I decided to return to one of my favorite places on the planet last month, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands to celebrate a few personal wins and wanted to honor that it was my 1 year anniversary in discovering Seafire, currently my Favorite Resort! No picture or video will do it justice. Go Sea for yourself.
I visited KY for the first time May 2018. This was my 4th (and counting) trip. It’s unprecedented, for me, to return to a place so frequently, but they’ve shown me exceptional customer experiences and it’s where I want to return at this point whenever I want a few days in paradise to rejuvenate and rejoice!💖 Mission Accomplished!
A few highlights I’ll be sharing in this post:
- A few activities I’ve done before, but highly recommend doing them again because the experiences are unique!
- I sprinkled in a few new foodie experiences in this trip.
My greatest encouragement is to take time to listen to yourself.
- Get to know what contributes to your happiness
- Get to know what fulfills you
I’ve found that with above average planning, which I invest the time and care in, my let downs are rare at this point in my Life. The risk of doing nothing is not one I will regret. No shoulda, coulda, woulda.
Travel may not be for everyone. It is something I enjoy getting far from my comfort zone and opening myself up to new ways, new faces, new places. It broadens my horizons and gets me inspired that there so much more than status quo living.
There’s so much more than just going through the motions. My best days are designed by Me! .....
- Trip Prep - International Travel to Cayman Islands (KY)
- Where to Stay
- Where to Eat
- Things to Know
- Adventure Gear
1. Trip Prep
- Cost Saving Basics: I recommend bringing basics like snacks, sunscreen, first aid kit (featured here is Live the Creed) etc. Things are way more pricey at airports and vacation places. That being said, depending on your hotel, some offer great amenities like if you forget your tooth paste tooth brush, razor, etc they’ll give it you. Do your homework when your there so you know before next visit. Some of the basic toiletries you may just decide to get at the hotel as part of these amenities, if they are offered!
- Airport: For Grand Cayman, you’ll fly into Owen Roberts International Airport (IATA: GCM). If you have a choice, I’ve found flying back into Charlotte NC far superior than ATL or Miami.
- Travel Docs: I bring my passport for travel at this point. Best universal document I’ve found in travel.
- International Travel: Be prepared to fill out an immigration and customs form of you’re not a KY resident. I’ve found their lines and processing at GCM smooth and quick. I don’t bring a lot with me since my trips are brief, so this probably had helped keep it simple for me.
- Travel Insurance: Highly recommend it for added peace of mind. I can afford it. I get it. I recommend you consider Allianz. Most of us go through Life thinking nothing bad will ever happen. Happy to say nothing bad has happened, but I’m not foolish to think it can’t. I don’t like not being prepared. For me, it’s a miss to be completely unprepared or oblivious. I don’t like or live a life of drama so I get this added coverage, especially on international trips. I’ve gotten this without issue, signing up easily via my smartphone, securing a policy and having easy access to it via their app. They’ve got handy features like US Embassy details, local emergency # etc.
- Entertainment: I read 100 deadly skills before any epic travel. Great tips!! Bring a book, music or a headset to plug into the feed the airplane provides. I personally use the travel time to read books and listen to my music. When I solo travel I’m pretty much in the zone about the epic on my horizons. Chatting with random people isn’t a high priority. When I do occasionally chat, I collect intel from anyone who’s been there or share a few of my recommendations if it’s a cool person. I like to know what restaurants they enjoy, places/experiences they recommend, get referrals. It helps also validate spots when I hear a theme, like hearing about Czech Inn from multiple sources as great eats on the island. I can to attest to it now! If they’ve never been to KY and want recommendations I give them a ideas to consider. They usually light up with excitement when I encourage the stingray and USS Kittiwake experiences.
- On The Ground Transportation: I take cabs. You could rent a car but please know what you’re doing. Driving is on the other side than the US and conditions are not the same. You need confidence, a lot. 🤣 I met a couple who said they drove one day and turned their car in because they knew they were way out of their element. I respect that Wisdom. If you choose to drive, be on 100% defensive driver mode. Lots of roundabouts. Cab to Seafire from GCM, expect to pay at least $32 and do factor in some tip on top of that.
2. Where to Stay
My Top Pick -> Kimpton Seafire!
Enjoy these pictures and read my past posts. Hands down one of the best resorts I’ve stayed. Exceptional customer experience that has compelled me to return multiple times in a year. A first for me and can’t wait to Sea them again.
I highly recommend booking an ocean view room. You will pay extra but I’ve found it with worth it.
This one is the Spa Ocean view. Delighted to be treated to this upgraded room. This bathtub .. amazing!!! I enjoyed it every night!
As part of Resort fees and services I’ve indulged in:
- They offer beach chair service
- Bring a refillable bottle. There is flavored water all over the resort.
- Morning coffee/tea self service in the lobby
- Happy hour wine and apps in the early evening
- Lovely evening turndown service
I have yet try it out but you also have access to a variety of ocean toys (SUP, etc) as part of Resort fees.
3. Where to Eat
This trip I specifically planned to fly in Sunday to try out the brunch at Seafire I heard all about in previous trips. It was marvelous! This was on Mother’s Day so the layout was decked out.
I definitely want to do brunch again and instead fly in Saturday so I could be one of the first in Sunday!
My visit in January a friend took us to Czech Inn. That was one of my favorites but you will need a car. It was a drive away from the resort. They had Caribbean lobster. I love it prepared simplistic to enjoy its unique flavors!
When I solo travel I tend to enjoy the resorts offerings. I focus on quality snorkeling activities, then spend the rest of my day enjoying the resort, primarily the beach and my ocean view balcony.
This visit I ate primarily at Ave, Avecita at Seafire. Coccoloba is great casual food. The beach view there... STUNNING!
The Pantry is great for simple snacks or juices.
Below, pictures from the Chef’s Counter experience at Avecita. 10 seats and an informative, interactive fine dining adventure. I’ve enjoyed it twice now. Recommend it if you are a foodie and enjoy things like Iron Chef!😄
I did get a great cheeseburger room service which I enjoyed on my balcony after a day of ocean play with stingrays. I was tired and that convenience to refuel in my room enjoying the epic ocean view was winning!!
4. Things to Know
Couple more random things I’d share:
- Use the concierge to help you identify activities to align to your interests. I never used to use concierge and now I do consistently. Make your life easier tapping into their wealth of local knowledge.
- Tip people who do a great job - hotel, snorkel activities, etc.
- Take time when you’re back from vacation to write some reviews on Trip Advisors. In business, it’s a competive world. If they do a great job, share a few lines and pictures so they can receive the positive feedback, any areas to improve and other travelers can benefit from the insights. I know I research reviews when deciding. I have and continue to post my opinions, recommendations and fill out surveys sent, where possible.
- On a serious note, always remain vigilant. Always! Doesn’t matter if you’re in paradise, don’t be unaware evil is everywhere unfortunately. Remain alert. Read up on safety and local news in places unfamiliar. Don’t be dumb and leave valuable out or be flashy unless you enjoy inviting problems. Always let someone know where you are and establish a cadence for check ins, especially if traveling solo. Share itineraries and coordinates. Growing up on military bases plus reading various interesting things, be low key about wearing articles of clothing that advertise where you’re from and be mindful of what information you share. It’s just smart to stay safe and drama free, at least on vacation!!!:-)
5. Adventure Gear
A few of my favorites this trip:
- Rashr rash guard. Made out of recycled plastics! Environmentally friendly.
- GoPro - Love capturing the footage to enjoy when I leave paradise
- Selfie stick for GoPro - Catch rad angles. Here you see the stingrays and USS Kittiwake. Book a trip with Red Sail. I did through Seafire concierge. Sunrise rooftop yoga... AMAZING! Highly recommend all these activities.
- Saltgirl - I love the sea Emily reversible bikini
- Oakley polarized with Deep Sea lens RadarEV
- Exofficio travel vest - LOVE this vest to hold my key items securely!
- Baby G-Shock - A watch built for all kinds of adventure
- Badger sunscreen - Better option for the environment designed with higher quality than the mainstream brands that hurt the ocean creatures / coral. I choose to spend a little extra if it means my footprint in the ocean is less damaging.
There’s only so much dreaming you can do... nothing will compare to a dream.
GO see this beautiful place for yourself.
Eager for my visit 5.
5 is my favorite number so it’s sure to be Epic.
5 x 5💖
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