This #TravelTuesday, we’re setting sail for the Cayman Islands which will host our annual Coterie Retreat this December 4th-7th, 2023!
Located in the western region of the Caribbean Sea, the Cayman Islands offer an exquisite escape for couples seeking romance, culture, and adventure. Made up of three main islands including Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Cayman, each location adds its own unique flair to the destination.
Couples can exchange vows on the bluffs of Cayman Brac, sail away to Little Cayman’s Owen Island for an intimate, private-island experience, and hop on a quick 30-minute flight to Grand Cayman for a stay at one of the island’s many luxurious accommodations.
Honeymooners can spend the rest of their days delving into local culture while shopping at Heritage House Craft Market, exploring coral reefs, shipwrecks, and sea life while scuba diving, and immersing themselves in nature at Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park.
The possibilities for romance, exploration, and adventure are endless here… A blissful dream of island splendor awaits!
To learn more about what Cayman has to offer, we chatted with Gary Hendricks-Dominguez, the Deputy Director for International Marketing Promotions for the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism (CIDOT).
With his passion for tourism and his own Caymanian roots, Gary provides exclusive insight into Cayman’s post-pandemic recovery, explains how Cayman continues to embrace and celebrate multicultural couples, and shares what makes the island unique.
From upcoming festivals and events to fresh food, culture, and gorgeous ocean views, the Cayman Islands will not disappoint! Keep scrolling below for more on this beautiful destination. And, if we’ve already piqued your interest, make sure to register for this year’s Coterie Retreat in the Cayman Islands!
- Destination: The Cayman Islands
- Population: 69,378 (Source: World Population Review)
*All featured images & videos are Courtesy of The Cayman Islands Tourism Board.
Cayman’s post-pandemic comeback:
While the pandemic affected everyone in the Caribbean, something Gary, and the CIDOT team noticed in their research was that weddings (particularly destination weddings) were of interest.
“Everyone was having weddings over Zoom, but destinations made a comeback. People waited to make sure they could have their wedding in the perfect location… [Cayman!]”.
As Cayman was one of the last regions to re-open, Gary admits there is a lot of work to do to educate and remind people that the Cayman Islands is the place to host their destination weddings and honeymoons.
“We opened in August (2022),” Gary shares, “and now that we’re back, and fully opened, all the airlines are back. It’s easy to come to the Cayman Islands. We continue to work with our industry to understand how the landscape has changed. Making sure that we educate the bride and the planners as well as what’s available in Cayman.”
According to Gary, in the wake of lockdowns and travel restrictions, there is still a good mix of both intimate and grand weddings happening on the island.
“Everyone has experienced the pandemic differently,” he says. “We were all locked up together. But the pandemic has changed the things that we would prioritize. A lot of people have chosen more intimate weddings, but we also have people choosing bigger weddings because they missed the opportunity for crowds and gatherings. So I’d say it’s not the same, but it’s balanced. It’s a very personal thing in how people want to experience life after Covid.”
In Cayman, multicultural tourism continues to be an integral piece of the island’s story.
“When you say multicultural, it’s all shades,” Gary explains. “When it comes to representation, we are always making sure that the audience we are talking to is a part of the Cayman Islands story.”
Gary notes this larger narrative of inclusivity is achieved through listening, learning, and ongoing understanding. “We continue to share and stay connected to our multicultural audience.”
Cayman’s dedication to representation and diversity is vitalized through the countless events, festivals, and retreats hosted on the island.
From networking and educational events (like MunaLuchi’s upcoming Coterie Retreat for multicultural wedding vendors!), to health and wellness Yoga Retreats, and music festivals like Out of this World Music Fest (featuring Patrice Roberts, Sean Paul, and Busta Rhymes), and Capella Music Festival with LeAnn Rimes, UB40, Koffee, and more, Cayman’s entertainment space has greatly evolved over the past year. The result is an exciting mix of cultures connected through shared passions, music, and love.
It doesn’t matter what you’re looking for, we want to make sure we have something there for you.
– Gary Hendricks-Dominguez
Cayman’s own traditions and annual cultural events are another major draw to the island, inviting visitors to learn new things and live like a local.
Visitors can mix and mingle with Caymanians at Cayfest (a.k.a. The Cayman Islands National Festival of the Arts) to celebrate local artists, music, and culture.
The three main events of this annual celebration include the National Arts and Culture Awards, Dress For Culture Day, and the Red Sky at Night Festival.
Explore Historical landmarks like Pedro St. James Castle.
Dubbed “Pedro Castle” by locals, Pedro St. James Castle is one of the oldest stone structures in the Cayman Islands.
Built by slaves in 1780 under wealthy Englishman, William Eden, the building has been used in various ways. From a cotton plantation, courthouse, jail, and Government Assembly, the building has stood the test of time.
Today, in its restored state, the building remains a dynamic historical landmark of Caymanian heritage.
Immerse yourself in nature and history at Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park.
The Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park is a unique blend of natural beauty, culture, and history. Visitors can enjoy the simple elegance of a traditional Caymanian garden with the startling beauty of an exotic floral display. The park is also the site of the Blue Iguana Conservation Facility!
Support the sea turtles at Cayman’s Turtle Center.
Lovers of marine life will be overjoyed to learn about Cayman Island’s seat turtle conservation efforts at the Cayman Turtle Center. Visitors can take a tour of the grounds, hear presentations on marine wildlife, watch bird feedings, or swim with turtles (or sharks!) in a lagoon full of colorful marine life!
Converse with locals while shopping at Heritage House Craft Market.
Located in downtown George Town, this unique shopping experience lets locals and travelers converge and connect over custom handmade goods and products.
Stand-out items for sale include one-of-a-kind jewelry made from local materials like seeds, beans, conch shells, and polished coconuts! Island fashion for sale includes woven thatch hats and bags, woodcarvings, and paintings. Local vendors sell spices, jellies, jams, and more!
Caymanian crafters who employ some of the oldest known skills in the Cayman Islands bring their wares to this little market by the sea. It has become an integral part of the tourism product and is enjoyed by tens of thousands of visitors each year!
– Cayman Islands Tourism Board
Learn the history of the islands at the Little Cayman Museum.
The Little Cayman Museum helps preserve, protect, and share the cultural heritage of the Cayman Islands with visitors from around the world. Historical artifacts, publications, and more on the history and preservation of the island can be found here.
No matter what culture you’re from, food is always important.
– Gary Hendricks-Dominguez
Known as the “Culinary Capital of the Caribbean”, Cayman’s rich culinary expertise is a true Sea to Fork experience!
In October of last year, Cayman launched Restaurant Month to celebrate local restaurants and Caymanian cuisine. The annual event “bring[s] good food and good people, together.”
In 2022, over 35 restaurants took part in this event and provided amazing 3-course lunches served for a fraction of the cost. Notable Caymanian dishes to try include Conch Stew, Johnny Cake (a small, deep-fried battered bread), Jerk Chicken, Cayman-style lobster or beef, and more!
If you’re looking for a perfect pairing for Restaurant Month, check out Cayman Cocktail Week! Hosted from October 20th – 27th, 2023, this event celebrates all things boozy with exclusive events and branded cocktails crafted by some of the island’s most talented bartenders.
Check out more food and drink options here.
Save the date for these events & festivals:
- The David Tutera Experience (September 18-20th, 2023) – The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman
- International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony (September 29th, 2023) – The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa
- Gamers Bay: Video & Technology Convention (September 30th – October 1st) – John Gray High School Gymnasium
- Restaurant Month (October 1st-31st, 2023)
- Out of this World Music Fest (June 1st, 2024)
- Capella Music Festival (April 27th, 2024)
Ready to plan your dream destination wedding in Cayman?
The Cayman Islands is ready to support you!
Working with local Destination Management Companies and wedding and event professionals, Gary shares: “We continue to have unique specialists. From planners and vehicles to educate planners to provide the resources that they need, to facilitate any training that they need. We continue to show up at bridal shows and wherever the brides are to continue making sure we’re giving content to make [the planning process] easier.”
The constant sharing of information and resources is integral to the destination wedding planning process.
As Gary explains it, “The worst thing you can do is to plan an event and not know the protocols of how to bring in flowers or not know who to call.”
The Cayman Island’s Department of Tourism works tirelessly to make sure important information is out there and readily available for couples and planners alike.
I think education is the biggest thing for couples. It’s understanding the nuances of what it takes to have an event at a destination.
– Gary Hendricks-Dominguez
Click here for more details on how to host your dream wedding in Cayman!
Looking for more stunning Caribbean wedding destinations?
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