By Robin Hutson & Katie Riley
The Cayman Islands are known for having some of the world’s most beautiful beaches. With powder-soft sand, clear, calm waters, and an abundance of marine life, the Cayman Islands is an ideal beach destination for families. As if this weren’t enough to attract travelers from all over the world, the Cayman Islands is also home to some of the Caribbean’s most luxurious resorts. This guide will highlight some of the best luxury hotels in Grand Cayman for families.
top Hotels in Grand Cayman with kids
The Cayman Islands is made up of three small islands: Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman. Like Bermuda, the Cayman Islands remain a British overseas territory. Most of the best hotels in Grand Cayman for families are set on the white sands of Seven Mile Beach on the western side of the island. This offers easy access to restaurants, nightlife, and water activities and excursions such as scuba diving, sailing, and catamaran tours. The famous Seven Mile Beach is also a short drive from the Owen Roberts International Airport in George Town, making your escape all the more hassle-free.
Grand Cayman has a large ex-pat community that continues to grow. The island also has a reputation as a destination for food lovers, often referred to as the ‘culinary capital of the Caribbean.’ With excellent culinary traditions, a diverse population, and an annual culinary festival that attracts some of the world’s best chefs, it’s no wonder that Grand Cayman is one of the best places in the Caribbean for foodies.
STOP!
JOIN OUR LUXURY HOTELS & RESORTS FOR FAMILIES,
A FACEBOOK GROUP FOR SEEKING ADVICE AND INSPIRATION
FOR THE BEST LUXURY FAMILY BREAKS.
The Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa
The northernmost resort on Seven Mile Beach is the Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, one of the best hotels in Grand Cayman. Open since 2016, The Kimpton Seafire has consistently garnered awards for its elevated service, personalized attention, and intimate atmosphere. A Forbes-Five-Star resort, the Kimpton Seafire has incredible amenities including a spa, a kids club with kids’ splash pad, and a variety of room types for families.
inviting atmosphere
Upon check-in at the luxury hotel, guests are escorted into the multi-story lobby, which serves as the heartbeat of the hotel. At night, the library bar draws large crowds of both resort guests and locals. In the evenings, guests are treated to a nightly happy hour. This includes a selection of curated wines and tapas, such as the salmon mousse on crostini that I was treated to during my stay. The Seafire is a family-oriented property and that means that the kids are not forgotten during happy hour. Ice buckets of juice boxes and applesauce were on hand for younger guests to enjoy while parents unwind during this nightly tradition.
The vibe of the Kimpton Seafire is energetic, bold, and trendy. Contemporary furnishings in neutral are accented with bold colors like magenta and teal. The design continues into the 264 guest rooms and suites. Almost all rooms have ocean views, and every room or suite has a balcony. Rooms boast premium Frette linens and bathrooms are outfitted with toiletries from Atelier Bloom and large, standalone soaking tubs.
So Many family accommodation OPTIONS
The Kimpton Seafire offers a range of setups in the rooms and suites, making it a perfect choice for families with more than two children. Standard rooms are large and start at 500 square feet, while one-bedroom suites go up to 1200 square feet. The oceanfront two-bedroom suite is an incredible 4200 square feet, while the penthouse suites offer expanded oceanfront patios. Family suites at the Seafire include a master bedroom for parents and a set of bunk beds, in addition to a sleeper sofa. You can additionally connect to a two-queen-room on one side to create a setup that will sleep up to nine people.
Uniquely, the Kimpton Seafire offers poolside bungalows. These single-story accommodations offer two bedrooms with a plunge pool and common room. There are only a few available, so it is recommended to book far in advance.
outdoor activities
The Kimpton Seafire is known for its family-friendly amenities, like the kid’s programming and shaded splash pad. The large outdoor pool has oceanfront views, as well as a seating area, private cabanas, and lawn games. As one of the few Grand Cayman resorts set back from Seven Mile Beach, the property is spacious and has a great location, with plenty of room for little ones to play, and it never feels crowded. Complimentary non-motor watersports like snorkeling and standup paddleboarding are offered on the beach.
The state-of-the-art fitness center is located on the lower level of the hotel, near the 8500-square-foot spa. The spa offers co-ed outdoor tranquility pools so parents can relax together after a spa treatment. There is also a chic spa boutique that sells a delightful local brand of swimwear and resort wear that would be hard for any shopper to resist.
The resort’s signature restaurant, Ave, serves Mediterranean cuisine and freshly caught local seafood, as well as an outstanding alfresco Sunday brunch. Coccolaba is a beachfront restaurant serving lunch and dinner, cocktails, and frozen drinks. Complimentary coffee and tea are served in the hotel lobby each morning, in addition to the daily evening happy hour. Guests who book through Luxe Recess also enjoy a full complimentary breakfast each morning of their stay.
top-notch service
I enjoyed some great service during my stay at the Kimpton Seafire that really stood out. After getting stung by a bee on the resort’s catamaran, I was assisted by the resort’s security guard. He was ironically also a certified EMT. Additionally, I was enjoying the standalone tub in my room so much that I dropped my phone. Within minutes, the front desk sent up the supplies to dehumidify my phone. These are just two examples of the attentive, kind service I experienced at this resort.
The Kimpton Seafire is a mid-size resort with outstanding amenities that retain an intimate, boutique hotel feel. It is the perfect spot for families (especially those with several children) to unwind while also enjoying all the energy and fun the island has to offer.
The Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman
If you’re a Bonvoy member, a fan of Ritz Carlton resorts, or you like a bit of British influence in your resort décor, then the Ritz Grand Cayman is for you. The Forbes-Five-Star resort has long been a favorite of families who want a full-service beachfront resort in the Caymans without skimping on the luxury service that is a trademark of Ritz Carlton.
In 2022, the resort completed a fifty-million-dollar refresh that saw a redesign of most of the hotel’s public spaces. International firm Champalimaud Design has given the resort a sophisticated blend of midcentury island design and British colonial traditionalism that results in one of my favorite hotel designs ever. The beautiful interiors start in the hotel’s lobby lounge, Silver Palm, named after the island’s national tree. The beautiful green-hued walls, midcentury furniture, and woven textures create a space that is tropical without being themey. It’s a great spot to enjoy morning coffee and tea or evening cocktails.
Though the resort is beachfront, it is divided into two towers. The hotel has cleverly turned an enclosed footbridge into a beautiful art gallery connecting them. The lobby entry and most of the hotel restaurants are in the tower that is not oceanfront, so keep this in mind if you want to be closest to these amenities. The club lounge is also located in this building, so if you prefer to be close to it, then you will want to book a non-oceanfront room.
Luxury Suites
The resort’s beautiful redesign and décor extend into the guest rooms, which begin at 500 square feet for standard King or two-queen-bedded rooms. Guest rooms offer private balconies, marble-clad bathrooms, and Asprey amenities. The suites at the Ritz Carlton offer several layouts, including one, two, and three-bedroom suites in the hotel and similar suites in the residential tower. Along with a king-size bed, there’s a full kitchen, dining area, and a living room with room to spread out.
For the ultimate in luxury travel, guests can book the Seven South Penthouse Suite. As the largest suite in the entire Caribbean, it offers more than 18,000 square feet, multiple oceanfront terraces, and a three-bedroom layout. It also has the ability to connect three other two-bedroom suites.
Kid-friendly perks
The Ritz Carlton has plenty to do for families on its 114 acres. Recreation includes an expansive splash pad with slides and fountains, a sports court, and two pools. The kids’ program, Ambassadors of the Environment, offers educational programming focused on natural wildlife and local traditions. The resort’s nine-hole, Greg Norman-designed golf course offers plenty of challenges for seasoned golfers. Alternatively, the pickleball and tennis courts have daily clinics for beginners, advanced play, and families.
As if all this wasn’t enough for discriminating families, this Ritz is one of the best hotels for food lovers. The signature restaurant, Blue by Eric Ripert, is helmed by one of the world’s greatest chefs. Ripert also hosts a culinary festival at the resort each January that attracts famous faces of the culinary world and celebrates the local island cuisine. Other restaurants include a sushi restaurant, an Italian restaurant, and a steakhouse.
The Ritz Grand Cayman is one of the best hotels in Grand Cayman for families who don’t mind a mega-resort but want all the bells and whistles of a top property. It is an ideal property for anyone who enjoys a great club lounge, a diverse activity calendar, and incredible fine dining.
Palm Heights
Opened in 2019, Palm Heights is the newest luxury resort on the list and offers something different for families who want a more intimate experience. An all-suite hotel, Palm Heights is an independent boutique property. It’s a perfect hotel for those looking for a wellness-oriented resort with a sophisticated vibe and outstanding food.
sophisticated decor
A design-forward hotel, Palm Heights welcomes guests with a streamlined vintage style that is more Palm Springs than coastal Caribbean. The renowned designer Gabriella Khalil has curated a collection of vintage artworks, low-slung leather armchairs, and cubist-style sectionals that emanate a retro cool. It feels straight out of a Slim Aarons photograph. It’s no wonder then that the resort has become a favorite of celebrities and famous faces. Gigi Hadid’s trainer is one of the regulars, who is flown in on rotation to host one of the many annual wellness retreats on the property.
Colors throughout the resort are neutral tans, blacks, and creams, accented by the occasional pop of yellow. This coordinates with the cheery, sunshine-hued umbrellas that dot the beach. This décor carries into the suites, which boast midcentury-style furniture, thoughtful lighting, and a serene palate. All 52 suites feature either a one or two-bedroom layout, each with a private terrace (some terraces are two-story). The design of the hotel has been carefully curated to the crowd, with trendy Aesop toiletries, Apple TVs and books on photography, fashion, and architecture. Keeping with the wellness theme, the minibars are divided into ‘Detox/Retox’ sections with alcoholic drinks and seltzers alongside energy and wellness drinks.
The resort’s two pools have a subdued and low-key atmosphere. The real draw is the hotel’s prime location on Seven Mile Beach. Palm Heights earns recognition for providing personalized, attentive service that extends to its beachfront offerings. There is no dedicated kids programming at Palm Heights. However, the resort offers ping pong, Xbox, and a range of watersports from its beach.
premier wellness amenities
The big draw at Palm Heights is its incredible gym and spa setup. To call Palm Heights’ gym a fitness center would be an understatement. It has a massive gym, Pilates studio, yoga spaces, and even outdoor training facilities. These amenities cater to clients accustomed to high-level personal training —think New York or Miami-style athletic facilities. A fleet of personal trainers is also on hand for guests.
The wellness offerings at the resort are extensive, and most are complimentary. Yoga, held on the beach or the hotel’s rooftop), reformer, and HIIT classes are all offered daily. Garden Club, the resort’s spa, has a full menu of spa treatments and facilities that include outdoor showers and soaking tubs. Guest can also arrange any spa treatment from the comfort of their suite.
Diverse dining
Palm Heights consistently gets rave reviews about its food, and the four restaurants each offer something different. Tillies is the signature restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The décor recalls retro Caribbean glamour, and the menu serves a selection of steaks and freshly caught seafood. Pizza Paradise is the resort’s Neapolitan-style pizza restaurant. It’s popular with both locals and guests, especially during one of their trivia or karaoke nights. Coconut Club is a beach bar and lounge serving seafood, quick bites, and frozen drinks. Lastly, Yashinoki is an on-site sushi restaurant. All the food at Palm Heights was outstanding and is a big draw for the resort’s international clientele.
Don’t miss out on the ultra-chic speakeasy with secret disco!
Palm Heights may not be your typical family resort, but its low-rise resort formula, personalized, attentive service, and outstanding food make it a great choice among Grand Cayman hotels. It’s ideal for sophisticated families of older children and teens. If you are a traveler who likes to maintain your fitness routine on vacation, this is one of the top hotels in the Caribbean for you.
The Must Do Things to Do in Grand Cayman
A Grand Cayman vacation will focus on pool time, beach time, and some great meals at the resorts and throughout the island. For those interested in venturing to learn more about the islands, there is a lovely botanical garden to explore.
There’s also a historic estate, Pedro St. James, preserved to share the island’s history. A visit to the oldest building on the island includes a small gallery of historic photos and artifacts as well as a film to watch. Kids 10 and older might absorb these facts about the island while younger children will focus on the many stray cats who saunter the estate imagining themselves the real owners.
Many people visit Grand Cayman on a cruise ship, so they often arrive and depart with thousands of other people. When you stay on island, you can enjoy some of the best sites exclusively if you are willing to wake up early enough to beat the cruise crowds.
Many boats are available to take visitors to the sand bars to see and swim with the manta rays and explore starfish point. Go early, like 7AM early, and you can reach both of these hotspots before the crowds. The manta rays felt like shitake mushrooms. It was my favorite experience!
Another great options with older kids is a sunset sail that departs right from 7-Mile Beach. The water was calm enough it was a mellow sail that felt really relaxing.
HOW TO BOOK The best Cayman Islands VACATION
Did you know Luxe Recess is a magazine and an exclusive Virtuoso-member travel agency? What does that mean for you? It means that as both a luxury family travel magazine and travel agency, we can give our clients numerous complimentary amenities.
Our rates at the above hotels always include complimentary breakfasts for two and resort credits and —based on availability— upgrades and early check-in and late check-out. If you would like to add these amenities to your stay at no cost to you, please complete this hotel booking form.
We can also create a complete itinerary with transfers, excursions, and hotels for the best, most stress-free vacation. Set up a consultation call today to get started planning, or complete our VIP hotel form to ensure your stay gets all the perks you deserve.