It’s worth the wait for the Cayman Islands

The destination’s three islands – Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman – have an advantage over other tourist spots in that they were already built for self-directed vacations. None of their hotels are “mega-resorts.” Rather, travellers can choose from a variety of chic low-rise hotels, villas, condominiums, restaurants and attractions that were designed for more intimate experiences. It is that sensibility that has always enticed visitors, and it will be even more appealing given the way that international travel is evolving.

Cayman is not the place where you wake up at 6 a.m. to commandeer a beach chair or line up for a buffet. It’s a tranquil, thoughtful island utopia where the culinary offerings are diverse, ranging from kitchens led by a Michelin-starred chef to local fish shacks that serve a daily catch pulled fresh from the water. The restaurants showcase creativity and international flavours, while festivals and celebrations are about civilised, organised fun.

Miles and miles of perfect white sand beaches are serene and uncrowded. Vibrant sunsets melt into the horizon, casting golden light on the calm, warm sea. Days and nights are spent outside, breathing in the fresh air and enjoying an unfettered peace.

Grand Cayman, dubbed the “Grande Dame” of the three islands, is the most well-known of the British Overseas Territories in the Greater Antilles. It’s located less than four hours by plane from Toronto via non-stop flights on Air Canada and Westjet. The island’s newly expanded and re-imagined Owen Roberts International Airport was inaugurated by Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall, just last year.

Boasting over 200 restaurants, Grand Cayman also features numerous cultural attractions, including the National Gallery, National Museum and the stunning natural beauty of Queen Elizabeth II Botanical Park. At Cayman Crystal Caves, visitors can experience otherworldly stalactite and stalagmite formations within a tropical forest. Meanwhile, the Cayman Motor Museum features a collection of vintage cars and speedboats, including the first car ever brought to the Cayman Islands – a 1905 Cadillac – and the first Rolls Royce owned by (then) Princess Elizabeth.

Cayman Brac is more rugged than its bigger sibling, with a distinctive limestone bluff that rises imposingly above sea level and is popular with rock climbers. With caves, trails and friendly residents, it’s a wonderful destination for those seeking adventurous activities, excellent diving and a more “local” experience.

Little Cayman, just 10 miles long and one mile wide, has a permanent population of about 250 people who consider it the Caribbean’s best kept secret. This hidden gem offers first-rate dive resorts with access to some of the most pristine dive sites on the planet. It’s a superb choice for travellers who want to unplug, get away from it all and enjoy nature’s bounty.

We are all yearning for the time when travelling means more than moving from one room in our house to another. As we wait, we can dream of being in the Cayman Islands one day soon. And when we get there, we will say, “It was worth the wait.”