Grand Cayman Family Retreat

by Francine Brokaw

Grand Cayman is truly a family vacation spot. There are plenty of activities to keep everyone happy, and yes, if you just want to rest and relax by the pool or on the beach, you can do that too.

The Cayman Turtle Farm houses more than 16,000 Green Sea Turtles, and you know how much kids enjoy touching animals. The Butterfly Farm has butterflies from all around the world, and the guide will explain how a butterfly is "born," from a tiny egg to beautiful butterfly. And, the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park is great for nature lovers, but don't be surprised to see a blue iguana from the Blue Iguana Recovery Program keeping you company. Schools from all around have adopted these animals, and after seeing them you might want to ask your child's school to take part in the program. For equestrian lovers, Pampered Ponies will guide you along a serene stretch of beach where you can enjoy the sand and the surf. These are full size horses, and are appropriately selected for you and your child.

If you prefer not to stay on dry land, take a fun catamaran trip out to Stingray City to snorkel with the stingrays. Kids will particularly enjoy watching these amazing fish swim around their legs. How about kayaking through the mangroves? Life vests are provided for everyone when Bob and Luca at Cayman Kayaks guide you on one of three different tours. Ages 6+ are welcome, but make sure your child can sit for the 1-2 hour trip. And, if you want to see the underwater life without getting wet, families can share the wonders of the ocean in the comfort of the Atlantis Submarine.

The water around the island, although beautiful in color, doesn't provide the wave action we are used to. Should your child crave surfing or miss skateboarding, the Black Pearl Skate and Surf Park will ease their hankering. Cowabunga!

So, now that you've experienced the island on the ground and in the water, what else is there? Jerome at Cayman Islands Helicopters can fly you around to see everything from a new vantage point.

As for staying on the island, the new Ritz-Carlton resort was created for ultimate luxury. High Tea is offered on request, Saturday and Sunday, and a special Teddy Bear Tea on holidays and special occasions lets children enjoy the fun ritual. Also for kids, the "Ambassadors of the Environment" program was created with the assistance of Jean-Michel Cousteau and his Ocean Futures Society. Kids have several activities from which to choose, and if you decide to have a night on the town, you can pay an hourly rate after 9 PM for supervised sitting. Snorkeling, hiking, sailing, wall climbing, and other activities combine to make this a magnificent way for kids (divided into ages 4-7 and 8-18) to enjoy their vacation.

The Westin Casuarina Resort and Spa is a great location for the entire family. Merinda (at the Kids Club) entertains your children with day and night camps, providing kids with food and fun. And, on Friday nights, Ferdinand's restaurant has a fun Pirate Buffet, with indoor and outside dining. Can you say delicious? The Hyatt has Camp Hyatt for kids, ages 3-12, where they can explore and have fun in a supervised environment. There are day and night camps to suit your busy island schedule.

Unlike many of the other islands in the Caribbean, Grand Cayman is a fairly safe place to be. You won't have people coming up to you on the street begging for money or soliciting you to purchase anything. I did not see one piece of graffiti, and believe me when I tell you that we scoured every inch of that place! It is clean, friendly and welcoming.

For more information, go to www.caymanislands.ky.