The Real Cayman at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman

Since it celebrated its opening on Seven Mile Beach, the luxury resort has led the way in delivering an insider's look at the culture, heritage and natural history of Grand Cayman. From allowing guests to experience and help preserve the treasured mangroves known as “the forests of the sea,” to designing a uniquely Cayman art walk showcasing local Caymanian artists, the resort has long committed itself to bringing the island alive for guests of all ages and interests.

Among other local temptations, The Ritz-Carlton has helped Caymanian-born artisans to provide handmade, one-of-a-kind pieces to guests seeking authentic cultural finds, while island-based treatments at the resort's la prairie spa employ rituals and local tropical ingredients including mango, papaya and coconut. Guests may also opt to indulge in spa treatments outside, allowing the sea breeze off Seven Mile Beach to further enhance their #RCMemories.

The resort's acclaimed Ambassadors of the Environment program by Jean-Michel Cousteau is staffed with trained Naturalists who delight in sharing and nurturing the island's flora and fauna through the lens of a true local. The program's immersive, all-ages activities include explorations of island wildlife, educational excursions in glass-bottomed kayaks, and presentations on the region's beloved coral reefs. In recent weeks, and in conjunction with Cayman Turtle Centre, guests fascinated by Caribbean wildlife were even able to witness tiny sea turtle hatchlings making their night-time way from Seven Mile Beach into the sea.



To deepen the authentic Cayman experience for its guests, the resort has recently introduced several new Real Cayman experiences and ways for guests to immerse themselves in the island environment. The first of these, now being offered at The Ritz-Carlton Culinary Studio, offers insights into true Caymanian cuisine in a special workshop called The Cayman Experience. This session is dedicated to preparing creations with locally-sourced catches, fruits, vegetables and spices. Participants in the class, which requires a 24-hour advance reservation, will begin their experience with a visit to local markets to select fresh ingredients for the workshop's shared meal. Accompanied by a narration of Caymanian legends and storytelling, the studio's new Cayman Experience is a true foodie's delight, presented in an interactive kitchen setting which mingles guests with chefs for the ultimate learning, gathering and dining adventure.

Additionally, and due to the passion of the resort's locavore chefs, on-site restaurants now include Real Cayman selections on their dining and cocktail menus. Utilizing island harvests to intrigue and delight guests' palates, the chefs have created menu offerings of Caribbean Lobster and Grits, Jerk Pork Belly with Papaya Relish, Beets and Passion Fruit Salad with Local Mustard Greens and Kale, Coconut Creamed Callaloo, Bodden Town Local Ratatouille, Caribbean Snapper, Local Catch Sashimi, Jerk Chicken Pizza with Local Peppers, and for the cocktail hour, Caymanian-distilled rums. Even the resort's longtime guest favorite, Afternoon Tea, goes Real Cayman, as some of its savory finger sandwiches feature delectable Spiny Lobster and Calaloo Salad – made only in the Cayman Islands.

For more details about The Real Cayman, visit www.ritzcarlton.com/grandcayman. The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman is ranked the #1 resort in the Caribbean and provides the ultimate fusion of contemporary island luxury, local culture and heritage, spectacularly artful design details and vintage Caymanian elements – along with a warm, island-style welcome for vacationers, epicureans and adventurers alike. Join the conversation at facebook.com/ritzcarltongrandcayman .