This Season's Hottest Holiday Destination

Cayman Concierge, based in the UK takes care of marketing and PR for the Cayman Islands as part of a Department of Tourism initiative which has succeeded in bringing awareness of the Cayman Islands to massive numbers of prospective visitors to the Cayman Islands.

The following is a Sunday Times article about the Cayman Islands and what it has on offer for vacationers and new residents who are thinking about putting their roots down in Cayman.

Just what is it about the Cayman Islands? Yes, there’s sublime diving, pristine sandy beaches, sensational restaurants and abundant nature, but this exquisite trio of Caribbean Islands are about so much more than that. Whatever you choose to do here, it’s always done with a degree of style and panache that simply can’t be equalled elsewhere. And if it’s once-in-a-lifetime experiences you’re after, then this piece of paradise can cater to even the most indulgent and creative whim.

Nowhere on Grand Cayman exudes more class and comfort than the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman on Seven Mile Beach. This is the destination du jour for truly sumptuous dining, and there’s no better time to visit than January, when the hotel hosts some of the greatest chefs on earth for the Cayman Cookout. Next year will see the likes of celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain and avant-garde expert José Andrés (of minibar in Washington DC fame) cooking up a storm alongside Eric Ripert, whose acclaimed restaurant Blue upped the game for fine dining on the island when it opened at the Ritz-Carlton five years ago.

Dressing for dinner isn’t the only way to show off your chic holiday wardrobe. Team a Missoni kaftan with classic aviators and mingle with the celebrities who flock to Cayman for the Million Dollar Run, a spectacular powerboat race renowned for its lavish parties.

For a local fashion fix, see Caymanians showing off their most hedonistic garms at Batabano, a high-energy carnival held in the first week of May. Stilt walkers, acrobats, drummers and limbo dancers are all part of a kaleidoscope of colour that parades down West Bay Road in Grand Cayman and culminates in a huge street party on Harbour Drive. Craft stalls set up shop for the day and dozens of local chefs cook up tasty island delicacies to provide fuel for a party that goes on late into the night.

Too many parties and not enough clothes in your suitcase? There’s salvation at hand in the form of Camana Bay, a swish new 500-acre development that cost more than £500 million to build. The fashion district is bursting with top designer labels. Head to NKY for elegant evening wear by Hervé Léger and Diane Von Furstenberg that works perfectly for a balmy evening cocktail under the stars, and must-have poolside chic by Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren. Then there’s on-trend beachwear from British boutique Sand Angels — after all, a girl can never have too many bikinis. Still not satisfied? Saunter into Funky Monkey in Governor's Square on Seven Mile Beach and be prepared to be awed by glorious maxi and cocktail dresses from the likes of Analili and Nikki Poulos. Beach cover-ups and Banana Moon bikinis abound and Chinese Laundry pumps to compliment your feet bling in the Caribbean sun.

Before leaving the Cayman Islands, be sure to explore your stunning natural surroundings in style. Cayman Island Helicopters offers you the chance to charter a helicopter and swoop over sand and sea to idyllic Little Cayman, famous for its rich wildlife and lush, unspoilt habitat. Or you could sail your own private yacht (from Sail Cayman) to Stingray City, a marine park where these incredible creatures are found in abundance. Relax on deck and feed them squid or, for the ultimate holiday high, jump right in from their luxurious and fully airconditioned 47ft Beneteau Yacht and take a swim with the rays.

Whether it’s the stingrays, the socialising or the sensational sunsets, there’s no end of reasons to fall in love with this trio of islands that showcase the Caribbean at its most effortlessly friendly, superstylish and utterly indulgent best.