By Sarah Sekula
From George Town, hop in the car and head for the North end of this charming Caribbean island. About 45 minutes from the waterfront capital, past open-air restaurants, pastel homes with roosters roaming about and the famous Blue Iguana Reserve (the only place in the world to spot the endangered reptiles), is Rum Point. This mellow hideaway boasts flat, friendly waters, an eclectic mix of locals, and an intoxicating scent of jasmine that make for the perfect day.
Start with a leisurely snorkel alongside candy-colored fish and slow-moving stingrays. Then sway in a tree-shaded hammock until your tummy calls for conch fritters and a mudslide or two. If you have energy left, try your hand at jet skiing or kite surfing.
At the end of the day, consider Calico Jack’s (Anthony Bourdain’s favorite Cayman eatery) for a quick bite. Or, opt for Parmesan truffle fries from the Ritz-Carlton’s Periwinkle Restaurant. While you’re there, ask Jim Ward, resident astronomer and part of the Ambassadors of the Environment program, for a lesson in star-gazing.
For more delectable bites, try the breakfast quiche with mango-sauce-covered toast at Cimboco Cafe; fried brie from Bacchus; and lobster rolls, angus filet beef and sticky toffee pudding from Abacus at Camana Bay. It’s true, the only thing more eclectic than the locals, is the amazing selection of food.
For more restaurant selections, visit www.caymanislands.ky.
Cayman Island Tourism sponsored my trip, but I am free to write whatever I want.