Source: Writer Keyaira Boone at Pom Pom rooftop bar in Grand Cayman / Courtesy of writer Keyaira Boone
I’m ashamed of how little I knew about the gorgeous Grand Cayman before I landed there. The majority of the media I consumed as a kid portrayed it as a playground for the rich and disenchanted. As an adult, I took in media that presented it as an adventure lover’s paradise, and while exploring crystal coves, ocean horseback riding, and stingray chasing are perfectly lovely for some, they’re not my thing. I found it had so much more to offer than either of those reputations. I felt completely comfortable there as a Black woman who loves art, spas, and all things luxury.
Culture By The Sea
The Caribbean seaside enclave offered Black businesses and culture that appealed to me. I loved how it harnessed the power of ghost orchids and the charm of catboats. The vibrant swirls at the Pom Pom rooftop bar and the ombre panels in the Hotel Indigo lobby were beautiful and energetic. Artists like Mum Babbity and Tansy Maki are innovating there. They compliment the Seven Mile Beach area and the breathtaking sunsets in a way that wasn’t cheesy or expected.
It was a destination that had a unique identity that locals and transplants alike were eager to celebrate it.
This was an oasis that had something substantial to offer everywhere I turned. The shopping and culinary offerings in the George Town and Cayman Bay neighborhoods were amazing. I lost myself in the scent of Ted Green fragrances and Body Treats oils.
I enjoyed scouring boutiques for hidden gems and seeing how designers infused affection and respect for their homes into their work.
Beauty and Balance
Grand Cayman served serene energy. People were literally grinning everywhere I went, enriching my travel experience.
I spent five days and four nights experiencing Black beauty and creativity, which made me excited to return to the beautiful paradise I’d only seen on Selita Ebanks’ criminally underrated reality series. There are over 250 registered working artists in Grand Cayman, and I fell in love with at least ten of them during my vacation.
The destination offered balance, which is something I’m always thinking about in my thirties. It was spirited but not chaotic. For every indulgence I engaged in during my trip, there was a soothing activity to smooth it out. See five things I recommend you do in Grand Cayman below.
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1. Pick Up A Limited Drop At Mutiny
Source:Courtesy of writer Keyaira Boone
Hypebeast brands have been slow to trickle onto the coast of Seven Mile Beach, but a Black-owned boutique is changing the game by offering limited drops to locals worldwide. Their claim to fame, though, is the in-house label. They only issue a limited number of editions of each piece. I tried to snag a varsity jacket that was already claimed by a fan of the brand. I wore their hat in Europe shortly after my trip, and everyone I talked to wanted to know where it was from. Inspired by the nautical culture of the island, Mutiny’s logo is a replica of Grand Cayman’s shape. It is tucked away in an industrial area, requiring an invitation, infusing it with the IYKYK energy fashion kids can’t get enough of. Ease your way off the grid to pick up one of the pieces before it’s gone for good.
2. Do Rooftop Yoga at Vida
Source:Courtesy of writer Keyaira Boone
Hot yoga is way more fun when you’re catching rays from the sun instead of slumping in front of a heat lamp. Vida, a wellness resort with palatial rooms, offers private and group yoga and pilates classes. I participated in one, and there is nothing like moving your body with a premium ocean view. Rising from the triangle pose to glimpse the pure white sand was a top-tier experience. It was made even better by the instructor being body-positive and respectful.
They also offer personal training sessions if you want a different workout method. This is a great place to stay if you’re interested in spending your whole vacation healing. It is also a good spot to visit if you need some space during the girl’s trip, which made it all the way out of the group chat.
3. Party (Or Just Post-Up) at Bonnymoon
Source:Courtesy of writer Keyaira Boone
Bonnymoon Beach Club offers all the standard gilded fare you’d expect from a club flanking two luxury resorts. You can binge on bottle service, snack on customized menu options, and sip inventive cocktails. When the DJ started spinning the theme song from White Lotus, I forgot that I was slightly over the hill for an “it girl,” and hopped my size twenty-something self up on the couch and started losing it. It was everything that I thought was reserved for the rich and diminutive. I felt completely at home in the diverse crowd.
I returned to the beach club the next day with the intention of cutting through to the beach because I was not in the mood for a day party vibe. What I found was an unexpected blanket of peace. The same banquets full of floaty fist-pumpers and toasted twerkers were full of couples enjoying quiet chats over coffee. There were children playing in the sand and tables with chic chess sets. The menu was full of green juices and smoothies to help me recover from cosplaying as a 23-year-old the night before. I love a spot that can pull double-duty, and this did not disappoint at all.
4. Lounge at The Hotel Indigo Pool
Source:Courtesy of writer Keyaira Boone
I’m not saying that the mosquitoes in Grand Cayman tore me up, but I am saying that they had hands! One place I did not have to worry about them at all was at the pool at Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman. They took every precaution, including closing containers for poolside bites. Some hotels have an approach to service that stops short of the pool, which is disappointing. That was not the case here. The staff was friendly and motivated, and the layout helped them maintain a handle on the area easily.
The hotel flanks the beach, giving a beautiful ocean view from its infinity pool. It is next to a more shallow pool, ensuring that adults and kids enjoy their space comfortably.
5. Pom Pom Rooftop Bar
Source:Courtesy of writer Keyaira Boone
The Cayman Islands consider themselves the brunch capital of the Caribbean for good reason. I experienced the Sunday brunch at the Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, and it had everything from elaborate craving stations to an all-star sushi bar. Carafes of champagne flowed freely through the room, and despite it being buffet style, the service was superb. People stood at attention to serve our every need. There were towers of pastries and every condiment you could think of. The selections reflected the island’s identity as a melting pot. There was food from various cultures, and the staff was more than willing to explain how they curated the experience.
This resort was also home to a cool cocktail bar serving drinks inspired by literary tales. Aptly named Library by the Sea, it features a catboat suspended from the ceiling. It’s also full of text on every surface. Keep the night going by hopping in the golf cart and getting a nightcap at Pom Pom’s rooftop bar right next door.
