We came to the Cayman Islands ready to explore, experience something new, and take in everything these beautiful islands had to offer. What we didn’t expect was just how much they would leave us wanting more. Grand Cayman surprised me at every turn. Yes, the beaches and that incredible Caribbean water are every bit as beautiful as you imagine, but what really stayed with me were the people. Everywhere we went, we were welcomed with genuine warmth and pride. From conversations with locals to spending time with Minister of Tourism Gary Rutty and Chief Officer Stran Bodden, I got a real sense of just how much Caymanians love their islands and how excited they are to share them with the world.
And then came the adventures. At Stingray City, getting into that clear water and coming face-to-face with these incredible creatures was one of those experiences you never forget. The Cayman Turtle Centre was another highlight, giving me a chance to get up close with the turtles while learning about the important conservation work being done there. Then there was Hell. (Yes, Hell!) I stopped by the famous post office, met Ivan, better known as “the devil,” and somehow managed to make it out with my soul intact. Only in Cayman!
One of the most personal moments of the trip was visiting my old friends at the Tortuga Rum Cake Factory. Walking back through those doors brought back so many memories, especially of my dear friend Robert Hamaty who built such an incredible business. Spending time with his daughter, Monique, getting a tour of how much Tortuga has grown, and, of course, tasting the rum cake again made the visit incredibly special. It was more than just a stop on the trip. It felt like reconnecting with a piece of Cayman history and a friendship that meant a great deal to me.
One of my favorite adventures was horseback riding along Seven Mile Beach and actually taking the horse right into the Caribbean. There’s something pretty special about looking out over that turquoise water from the back of a horse. I also experienced Cayman Brac for the very first time, and it showed me an entirely different side of the Cayman Islands. It is quieter, more remote, rugged, and wonderfully, authentically natural.
I came expecting beautiful beaches and Caribbean sunshine, but I left with so much more: great memories, new friendships, old friendships rekindled, and a much deeper appreciation for the people, culture, and incredible diversity of the Cayman Islands.
A huge shout-out to Gina Matthews and Janessa Prendergast from the Ministry of Tourism for making us feel so welcome and for helping make this visit so special. We came to explore, and we definitely left wanting more. In fact, we’re already planning our return trip to the Cayman Islands.
