Our Trip to Cayman Island

Courtney Petrin
3 days ago
5 min read

Updated: 2 days ago

We took our first trip to grand cayman island in June 2025 and we were in love...

The turquoise colored waters, snorkeling, the powder soft sand, the culture, the people and proximity to Sarasota Florida was a dream.It’s a beautiful Caribbean island that boasts some of the best snorkeling and deep sea diving in the Caribbean. It’s a very family friendly location with lots to do and see. Yet it’s small enough to become quickly familiar with. You can venture all over the island by car freely. It’s extremely safe, accessible and the people are very friendly. They accept US cash on the island.

We will definitely be returning next June! During our stay I posted several stories and reels on social media with a flurry of messages about our trip.

I have detailed it all here for our readers and followers.

Getting There

Fly out of Tampa FL through Cayman Airyways. An easy 1.5 hour flight is a breeze.

Enjoy their complimentary spiked rum punch. Rent a car at Alamo right across from the airport.

The car rental was very affordable there. You drive on the left side of the road on the island which definitely takes getting use to. Be sure to plan for your expenses like food. Purchases on the island are more expensive compared to Florida prices.

Where to Stay

For the casual tropical getaway...Botanica luxury cottages is incredible!

These thoughtfully designed cottages are dreamy. The design is tropical, calm and minimal. West Indies meets Mediterranean meets Tulum Mexico. They are an absolute oasis with lush grounds and beautiful details. We absolutely loved our stay there. You can add upgrades during your stay like a breakfast basket, rent their bikes and use their shuttle service.

Choose from their selection of cottages according to your needs.

Checkout Their Selection

For the more up scale stay on the island then Palm Heights Hotel is definitely your vibe....This is a fave for us as well. We stayed a couple nights here and it’s very luxurious. It’s ideal for couples although we did meet a family while there.

This posh hotel is a staple for Grand Cayman and a popular choice for celebrities. It’s pricey but has two large pools, a restaurant and bar on the premises. You can literally walk out to the beach from your room. The beach is dotted with yellow umbrellas and cabana style beds and loungers. There is a small cafe on site with the most delicious coffees, chocolate and pastries. Within that cafe is a shop for ladies wear. The design and aesthetic of their pool and restaurant, Tillies, is literally my design inspiration for 2025. While the interior design of the hotel is like a 70s posh tropical mansion the patio and Tillies gives me French Rivera meets Caribbean vibes. In fact H&M launched a collab with the Creative director Gabriella Khalil responsible for Palm Heights signature style and it’s pretty epic.

Visit Palm Heights

For Families

Hampton Inn is a more affordable but highly sought after spot to stay. Often booking up fast. This hotel isn’t your average Hampton inn.

Its mid century modern aesthetic is a vibe. It’s beautifully designed. It has a pool and bar on site as well as Mrs Pipers restaurant. It offers complimentary breakfast. We noticed lots of families there.

What To Do

Rest and play! Seven mile beach is accessible with parking dotted throughout the main road. Governors Beach is a smaller beach that has lots of parking.

Be a kid again at Cayman Turtle Center. This is awesome for families!

Snorkel and swim with turtles and fish in their expensive lagoon. They also have a water park with a nearby bar for the adults. A restaurant and cafe is also on site with island inspired food. View a crocodile and turtles in various life stages.

Swim with stingrays at Stingray City

We had a a boat excursion on the island to Stingray City and Starfish Point.

This was an amazing experience. The excursion was 4 hours and it included 3 activities. Snorkeling, swimming/feeding stingrays and holding starfish. They take care of you very well. The captain even found Savannah a conch shell to bring home. Numerous charters offer this on the island!

Shop at

Camana Bay Shopping Center boasts a Starbucks, splash pad, gelato and a literal island for kids to play on. Chapters is a cool toy and book store.

Swim, snorkel and eat at Rum Point.

On the North side of the island are waterfront mansions in a quiet and tranquil part of the island. The northern part of island at Rum Point you will find calm shallow waters great for kids. They have a restaurant and bar located there. It has a dock and you can spot crabs on the rocks.

Grocery

Fosters is a local grocery store that has all your food needs.

Rainy Day Activity

Lil Monkeys Indoor Play Area is a perfect spot for kids to burn their energy on a rainy morning or afternoon.

Eat

The restaurants and food on the island are 5 star. We were blown away by the freshness and ingredients in their local dishes.

Tillies - One of our absolute faves. The food and cocktails are sensational. The vibe and atmosphere divine. Carlin loves the jerk chicken bowl and I enjoy having the tropical fruit salad with an added garden salad and snapper. Savannah loved their burger and chicken tenders.

Ms Pipers Kitchen and garden-also one of our faves. This place is adorable. The Caribbean style design paired with palm beach vibes sets the scene. The steak is delicious. Carlin had their ribs which he enjoyed.

Drink their Spicy Paloma for a kick or uno Nuno for a refreshing cocktail.They have live music on Fridays nights.

Seven-located inside the Ritz Carlton. It’s a waterfront restaurant with Caribbean inspired dishes.

Nova - this waterfront restaurant has excellent service and sushi.

Agave for a Mexican style dinner we highly recommend this restaurant. We did take out here through Bento which is their local food delivery service.

Rum Point Beach Club is exceptional. Located right near rum point is a beautiful beach front restaurant. It’s back deck sits beside their tranquil pool and overlooks the ocean.

Bonny Moon is another personal fave. Located right on the beach with a nearby playground for kids. The restaurant boosts a playful moon-theme done in a very funky retro style. We enjoyed the beach after lunch steps from our table.

What to Wear

Packing lots of swimsuits is obvious but a comfortable 1 piece or 2 piece swim was really good to have for snorkeling and water park.

This red one piece is a staple

Target had some great one pieces too

Terracotta Color

Terracotta Print

Cover ups

Summer hats

My fave hats ever are from Gigi Pip

Summer jewelry

I love their jewelry so much for summer to wear on the beach and in the water

2 piece sets

H&M is crushing summer this year with their resort collection and swim

Woven sandals and heels

I have an obsession with Sam Edelman shoes. Any type of woven sandal is a must.

Buy These Woven Sandals

Beach bag

An oversized bag is a must. This is so durable and big!

Buy The Bag

Purses

I love any botanical color purses I collect from vintage stores but this is is a fave I have I got right from Target.

Buy The Bag

Makeup

I typically wear very minimal makeup on vacation but I love to add this to my moisturizer for a added bronzed look.

Buy The Moisterizer

I love their makeup line for summer. The cream based blush is perfect for a natural added flush.

Magic hour and golden hour

Hair

I usually wear my hair back in a sleek bun or leave down to air dry. It’s too humid for too much fuss with my Portuguese thick hair. Love this texturizing mousse for air dry hair.