Macabuca Tiki Bar

A few favorite restaurants outside the resort:

• The Wharf: My absolute favorite (I try to go more than once!) with tarpon feeding at 7 pm and 9 pm and a live cigar roller. Roasted pear and goat cheese, seared diver sea scallops, baked salmon with seared asparagus risotto and truffle dressing, warm banana toffee pudding, warm apple strudel, key lime pie.

• Luca: Polished, classic, and always a treat. Coconut ceviche, tuna taco, spinach grapefruit salad, local red snapper in coconut-mint-saffron sauce, chicken piccata, pork chops.

• Ragazzi Ristorante & Pizzeria: Easy, family-friendly, and you truly can’t go wrong. Tuna, Parma ham and melon, Caprese salad or soup, goat cheese salad, octopus pappardelle, spaghetti, bolognese, lasagna, chicken Marsala, beef short ribs.

• Rum Point: The perfect laid-back island day with shallow turquoise water and that famous mudslide. Mango ceviche, jerk platter, peach and burrata salad, daily catch with creamy jerk mayo.

• Guy Harvey’s Island Grill: A fun Georgetown lunch stop after shopping (and peek into his store—I’ve seen him there!)

• Guy Harvey’s Boathouse Grill: Another Georgetown favorite and always worth a stop. Bang bang shrimp, fritters, calamari, Boathouse, steam pot, blackened mahi, tuna, rum cake, key lime pie

• Morgan’s: Perfect for a long lunch or easy dinner after a day on the water. Escargot, mussels in white wine garlic sauce, Greek salad, classic burger, Drift burger, jerk duck surf & turf, seafood, crêpes, chicken schnitzel.

• Camana Bay: Shopping and dinner spot.

• Brooklyn Pizza & Pasta: Easy, casual favorite.

• Cracked Conch Restaurant & Macabuca Tiki Bar: Stacked on top of each other on the rocky coastline with the coolest views.

• Cracked Conch: Conch ceviche, conch chowder, coconut oil poached mahi mahi, seared diver scallops, slow-cooked duck.

• Macabuca: Coconut shrimp, conch fritters, tuna and mahi tacos, fish and chips.

Stingray City calls me every time I go.

The Tortuga Rum Cake Factory

Activities

• Watersports and excursions with Red Sail Sports

• Stingray City boat trip

• Parasailing or sailing from Seven Mile Beach

• Sunset catamaran cruise

• Snorkeling at Cemetery Beach

• Rum Point for mudslides and hammocks

• Macabuca for oceanfront drinks and conch fritters

• Bioluminescent Bay kayak tour

• Cayman Turtle Centre

• Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park

• Horseback riding on the beach

• Cayman Crystal Caves tour

• Scuba diving lessons or guided dives

• Lounging along Seven Mile Beach

Swimming in Grand Cayman’s bioluminescent bay is pure magic—on a dark night, every splash glows like you’re swimming through stardust.

Be sure to reserve Blue by Eric Ripert, spa treatments, and beach cabanas early. They book up quickly. Club Lounge access is a game-changer for families, and I always recommend getting out to explore the island too, like Stingray City, Rum Point, and a little time in town. Then wrap up the day with sunset drinks or dinner at The Wharf or Cracked Conch Restaurant & Macabuca Tiki Bar for the perfect Cayman night.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Cayman Islands page.