Caribbean Beach BBQ at Kaibo

Looking for something a unique Cayman Islands dining experience? Every Tuesday night from 6:00-9:00, Kaibo has a Caribbean BBQ party. For just $25, it is an all you can eat buffet, featuring island style BBQ chicken, Cayman style fish, spicy jerk pork, Cayman oxtail, Caribbean potato salad, rice & beans, corn on the cob, house salads, Caribbean pasta salad, fresh baked cookies and Cayman Tortuga rum cake. There are also 2 for 1 Rum Punch and beer bucket specials. Maybe even better than the food is the live local band. They play a mix of Reggae and Caymanian local music and it is quite impressive with people dancing (lots of families with kids) and even a limbo stick down by the water. Since it starts at 6:00pm, I recommend getting there early to get the freshest of the food. Enjoy a BBQ dinner, Caymanian style right on the ocean!

This blog posting was brought to you by Cayman Condos. For information on any of our blog postings or to inquire about booking a condo, please contact our office at 800-999-1388. Something you love about the blog? Something you hate? Something you want me to wrtie about? Let me know: [email protected].

Billy Bones Pool Bar

One of the best things about Sunset Cove Condominiums is having full access to the most popular swim-up bar on the entire Island. Everyone can enjoy Billy Bones, regardless of what you are looking for. When I get off the plane, the first thing I do is get my swimsuit on and head over to Billy Bone's for some lunch. 

Whether looking for a great sandwich, a rum punch, or an evening of entertainment, Billy Bones has it all! Children love the ability to swim up to the bar and not have to take a break from their swimming to get lunch. They offer hot dogs, grilled cheese, and quesadillas that kids can enjoy. Kids usually think it is pretty "cool" to be able to eat their lunch while sitting in the water (I know I did).

Adults love to use Billy Bones as a place to socialize. There is never a lack of activity at the "water side" of the bar or the "land side" of the bar. They have friendly bartenders who can mix any island drink ever created. In addition, there are 3 big screen TVs that show popular American sports, including NFL football, basketball, and baseball. Some other menu items that adults enjoy are the mahi-mahi sandwhich, flatbread pizzas, and delicious wraps. 

In addition to hanging on the "water side" of the pool bar, there is a full seating area on the "land side" if you aren't in the mood to get wet. They often host poker tournaments, parties, and games on the land side during the evenings and even have live music on certain days.

The land side of Billy Bones is open to anyone and is often considered the most popular bar on the island. However, you must be staying on site to utilize the water side of the bar, which keeps the pool off-limits to non-guests, allowing the guests to enjoy the pool without it being over-crowded.

So whether enjoying Happy Hour 2-for-1 rum punch, Thursday night Poker Night, or grabbing lunch with your kids, Billy Bones is a great spot for everyone.

This blog posting was brought to you by Cayman Condos. For information on any of our blog postings or to inquire about booking a condo, please contact our office at 800-999-1388. Something you love about the blog? Something you hate? Something you want me to write about? Let me know: [email protected].

 

The ABCs of Grand Cayman

I did a similar posting a couple years ago, but I thought it was time to refresh my list! Enjoy!

A: Atlantis-Take an under-water tour on the Atlantis Submarine. To spice it up a little bit, try the night trip.

B: Billy Bones-Visit the swim-up pool bar at Sunset Cove. With barside seating (out of the water) and barstool seating (in the water), they have all your favorite island drinks and a delicious food menu.

C: Camana Bay-Spanning 500 acres from Seven Mile Beach to the North Sound, there is something for everyone in this new village. Check out the shops, restaurants, movie theater and more.

D: Dog House-A popular destination for those die-hard sports fans wondering how they are going to see their favorite NFL team play on Sunday. This sports bar has all the games. Located in Red Bay, just East of downtown George Town.

E: East End: If you have a car, take a drive to the East End. It will give you a great view of the non-touristy part of Grand Cayman. You'll see a lot of locals, homes, schools and more as you make the scenic drive along the coast. On the way home, stop at the Lighthouse Restaurant for a great lunch.

F: Fidel Murphy's: This Irish Pub is located right next door to Sunset Cove and provides great food and drinks for a reasonable price.

G: George Town: Head to the heart of downtown Grand Cayman for some duty-free shopping. However, check out the cruise ship schedule and try to time your visit downtown on a day with no cruise ships.

H: Happy Hour: Enjoy Happy Hour on the patio of your condo with your favorite beverage (wine for me) and snacks as you watch the beautiful Cayman sunset.

I: Island Time: Rembmer that everyone in Grand Cayman operates on "Island Time". 9:00 means 9:20. There is no such thing as a quick meal. And sometimes you'll go to a shop in the middle of the day and there will be a sign that says "Be Back Soon" on the door. Don't worry about it. No problem, mon. You're on vacation.

J: Jolly Roger: Enjoy a sunset cruise on an old pirate ship, with all you can drink rum punch. Warning: These pirates go light on the juice.

K: Karma: Cayman's new sushi bar offers a great dining experience, complete with their specialty dessert-liquid nitrogen ice cream, prepared at your table from scratch.

L: Lazy: It's OK to be lazy in Cayman. It's your time to relax. Read a book. Lay in the sun. Cool down in the pool or ocean. Repeat.

M: Morgan's Harbour. Visit West Bay and make a stop at Morgan's Harbour for a great dining experience at Calypso Grill with waterfront seating.

N: Nature: Enjoy all the beutiful things nature has to offer on one island. Flowers. Palm trees. Plants. Animals. Fish. Sunsets. Moonlight. 

O: Ocean Swimming Cove: The newly created cove at Sunset Cove allows for swimming in the ocean perfect for kids as the cove keeps the water warm and protects against the big waves. Grab a drink and a raft and spend a few hours in the cove.

P: Positano: Casanova's is the Island's best restaurant and my favorite dish is the Spaghettini Positano. The atmosphere, wait staff, wine and food are second to none at this island treasure. Stop in and visit Tony, Gianni, Antonio and the rest of the guys for a night you won't soon forget.

 

Q: Quick: The vacation to Grand Cayman always goes too quick. Enjoy every moment because it truly is paradise.

R: Rum Point--Home of the Original Mudslide, Rum Point is a must-visit. If you can find a boat or jet ski tour to take you there, that is best because you don't have to worry about driving home after your Mudslides.

S: Stingray City--One of the more unique places in the world, Stingray City offers the opportunity to swim with, pet, and feed these amazing animals. You might even score with a stingray back massage. 

T: Turtle Farm--The Cayman Island's Turtle Farm is a great spot for children to visit where then can pet, hold, and learn all about turtles.

U: UV Rays--No matter how much sun you are used to or how much you tanned before you visited, lots of sunscreen is going to be needed. The Cayman Islands are located on the equator and combined with the reflection of the sun off the pool and ocean, the perfect receipe for sunburn.

V: Video Camera: Take a video camera because there are sure to be moments you will want to remember forever.

W: Watersports--Take a walk down 7 Mile Beach and visit any of the Watersports stands. Jetski. Parasail. Kayak. Banana Boat Rides. They have it all for you or your family to enjoy.

X: XoXo: Weddings. Honeymoons. Anniversaries. There is no more romantic place than Grand Cayman in the world.

Y: Year-round: Grand Cayman is a year-round destination. There is never a bad time to visit Cayman. Whether in the hot summer months, or the warm winter months, the Cayman Islands are always comfortable and the water is always warm.

Z: Zoo: The Grand Cayman waters offer your very own under-water zoo full of animals and fish.

This blog posting was brought to you by Cayman Condos. For information on any of our blog postings or to inquire about booking a condo, please contact our office at 800-999-1388. Something you love about the blog? Something you hate? Something you want me to write about? Let me know: [email protected].

 

 

Elements Night Club

After a fun day on the beach enjoying the sun and a great dinner at any of the great Grand Cayman restaurants, some people like to head back to the condo to go to bed. However, people that are fans of nightlife will want to head out for music, drinks, and dancing. One of the best spots for this is Elements Nightclub located in the Strand Centre right on Seven Mile Beach.

Elements features numerous nightly specials that vary throughout the year. You would want to check out the different nights you are there to see if they are still the same. Currently, Thursday nights see all women get in for free (no cover) and also drink their stoli featured cocktail for free all night. Can't beat that, right ladies? Friday nights feature, The Takeover, with Selecta Renegade & DJ Von, the best DJs the island has to offer. On Fridays the doors open at 9:00 PM, with no cover charge until 10:00. Saturday nights features a $15 all you can drink special from 9:00-10:00.

Elements is located on the second floor of the building. The first floor has a place called The Living Room, which is much more low key. It does have live bands sometimes and is a nice place to stop before going upstairs. There is also a place to grab late night food on the first floor called The Kitchen. There is no inside, but there is a window to walk up to and order jerk chicken, wraps, sandwiches, and more.

If you are looking for good night life on the Island, I highly recommend Elements at 22 Canal Point at the Strand. In future blog postings, I plan to talk about other night life opportunities so keep your eyes open.

This blog posting was brought to you by Cayman Condos. For information on any of our blog postings or to inquire about booking a condo, please contact our office at 800-999-1388. Something you love about the blog? Something you hate? Something you want me to write about? Let me know: [email protected].

Sunset Cove Pool: Relax, Swim, Play....

Most of our properties have great swimming pools, but the pool at Sunset Cove has it all. Are you looking to relax by the pool and read your favorite book? The Sunset Cove pool is very spacious and has plenty of lawn chairs for your use. You are given a pool pass upon check-in that you must present to be by the pool, which means there is always a place to sit. So grab a nook, a book, or an ipad and catch some sun all day long.

Laying out in the Cayman heat will undoubtedly cause you to take frequent dips in the pool to cool down, but the large pool has plenty of space for all our guests, even during the busy times. 

With one of the only swim-up pool bars on the island, you are able to sit at the bar while still in the water and eat lunch or dinner. Billy Bone's Swim Up Bar features quesadillas, wraps, fish sandwiches, burgers and much more.  It also makes it very convenient to swim up for drinks during a hot day, whether you are looking for beer, rum punch, or an island favorite, a mudslide.

If you have kids, there is even an adjacent kiddy-pool for the youngest of babies to learn how to swim. Sometimes after a night out on the town, the best thing for you is a day by the pool. The pool at Sunset Cove provides a little for everyone. 

Each Condo is equipped with beach towels so there is no need to bring your own. One tip: if you plan to spend a day by the pool, you better plan to put sunscreen on. Frequently. Happy swimming!

This blog posting was brought to you by Cayman Condos. For information on any of our blog postings or to inquire about booking a condo, please contact our office at 800-999-1388. Something you love about the blog? Something you hate? Something you want me to write about? Let me know: [email protected].

My Bar at the Sunset House

Looking for a place to snorkel? Looking for a place for lunch? Looking for a place to watch the sunset? Looking for a late night drink? My Bar, at the Sunset House has it all. This open-air cabana bar and restaurant stands right on the water's edge.

Head over for a few hours of snorkeling on the reef just off shore, where you will see beautiful corals and colorful fish. After enjoying the amazing snorkeling, grab a table at My Bar and order an amazing dolphin ceasar wrap and your favorite drink. Then settle in for one of the best views of the Cayman Islands sunsets during Happy Hour. 

Located just East of Downtown Georgetown, My Bar is just a short drive from any of our Cayman Condos properties. 

This blog posting was brought to you by Cayman Condos. For information on any of our blog postings or to inquire about booking a condo, please contact our office at 800-999-1388. Something you love about the blog? Something you hate? Something you want me to write about? Let me know: [email protected].

 

Morgan's Harbour

Morgan's Harbour is located in West Bay and is just a short drive away from all our properties on Seven Mile Beach. As you make the 15 minute drive through the West Bay countryside, you will see parrots, roosters, and even an odd stray cow. Once you arrive at Morgan's Harbor, you will experience soft breezes flowing in from the Sound with great views of fishing boats docked at the harbor. This charming experience is worth a visit on your next trip to Grand Cayman.

There is a lot to do at Morgan's Harbor, including a bird sanctuary that allows you to hold some of Cayman's most exotic birds. This is also where Dolphin Cove is located, which allows you to swim with the dolphins (See #4).

 

This is also the location of one of Grand Cayman's most popular restaurants, Calypso Grill. This colorful restaurant is open to the sea breeze for the most peaceful experience on the island. Their fresh seafood is second to none and features specialty dishes such as: Sauteed Sea Bass, Crispy Mango Shrimp, Seafood Linguine, Smoked Salmon, and more, including duck, lamb, and beef.

So whether you are looking for a relaxing lunch or a fancy dinner, Calypso Grill at Morgan's Harbour has it all. I recommend checking out the bird sanctuary, swimming with the dolphins, and then grabbing lunch all in one stop to the popular Morgan's Harbour.

 

This blog posting was brought to you by Cayman Condos. For information on any of our blog postings or to inquire about booking a condo, please contact our office at 800-999-1388. Something you love about the blog? Something you hate? Something you want me to write about? Let me know: [email protected].

 

When Did Mudslides Turn Into Milkshakes?

Over the years the Cayman Islands have been known for their tasty frozen drink, The Mudslide, that originated at Rum Point. This delicious day-time favorite for tourists consists of vodka, bailey's, and kahlua, blended together with crushed ice. This drink is even topped with kahlua poured down the straw so your first sip has a little extra kick.

Somewhere along the way, the traditional mudslide disappeared from everywhere but Rum Point. You now see imitation mudslides that are pre-mixed with ice cream and chocolate syrup. Don't be fooled. This is a milkshake, not a mudslide. This is how they are made in America and it's how they are made at far too many places in Grand Cayman now.

Do yourself a favor and head to Rum Point for an afternoon and order "The Original Mudslide". You will love your decision, but you better make sure you have a driver if you plan to drink more than one, because these tasty drinks are potent. Oh, and if you have kids, don't bother ordering a virgin mudslide, because at Rum Point, cups of ice are free!!

This blog posting was brought to you by Cayman Condos. For information on any of our blog postings or to inquire about booking a condo, please contact our office at 800-999-1388. Something you love about the blog? Something you hate? Something you want me to write about? Let me know: [email protected].

 

10 Things I think I know about the Cayman Islands

In the last 31 years I have made countless trips to the Cayman Islands. Whether it is your first trip ever or a return trip for the 50th time, everyone can learn a little from someone else's experiences. During my lifetime, there have been numerous changes on the island. Restaurants have come and gone. Technology has gone from no phones or televisions to wi-fi, iphones, and cable television. But some things have remained consistent over the years. With that being said, here is a list of 10 things I think I know about the Cayman Islands.

10. The waters surrounding the Cayman Islands are clear, warm and lacking big waves/strong currents. This provides the Cayman Islands with a great swimming experience for visitors of all ages.

9. The sunsets in the Cayman Islands are breathtaking, with no 2 sunsets ever looking alike. This provides a new photo opportunity and memory each and every night.

8. The restaurants in the Cayman Islands provide the freshest seafood of anywhere in the world, often including fish so fresh it was caught earlier in the day. 

7. The shopping in downtown Georgetown and newly built Camana Bay offers great deals on jewelry, sunglasses, watches, and more with tax-free and duty-free prices.

6. The snorkeling in Grand Cayman provides the clearest waters and most colorful corals of anywhere in the world, not to mention the wide array of fish and animals, including Stingray City.

5. The people of the Cayman Islands are among the friendliest around. They are known for telling great stories to complete strangers and always willing to assist with directions or things to do.

4. The drinks in the Cayman Islands are a great way to cool down  in the middle of the day for some day-time drinking. Try a Cayman Mama, Cayman Lemonade, Mudslide, or a simple Rum Punch.

3. The beach in the Cayman Islands, known as 7 Mile Beach, is ranked as one of the top beaches world wide. As the name states, it extends for almost 7 miles of pristine beach.

2. The weather in the Cayman Islands never disappoints. With temperatures consistently in the 80's and 90's, regardless of the time of year, you are almost certain to return home with a nice tan.

1. The way of life in the Cayman Islands is care-free, which suits a person looking for a relaxing vacation well. As they answer everything in the Cayman Islands, "No Problem Mon."

This blog posting was brought to you by Cayman Condos. For information on any of our blog postings or to inquire about booking a condo, please contact our office at 800-999-1388. Something you love about the blog? Something you hate? Something you want me to wrtie about? Let me know: [email protected].

Cayman Islands from A to Z

For a little fun this week, I decided to go a different route. Enjoy!

A: Appleton Rum--The local rum is much cheaper than the imported rums such as Captain Morgan. By the end of your trip you won't even know the difference.

B: Beach--7 Mile Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Whether you are walking, jogging, swimming, snorkeling, wading, or relaxing, 7 Mile Beach is for people of all ages.

C: Casanova's By The Sea--There isn't a better restaurant on the entire island than Casanova's. This authentic Italian restaurant overlooks the ocean and the service is what sets this restaurant apart from any other restaurant in the world.

D: Diving--Cayman has been known to have some of the best diving in the world. If you have never gotten certified, there are half-day certification classes offered at several places on the island. 

E: Eel--A morray eel is among the many exciting sea creatures you can see on a snorkel trip to the North Sound, including lobsters, sea turtles, nurse sharks, and barracuda to name a few.

F: Food--The Cayman Islands offer some of the best seafood in the world. It is always caught fresh and every restaurant has their own unique preparation, including the always popular "Cayman Style."

G: Georgetown--Downtown Georgetown offers the island's best shopping. From jewelry, sunglasses, watches to souveniers and t-shirts, you will find it all in Georgetown. You'll even be able to find discounts and deals due to everything being duty free and tax free.

H: Hell--Yes there is a city on Grand Cayman called Hell. You can visit for photos, and even have a postcard sent back home from the "Hell" Post Office with an official postage stamp. 

I: Iguanas--Don't be frightened by the large iguanas that sometimes hang around the pool area. They are very friendly and offer great photo opportunities.

J: Jolly Roger: This sunset cruise on an old pirate ship offers a great opportunity to sip on some rum punch while watching the sun hit the horizon. They also offer a day time lunch cruise, geared towards children, complete with walking the plank, like the old pirates.

K: Kirk's--This supermarket is centrally located near 7 Mile Beach for you to stock up on groceries for your stay.

L: Lobster Pot--Another popular Cayman Restuarant that over looks the ocean and offers some of the best lobster dishes you will ever find.

M: Moon--When the full moon reflects off the ocean at night, there isn't a more romantic moment.

N: North Sound--This is the area between the two points of the North side of the island, where all the snorkel trips visit. The snorkel reef at the North Sound is second to none with the beautiful corrals and colorful fish.

O: Ocean--The Cayman Islands waters offer great clarity for snorkeling and optimum temperatures for swimming or wading all day. They also are safe for children because the Cayman Islands have no current or high waves.

P: People--Caymanians are some of the friendliest people in all the world. They are always willing to help and are quite entertaining to talk to with all their stories. You will also see Jamaicans on the island who make their way over from the nearby island.

Q: Quiet--Grand Cayman is not a place to go if you are looking for a lot of noise and night life. It is a very quiet, relaxing island, whicn is perfect for a vacation. 

R: Rum Point--Home of the Original Mudslide, Rum Point is a must-visit place. It's a good 45 minute drive from Georgetown, but offers an opportunity to see the native land and you are rewarded with a mudslide when you get there. This quiet beach offers a nice swimming area as well.

S: Stingray City--One of the more unique places in the world, Stingray City offers the opportunity to swim with, pet, and feed these amazing animals. If you have the right captain, you might even be able to get a stingray back massage. 

T: Turtle Farm--The Cayman Island's Turtle Farm is a great spot for children to visit where then can pet, hold, and learn all about turtles.

U: UV Rays--No matter how much sun you are used to or how much you tanned before you visited, lots of sunscreen is going to be needed. The Cayman Islands are located on the equator and combined with the reflection of the sun off the pool and ocean, the perfect receipe for sunburn.

V: Vacation--There is no better vacation spot in my mind than Grand Cayman. It combines sunshine, water, drinks, great food, relaxation, and beautiful sunsets all into one amazing visit.

W: Watersports--Take a walk down 7 Mile Beach and visit any of the Watersports stands. Jetski. Parasail. Kayak. Banana Boat Rides. They have it all for you or your family to enjoy.

X: XoXo: Weddings. Honeymoons. Anniversaries. There is no more romantic place than Grand Cayman in the world.

Y: Year-round: Grand Cayman is a year-round destination. There is never a bad time to visit Cayman. Whether in the hot summer months, or the warm winter months, the Cayman Islands are always comfortable and the water is always warm.

Z: Zoo: The Grand Cayman waters offer your very own under-water zoo full of animals and fish.

So there you have it--a quick A to Z guide of the Cayman Islands. Enjoy your next visit!

This blog posting was brought to you by Cayman Condos. For information on any of our blog postings or to inquire about booking a condo, please contact our office at 800-999-1388. Something you love about the blog? Something you hate? Something you want me to wrtie about? Let me know: [email protected].