The Best Hotels in the Cayman Islands

Pirates Point Resort - Little Cayman
Permanently Closed
"Pirates Point Resort This atmospheric all-inclusive resort opened in 1986 on the white sands of Little Cayman’s Preston Bay and consists of eleven rooms in wood and stone cottages, some of which are oceanfront. Guests, mainly advanced divers and repeat visitors, come for healthy corals, diverse marine life, and the hospitality. Since 2015, owner and manager Susan Howard has carried forward the legacy of her mother and the original owner of Pirates Point Resort, Gladys Howard, by fostering an “Island Home Away From Home” vibe. In addition to complimentary bicycle rentals and island-wide conservation efforts, Howard opens up her home on Friday nights for a champagne and sushi cocktail reception. The resort operates on a safari schedule with wake up and breakfast bells, daily and untimed dives at numerous sites, and hearty lunches upon return to the lodge around 3pm. The hotel sea front view is lovely, with hammocks strung on the white sand beach and easy, protected swimming and snorkeling within the barrier reef."

"This 144-acre family-friendly resort sits on what feels like a private isthmus stretching between the palm-lined, white powder sands of Seven Mile Beach and a lagoon whose channels lead to North Sound, where Grand Cayman’s most famous (and worth it) tourist lure, Stingray City, is located. Some guests never leave the grounds thanks to the plethora of activities, including a heritage house devoted to eco-education for kids; a Greg Norman–designed, nine-hole golf course; five clay, grass, and hard surface tennis courts; basketball courts; a kids’ water park; and a private cooking school. Rooms were refurbished in 2011 in an updated British colonial style and offer loads of comfort. Adults in need of relaxation come for private ocean-view terraces and four-handed caviar massages at the Caribbean’s first La Prairie–branded spa. But the main draw for nature-loving guests of all ages are resident marine guides, trained by Jean-Michel Cousteau, who lead beach hikes, mangrove kayak trips, and snorkeling excursions."

Southern Cross Club
Hotel
"When friends opened the Southern Cross Club in 1958, Little Cayman, the smallest of the three islands that make up the British colony, had a population of just three people. Fourteen stilted cottages, painted turquoise, pink, or yellow, some with private porches and outdoor showers, sit on a white-sand, palm-studded beach. Today, the 10-square-mile island still feels deserted, with fewer than 200 permanent residents. Rooms lack WiFi, telephones and TVs (and even locks) but they look out over South Hole Sound, whose seclusion will appeal to nature-loving guests. The main clientele are fishing enthusiasts (bonefish, tarpon) and divers, who come from around the world to experience the thrill of Bloody Bay Wall and dozens of other pristine sites. Dive destinations range from sheer drop-offs, thousands of feet deep (the government limits dives to 110 feet), to shallow coral bowls suitable for novices and snorkelers. The resort dive boat is anchored at a beach pier, and dive operations give snorkelers access to the nearby fringing reef as well."

"Sunset House Hotel Though it lacks a beach, this family-owned and professional diver–managed resort on the rocky coast just south of George Town has direct ladder access into the Caribbean. Grand Cayman’s two famous underwater sites, Eden’s Rock and Devil’s Grotto, are just a short swim away, and boat trips offer the option of two daily dives (including night dives). Images by some of the world’s most respected underwater photographers decoratemany of the tiled and comfortable smoke-free rooms, some of which have kitchens and private balconies or terraces. The vibe is laid-back; post dive, guests sit by the pool or swap stories at the palapa bar, which has the island’s best sunset vista. Managers Anne Briggs and Lisa Evans, the granddaughters of Sunset House’s founders, make sure everything runs smoothly and ensure visitors explore the best of Grand Cayman both on shore and underwater."

Sunshine Suites Resort
Resort hotel
"This relaxing and affordable enclave of two-story, yellow-and-white buildings surrounds a large pool amid Bermuda grass lawns studded with tall palm trees and hammocks. Sunshine Suites Resort is just across the street from Seven Mile Beach, where more luxurious and far more expensive resorts are clustered. Air-conditioned suites are a bit characterless, with wall-to-wall carpeting, basic furniture, and full kitchens, but, hey, the high-speed Internet is free, and most guests are way too busy to spend much time indoors. They’re here to dive, sunbathe, and sightsee. The hotel offers lockers and a rinse pool for scuba divers as well as full access to the amenities (including the pool, beach chairs and umbrellas, and fitness center) of its sister property, The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa . A house cat, Paco, adds to the homey, friendly atmosphere."

"Updated in 2017, the rooms and public areas in this attractive, airy resort have an island-themed decor. Rooms now come equipped with marble bathroom vanities, Smart LED Samsung televisions, and Starbucks Coffee. But the star attraction remains a prime, crowd-free position on Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile Beach, famous for clear water and powder-fine white sand. Resort sun loungers are spread far apart to give guests a sense of privacy. A day camp with fun activities and a healthy meals program for kids (ages 4-to-12) means parents get guiltless downtime (or scuba diving and other water sports). Shopping and alternative dining are within walking distance."

"Grand Cayman, known for its sprawling Seven Mile Beach and world-class scuba diving, has its first new resort in more than a decade. Most of the 266 rooms at the Seafire offer views showcasing the sunsets that inspired the property’s name. The three restaurants include the seasonal, small-plate Ave, whose 24-seat chef’s counter, Avecita, serves a Spanish tapas tasting menu. At the bar off the lobby, try a cocktail featuring tepache , a beverage made from fermented pineapple rinds."
