Cayman Islands: the on-trend trio for 2025

Grand Cayman

The largest and most famous of the island triad, Grand Cayman is known for more than its icing-sugar sand, bioluminescent bay and Crystal Caves (though we wouldn’t complain if it wasn’t). Take 135-plus nationalities across the islands, add local fish and homegrown produce, and you have the culinary capital of the Caribbean, serving up more than 300 restaurants – the majority of which are on Grand Cayman. Where to start? Door No. 4 in West Bay offers locally inspired tipples and duck confit tacos, while a Mudslide at the bar that invented the decadent drink, Rum Point Club, is also essential. Then it’s on to the main events, from fish fry to fine dining at Blue by Eric Ripert, the AAA five star-rated Caribbean outpost of the French celebrity chef. Tip: don’t miss foodie festivals Cayman Cookout and Taste of Cayman.

The island’s hotels are just as impressive as the dishes, and there’s a focus on holistic-centred stays, meaning wellness is embedded rather than sought after here. The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman on Seven Mile Beach offers soothing sound baths and pampering therapies within its spa’s calm water walls, while boutique resort VIDA Cayman Islands in Barker’s National Park, West Bay, has a wellness concierge. Those after art endorphins should check out Hotel Indigo and celebrate Cayman Art Week’s gallery tours and open studios in May.

Cayman Brac

Adventurers needn’t look further than Cayman Brac (aka nature nirvana). The sister island offers dive sites with 100ft of visibility, including the shipwreck of M/V Captain Keith Tibbetts. With reportedly more species than the Galapagos, there’s a good chance you’ll spot wild parrotfish, turtles and stingrays.

Prefer taking in nature’s splendour on land? The island’s 17 unique crags and incredible limestone formations are a dream for rock climbers, both beginners keen for group tours and pros craving challenging routes such as In Vino Veritas. Meanwhile, hikers can climb the bluff steps on the north coast at Deadman’s Point Bluff Road, which leads through woodland to Songbird Drive. Also deserving a mention is West End Point Outlook, the ultimate sunset spot that looks towards Little Cayman. Those searching to travel through time can experience islands-wide Pirates Week, whose grand finale takes place at Cayman Brac in November, or visit the Cayman Brac Museum to learn about the island’s history (the white-and-blue colonial house is worth it alone).

Little Cayman

There’s chill, then there’s Little Cayman chill. At ten miles long and one mile wide, and with a population of less than 200, having the beach all to yourself here is not just a far-flung fantasy. The swaying palms may be the only sound as you indulge in a private swim at South Hole Sound’s brilliant blue waters, or the gentle breeze as you kayak over to Owen Island, Cayman’s fourth unofficial and uninhabited island.

But all the much-needed respite doesn’t mean you can’t get your adrenaline fix, too: with its dramatic seawalls and abundance of marine life, Little Cayman is hailed as one of the world’s best scuba sites. Its most popular spot is Bloody Bay Marine Park (don’t worry, its name comes from a historic pirate battle), whose eponymous wall plunges 5,000ft, and dazzles with colourful corals and bioluminescent creatures. Take a diving break to visit Little Cayman Museum and see some seriously stunning underwater photography, plus learn about endangered native Sisters Island rock iguanas, which are so rare that you’ll only find them here and on Cayman Brac.

Visit the Cayman Islands