Background about The 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.
This particular property -- the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman-- was preparing to open in November 2004 when, in mid-September, Hurricane Ivan blew away those plans.
Opening a year later, the new resort has 365 rooms and suites on 144 acres on Seven Mile Beach. Location is just 10 minutes from the Grand Cayman island's airport; and flight time from Miami is just one hour.
Features of the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman:
As one would expect, the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman has a high-end spa, golf, and restaurants; tennis is another focal point. 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
- 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
Kids Program: Ambassadors of the Environment
Each day in the Ambassadors program will focus on a different aspect of Grand Cayman.
Kids will learn about, or take eco-excursions to, different areas of the Grand Cayman environment: coral reefs; mangroves; wetlands; woodlands and wildlife. Kids will also explore "Caymanian Life & Traditions".
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.
Good old-fashioned arts and crafts are part of the picture too.
Younger kids will have their own Ambassadors activities and their own wading pool.
Find out more about the Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman:
- at the Ritz-Carlton site
- Ambassadors of the Environment kids program
- read visitors comments at TripAdvisor.com
- Check prices
