The Best Brunches in Grand Cayman

Brunch. The word is a whimsical neologism combining the words 'breakfast' and 'lunch'. A pairing as immediately pleasing to the ear, as the pairing of 'eggs' and 'bacon' is to the palette. The idea originated in England in the late 1800s by English author, and presumably heavy-drinker, Guy Beringer, in an essay appropriately titled: 'Brunch: A Plea'.

In the essay, Beringer explains that the intention of brunch is to share anecdotes of the previous night's shenanigans over a spicy Bloody Mary, a refreshing Mimosa or both. He goes on to explain that a lively brunch affair aims to nurse the Saturday-sin-induced headache and satisfy the sometimes insatiable hangover-hunger for food AND company. This, he argues, can be accomplished with a delicious meal and a generous helping of 'hair-of-the-dog'.

The brunch has since evolved. In Cayman, though still keeping to these old brunch traditions, a brunch now also serves as the go-to manner in which to celebrate special occasions - birthday brunches, mother's day brunches, engagement brunches, the very many 'farewell' or 'welcome back to island' brunches. Then there are also the (slightly) less raucous baby shower brunches and in recent years, the newly popularised divorce-party brunches. What's the dress-code you may ask? Well, it's a Sunday brunch, it should go without saying, that it is to be attended in ones Sunday (very) best!

In honour of the tradition and history of the brunch, we've selected, in no specific order, our tried and tested favourite places to brunch in Cayman:

1. Seven at The Ritz

Elegant and upmarket yet in keeping with the laid-back island-style one comes to expect of our Caribbean holiday. Wash down expertly crafted cuisine with a golden glass of French champagne while taking in the 180-degree views of Seven Mile Beach from the terrace or the glamorous dining room.

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Photo by Cayman compass

2. Luca

Italian restaurant, LUCA, offers guest the choice of enjoying brunch in the luxury and comfort of the sleek and sophisticated dining room or on their patio overlooking the infinity pool and the jewel-toned waters of the Caribbean. The brunch menu includes authentic Italian dishes, prepared simply and with fresh ingredients. Enjoy your delicious Italian fare with bottomless Prosecco - the Italian way.

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3. Mizu

For those with a taste for the slightly more exotic, Mizu delights with a brunch menu that showcases delicious Asian flavours and table service - a welcome change from the more traditional buffet-style brunch setup that one comes to expect on the island.

The menu includes Sushi, dim sum, rice and noodle dishes like fried rice, Nasi Goreng, Singapore fried noodles and Kung Pao. Traditional Japanese rice wine or 'Sake', well-drinks and house wines are all included in the all-you-can-eat brunch price. Mizu offers a five-star experience on a cheap and cheerful budget. The interior is reminiscent of an upmarket new york nightclub with impressive light features set atmospherically low, high-shine sequinned pillows and a striking Japanese graffiti mural that acts as a talking piece and draws the eye in. All-in-all an all-around enjoyable experience and a sure-favourite on our list.

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4. Ave at Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa

Come with the whole family or sneak away for a romantic dinner at Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa’s Ave restaurant to experience fresh local seafood and produce infused into coastal Mediterranean recipes. Our Executive Chef Massimo De Francesca has crafted an approachable menu featuring seasonal plates that appeal to your whole party...

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5. Ferdinand’s at The Westin Grand Cayman

With free-flowing sparkling wine, a Margarita Bar and a wide variety of mouth-watering Caribbean and international food stations, Westin Grand Cayman's Ferdinand's has safely secured its spot on our list. Every Sunday, guests are invited to enjoy a lavish feast of breakfast items, pasta options, cured, slow-cooked or braised meats from the carving station, dim sum and sushi, a selection of hot dishes and near sinful desserts. Come indulge in classic Caribbean cuisine in the casual-cool interior or on their outdoor patio while taking in the breathtaking sea views, every Sunday from 11:30 am – 2:30 pm.

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Photo by Cayman compass

6. Anchor & Den

Taking the cake, both literally and figuratively, is the Anchor & Den Brunch at the Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort. Their signature Boulangerie Brunch includes globally-inspired dishes and bottomless glasses of bubbles served in a Nautical-themed dining area which is at once playful and contemporary. Each Sunday, the area is transformed into a treasure trove of unique food stops - a chocolate display, raclette cheese station, pop-up cocktail bar, fresh juice bar, gelato and sushi stops and a charcuterie carving station, to name but a few. It is, in our opinion, impossible NOT to have a good time at this brunch.

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The Top Cultural & Heritage Sites in Cayman

The Cayman Islands, though rich in heritage and culture, do not boast many heritage sites, in fact, there are very few. Cayman was a country originally settled in 1658 by soldiers, pirates, refugees and shipwrecked sailors and until the mid-1970s had very few inhabitants. That being said, what the Cayman Islands lack in quantity, they most certainly make up for in quality.

Below we have compiled a shortlist of interesting Caymanian cultural attractions worth a visit during your stay on Grand Cayman.

Wreck of the Ten Sail

On 8 February 1794 at the East End of Grand Cayman, a major maritime accident is said to have been the cause of Grand Cayman Island's tax-free financial status. Allegedly, ten ships that had formed part of a convoy en route to the United States and Britain from Jamaica, were shipwrecked on Caymanian reefs. According to sources, Grand Cayman's local folk braved stormy waters in an attempt to rescue passengers and crew that had been aboard the shipwrecked vessel. Today, a stone monument and plaque commemorate these events and the bravery of the local Caymanian community. You can find the Wreck of Ten Sail on Austin Conolly Drive.

Miss Lassie's House

Another popular cultural site to visit is 'Mind’s Eye – the Visionary World of Miss Lassie' in South Sound, or as it's known to the locals: 'Miss Lassie's House', a house decorated with the renowned artist and homeowner's artistic depictions of her religious visions and dreamscapes. After the homestead was restored by the Cayman National Cultural Foundation (CNCF) to its former glory, Miss Lassie's homestead was placed on the 2012 World Monument Watch List of endangered world heritage sites alongside such greats as the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal and the Valley of the Kings. Though some thought Gladwyn Bush, aka Miss Lassie, a madwoman, the 89-year-old eccentric who painted her visions on these walls, will go down in history as a cultural legend of Grand Cayman. Visit Miss Lassie's House on South Church Street, George Town.

Photo by Cayman compass ft Audrey Rogers.

Davinoff’s Concrete Sculpture Garden

Davinoff's Concrete Sculpture Garden in Grand Cayman houses a multitude of towering Cayman-themed sculptures. The garden is filled with concrete statues and sculptures of intricately crafted, lifelike animals that are indigenous to the Caribbean. Sculptor David Quasius first started crafting these sculptures many years ago on a visit to the island during his youth. Ever since, during each visit, David has created and shared his creations with the general public. You can find the Concrete jungle of Caymanian creatures on South Church Street, George Town, Cayman Islands.

Pedro St. James Castle

Often termed “the birthplace of democracy” in the Cayman Islands, Pedro St. James Castle was built in 1780 and is set in over seven acres of manicured lawn. In 1835, it was here that they announced to the Caymanian community that slavery had ended in the British Empire. Visit the castle for an informative tour of the ground, a multimedia show or an authentic Caribbean rum tasting at the Outpost bar. Open daily 9am-5pm. Pedro Castle Road, Savannah

Schooner Launch Sites

Caymanians are celebrated craftsman of Schooner vessels, sailing ships crafted from the finest quality tropical hardwoods to combine artistry, usability, and durability. These vessels were traditionally rigged with fore-and-aft sails on their two or more masts. Schooner launching ramps were cut into the iron-shore or coastal rock, and to this day these can be observed in and around central Georgetown. Whenever a Schooner vessel was ready to be launched to sea, the whole of Grand Cayman town would gather ashore to celebrate its maiden voyage.

For more information on Grand Cayman's rich cultural heritage, make sure to visit the National Trust for the Cayman Islands, 558 South Church Street, Georgetown.

The Best Parks in Cayman

It's no secret that parks are important contributing factors to the overall health of our communities and environments. Parks play a vital role in our everyday lives, improving mental health and providing us with all manner of social, environmental, economic, and health benefits.

Parks and protected public lands not only assist with our mental and physical wellbeing, but they benefit our environment - providing habitats for wildlife and protected species (in our case the Blue Iguana) and offering people a place to connect with nature and each other. Though Cayman is small and suffers similar sustainable development challenges as most islands, it prides itself on it’s parks and the efforts made to preserve their natural, exotic beauty.

Dart Park

The Dart Family Park was founded in 2005 and has been a favourite amongst families ever since.  The Dart Family Park is one of the largest public parks in Grand Cayman. The park has 180-degree ocean views, a 'lickle' beach area as well as an amphitheatre. The picturesque picnic spots are shaded by wild almond trees, towering palms and dotted throughout with indigenous, sweet-smelling tropical flowers.

Botanic Park

The Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park is a two-acre park boasting exotic tropical wildflowers, lush greenage and some of Cayman's most beautiful native birds. The Botanic Park is home to the Woodland trail, the Blue Iguana breeding programme and all the indigenous fauna and flora of the Cayman Islands. Take a stroll or relax under a shady palm while you take in the beautiful surrounds.

Photo from botanic-park.ky

Barker’s National Park

This park runs over 261 terrestrial beachside acres and is accessible from a barely noticeable path near Pappagallo Restaurant at the farthest end of West Bay. The park offers stretches of secluded space for leisurely activities like splashing in the beautiful blue waters of the Caribbean, lounging on its beaches shaded by large mangrove trees or exploring the grounds in search of its variety of indigenous wildlife.

Butterfly Garden

Full and plentiful blooms in springtime in Cayman herald in the arrival of butterfly breeding season at the Cayman Turtle Centre's Butterfly Garden. These fragile little creatures are integral part of the Cayman ecosystem and responsible for the vital process of pollination necessary to keep our biodiverse tropical island region healthy.

Photo by Cayman compass

Mastic Trail and Reserve

Cayman's most iconic and well-known hiking trail can be found in an expansive nature reserve. The Mastic Reserve is home to a wide variety of fauna and flora unique to the Cayman Islands and or the Caribbean. Though the Cayman Islands are no longer abundant in the larger tree types like mahogany and logwood trees, the nature reserve and some smaller parks protect the remaining species and some smaller Caribbean varietals such as coconut, thatch palm, seagrape, almond and casuarina (Australian pine). An afternoon meandering through the rich tropical nature reserve is an afternoon well spent, by far one of Cayman's most enjoyable inland activities.

For more information on Cayman's protected parks and nature reserves contact the Cayman Islands Tourism Association or visit their website: www.visitcaymanislands.com