Second time. I’ve returned from a soul-enriching solo trip to the stunning Grand Caymans! Beautiful island and international crowd. I highly recommend a visit. I left upgraded!
Here I share some highlights for you to consider. I’d love to hear your tips. Feel free to share in the comments.
Happy Adventuring!
WHERE TO STAY
General Info
Kimpton Seafire is a stylish resort situated in perfection called Seven Mile Beach.
In my initial research, this spot caught my eye. I heard someone I respected frequented Grand Cayman, so made a point to reach out and gather intel!:-) She raved about Seafire and gave me excellent tips for other things pertaining to my stay. After my visit, I knew she was spot on! Seafire was perfect for me.
This is such a classy experience. You’re welcomed in with smiles and offered a cold glass of champagne or juice. I opted for bottle water and juice. They set you up with WiFi if you need it. Just a smooth overall process of welcoming IMO, which I appreciated.
I called days earlier to see if I could get an early check in. Was glad they could accommodate! Last time they were unable as we asked upon arrival. They still make it easy for you to check your bags and change for the beach until your room is ready.
Just like with other things in Life, it’s not just the looks that are important. The heart of making things special is how it makes you feel.
The customer experience here the 2x I’ve stayed, my first in May and second visit a week ago, both have been exceptional I came wanting a much needed recharge and rejuvenation.
Fabulous talent throughout the property. The professionalism, warm smiles and goodwill made the special difference.
Best Beach Bar
Definitely go to #Coccoloba after you check in.... BEST beach bar I’ve lived yet!
Great talent work there like Arpi, Mei, Carina and more. The vibes so good and view, pure perfection!
Beach More
Caribbean Sea is nothing short of mesmerizing and STUNNING! If you can secure an ocean view room, I highly recommend it.
I love watching the occasional storms pass and how vibrant the colors of the sea get in defiance to the darkness. Of course, sunny days are a divine sight!
The balcony comes in handy to lay out wet clothing and gear to dry out or simply nap or chill and take in the view.
Lounge chair service in the beach is part of your resort fee. Fruit infused flavored is available. Stay hydrated. They also make available suntan lotion to keep your skin protected.
I visited the ocean every morning of my stay. Heavenly!
It’s not required, but I recommend you bring some dollars and tip throughout the resort, including the beach lounge staff. I feel why not if they help make your stay pleasant.
Eats
Ave
They had a special 345 menu. Included local foods. I liked this menu as you could choose a starter, entree and dessert from a set of selections.
Avecita
EXCELLENT Chef’s Table experience I highly recommend to anyone who appreciates quality, fine foods!
Only 10 seats in set days, so make a reservation. 9 of the seats were booked by island locals with fine tastes. Spoke to me about the demand of this quality experience.
I enjoyed seeing the care and precision in the Chefs preparation of each meal. I felt like I was on the set of Iron Chef! Chef Alejandro and Josue explained the details as each fine creation was presented. Menu changes every month.
I will definitely do this again. Delicious, delightful and very memorable.
https://instagram.com/p/BmtC6wTARUB/
The Pantry
Casual spot in the hotel to pick up snacks, drinks, salads, gelato and more. I got fresh fruit, fresh beet + other veges juice, a club sandwich and free newspaper. Convenient spot to pick up light eats/drinks.
Complimentary coffee & wine
Coffee & tea is available, self service from 530a - 10ish. I got my coffee every am.
I hear they have a wine hour in the evening, but I didn’t make them. A nice feature!
Activities
Fun
Since I was solo traveling I preferred to book everything through the concierge. They’re going to only pick the options already vetted. I was booked to do the North Sound Eco Safari ~ stingrays, coral reef snorkeling, starfish point and a mangrove tree educational tour.
https://instagram.com/p/BmtA7cXgY-9/
Also, booked the USS Kittiwake and coral reef snorkel trip. Both were through Red Sail. Highly recommend!!
The Safari was a door to door van pick up/drop off. The USS kittiwake was a catamaran pick up on the beach 💖🙌🏻Excellence!!
https://instagram.com/p/BmtHnMkgoKV/
Both adventures gave me priceless memories and personal growth. I look forward to doing more my next visit!
Fitness
There’s much available onsite. A pool (I don’t pool when the ocean is paradise, but it is an option), different activities like morning fitness, SUP yoga, and more. Check with the front desk/concierge for what you’d need to sign up.
Travel Medical Insurance
When I travel and go to far off adventures I’m responsible for Me. I recommend considering medical coverage if your basic insurance or travel package doesn’t offer it. Full disclosure: No I don’t work for this company 🤣
That being said, Allianz is one I’ve gotten a few times and will keep in mind on future trips. Allianz helped me live to my fullest ensuring I was covered with a solid travel policy. Something I insist to have personally.
I don’t expect anything to happen. Who does? Still things can happen and I Adventure Stronger eliminating concerns if things did happen what I’d do. I have a plan. I’d recommend you consider it, too. I know I don’t need to be in a foreign country wondering what my coverage is.
Do your research and figure out what works best, or just roll your dice going nothing happens. Your choice!
Immigration & Customs
Entering Cayman
If you’re not from Cayman Islands, you’ll fill out an immigration form to enter and exit the country. Straight forward.
Tips:
- Have your addresses and #s ready, hotel or wherever you’re staying.
- Have a pen. Amazing how many people aren’t prepared with basics and no the airplane doesn’t have to supply you with a pen.
- When you’re approved in the country, they leave a paper in your passport. It’s not stapled in so be sure to keep it secure and not lose it. You’ll need it when you leave country. They’ll collect it.
Exiting Cayman
At the airport, they’ll collect the exit country card. I recommend you allot enough time you aren’t stressing at the airport. I noticed this time a Ton of planes exiting around 1-2pm this time of year. Very crowded, but upside it is a small airport so you shouldn’t get lost!
Entering USA
Experiences vary depending on where you enter, but for me this time it was ATL. This is never a smooth experience. Crowded, long lines. I’m glad when I finally got up to the window, my chat went quickly so I could be on my way.
I travel light which is a plus, especially with this immigration step. Less baggage means less stress to hurry up and pick up bags, then have to recheck them in before running to your connection flight gate after you clear immigration.
Be Prepared
When traveling to international destinations, I’d recommend you have handy the Embassy info. Again not something I’d expect to use but I don’t want to not have the # and address available if I need it.
In addition, respect you’re a guest in the country and do some research about highlights to be aware.
Action Cameras
GoPro Hero 4 Session
I love my footage after a trip. GoPro is quality if you have an aptitude toward learning these tech toys, I recommend this one because the footage and the app is quality.
Fast downloads. Ability to get quality pics from video footage. The app itself is intuitive and the UX is smooth. If I need help, I can get it through youtube videos.
DragonTouch
Did good, but the app isn’t great IMO. I used some YouTube to upskill. I have a high aptitude with systems, apps and tech toys. So this wasn’t hard for me. I feel it could be hard and frustrating for those who aren’t savvy with tech.
Quite frankly, so will the GoPro so if this isn’t your strength I recommend you plan to spend time to train yourself on how to effectively use it or hopefully you’ll know someone in the trip, like Me, that this stuff comes natural.:-)
Accessories
A few random suggestions:
- If you’re playing in the water and plan to bring your phone, secure it with a life proof case. Never know when a waterproof bag will malfunction. Mine did😲 I’m fortunate my iPhone lived!
- Waterproof bags - I got mine from Dick’s sporting goods. You can order all this on Amazon. Test your gear before you need it and know nothing is 💯 Be prepared for the worst with added measure (see bullet above) if you want to go above and beyond.
- Selfie stick - I recommend securing it your wrist. I almost lost one of my camera. It’s a miracle it was retrieved 🙌🏻 That won’t happen again for me. I’ll be ensuring extra security measures next time to avoid that stress!
Books & Music
I’m not a reader lately, but this book was a great self-improvement / self-reflection piece. Good food for thought and occupied me on the plane.
Music on the plane and in my hotel room was a plus! A few songs & artists that enhanced my vibe.
In Conclusion
I hope some of this information helps you make a decision to check out this wonderful island!
Share any comments you have on places to check out my next Cayman Islands visit or cool adventure gear you’d recommend!
Highlights on this trip!
https://instagram.com/p/Bm0jA8yF58p/
I look forward my next adventure chapters, including returning to Grand Cayman for more adventure.
Follow me on Instagram AeroEms to see more pictures and videos of paradise.💖🙌🏻
Adventure Strong! Live it up!
