Cayman Time » NinaZ

You sunk my battleship!

NinaZ — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 17:08:09 +0000

The Ministry and Department of Tourism in partnership with the Cayman Islands Tourism Association will witness the sinking of the USS Kittiwake, a battleship, that will soon reside on the north end of the infamous Seven Mile Beach, on Grand Cayman Island. This event is scheduled to transpire any day now, according to island sources.

With all of the above partnerships involved, make no mistake that this is part of a tourism effort to attract divers and snorkelers to the Island, as these wrecks make for unique and interesting dive sites. What is most interesting to me, is someone on the island is thinking “eco-friendly”. The sinking of U.S.S. Kittiwake is part of the artificial reef movement in the Caribbean, as it will join MV Captain Keith Tibbetts, a Russian Frigate sunk off the coast of Cayman Brac in 1996. Artificial reefs have been found very beneficial in promoting and restoring marine life.

Reports put this ship at 20 feet below the surface so even snorkelers can enjoy this new attraction. Just being on island and visiting the Reef and chatting-it-up with the resort’s watersports team, I discovered that you can take “power snorkeling” devices underwater for as long as you can hold your breath and power through the water. It would be amazing to see the U.S.S. Kittiwake via power snorkeling.

Of course, Grand Cayman, renowned for world class diving, will add this exclusive attraction to an array of impressive dive sites already found on the island. Did you know the East End of the island is pristine and reports state that new dive sites are being discovered monthly?

Fall is right around the corner, and rates to Grand Cayman are never better than in September or October. This could be your chance to get acquainted with the U.S.S. Kittiwake or the plethora of other dive sites that are yearning to be discovered.

Enjoy and let us know what you discover!

WestJet adds flights to Grand Cayman

NinaZ — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 16:10:22 +0000

Westjet Airlines, a Toronto based low-fare airline announced their 2010-2011 new routes and Grand Cayman has been added to the line-up. Travelers from Toronto will now be able to escape the cold and enjoy a tropical vacation in one of the worlds best Caribbean escapes, Grand Cayman.

Starting November 4, WestJet will fly three times a week to Grand Cayman. Flights will depart at 9:40 a.m./1:45 p.m and return at 2:35 p.m/6:30 p.m. and vacationers have a choice of leaving on Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday with introductory fares starting as low as $189.

The Reef Resort, is a the ideal choice for Toronto travelers looking for an all beachfront escape. The resort boasts the largest beachfront on the island, 1,600 square-feet, and has a cool beachfront bar; the Rusty Pelican serving up Caribbean-concocted island beverages. The resort also offers a wide-variety of water sports; new to the activity list is power snorkeling, add-in kayaking, surfing, paddle boarding wind surfing, sea hammocks and more, plus it’s East End location is a true Caribbean escape idyllic and authentic, untarnished from tourism development.

Even BudgetTravel.com is talking about our incredible deal!

NinaZ — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 22:42:23 +0000

We think the $99/night deal on our beautiful beachfront studios is unbelievable, and apparently so does everyone else. Featured on BudgetTravel.com as one of their “Real Deals,” these one-bedroom hideaways are proven perfect for couples or singles looking to relax at The Reef, enjoy the amazing amenities it has to offer and the authentic dining found on Grand Cayman’s East End.

Are you a single diver that hasn’t checked out the East End reefs yet? Or maybe you’re a young couple that wants to discover all the relaxation and culinary delights Grand Cayman has to offer. Either way, this deal is for you! If you’re new to the island and only require one room, why wouldn’t you book a beachfront studio at such an incredible low price? BudgetTravel.com says you should and so do we! Take our advice and grab hold of this “Real Deal”!

Have you voted for your favorite Caribbean Resort yet?

NinaZ — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 15:16:30 +0000

Caribbean Travel & Life is celebrating it’s 25 anniversary and is seeking votes from Caribbean enthusiasts from around the globe to weigh-in and cast their vote on their favorite places, to stay, play, eat, visit, adventure and more.

We, at The Reef Resort are asking all of our new and repeat guests alike to cast a vote for The Reef Resort. We know from our TripAdvisor posts that The Reef is a Cayman Island favorite and we hope your votes will show the world what we already know; The Reef Resort is truly a fun, low-key escape on the isolated East End of the island, offering affordable rates, a ton of family-friendly activities, great food some of the best island entertainment and more.

Thanks for the votes!

Loggerhead turtle was spotted at The Reef Resort

NinaZ — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 17:27:57 +0000

A loggerhead turtle has nested on the beach in front of Castaways. The eggs are due to hatch on or around the 14th August and will contain anywhere from 70-150 eggs.

The resort’s onsite team is constructing a bamboo fence around the nest to protect it, and as the eggs near their hatching time the bamboo fence will be removed on the ocean side to allow the little turtles access to the ocean and their “big adventures”. Those that survive to maturity could live to be over 100 years old.

The Reef wants to thank their guests in advance for begin vigilant and helping the resort follow all of the protocols to ensure these little turtles have every opportunity to grow and mature. National Geographic for Kids has an excellent video on turtle hatching.

This is an exciting time at The Reef Resort, and for guests yearning to participate in other “natural” adventures check out The Reef’s latest package “Simply Adventure Packages” for both teens and juniors alike.

Sex in the City 2 how about Boys, Beaches and Beers

NinaZ — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 19:33:35 +0000

Move over Carrie, Miranda, Samantha and Charlotte as The Reef Resort is hosting a brand new Boys, Beaches and Beers package for endless summer fun. Forget the mojitos as this guys getaway is an action-packed, testosterone-filled mancation choc’full of adventures. Muck it up in a Jeep, kite surf in the clear blue waters and unwind after power snorkeling or kayaking with a cool Caybrew (the local lager) and a Cuban cigar. The Reef Resort, is located on the undiscovered East End of Grand Cayman, offering guests the longest strip of beach on the island (1,600 sq. ft.), and all beachfront guestsuites.

The Guy Getaway package is an annual package based on quad occuapnacy and includes:
• 5 nights in a beachfront two-bedroom condo
• Jeep rental for entire stay
• Case of Caybrew lager in room upon arrival
• Premium Cuban cigars – one per guest
• 2 hour Kite surfing lesson with The Kitehouse Cayman
• Bioluminescent kayak tour for all four with The Kitehouse Cayman
• Power snorkeling with Whitesand Water Sports
• Summer 2010 (April 10th – December 20th) $US $899 per person based on quad occupancy.

Additional activities such as deep sea fishing, golf and/or scuba diving can be added to the package, additional pricing will apply. To learn more visit The Reef Resort or book online or call The Reef at toll free 1-888-232-0541.

USA Today Travel Tips Features Snorkeling in Grand Caymn

NinaZ — Wed, 19 May 2010 13:38:49 +0000

A recent feature posted on USA Today Travel Tips by demand|Media reported the many fabulous opportunities for travelers who love to snorkel. The article highlights the visibility aspects of snorkeling in Grand Cayman from 80 feet and even up to an astonishing 200 feet. Some of the sea life one might see; sea turtles, nurse sharks, octopi, noisy parrot fish, colorful sergeant majors, moray eels, spiny sea urchins, tarpons and other species all inhabit the local waters. Sponges, sea fans, and corals such as red reef fingers and brain corals encrust the reefs, underwater rocks and wrecks off the island.

Now did you know that The Reef Resort offers a modern twist to snorkeling? They do, and it’s called Power Snorkeling. Power snorkeling is simply a handheld device which uses electric powered dive propulsion vehicles (DPV’s) to propel guests effortlessly through the water exploring the magnificent undersea world in a new way.

Check out The Reef’s Power Snorkeling Safari Package just in time for summer fun:
• One hour guided snorkeling excursions (with a DPV pac)
• Trip to a secluded beach about ¾ of a mile away from The Reef
• Guided back down the coast stopping at the top snorkeling and fish holes in the area
• A glass of chilled fruit punch or chilled rum await guests
The rental cost for a DPV is CI$32.00 (US$40) per person and includes transportation, all snorkeling equipment, and a safety vest.

Snorkel season on Grand Cayman Island all year round! So pack your bags, and forget about packing your snorkel gear as we’ll have it ready when you arrive?

The Lowell Sun discovers the East End of Grand Cayman

NinaZ — Fri, 07 May 2010 18:09:55 +0000

The Lowell Sun, a Massachusetts based daily newspaper, features The Reef Resort in an article entitled, The Far Side. The writer focused on what we at The Reef Resort have known for years, The East End of Grand Cayman is like visiting Grand Cayman before the tourism boom of the 1960’s, remote, relaxed, and authentic. A place where delicious, down-home Caymanian fare can be enjoyed. Of course these attributes are what attract visitors to this plush side of the island. What keeps them coming back, well that’s a story for another day.

Enjoy the read!

Expedia releases the 2010 Insider’s Select Winners & The Reef Makes the Grade!

NinaZ — Tue, 04 May 2010 15:32:23 +0000

Expedia just released its 2010 Insiders’ Select and The Reef Resort makes the grade with a 4.6 overall satisfaction rating out of five. First, we want to thank all of our guests who voted for The Reef, and of course, hats off to the staff, which work hard everyday to make the guest experience the very best it can be.

The property itself also offers an exceptional vacation option as it’s East End location provides guests a tranquil escape, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the typical tourist scene, plus their 1,600 sq.-ft. beach offers snorkeling opportunities right off the beach. A guest favorite, power snorkeling, a motorized snorkeling experience.

This summer the resort is offering a variety of exceptional summer packages, and they’re offering the lowest rates – guaranteed. Also, guests don’t need to worry if they’ll have a room with a view as every guestrooms provide fabulous ocean views.

Come visit us this summer and see for yourself why The Reef is a top rated resort.

The Reef Resort offers a Cheat’en Husbands getaway

NinaZ — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 17:42:27 +0000

Is your husband or boyfriend a cheat? Do you feel like your partner belongs in the same rehab as Tiger Woods or were you blind-sided like Ms. Bullock? Dry your tears, round-up your girlfriends, and hop the next plane to Grand Cayman, as The Reef Resort, is offering an Cheat’en Husbands respite package. Enjoy a complimentary Men Are Pigs’cocktail upon check-in and relish the opportunity to send the ex a postcard from the village of Hell, Grand Cayman. Other package amenities include an island shopping discount and a manicure and pedicure. Another fun way to feel better is a T-shirt painting therapy workshop. Create a personalized t-shirt. Here are a few possible phrases to use: “men are scum,” “cheat’en is for losers,” just let your imagination soar, laugh, and have fun while enjoying the secluded, spacious beaches, coconut palms and the lapping of the waves. Cheatn’en Husband/Boyfriend package prices start at $445 per person for a party of four during the summer season and $595 per person during the winter season. Included is a four-night stay in a two-bedroom beachfront suite, a jeep rental and all the aforementioned goodies. When making a reservation, make sure to refer to the “Cheat’en Husband/Boyfriend Getaway” to gain all of the benefits.