Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman

Ritz-Carlton is an upscale group of properties that traces its history back a century, to hotelier Cesar Ritz who "put on the Ritz" in London and Paris; many changes followed-- including ownership by Marriott-- but the emphasis on the deluxe remains.

Ritz was known as "the king of hoteliers, and hotelier to kings" but these days he'd have to add "and their kids": Ritz Carlton hotels welcome families, and offer Ritz Kids and other kids programs. (Read more about the Ritz-Carlton brand, for families.)

This particular property has 144 acres on Seven Mile Beach, on Grand Cayman island in the Caribbean. Location is 10 minutes from Grand Cayman island's airport; flight time from Miami is just one hour.

Features to Note:

the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman has a high-end spa, golf, and restaurants; tennis is another focus. Grown-ups may also like the proximity to duty-free shopping in George Town.

Kids may be more excited about some other aspects of the resort's location:

• ten minutes by boat to Stingray City snorkeling site, where stingrays can be fed in three feet of water
• two miles from Boatswain's Beach which has 16,000 sea turtles, from babies to 600-pounders

Other outings available include:

• snorkeling, diving, sportfishing
• parasailing
• Atlantis Submarine cruise (a fun outing for kids-- read more)
• horseback riding on the beach
• island jeep tours
• Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park

Meanwhile, right at the resort is the "Ambassadors of the Environment" kids program created by Jean-Michel Cousteau, (son of famed ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau, and President of the Ocean Futures Society.)

Kids Program: Ambassadors of the Environment

The Ambassadors program focuses on Grand Cayman's ecology and cultural traditions, for kids in two age groups (4 to 7, and 8 and up) plus some family activities too. Kids learn about, or take eco-excursions to, different areas of the Grand Cayman environment: coral reefs; mangroves; wetlands; woodlands and wildlife.

Activities take place in a traditional Cayman "heritage house" and -- next to it-- a 3,000 sq. ft. high-tech Ambassadors Lab. Kids will find a simulated reef, interactive mural, video microscopes, digital cameras, computers etc. Younger kids have their own Ambassadors activities and their own wading pool. Check for the latest info about about Ambassadors of the Environment.

- Check prices at Kayak.com

This brief profile is meant to introduce this resort to family vacationers; please note that the writer has not visited in person.

Always check resort web sites for updates!