Insider Guides: Javiera Aguayo

Hi JAVIERA! TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF!

My name is Javiera Aguayo. Born in the beautiful city of Santiago, Chile but island girl at heart. Most of my days are spent with family and friends, working out or at the beach. I LOVE to eat, and by eat, I mean pretty much everything and anything (lol). My favorite types of foods would be seafood (crab and lobster are my favorite) and sushi. 

WHAT WAS CAYMAN LIKE, DID YOU GROW UP HERE? DETAILS!

I moved to Grand Cayman with my mother and two sisters when I was 6 years old. We were first introduced to the islands by our grandma (Tita) who had been living here for a few years.  We came for our first visit in 1995 and immediately fell in love with the relaxed island life. I just remember it being very hot and humid when we landed but the people were so friendly.

Coming from a big city to such a small island you immediately are embraced by the quietness of the rock. We lived in a farm with a lot of land. I have fond memories of my sisters and I riding our bikes all over the place with our dogs chasing behind us. We were always outdoors. I always felt safe here!

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT CAYMAN?

It would definitely have to be the food. Not saying this just because I live here but Cayman is top quality when it comes to cuisine. From their small local spots to their 5-Star restaurants, they truly cater to all taste buds.

WHAT ABOUT THE WORST THING? DO YOU HAVE A PET PEEVE?

How small the island is. Everyone knows everyone’s business.  There’s many times I would just love to go somewhere and not know anyone there. 

NAME 4 OF YOUR FAVOURITE RESTAURANTS AND WHY?

That’s such a tough one! Calypso Grill - I love this spot for lunch or dinner because it overlooks the water and their food never disappoints. They always have amazing dishes on special and you have to try their sticky toffee pudding! 

Casa 43 - My fiancé and I probably go here at least once a week (I am not kidding.) Their street corn is a must and all their tacos are unique and delicious. You also must try their churros. Ragazzi - Their pizzas are the best on island. They also have a great selection of pastas; try their mushroom ravioli. Copper Falls - Best steaks on island in my opinion. This place never disappoints and their staff is always so friendly. 

MOST ROMANTIC THING TO DO HERE?

Order take out, grab a bottle of wine and have a picnic out on the beach on full moon. 

WHAT ABOUT THOSE HIDDEN GEMS? TELL US ABOUT SOME COOL PLACES!

Spotts Beach is a nice quiet beach good for snorkeling and if you are lucky you may spot a turtle or two. 

This one is not much of a hidden gem but Starfish Point is always a nice weekend spot on the more quieter side of the island. A lot of the boat parties are held here. 

FAVOURITE LOCAL DISH AND WHERE CAN YOU FIND IT?

Fried snapper from the Grape Tree Cafe in Bodden Town. 

WHERE WOULD YOU CHOOSE TO GO FOR SUNSET DRINKS??

The Westin Hotel. Love to go to their pool bar for happy hour. The ambience of the place combined with their drinks and the views of the ocean will always guarantee a good time. 

An Insider's Guide: Pirate stories from Little Cayman with David Alberga

HI DAVID! I LOVE A GOOD “GROWIN’ UP STORY.” TELL US ALL ABOUT YOU!

I was born in Toronto, Canada and returned to Jamaica where we lived at the time, 2 weeks later. At around 9/10 months old, we moved to Grand Cayman and have been here ever since (other than for College/University). 

FROM ONE ROCK TO ANOTHER, WOW! WHAT WERE SOME OF YOUR HOBBIES GROWING UP IN PARADISE?

Growing up here, everyone enjoyed the beach; mainly Seven Mile. Saturdays and Sundays were spent all along that beach. Beach Club Resort was a popular hangout. Lots of cooking, swimming, boating, skiing etc. As we got older in our teens we took to the bicycles, motorbikes and the sea. There were many developments (which had private roads), so we had lots of private land and dirt roads to ride our motorbikes on. We spent most of our time after school on bicycles, playing hide n seek, building forts in the nearby overgrown lots, or snorkeling/spearfishing. Other hobbies were soccer, mainly, bird bush (shooting birds (Seasonal) and the gun range.

Fishing is obviously a big one, either catching Jacks in the North Sound, or heading to 12 mile bank for a little luck at the tuna and marlin. Little Cayman and Cayman Brac were always looked forward too on long weekends. Those were compiled of going up on the bluff, fishing, diving, snorkeling, and exploring the caves. In Little Cayman, it was about the beach at Owen’s Island or Point of Sand and getting together with family and friends and of course looking for conch, lobster, seafood and fishing, diving etc. Many great memories! Little Cayman always carried the stories of the Pirates that came through this area and so as kids we would naturally go looking for treasure. We often spent some of the day looking but were mainly unsuccessful and lost interest when we saw the Man o’ Wars swooping at the Mahi Mahi just outside the reef or when the fry-jacks appeared in a frenzy at the surface in the lagoon! Night time in Little Cayman was about gathering around the BBQ and listening to ghost stories; I still get goosebumps thinking of them!  Walking the beach looking for lobsters crawling in the Turtle grass or Turtles coming up on the beaches to lay their eggs was also a great treat to find and see.     

AMAZING STORIES! WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT LIVING IN CAYMAN FOR YOU?

The convenience and safety. A great place for kids to grow up. It’s a 10 min drive to most places. Also geographically, a 1 hr flight and your in the USA to enjoy a weekend away or venture further to other places. No tax is also great, however, we pay that in other ways I suppose.

WHERE ARE YOUR TOP 3 PLACES TO TAKE FRIENDS FOR DRINKS? 

Any local beach bar these days as they are becoming less and less. Calicos, Hemingways (Now Tillie’s), Royal Palms. Rum Point is always great, too!

WHERE WOULD YOU GO FOR THE PERFECT DINNER DATE? 

Wharf or Grand Old House! If it’s just a fun date then Casa 43 or anywhere your allowed to get a little messy with your hands!    

TELL OUR READERS ABOUT THE HIDDEN GEMS THEY DON'T KNOW ABOUT?

East End has many local spots that are right on the beach and are GEMS in my opinion. Smith Cove, Barker’s Beach, Welly’s for some "local" food. Honestly, not much is hidden anymore but you can still find beaches that are isolated and tucked away if you wish. The Sealife and what it holds is truly our gem; I have never heard anyone here complain after a day on the water! 

WHAT ACTIVITIES DO YOU LIKE THAT DOESN'T INCLUDE WATERSPORTS? 

None really! Well, beach volleyball is fun but only for fun, and maybe bar hopping (yes that's an activity). Enjoying one of the many great restaurants is also a great treat. Cayman really does have an awesome array of restaurants and even though I am not a "foodie", as I believe they are referred to, I do enjoy visiting the restaurants for great food and the ambience.  

BEST PLACE TO GO FOR A SUNSET DRINK?

Sunset house, Calicos, Macabuca, Rum Point, Cayman Cabana, Crudo, Rackams… Way too many to list.