An island getaway to Grand Cayman comprises of opulence and a side dish of smiles. There is an ease of living here that brought on by the comfortable and relaxed demeanour of the people, the tranquil surrounds and a "Caymankind" ethos which isn't merely uttered, but lived. Relaxation and a work-life balance is key to a happy life and no where is this more emphasised than on a tropical island in the Caribbean. For those seeking refuge from their daily stressful existence, a multitude of health spas are dotted along the coastline of Grand Cayman. For the solo-traveller who values the serenity of solitude, various options to revitalize in seclusion exist and are usually a quick hotel lobby hop or a beach skip away.
Water-based activities relax the mind and body.
Here are some fun insights into how and why your surrounding environment plays a decisive role in altering your mood. Water. Exercise in nature. Big cities are likely to offer a selection of high-end gyms all boasting the latest gear. However, recent research seems to indicate this may exclude one key ingredient commonly found in nature - negatively charged ions. Whether it's an oceanside sprint down Seven Mile Beach or a Camana Bay meander, swapping your gym contract for an active outdoor lifestyle may provide you with more benefits than you thought. Boosting your metabolism and immune system are only some of the recently discovered effects of negatively charged ions.
Extreme relaxing
Captivating the more boisterous souls among us is the option of hitting the high seas. However, Grand Cayman's timid tidal tugs allow for a fresh drink in hand at all times should you be so inclined. Booking a luxury catamaran or a private charter with somewhat less pomp has seldom been as convenient or rewarding. Once your tan has received it's daily attention, dive in for a snorkel to experience Cayman's world-renowned marine life and coastal reefs.
Gone fishing.
Yoga
Studies show that yoga aids in reduces stress and anxiety enhances your mood and increases a person's overall sense of well-being. Yoga not only does it improve mental wellbeing but it improves fitness. Practicing yoga may lead to improved balance, flexibility, range of motion and strength. Humans are pattern-seeking animals. Our minds insist on searching for unity, symmetry, and order. The steady ebb and flow of Grand Cayman's tides offer our senses exactly this.
Research indicates that physical changes occur in brain activity when we are engaged in various activities. Beta waves are produced by our brains when we concentrate on problem-solving. Large bodies of water help us to relax, reducing beta waves, which aid in invigorating our inner being. Resulting in a relaxed meditative state which helps promote better sleeping patterns and mental agility.
Now that we are aware of the benefits of both yoga and know the relaxing effects that bodies of water have on our psyche, why not double-up on the relaxation, swapping that yoga mat for a paddleboard?
Vitamin Sea in Grand Cayman offers a uniquely relaxing experience on the water by way of SUP Yoga. Image: Vitamin Sea.
Most days of the year, apart from a short period during hurricane season, Cayman is void of waves and stretches out like a giant tropical lake as far as the eye can see. The still waters are perfect for effortlessly performing activities on a stand-up paddleboard - explaining the popularity of SUP Yoga. Grab a board (if you don't own one, many operators on the island rent them ou at an hourly rate) and get an early rise, saluting the sun as appears, all the while gently ebbing on the clear blue waters of the Caribbean sea.
Many hotels offer free Yoga on the beach and for the unconventional water-based kind, contact VitaminSea: ahttps://www.vitaminseacayman.com/
Hammam Spa
Hammam Spas are best known for physically and emotionally detoxification, reducing stress, anxiety and allowing deep relaxation. Hammam Spas draw inspiration from traditional Turkish baths. Hotel Spas offering Maroccan hammam treatments differ slightly but are essentially the same, requiring you to first soak in a pool sweat it out in a steam room before you’re rinsed, exfoliated, and massaged.
The Grand Cayman Seafire Resort and Hotel's Hammam Spa is a beautifully tiled, 8,500 square foot spa and the perfectly serene and relaxing space for its signature treatment - the Purification Hammam Journey. The treatment incorporates an essential oil massage, followed by a rigorous body exfoliation with volcanic ash, said to be perfect for detoxification. After, your body is remineralized in the thermal waters and marine silt while you enjoy a scalp massage.
Some other known benefits of a Hammam Spa treatment include: Beautifying the body and face, fighting acne, nourishing and rehydrating the skin, relaxation of muscles all of which ultimately lead to better sleep and boosting the immune system.
As those of us who have chosen island life above the business of the concrete jungle know, the simple proximity of the ocean to your backdoor and the slow pace of island-life in itself decreases stress. On those extra stressful days that you need to recalibrate, it’s a soothing thought that so many stress-relieving and relaxing activities are available.
“The people who give you their food give you their heart”, and that’s especially true at the restaurants on Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman. Having visited the island with my family on eight different occasions during the last decade or so, I can honestly that I have been blessed with some outstanding meals at various eateries at this great location. The restaurants here are filled with passion, love and high-quality food. After a day resting in the Cayman sun, there is no better way to prepare for another day’s relaxation than to indulge oneself in a heart-warming meal on Seven Mile Beach. Here are some of my favourite restaurants on Seven Mile Beach, starting with a touch of Italy.