Happy Holidays from everyone at theReef!

My answer, “Walmart”, but that’s just me. Until recently I hadn’t been off this little island called Grand Cayman in four long years and my vacation motto is “when your on vacation you have to do things you can’t do at home” for me that’s shopping as sadly there is no Walmart in Grand Cayman.

I realize that many of our guests live by my vacation motto too. Trying new things like visiting Stingray City, getting out on the water with kayaks or simply relaxing on the beach with a Cayman Lemonade (highly recommended by our guests from big cities!).

 But this year I finally did get off the rock, and besides shopping (lots of shopping!) my family and I went to the Smokey Mountains, to the forests and rivers of North Carolina and Tennessee. I must tell you first hand, that driving down a winding, twisting mountain road at night with nothing but your headlights on, is ten times scarier than any roller coaster ride I have ever been on. We went White Water Rafting and tubeing down a creek. As many of our blog readers know, Grand Cayman is really a small island, so we took advantage of the open American roads and embarked on a few road trips. Something you really can’t do on an island which is less than 100 square miles.

The majority of our staff here at theReef go home to visit family and friends; it can be difficult to be away from loved ones. Others go on road trips like I did, and some explore Cuba and nearby countries throughout the Caribbean & Central America.

We came back to Grand Cayman, our bags filled with bargains and hearts filled with memories. I returned with a renewed energy and enthusiasm ready to make sure you enjoy your vacation as much as we did ours!

At theReef our guests join us from all over the USA, Canada and Europe and many of our staff are from far away places too; that is I think makes Cayman so interesting, a culture combined from many continents, different cuisines and a wonderful history.

Being on vacation gave me insight as to what our guests at theReef need while they are on holiday, for me it was fun family time. So whether you are looking for an action packed family vacation or relaxing romantic vacation, stop by and see me at the concierge desk.

Even though our island is small there is still loads going on! 

- Cathy Richardson, Concierge

Away.comwriter Lena Katz explains that The Reef’s East End location makes for a laid-back atmosphere, saving guests from the cruise-ship crowds that occasionally flood the west side of the island. She doesn’t forget to mention The Reef’s 1,600-foot stretch of white sand, the largest of any resort beach on the island, and that all 152 condo-style rooms are beachfront, with a patio or balcony just inches away from the sand and sea.

The Reef’s Deluxe All-Inclusive package includes meals, premium drinks, up to an hour rental from the famous White Sand Water Sports team, plus snorkeling gear your entire stay. We also have slimmed-down all-inclusive options now, that you can view here.

The list includes Caribbean, Central America and North America locations. The Reef is among 14 Caribbean resorts that make the cut.

To see the The Reef’s listing as a Top All Inclusive Resorts on Away.com, click here. Don’t forget to give The Reef a “thumbs up” while looking over the full review!

Cayman Airways

As always, Cayman Airlines tickets include two free checked bags and complimentary rum punch! It’s just a hop-skip-and-a-jump from Miami International Airport, an easy 70 minute flight.

To book your Miami/Tampa airfare contact your travel professional or visit www.caymaniarways.com.

Complete your trip by booking an escape to theReef! Offering three all-inclusive options, dive packages and romantic getaways, there is a deal for everyone. Why not book a beachfront studio starting at just $99 a night!

With the most unique guarantees on the island, theReef will make sure you’re taken care of during your stay.

Check out www.thereef.com for accommodation options and www.caymandivingresort.com for more info on diving at theReef.

To book your perfect package, contact your travel agent. Book direct by emailing reservations@theReef.com or calling toll free on 1-888-232-0541.

An auction will be held to raise funds for culinary scholarships for underprivileged youth through the “Triumph Through Adversity” program. In the auction, The Reef will be donating a five-night stay in a one bedroom executive suite.

“Triumph Through Adversity” helps disenfranchised youth develop culinary skills that will empower them to learn, help them build productive lives and integrate them into Montreal’s community. We have our fingers crossed at The Reef that this will be a high-bidding item and raise significant funds for this wonderful program.

The event features high quality cuisine from many Caribbean chefs and destinations. After you eat, enjoy live music, island dance lessons, art, mini golf and even a casino for charity. And don’t forget to make it to the live auction to bid for a trip to The Reef!

If you are in the Montreal area, join the Taste of the Caribbean in the heart of Old Montreal from 3 to 12 a.m. for general admissions, 1:30 to 12 a.m. for VIP.

Tickets are available for general admission, $50, children tickets are $17, and $125 for VIP.

Visit http://www.atasteofthecaribbean.ca/festival.html or http://www.totc-festival.com for more information on this event.

The Toronto Outdoor Adventure Show provided visitors with information on adventure destinations. Guest visited canoe and kayak experts in the Whitewater Demo Pool, Scuba Demos in the dive tank, climbing wall or visited some exhibitors which ignited passions for biking, hiking and or running.

The Reef Resort offered visitors a chance to win a five night all inclusive stay at the Reef Resort in Grand Cayman. Our lucky winner was Mr. Drew Baker and here he is being presented with his prize from Tammy Van Zyl, from the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism. Upon receiving his prize Mr. Baker said ,” We are sure looking forward to this trip. We are so lucky!”

We look forward to welcoming Mr. Baker to the Reef soon.

A few of us at The Reef recently noticed a small production crew filming a movie on the island.  The crew has been working with local dive shops to capture gorgeous underwater footage unique to Grand Cayman.

So, what movie are they filming? Dolphin Tale – an inspirational film crew about the friendship between an 11 year-old boy and a dolphin named Winter, whose tail was lost in a crab trap.  Based on a true story, the family film highlights Winter’s struggle, as the boy rallies friends and family to save her life with the creation of a prosthetic attachment used to restore her ability to swim.

Staring Academy Award winner Morgan Freeman, recording artist and actor Harry Connick Jr., award-winning actress Ashley Judd, and music and movie legend Kris Kristofferson, Dolphin Tale is set to release in 3-D this fall!

Click here for more information about the film.

For your own wildlife fix on Grand Cayman, The Reef offers power snorkeling and sail snorkel adventure tours through White Sands Water Sports.

What’s on your winter wish list?

Manufactured at the Cayman Islands Brewery, Caylight received a Gold CAB Award.  Caybrew, the original brand launched by the Cayman Islands Brewery, won the Bronze.  In an impressive battle, both brands beat out larger competitors such as Red Stripe, Piton, Banks, Carib and many others.

A six-member panel judged the CAB awards.  International industry experts from the US, Germany, Belgium and the UK, and two members of the general public evaluated the beer against four criteria – appearance, aroma, taste and overall Impression.

Come dangle your toes in the sand and sip a cold award-winning Caybrew at our beachside bar, the Rusty Pelican.