Deltahave just announced a new direct flight from JFK, New York to GCM, Grand Cayman. To celebrate they are offering a fantastic introductory fare from just $119 each way!
The flight operates on a Saturday schedule, starting June 12, 2010.
So why not get on that plane and escape the hustle and bustle and cold weather and relax on theReef’s 1600ft white sand beach overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The perfect location for that family vacation or romantic getaway.
Imagine yourself here…. 
Yesterday January 19th at about 9:23am Grand Cayman felt a little rumble, a tiny earthquake centered a few miles off of Bodden Town magnitude 5.8.
I was in the Cayman Concierge shop telling guests about the Barefoot Man show and felt a slight rolling feeling; I paused and said “that feels like an earthquake” but by then it was over and we resumed looking at the menu options. That’s all it was, nothing fell off the shelves, the water in my fish bowl barley even moved, and no one even ran out the lobby. When I walked the beach that afternoon many guests didn’t even realize there was a tremor. Others said it felt like someone kicked their chair, a slight bump in the earth compared to the giant jolt felt by our neighbors to the east. Now there are stories to tell and the internet is abuzz with “did you feel it, and where were you??”
So it will be a blurb in the history books, just a note to remember this day.
The last quake to hit the island was in 2004 and that was 6.8 a slightly bigger rumble, but now, like yesterday’s quake, just a story to tell, no drama, no tragedy’s (thank goodness) just a bit of excitement, the day when the ground shook for 3 seconds or so in January 2010.
- Cathy Richardson, Concierge
Taste of Cayman now in its 22ndyear, is the Cayman Islands national food festival. Since moving home in 2009 to the recently developed Camana Bay, the festival has grown with over 60 vendors participating in 2010 and now includes an international wine tasting element.
Taste of Cayman is an opportunity for local restaurateurs to showcase local Caribbean and international cuisine, reaching an audience of over 4000 people! Each vendor has tasting booths set up to allow people to have a “taste” of local fares.
This year, theReef will be showcasing at Taste of Cayman with our very own Head Chef Robert. He will be cooking his Cajun chicken pasta, using his own blend of herbs and spices. Chef Robert thought carefully about his choice of dish and he said “I hope it reflects our international menu at theReef.” There will also be a chance to enter our prize draw for a Romantic break at theReef.
The festival is truly a family event with activities for kids including arts and crafts and even kid friendly food. For those looking to chill out and relax, head over to the “Mojito Lounge” featuring Bacardi’s top mixologists.
Further to Taste of Cayman, January has been announced as the Cayman Islands Culinary Month, with additional events held around the islands such as the Barefoot Brunch, Charity Wine Dinner and flair-bartending competition. This event joins the long list of fantastic events held in the Cayman Islands throughout the year.
Proceeds from all events across culinary month support the non-profit Cayman Islands Tourism Association and their partner charities, such as the Lighthouse School for disabled children.
There is plenty to see, taste and do at Taste of Cayman 2010! Tickets for Reef guests are available from our concierge team.
It’s Pirates Week again and the Reef Resort is ready.
Grab your hat & sword and join our excursions to the East End, North Side and George Town District Days.
Cayman is full of history and guests can learn the fine art of rope making, thatching, fire pan smoking, coconut oil making and how to knit a fish net. There will be exhibits on how Cayman used to be - in the days when the only way you could get from East End to George Town was by Donkey or Mule on a dirt road!
Of course the best part of any district day in my opinion, is the food, East End heavy cake, fry fish and fritters, fish tea, mango jam and guava jelly, rice and peas, festival bread and of course jerk chicken, just to name a few. Often cooked by women older than your grandma who know how food should taste. Just writing about it makes my mouth water. After dark the music starts and the dancing begins, and boy can the locals dance, and of course there will be Pirates everywhere, because when it comes to drinking and dancing Pirates know how to have fun.
So join us, wear a pirate costume and prepare to have fun.
- Cathy , Concierge
We are excited to announce that Peter Stetina has confirmed his entry to the November 22nd Reefathlon event, where he will be gunning for the $1000 prize for breaking the open course record.
Cayman cyclists are reminded that not only are we offering $1000 for breaking the open course record, but if the Cayman course record falls, the local record holder will also receive a special prize. Always seeking to motivate the top local cyclists, and by popular demand, the prize for breaking the local course record will be a) a one night VIP stay at The Reef, along with b) US$250 cash.
Peter will be staying at The Reef for the weekend on his own “beach bike break” and will take part in a relaxed and social group ride around the course at 3pm on Saturday November 21st, all Reefathlon guests and friends of cycling are invited to join in!
Check out www.reefathlon.com for event details, as well as Peter’s bio!
Another great excuse to visit us here at the Reef in Grand Cayman! Last week we brought you news of AA’s beach sale, this week we are bringing you news from our very own carrier - Cayman Airways.
Cayman Airways has just announced that on selected flight to Grand Cayman, the third checked bag is free!
Great news for all those from Florida state as this offer applies to flights from Miami or Tampa to Grand Cayman.
With a third bag checked free you are limitless!! Pack your tennis racket and get out on the court, pack your snorkel gear and take to the reef or just bring a bikini for every day of the week!
Remember we have a wide range of activities on offer at the Reef ranging from snorkeling, kayaking, volleyball, basketball to simple relaxation on our 1600ft white sand beach! Idyllic! 
Calling all Lance Armstrong wannabe’s to The Reef Resort, Grand Cayman for the first ever Reefathlon. Get geared-up for a 19-mile ride on the East End of the island, which is undiscovered and uncrowded, perfect for a hobbyist, a fierce competitor and/or a beginner seeking race experience. On the other hand, if you’re a cyclist looking to support the greater good, join us, as this race assists the Cayman Islands Cancer Society with a percentage of the proceeds being donated locally to help islanders fight and win.
Cyclists will race a 19-mile loop, of which 14-miles of the race are oceanfront and include a category three hill. Cyclists will enjoy jaw-dropping views of turquoise oceans, complete with breezes to keep you cool and challenged. There will also be many points-of-interest along the route, for a scenic and stimulating ride.
The Reef Resort, has successfully launched its non-motorized sports program and the Reefathlon is an extension of this program and a natural fit. Simplicity, adventure escapes, and green activities are the mantra of the resort and the Reefathlon supports this philosophy and allows guests to enjoy some of the best the island has to offer.
Visit www.thereef.com/reefathlon or call 888.714.2309 for travel details.
Summer is disappearing and the dream of a summer vacation adventure is about to dissapear as well, or is it. Today is the day to book a tropical vacation as many beach resorts are offering huge discounts. If you are looking for a quick escape look to book a destination that has direct flights or is a short flight away to maximize vacation time. One of the most popular and accessible Caribbean getaways on the East Coast is Grand Cayman Island, a unique island offering guests a cosmopolitan stay on 7-mile beach, or an undiscovered adventure on the East End.
Please Google 7-mile beach as so many have written about this end of the island. This story takes you to the undiscovered East End, and a visit to The Reef Resort, a idyllic beachfront property located right smack on the beach. What makes the East End undiscovered? It’s far removed from the hustle and bustle of seven mile beach, the cruise ships don’t dock on this side of the island eliminating the swarms of day-tourists which equates to wide-open beaches, less crowded snorkeling, diving sites, restaurants and more. And, the East End has more of a local vibe, a visit to Vivine’s Kitchen, or the beaches at Rum Point, and resorts like The Reef, where locals gather at the bar to enjoy nightly entertainment, catch up on island life and sip a Caybrew, making the East End of the island very special place.
The Reef Resort understands its place and is offering a new summer adventure package, Simply Summer Adventure a five-night package bookable through December 18, blackout dates September 5-18, and is priced for two travelers in a studio suite. The package also offers a five-day snorkel rental, a five-day midsize car rental (insurance not included) a two-hour paddle board lesson, and a one-hour “power snorkeling” trip, and a Blue Iguana Tour at the Queen Elizabeth II Botanical Park, (The Reef just adopted Tootsie, and yes, he is a Dustin Hoffman wannabe, he even has is own fan page on Facebook). Plus, the resort will donate $25 US for each package booked to help save these critically engendered species. Additional on-site activities include; bicycling, water polo, tennis, volleyball and more for a steal-of-a-deal of $290 a night including taxes. The Reef also offers adventure packages for families call 866 714-2309 or email reservations at reservations@thereef.com.
It’s like clockwork, Mother Nature just announced the 2009 hurricane season, and Tropical Storm Andres was the first tropical storm of the season brushing across Mexico’s Pacific coast.
The Reef Resort in Grand Cayman is in the Hurricane Belt, but more often than not, this season offers one of the calmest, most tranquil times of the whole year. It’s truly an Indian summer escape as summer vacations are a distant memory, the beaches less crowded and a native vibe takes hold again. The weather patterns that occasionally spawn a storm in the Atlantic and Caribbean also bring weeks of light, balmy southeasterly breezes, and calm seas, which are excellent for kite surfing, diving and snorkeling. Power snorkeling anyone?
The Reef also understands that guests will want to have some type of guarantee when traveling this time of the year, and is happy to offer a “Simply No Worries” guarantee, * which protects travelers for any cancellations prior to a trip. Guests holding a confirmed reservation who are unable to travel to The Reef because of the closing of the Grand Cayman airport or the resort have the following options:
In the unlikely event that the island does experience inclement weather and guests who are on a rental reservation and are evacuated for safety reasons or would like to depart early due to a potential hurricane threat, will be offered the option of either:
*Bookings made not with the Reef directly may be non-refundable and the Reef may not be able to reverse payment.
Hurry deal ends June 26
Cayman Airlines just announced a buy-one, get-one deal. Book a round trip ticket on Cayman Airlines and your companion flies free. Of course there is a catch, must be booked by June 26, with travel through September 30, 2009. To check out your options, contact a travel professional, call 1-800-4CAYMAN (800-422-9626), or visit www.caymanairways.com today. This offer is a perfect pairing with The Reef’s Simply Summer Savings package or the over-the-top Chili Cook Off festival, both are great value vacations to begin with, but the Cayman Airlines deal makes it oh-so-sweet!
It takes a village, well in this case, a few million women and their girlfriends to jump-start the travel economy. It seems the folks at Fine Living Network, Gutsy Women Travel and The Women’s Travel Club can all agree on one thing, women are traveling and they are traveling smart, read more here; http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap_travel/20090217/ap_tr_ge/travel_trend_economy.
The Reef Resort, Grand Cayman has always been gal-pal friendly; remember last year’s Cheatin’ Husbands package complete with a trip to hell? This year, the resort wanted to focus on escaping from today’s gloom and doom so they created an Escape from the Everyday – Gal Pal Adventure, read on for more details. Are you and your gal pals seeking a fun new adventure? An escape from the everyday? The folks at The Reef Resort designed a new package to inspire you to take a risk, try something new and of course, relax a bit. Four nights (4) in a beachfront 2-bedroom suite, jeep rental, snorkel gear and snorkel map, paddle board lesson, Stingray City trip with snorkel stop, one-hour windsurf/paddleboard/kayak session per person per day, unlimited bicycle use, 50 minute massage, a manicure and pedicure at the new Le Soleil Spa, and chilled glass of champagne upon arrival. Package is priced at $700 per person, and is available from April 19 – December 20, 2009.
A Profusion of Weird and Interesting travel stats have been released from TripAdvisor
TripAdvisor announced its airline and airports survey of more than 1,500 U.S. respondents. Fifty-one percent of travelers plan to fly between one to four times in the next 12 months, and 45 percent will fly five times or more in the coming year.
Checked bags are the most annoying airline fee, according to 54 percent of U.S. respondents. Sixty percent of travelers said they factor checked fees into their overall airline ticket price. However, 36 percent have been surprised by the cost of checked baggage fees upon arrival at the airport. Nineteen percent said they always carry-on a bag to avoid additional fees, while 39 percent often do.
Fifty-three percent of respondents said they have tried to swap their airline seat for a better one after boarding a flight. Thirty-one percent of travelers get frustrated when another in-flight passenger asks them to switch seats with their travel companion. Eighty-five percent have been asked to switch seats in the past.
When asked about their seating preference, 53 percent of travelers prefer the aisle, while 42 percent would rather have a window seat. Forty percent of travelers said when selecting their seat, they request the emergency exit row.
Sixty-five percent of travelers are aware that flying first or business class allows them to avoid most airline fees. Sixty percent have tasted the high life and flown first class, 43 percent have bumped up to business class and 22 percent have upgraded to a premium seat outside first or business class. When it comes to paying for higher class seats, 63 percent said they received a free upgrade from the airline. The favorite thing about flying in a premium class is the bigger seat, according to 64 percent of travelers.
Only six percent of travelers said they purchase food on a flight. Fifty percent said they typically satisfy their hunger at the airport, and 37 percent bring food from home.
When asked what factors they would not be willing to endure for a significantly cheaper flight, 75 percent of U.S. respondents pooh-poohed the idea of coin-operated restrooms on planes.
Travelers have experienced some unfortunate behavior from their seatmates on flights, below are the lowlights:
Travelers are willing to splurge for a more expensive flight for the following top three factors: Convenient departure/arrival times (69 percent), non-stop flights (67 percent), and good experiences with the airline in the past (44 percent.)
“It’s apparent that travelers are frustrated about checked bag charges and are looking for more clarity when it comes to domestic airline fees,” said Michele Perry, vice president of global communications for TripAdvisor. “By using TripAdvisor’s new flight search and fees estimator, travelers get the whole picture on the cost of a flight and can take advantage of some excellent flight deals to stretch their vacation dollars farther.”
The Glamorista’s at LA’s Style Unveiled ranks the perfect 10 honeymoon spots worldwide
The Cayman Islands make the grade!
The folks at The Reef Resort, Grand Cayman didn’t need an e-magazine to tell them their island is one of the most perfect honeymoon spots in the world, but they relish the recognition and accolade. Here is a blurb from the article, “The Cayman Islands are voted on of the most beautiful places to visit in the world. Made up of three islands, Grand, Little and Cayman Brac in the western Caribbean they have quickly become known as the three pieces of paradise.” Click to read more: http://lastyleunveiled.com/thelounge/2009/3/18/perfect-10-honeymoon-spots.html
Not only is the island a honeymoon paradise it is a popular destination wedding paradise as well. As many airlines cutback their services to the Caribbean, Grand Cayman has seen an increase, this is a testament to its popularity. Today airlines in the northeast and a few mid west hubs offer direct flights to Grand Cayman: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, New York, Miami, Tampa, Washington D.C. and more. In fact, over 12,000 seats are available each week to the island making it affordable and easy for family and friends to book.
A tip to brides. Did you know Grand Cayman offers some of the world’s best vendors due to the island’s financial prowess? The financial community that has been a mainstay of the island for decades attracting some of the world’s best photographers, caters, florists and more. Brides who are lucky enough to book a wedding (as the resort offers a one wedding a day guarantee) will work with on site wedding coordinator; Linda Locke who has a very fat Rolodex with her favorite vendors, all of which are happy to assist in every aspect of your special wedding day.
As the economy slogs along the folks at The Reef Resort, understands that a destination wedding
needs to be magical, yet affordable, and to that end the resort is offering a variety of all inclusive wedding package for 2009. The packages vary in price points and amenities; Barefoot, Blissfully Cayman and Caymanite Paradise, but each offer a totally romantic, intimate and off-the-beaten path wedding on the largest beach on the island (1,600 sq.-ft.), all beachfront suites with oceanfront views. Forgot to mention their new food and beverage manager who has a deep knowledge of the industry and used to own his own place on the island. The new bartenders are entertaining, cocktail devotees and make one heck of a drink!
Visit the resorts wedding site; www.thereef.com/en/weddings/index.html to review the resort’s wedding testimonials and see why the accolades from LA Style Unveiled were no surprise, as couple after couple comment on what a magical place the island is and what a great place The Reef Resort is to host a destination wedding.
As part of our efforts here at The Reef to apply our resources to helping environmental initiatives, we had our web team redo the Blue Dragon trail pages that seemed to have somehow got lost in the ether a while back.
This should shortly be linked directly from the pages of the Blue Iguana programme, but for now you can find the Blue Dragon Trail pages directly here.
One thing we added was the ability to print a pdf of the map so you can easily get ready to do the self-guided tour yourself once you arrive on island…. a great way to explore it.. get the kids to “capture” all the dragons on their camera !
Christmas lights are a big thing here in Cayman as houses compete for pride on the best displays and most unique ones. Several large houses even allow the general public access into their property to view their massive displays.
Every year as well, George Town Harbour is decorated with Christmas Lights bringing a feeling of Christmas throughout the capital.
The annual Stingray Awards ceremony took place on November 29, 2008. These awards are given to the top performers in The Cayman Islands Tourism Industry . The Reef Resort had our own hospitality superstars nominated this year for various awards:
I’m a proud swim parent and (in my spare time!) am working to turn the Cayman Aquatic Centre (including 50m pool) from dream to reality.
A core part of that dream is to “waterproof” Cayman’s kids, and that means ALL of Cayman’s kids.
In the Eastern Districts there is (until the new Frank Sound High School is built) nowhere for primary school children to learn to swim.
We’ve therefore done our part at theReef to help, with North Side primary school being taught in the larger pool at theReef two mornings a week.
This is noted in today’s Cayman Compass , including a picture I took last week as I saw the school bus parked by the pool one morning.. boy, those kids were having way too much fun !
After i returned my bottles i was offered a free pint of draft Caybrew from the free sample area they have set-up inside. While enjoying my brew i was offered a free tour of both the recycling area and the actual brewery itself. How could i say no!
I walked through the warehouse area where pallets of this delicious beverage were being prepped for delivery to all the local bars.
My next stop was at the recycling part of the factory where i got to see what happens to those little green bottles and how they are cleaned. Kudos to the Caybrew team as that machine is top of the top and assures the quality of the reused bottles.
After my look at the cleaning area i then walked through the brewing area where the barley, malts, and water combine to make the drink. Walking in, one is initially hit by the strong smell of malt and the heat of the room. This is certainly where the magic happens.
After about 5 minutes of learning the step by step process that goes into brewing the beer, i exited the factory and made my way back to the reception area.
My advice is to give Caybrew a try as it is great tasting and very refreshing.
Fishing off Government Cut, Miami on the 33-foot ‘Bouncer’s Dusky’, the team battled for more than five hours to bring the fish into the boat. The feat took every ounce of skill – and strength – by the experienced team, which included sword-fishing legend Captain Bouncer Smith, Captain Steve Huddleston and John Herndon.
Not only did the fish clinch the ‘Hydroglow Summer Swordfish Slam’ tournament, but it is also believed to be the biggest swordfish caught in Florida waters for more than a quarter of a century.
“The world’s largest Swordfish tournament now can say, to the best of our knowledge, that it has weighted the heaviest sword to be caught in a tournament,” said Tournament President Drew Kettlehutt.
“It’s the fish of a lifetime,” said an exhausted King Flowers who was back in Grand Cayman ahead of this weekend’s Cayman Swordfish Challenge.
“This is the fish that everyone talks about but somehow always gets away.”
The fish grabbed a day-drop sword rig at around 2,000 feet while it was being set, just an hour after the tournament began. Because of the powerful currents, it took some half hour for Captain Bouncer Smith to figure out that it was a fish, and not the bottom, that they’d hooked.
Using 80lb test line on a 70lb Penn International reel, the team managed to get the fish close to the boat within about 45 minutes.
“It circled around us at 25 miles-per-hour and we got a good look at it,” Mr Flowers said. “We couldn’t believe its size – like a sunken boat.”
The fish then sounded and, as the fight dragged on, a powerful thunderstorm closed in the boat.
“With every lightning strike, the fish pushed deeper, but it was like a submarine, steady and unstoppable, like nothing I’d ever hooked before,” Mr Flowers added.
More than five hours after hooking up, they had the massive fish within 200 feet of the boat – this after a virtual stalemate where line was gained only by quarter turns of the reel.
It was now that the experience of the brilliant Captain Bouncer Smith began to pay off and, with a combination of instruction and boat-handling skill, they were able to work the fish to within gaffing distance.
“It took five gaffs and, eventually, a tail rope, but even then he mashed the transom with his huge tail and slapped Steve Huddleston across the deck with his bill,” Mr Flowers said.
Beyond exhaustion, the crew then had to gather enough strength to get the monster into the boat.
“In 42 years as a full time fishing guide, I have never taken part in a fight with a tougher fish,” Mr Smith said.
Mr Flowers recalls that, on leaving the dock for the evening’s fishing, Captain Bouncer had predicted they would “hook up early, boat a 425 and go to the scales early”.
“So I missed by 120 pounds; it must be a fuzzy crystal ball,” Mr Flowers said.
The team is now looking ahead to the Cayman Swordfish Challenge, the second annual tournament which takes place this Saturday and Sunday, 28 and 29 June. As with the last year’s inaugural tournament, Captains Bouncer Smith and Steve Huddleston and the other top names in Florida sword-fishing will be here to offer their training and guidance to Cayman’s anglers.
“These guys simply know their stuff,” Mr Flowers said. “I thought so before, but having seen them in the ultimate battle, I can attest to it. We’re incredibly lucky to have them here for the Challenge.”
Mr Flowers urges any angler with a dream of landing a swordfish to get involved. The tournament kicks off on Friday, 27 June at 6:30 pm with registration and fishing masterclass at the Brasserie Conference Centre, Cricket Square.
In simpler days, before Cayman was both a huge tourism and financial sector, pretty much all of the food had to be grown locally as there was not alot of food importation taking place here on the island. From this, many staple crops of the traditional Caymanian diet were formed.
As the soil in Cayman was and is still not generally regarded as the best for mass food production, many people grew crops that could weather both the harsh heat and dry ground. Foods like Cassava, Breadfruit, Sweet potatoes, plantains and Pumpkin were high in starch and locally known as “breadkind”.
These crops tend to fill you up longer and as i stated earlier do not need alot of maintenance. These foods are in practically all authentic Caymanian Dishes you can try. From Cassava cakes to Rundown(Fish Dinner) these crops reflect not only the food culture of Cayman but its people as well.
There were designated areas for food and drinks where you could get local dishes like Turtle Stew, Conch Stew, and of course adult beverages.
