Immersive Indulgence: Twenty Years of The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman

Tropical Interiors

The luxury brands are, of course, pure Ritz - but the design focuses on the natural beauty of The Caymans, and this comes through strongly - not only in the colour scheme and use of natural woods but also, stunningly, in the custom made carpet, which depicts the island’s unique flora in delicate curves. The walls in a gallery-style walkway host a display of works from local artists - all of them for sale, all of them purely dripping with the tropical idyll, and all completely covetable, to boot. 

When I reach my room, at least, my eyes find their fixed point - and not because the decor isn’t understatedly gorgeous but because it, quite rightly, fades into the background when I look at the view from my balcony window and see, beyond the pool, nothing but blue seas meeting blue skies. 

Our days were largely spent drifting between the pools and beach, where attentive staff dropped by our cabana on a regular basis. There are plenty of options for the activity-minded, with tennis and pickleball courts, as well as a tech-forward fitness centre, but I’ll confess I made little use of them: it was far too tempting to simply soak up the glorious Caribbean sunshine. 

Diverse Dining

That said, I probably should have been a little more active, given that the food on offer was so gluttony-inducing. The resort is home to Blue by Eric Ripert - the Caribbean’s only Forbes Five-Star restaurant - but there are a number of more casual options as well. Saint June serves up Caribbean-inspired dishes in a relaxed beachfront setting, while you can get your fix of the la dolce vita at Andiamo Circolo Sportivo. Hearty steakhouse classics, and the subtleties of Japanese cuisine can be enjoyed at Seven and Taikun, respectively; meanwhile, The Club Lounge provides an all-day destination with five ‘presentations,’ ranging from breakfast to hors d’oeuvres, daily. 

Beachfront Bliss

While I may not have spent my days pounding the treadmill or the courts, I did spend a great deal of time in and on the water. The resort’s absolute beachfront position meant that languid swims and sun-lounger dozing were regulars, but kayaking, snorkelling and paddleboarding were also available for when we wanted to engage in activity at a leisurely pace. Such pursuits also made us feel we were truly making the most of our location - doing things we’d not be easily able to do back home. 

It was, in fact, via kayaking that one of our most meaningful experiences was had. Through a partnership with Ocean Futures Society and celebrated marine explorer Jean-Michel Cousteau, the hotel has offered the Ambassadors of the Environment programme ever since it opened, in 2005. Its base, to the south of the resort’s Great Lawn, has been built along the lines of a traditional Cayman cottage - again, evoking a unique sense of place. Paddling into the mangroves, our guides encouraged us to home in on details both big and small - from a punk-rock iguana proudly sunning himself on the bank, to coin-sized jellyfish with crimped edges. The guides’ passion and knowledge was infectious, instilling in us an appreciation for our surroundings that went far beyond the resort’s undeniable dedication to offering guests unparalleled indulgence and luxury, and served as a reminder of its commitment to sustainability efforts and environmental stewardship. 

A Caribbean Sanctuary

With 2025 marking the resort’s 20th anniversary, the indulgence stakes were even higher than usual and, to mark the occasion, a new spa has been unveiled. Previously, the spa manager tells me, the space was designed along Swiss therapeutic lines - spa-appropriate, certainly, but not suggestive of the outside surroundings. Now, all inspiration has been drawn from the island itself, anchored to Caymanite, the semi-precious stone that’s found nowhere else but in the Cayman Islands. Its striated palette of pinkish-brown, cream and greenish-grey is mirrored throughout the spa, with local flora planted abundantly, and swooping, organic curves - such as in the walls and textured furnishings - adding a further softness to the design. Meanwhile, murals depict local botanicals in delicately colourful glory. 

Extending across 20,000 square feet, the spa has 16 treatment rooms, including three for couples. There are also four cold plunge pools, as well as steam rooms, saunas and relaxation areas. The whole area feels meditative and intentional without being overly earnest - I mean, how lovely to be offered Champagne, rather than mint tea, after my facial. 

And this, I think, is what the Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman does exceptionally well: a type of effortless blending; of seamlessness. Between inside and out, between indulgence and activity, between education and fun, between wellness and playfulness. It’s exactly the kind of well-rounded experience I intend to get behind again. 

For more information, visit The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman

BA Holidays has seven-night packages including return flights from £2,421 per person, based on two people sharing on a room only basis. Visit britishairways.com