moving to cayman

Insider Guides : Model/influencer Amber Smith from city to sand

WHERE ARE YOU FROM AND WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO MOVE HERE?

Born and raised in the heart of Toronto, I took a chance on the island to avoid winter in 2015.  

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE LOOKING TO VISIT CAYMAN?

Instagram is a great tool to do some research of the island's offerings, from local food tours to scuba diving - it helps to see photo and video content to plan your dream vacation.

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FAVE RESTAURANT FOR BREAKFAST?

Although it is technically “Brunch” - the Marriott is my favourite spot for breakfast on a Sunday. They have the cutest mason jars filled with the most delicious breakfast bites. The vibe is awesome and the mimosas are not to be missed!

WHERE DO WE GO FOR LUNCH?

Lunch is easy, South West Collective has a gorgeous air-conditioned view of George Town and they even have a fully stocked bar, which you wouldn't expect from their super delicious (yet health-conscious) menu. The food is carefully curated to look as good as it tastes and their staff are the most friendly! 

DINNER SPOTS?

There are so many incredible restaurants here in Cayman you can’t go wrong but I always enjoy Edoardo’s! On a Friday night you can finish up and cross over into Barolo where the party is just getting started on their patio. It’s always a see and be seen hotspot and a good time! They have one of my favourite wines there, Tamber Bey Deux Cheveaux Chardonnay from Napa Valley. 

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MUST-SEE ATTRACTION:

Must see attraction is a famous 7 mile sunset! The best spot to see this from is ON the water. The guys @cobaltcustomcharters cruise over to east end but can also charter along the beautiful 7 mile with pickups nearly anywhere along the famous strip of beach. 

WHERE DO YOU WORK OUT?

The Performance Lab is the spot. From Boxing to HIIT class and high quality personal training with the best on island, these guys know how to transform a body and lifestyle and make working out fun. My favourite class is their Friday Happy Half Hour with DJ and glow in the dark strobe lighting, a must try! 

YOU ALWAYS LOOK SO FLAWLESS, WHAT ARE THE BEST SPA TREATMENTS ON ISLAND?

No.11 Spa has saved my life here in Cayman. The sun and salt are incredible during a beach day but long-term my skin needs extra TLC. Nurse Kelly at No.11 specializes in incredible treatments that have rid me of any blemishes and left my skin glowing. Highly recommend.

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WHAT'S THE BEST PLACE TO SPEND A WEEKEND IN CAYMAN? 

I recently enjoyed a Staycation at The Ritz. The outstanding service and quality of every aspect of that property is astounding. The service as a whole, the food and the cocktails are all top notch. 

WHAT SHOULD BE ON OUR CAYMAN BUCKET LIST?

Rum Point On a Sunday! I’ve never seen anything like it. If you’ve got a group of friends - Cayman Private Charters has the most gorgeous 60 foot Sea Ray with a hidden jetski on board. 

HIDDEN LOCAL SPOTS?

If I told you this, they wouldn’t be hidden anymore! What I can tell you is PRIME FOOD TOURS is your guide to the best local hidden gems on island! 

BEST PLACE FOR A SUNDOWNER?

This one is tough - can I give my top 3? Calicos, Palms and Rackhams. Not in any particular order. 

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Island Life Diaries: Britta Bush

Island Life Diaries: Britta Bush

I arrived in Cayman 13 years ago as a dive instructor, living and working in the EE, with no car for the first 3 years!  Originally born in Colorado to American Father and German Mother, spent my childhood growing up in Germany, then latter years in Ohio. After stints in Arizona and Mexico, I accidentally settled in the Cayman Islands :) Now married to a West Bay Bush, with a 3-year old son, dog, cat, and plant menagerie.  

Island Life Diaries: Javier Bustos

SO TELL US, WHERE ARE YOU FROM? 

I am originally from a small town in Spain called Salamanca.

AND WHAT MADE YOU MOVE TO CAYMAN?

My partner and his family moved here for business reasons, so I moved with them!

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COOL! SO WHAT DO YOU THINK OF ISLAND LIFE COMPARED TO SPAIN AND THE CITY?

I love it! It is quiet and slow paced. I like that I know a lot of people that I interact with on a daily basis and then I bump into them socially. I feel secure and safe.

WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE YOU FACED WHEN YOU ARRIVED?

Not being able to walk or drive from a long period of time and that I have to fly every time that I want to leave the country (Because it’s an island.)

WHAT SURPRISED YOU THE MOST ABOUT CAYMAN?

How quiet and nice it is. I was expecting something like the Bahamas or Monaco but it has such a personal and familiar touch.

WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES NOW THAT YOU LIVE HERE?

We go boating a lot! I love paddle boarding, yoga, spinning, and tennis. Exercising is big for me and being able to be outside and enjoy exercising in this nice weather is amazing.

WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT LIVING HERE IN YOUR OPINION?

The people and the weather!

WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE MOVING HERE?

Do it and chill, things are happening very slow here but when you accept Cayman for what it is: a calm place, safe and friendly, you will love it!