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

The man behind the drive for electric vehicles in Cayman (no pun intended!), is Mr. John Felder. Mr. Felder has been working on this project in Cayman for six years and earlier this year he sold the first electric vehicle, a Chevy Volt, to Caribbean Utilities Company (CUC). These charging stations are the first of its kind in the Caribbean and theReef is very proud to support this innovative green movement.

At the moment 14 solar panel chargers are planned for Grand Cayman, including the station at theReef. The chargers have wind-resistant solar panels which will form a canopy over the car (bonus your car is kept shaded too). Surplus energy will also be fed back into Cayman’s national grid.

You can read more about Mr. John Felder’s plans for electric cars in Cayman here.

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.

 TheReef is proud to announce that 5 of our very own have been nominated for these prestigious awards! And theReef’s nominees are…

• Linera Grant - Accommodations Employee of the Year
• Eadaoin Douglas – Restaurant Manager of  the Year
• Constantiono “Tony” Vailoces – Restaurant Employee of the Year
• Sarah-Jane Whitehill – Rising Star in Tourism Award
• Michelle Hayes – Long Service/Special Contribution Award

On Tuesday 9^th November, the nominees will attend an awards dinner held at the Marriott Beach Resort on Seven Mile Beach.

 We wish them all the best of luck! Check back here to find out if our Reef Stars are winners.

September is a wonderful season on Grand Cayman. All of the summer travelers have long gone, while all of the Reef’s activities are in full swing, and the temperatures are a balmy 80° while water temperatures range from 78°F to 82°F in the fall and beyond. With so many direct flights from New York, Atlanta, Charlotte, Miami, and Houston and the Reef’s $99 rate, this might be the perfect time of year to come, see, and experience the magic of Grand Cayman!

A big thank-you to the New York Post!

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!

Well, there are a number of cool critters who share the beach with us– many of which make some pretty unusual tracks! The Department of Environment has shared some pictures with theReef to help you figure out who’s who!

Loggerhead Turtle Tracks

Green Turtle Tracks

Happy beach combing!