What is more romantic than celebrating Valentine’s Day in a tropical paradise? Grand Cayman, with its palm-tree lined promenades and sun-drenched oceanscapes, sets the scene for a dreamy, Day of Love celebration.
This February offers something special for every couple on the island; from refined experiences like massage workshops to more breezy activities like Seven Mile sunsets, we’ve got you covered. Keep reading to discover our 11 romantic ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day in Grand Cayman this year.
1. Relax into Luxury
If ever there were a perfect occasion for pampering, Valentine’s Day is it. La Prairie Spa of Ritz-Carlton represents the epitome of luxury treatments in Grand Cayman, boasting glamorous, ‘relaxation sanctuaries,’ and en vogue facial blend ingredients such as caviar and gold. Book into a private couples massage workshop and learn how to perform the art of relaxation on your partner or choose from a wide array of other blissful spa offerings.
2. Cruise the Camana Bay Culinary Scene
Dinner is the bread and butter of Valentine’s Day celebrations; certainly not something to skimp on. Grand Cayman is well-equipped in the arena of gorgeous, gourmet eateries, a generous collection of which are located in Camana Bay. Stroll the palm-tree lined promenades leading to premiere dining destinations such as Agua, a stylish, Peruvian-inspired seafood restaurant on the waterfront. Alternatively, set the scene, à la Lady and the Tramp, by diving into a plate of fresh, homemade noodles with your sweetheart at Pane and Pasta.
3. Revel in the Roaring 20’s
Nothing says ‘romance’ like the dimly-lit lounge and speakeasy vibes of Next Door. Take your date on a trip of the senses: mellow sounds of jazz, red velvet couches, artisan cocktails -- all whilst cloaked in an intimate sheath of darkness. Treat yourselves to their expertly crafted flavors, aimed to tantalize, with concoctions like the rum-based Deja Vu or vodka-based Violet Death.
4. Give the Perfect Gift
This year it’s time to step up your game from flowers and chocolates. Head to Rocky’s Diamond Gallery for a gift that is sure to ‘wow,’ or drop a healthy hint upon your significant other. You can’t go wrong with the delicate and trendy island-inspired necklace featuring the map of Grand Cayman. Buy it in sterling silver, 14k yellow-gold, white-gold, or rose-gold.
5. Ride in Style
You’re not basic, and your Valentine’s Day plans shouldn’t be either. Pack a picnic, your favorite shades, and ride off into the sunset in a Moke, the ultimate island car with a dreamy vintage aesthetic. Ride shotgun or take the wheel, the sunshine on your face and soft Caribbean breeze whipping through your hair. Make stops at the very Instagrammable Lover’s Wall, the bohemian Barefoot Beach, or the charming Botanic Park (see below). Check out Avis for more information on how to rent.
6. Take a Scenic Stroll
Valentine’s Day isn’t all about night moves. Grand Cayman boasts a wide variety of fanciful daytime activities, a particularly scenic one being the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park. Picture you and your Valentine, traipsing hand in hand through the winding, colorful gardens, inhabited by the endangered Blue Iguana and rare native aquatic birds. Managed by the Tourism Attraction Board, the Botanic Park is situated on 65 acres of land in North Side on Frank Sound Road, a perfect stop to make on an East End road trip!
7. Have Dinner…But With a Twist
Kick off your evening with a cocktail in Camana Bay, then hop aboard Cayman Ferries for a scenic 30 minute ride across the sound to Kaibo. You will be greeted by twinkling lights, swaying palm trees, and views of the dark, shimmering sound at night. Relax into a beachy vibe on the main floor or escape upstairs for a more refined dining experience. The Cayman Ferries schedule changes weekly, so be sure to consult their website for departure times. Purchase tickets by downloading the Cayman Ferries app.
8. Salsa Dance the Night Away
Turn up the heat on your V-day plans by taking to the dancefloor with your enamorado. Cuba Libre morphs from a restaurant into a slick, Habana Vieja-esque club, complete with an old Cuban car and an inviting dance floor. Order a mojito and test out your steps in a sea of dancers, beginners and professionals alike. Still new to the salsa scene? Dip your toes in by taking lessons with Fuego Latino. They will have you swiveling your hips like an expert in no time.
9. Sip on Sunset
An absolute classic -- Sunset on Seven Mile Beach; but let’s dress it up. First stop is Tortuga Rum, adjacent to Sunshine Suites, where you and your date can pick out the perfect bottle of wine. Be sure to bring glasses and a wine opener as well. Next, cross West Bay Road and hit the sand via Westin’s beach access. Set up shop, the expansive Caribbean sea and setting sun as your backdrop. It’s a simple but gorgeous way to spend a Valentine’s evening.
10. Throw it Back for Movie Night
Keeping it classic, nothing flexes your romantic muscles like an outdoor movie -- on a white sand beach of all places. The Westin hosts an outdoor movie night nearly every Thursday. Beach chairs line the sand, a large blow-up screen takes center stage, and barefoot movie-goers gather at sundown. The movie is free with the purchase of a menu item from Tortuga Beach Grill & Bar, like the delectable tune poke bowl for a main and a piña colada for a bevvy. The casual setting and relaxed vibes makes for a unique, laid-back island date night
11. Bask in the Beauty of Pedro St. James
An understated yet captivating Valentine's rendezvous -- love with a side of history. Pedro St. James is a sprawling, 7-acre historic site boasting uninterrupted seascapes and authentic Caribbean charm. Attractions of the site include the Thatch and Barrel restaurant, rum-tasting, and the Great House, an impressive three-story stone home built in 1780. After touring the grounds, go for a globally-inspired cocktail with a cliffside vista.
