Traveling with young kids is a trip not a vacation. Well, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman makes it as close to a vacation as possible. Take advantage of Cayman Islands’ prized Seven Mile Beach and the sparkling Caribbean Sea at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, which epitomizes oceanfront luxury just a short drive from the airport. The hotel’s 369 guest rooms and suites were recently renovated by Champalimaud Design to create a blend of modern coastal elegance and mid-century British Caribbean style. Hardwood floors, an azure color palette and palm tree patterns abound as the island’s inviting and abundant nature inspires interior spaces with a strong sense of place. The Forbes Five-Star resort, which hosts the annual Cayman Cookout, boasts the only AAA-Five Diamond restaurant in the Caribbean (Blue by Eric Ripert) along with a bevy of other restaurants like the all-day Silver Palm, oceanfront Saint June, Seven, Taikun (Japanese) and Andiamo (Italian).
With two children under six in tow, the hotel spoiled us with a bevy of kid-centric amenities like make-your-own cupcakes with icing and toppings (an in-room amenity), the Starfish Cay Waterpark splash pad, two pools (one oceanfront and one next to the splash pad), babysitting services (we used AAA Caregivers Agency), golf, tennis and a basketball court. The Ambassadors of the Environment center, developed by Jean-Michel Cousteau, offers family-friendly activities to introduce guests of all ages to the island’s nature, biodiversity and marine life. Kids under five eat free at select restaurants on property. We opted into the Club Level Access, which was a godsend to our family. Offering bountiful, well-attended-to buffets for breakfast and lunch, midday snacks and evening dessert, the lounge also offers complimentary alcoholic (yes, please!) and non-alcoholic beverages (Shirley Temples all day!). There’s a children’s play area with books, coloring books and games along with a small table and chairs for them making it feel adult and special but also comfortable for their age group. The onsite team at the Club Level took our family’s noise levels in stride and were very accommodating (there is always a kids menu offered). They also helped with all of our excursions (we enjoyed Stingray City, snorkeling and swimming with starfish) and reservations. The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman Spa is spacious luxurious and boasts steam rooms, saunas and jacuzzis. The Stress Relief massage and Nourished Glow body scrub treatments were bespoke and luxurious. But The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman is great for all travelers, not just families. Romantic couple trips, family reunions and special celebrations with friends are all ideal occasions to visit this special property where the staff is welcoming, friendly and seeks to ensure a wonderful experience.
DuJour spoke with the property’s general manager, Marc Langevin, to discover what makes it so special.
What’s the most requested room at the property?
Our Oceanfront rooms and suites
What makes them so special?
The experience of waking up to the tranquil turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea is unmatched. Each private balcony provides an opportunity to savor breakfast with a breathtaking view or to enjoy a cocktail while watching the sunset.
What’s the average rate per night for these rooms?
They start at $1,200
What’s an interesting tidbit about the hotel that speaks to its status as an icon?
During the property’s renovation, our foremost goal was to incorporate as much of the local culture and heritage as possible. We endeavor to offer our guests more than just a stay; we aim to provide a culturally enriching experience. From the colors and materials used to our design fixtures, including custom-made carpets that depict native Grand Cayman plants, to the artworks from local artists, every element tells a story of the island.
What’s your personal favorite room? Why?
The Ritz-Carlton Suite. It embodies the tranquility and beauty of living in Grand Cayman. The primary bedroom, a serene retreat, features a king-size bed and a spa-like en-suite bathroom with a deep soaking tub. The furnishings, meticulously chosen by our partner, Champalimaud Design, are especially striking.
What special perk or amenity do you offer that no one knows about?
The Silver Palm Lounge is certainly among my favorite areas of the property. The ceilings are adorned with woven thatch patterns, and stately palms integrate the outdoors with the interior, creating an elegant space framed by banquettes in the silvery green hues of Cayman’s national tree, which inspired the lounge’s name.
How about one more fun fact about the property?
Our team consists of individuals from over 60 different countries. To highlight our diversity and engage with our guests, we provide children with a ‘passport’ card, encouraging them to collect signatures from our staff members based on their nationalities. Upon completing their passport, the children return to collect a prize, having had the opportunity to meet and learn from our diverse group of staff members.
