Visit Cayman Brac For a Cheeky Escape This Summer

Tired of Grand Cayman? You’re not completely done with it, you just need a quick getaway, to another place, preferably bigger, but smaller would do, an island even. A spit of sand. Something. Anything. Luckily, you don’t have to travel far…

If you’ve lived in Grand Cayman all your life, chances are you’ve never been to Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. The thought of hopping on a plane to visit the younger, more rugged siblings across the pond hasn’t even crossed your unadventurous mind. Shame on you.

Refresh your zest for Grand Cayman (island fever is real) and take a trip to drop-dead gorgeous Cayman Brac to take in the fresh air, lusher than lush scenery and sweet, sweet serenity.  In just under half an hour you can be sunning your limbs on a deserted beach, traipsing around a bluff-top organic farm or stuffing your face with enough food to send you into a jerk-infused food-coma and leave you wondering why you never did this before.

STAY

Your bank balance might take a beating (depending on when you go), but S’oleil D’or has one of the prettiest grounds on the island. Tucked under the cliff face of the bluff lies this boutique hotel, a short climb to the top and you’ll be greeted by a sprawling organic farm. Here you’re encouraged to roam freely among eggplants and the odd chicken.

Beach more your thing? Brac Reef sits like a wedding cake on a platter on the sandy shore, complete with a large bar, pool and hot tub and a more cost-effective alternative.

DO

If balancing by a string on a sheer drop-off is your idea of a good time, then rock climbing will be right up your street. Or wall. There are plenty of instructors who’ll teach you the ropes.

Diving doesn’t get much better than in the Brac. The Captain Keith Tibbetts Wreck is the star attraction underwater, while on land, it’s the hidden caves cloaked in history that steal the show. You’ll find them tucked away in the Bluff dotted across the island. 

When you’re done eyeing the caves and sprinting from bats, make tracks for local road-side eateries like Pat’s Kitchen, Barracuda’s, Star Island or Captain’s Table for fish soup and then a must-do for sunset— the dramatic hiking trails of the bluff.

More than 200 bird species, including the endangered Cayman Brac parrot flutter about on the bluff between quirky houses and gigantic fauna that reaches as high as your shoulders. 

The view from the top is endlessly blue and salt-sprayed. 

Don’t leave until you’ve wander the hallowed halls of the Cayman Brac museum, which is a window to Cayman’s past and home to artefacts thousands of years old. And for the souvenir suckers, Nim Tings in Stake Bay is a must-do.

If you’re in search of a secluded summer escape or impromptu trip that will refresh your love for the island — this is it. Just make sure you come back to Grand Cayman — K?

Insider guides : Photographer Chad Munro

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

Toronto, Canada is where I was born and raised, the baseball diamond and golf course is where I spent most of my days. What brought me to this picturesque island was merely a change of scenery with a short-term forecast, coming up on 3 wonderful years later.  With having West-Indian roots, father is from Grenada, the tropical sunshine and Caribbean lifestyle run in the veins. 

WHAT GOT YOU INTO WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY?

What initially started as a hobby developed into a career that I’m extremely fortunate for. With an education and past work experience in Finance & Business, I always felt that something was missing. After taking photos with my iPhone I realized that I loved capturing more than an image. Within every frame there is a story to be told. It was amazing to me that every photo I took on my phone was sending a message. Fast forward a few months and leaving my financial profession, I decided to approach wedding photography, because what stronger message is there than love? I have been so fortunate to travel and do what I love and have come to make lasting friendships with the couples I meet.

ADVICE FOR PEOPLE LOOKING TO VISIT CAYMAN?

Seven Mile Beach is a must see attraction, with miles of white sandy beaches and blue, clean waters. Unless you are staying on the beach, beach access can be hard due to lack of parking, however parking is available at public, governors, cemetery, and west bay beaches. 

People drive on the left and is not that hard; just follow the cars. There are lots of roundabouts; you have to yield to cars on the right and once inside you have the right of way.

Because the country is a religious nation, Sundays are taken very seriously. Every business except gas stations, resorts, some restaurants are closed all day Sunday. Bars stop serving alcohol by 12:00am Sunday. 

The island is a conservative place in which that beach attire is inappropriate outside the beaches, even though it is a casual place. Cover your attire when leaving.

With growing development on the island, traffic can be quite bad to and from Georgetown during rush hours when cruise ship traffic is at its peak so try and avoid if possible. 

FAVE RESTAURANT FOR BREAKFAST?

With so many great restaurants on the island, its difficult to narrow down to one favourite. Hence why Grand Cayman is known as the Culinary Capital of the Caribbean. A few locations are: Vivo, Anchor & Den, Bread & Chocolate. 

WHERE TO GO FOR LUNCH?

 Vivo, Tukka, Coccoloba, Andiamo, Czech Inn, Chicken Chicken. 

WHERE'S GOOD TO GO FOR DINNER?

 Luca, Casa 43, Aqua, Papagallo.

YOU CAPTURE PEOPLE'S MOST ROMANTIC & SPECIAL MOMENTS, WHERE'S THE MOST ROMANTIC PLACE ON ISLAND IN YOUR OPINION?

Romantic locations vary based on the individuals and their personalities. A stunning and calming sunset view along Seven Mile Beach never disappoints. Also just taking a drive with no destination in mind to witness all the beautiful that the island has to offer .. stargazing on the east / north side, where there is very little light pollution is probably my place to be. 

 WHAT'S YOUR ADVICE FOR PEOPLE GETTING MARRIED IN CAYMAN?

Be aware of all the marriage requirements in terms of all the right documentation that is required. Dress accordingly to the weather and style of the wedding. The Cayman dress code is typically smart Casual unless formal is indicated. Plan accordingly regarding buying the wedding necessities. The island has a vast array of shops for gifts and favours, but nowhere near the same variety you’ll find in the US and Europe. 

MUST-SEE ATTRACTION:

I’d recommend getting off the beaten path and explore .. botanical gardens, mastic trail and then experiencing Stingray City via a jet ski tour. Being on the water, zipping across the crystal clear waters is an exhilaration that’s difficult to match. 

 ANY EXCITING TRAVEL PLANS WITH YOUR CAMERA?

I’m quite fortunate to be in a position to travel the world with my camera and capture destination weddings, elopements and general travel imagery. Some of the upcoming locations for 2019 are: Moab-Utah, Germany, Ireland, Turkey, Ukraine, North Carolina, Toronto, Nova Scotia. 

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.

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. 

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.

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. 

Insider guides : Underwater Photographer Irene Corti Insider guide to Cayman

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

I am originally from Milan, Italy. But for the past ten years I’ve been living in few different countries like Jamaica, Australia and Thailand. I moved here for the pristine water of Cayman… a paradise for an underwater photographer like me.

WHAT GOT YOU INTO PHOTOGRAPHY? ADVICE FOR PEOPLE LOOKING TO VISIT CAYMAN?

Coming from Italy, I grow up surrounded by amazing art and artists, there you get inspired from everything that is around you and from all the art exhibits we have. I think a big impact on me was made from the book “The Decisive Moment” by Cartier-Bresson, it opened my eyes on photography and on the way I look at the world. I always had the need to create and to express myself, before was with painting but when I started traveling around I discovered that photography was the perfect fit for me. A good thing about Cayman is that its a small country, really easy to get around or to fly to the sister islands from Grand Cayman. It’s also a safe island, perfect for “Solo Travelers” or for a “Girl Only” vacation type.

FAVE BEACH?

My favorite beach is Spotts Beach, it never feel’s busy and snorkeling is phenomenal … perfect spot for swimming with the green sea turtles.

FAVE HIDDEN SPOT?

My hidden spot is underwater, I love the Gamma Wreck on the south part of Seven Mile Beach. Really shallow wreck, perfect for underwater photography or for a fun afternoon of snorkeling.

WHAT'S THE BEST LOCAL HANGOUT?

I really like to hang out at Macabuca on the North West point of the island, it’s a fantastic cozy oceanfront tiki bar with amazing food and drinks.

FAVOURITE SUNSET SPOT? I love watching the sunset on Seven Mile beach near Boggy Sand road, it’s really quite never crowded and picture perfect.

YOU SHOOT A LOT OF WEDDINGS, WHAT'S YOUR ADVICE FOR PEOPLE GETTING MARRIED IN CAYMAN?

Cayman is perfect for destination weddings for the easy flights we have from the USA daily. Plus you can’t beat the turquoise water and white sand of the world famous Seven Mile Beach for a dream wedding setting. Just be prepared for the hot weather when you pick up your wedding attire, especially for the groom, standing on the beach with a full suit can get hard.

WHAT MAKES CAYMAN SO UNIQUE?

I fell in love with Cayman for the underwater world, with the 100+ feet of visibility underwater and this is one of the reasons Cayman is one of the best diving destinations in the world.

WHAT SHOULD BE ON OUR CAYMAN BUCKET LIST?

A must is taking a boat tour out to Stingray City sandbar, where you can interact with the southern stingray. A really amazing experience.

WHAT'S NEW WITH YOU, ANY EXCITING TRAVEL PLANS WITH YOUR CAMERA?

I just spent the past 11 months traveling in North America in a Van, from the Florida Key all the way to Arctic Ocean in Canada to Alaska and back to Florida touching all the 50 states… it was a journey of 36 thousand miles and thousands of photographs! Next, before settling down in Cayman again, I am planning a European road trip with another Van. It seems like at the moment I can’t stop seeking beauty all around the world but Cayman has a special place in my heart.