Peaceful Beach Retreat

There are actually two halves or sides to this hotel. The main part of the hotel is located inland and the beach side houses many suites and rooms facing the beach and poolside views. This is where our room was located.

At first, we thought this was strange to be across the street from the main hotel but actually we got used to it. It wasn't a big deal and the change of scenery only added to the experience. We would go back and forth between sides using the covered overpass and use both pools. We actually preferred the pool on the main hotel side in the mornings and then the pool on the beach side in the afternoons. Don't ask why, just as crowds come in we move out...It also depended on our evening plans, water sports - they are all located on the beach side. Try both and then you can choose your favorite.

Our room, by the way, was very large and elegantly decorated. We had a balcony, which we love and always use for evening chill time and early morning-room service breakfast. Food and service was always very good!

I highly recommend this hotel. We were very satisfied. I would go back in a second. Cayman is expensive but a relaxing trip with tons of fun in the sun.

Unique Qualities:
The coolest thing at this hotel is the swim up bars!

Beachside has a smaller bar (and smaller pool) that faces the beach. The other pool has a larger bar. I was told it was in a movie with Gene Hackman and Tom Cruise, The Firm.

The drinks were awesome…we had our favorites, no idea of the name. Picked right from the drink menu. The bartenders were very friendly.

Visit the Spa located at the Hyatt Regency; we had massages and couldn't complain. (Visit concierge to reserve your appointment ASAP). As always for spas, arrive early to detox and take your time cooling down before your treatment i.e. massage, facial etc. Drink plenty of fluids right after.

This restaurant is very popular, so you'll need reservations. It’s located right on the Hyatt Regency Property alongside the pool on the beach side. As a matter of fact, their outside tables (highly recommended) overlook the Seven Mile Beach.

The restaurant has a casual ambience, but it's very fancy nonetheless. On the night we went, it was all couples and some small groups.

Every table has a candle and it makes the place really light up - not to mention all the outside torches located in the sand.

The service was wonderful, the food was even better. Great wine selection too. It really is a top-notch restaurant.

Favorite Dish:
I don't remember what we ordered but I vividly remember sitting outside at our table with a bottle of wine laughing and smiling together and really enjoying our dinner. Most likely we had fish entrees, although I do know that all dishes are served in a Caribbean cuisine style.

I would go back in a heartbeat.

Bamboo is a very chic "East meets West" restaurant. It is done up with all red and black decor, candles everywhere, unique dishes, elegant touches, and fresh flowers. The mood is very sophisticated. It’s a very contemporary and hip sushi location. (By the way, Hi-Tide was playing live music that night, which made it a plus for us). See my other tips. The sushi master chef prepares the sushi and sashimi at a California-inspired designed open table. He gives sushi lessons during the day, check with the Hyatt. I don't remember his name, but he is a world renowned sushi chef. He is also the owner of Bamboo. With all that being said, I liked everything except the wait staff. They seemed to be snobbish girls (wanna be models) that couldn't quite make it. I thought they were slow and unfriendly. My husband had no problem, of course! ;) Favorite Dish: We ordered a bevy of sushi rolls and sashimi. You name it we got it. The sushi was fantastic! Despite my low marks for service, the food and ambience are fantastic.

When we first arrived, we dropped off our suitcases and decided to walk around the property. We stumbled across the golf course grill - the Britannia Bar & Grille overlooking the golf course fairways. We decided to grab a quick bite - a burger and some drinks. It was really nice; mostly to sit down and tell ourselves that we were really here in the Cayman Islands. Our view was directly of the golf course and a small pond. The back part of the bar is open to the golf course and a thick plexiglass protects you from stray golf balls! We sat for a little while enjoying the food, the view, and making plans to start our vacation!

Hi-Tide is actually a great duo that sings covers and original songs around Cayman.

They played poolside at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cayman almost every day. We got to know them during our week vacation and always enjoyed their sets.

We enjoyed various dinners with their live music too. Check the Hyatt Regency concierge for details on their whereabouts.

We also purchased one of their CDs, we listen to it quite often. You can pick up their CD poolside or at one of the shops located beachside at the Hyatt Regency.

The best ever was a Waverunner Snorkel Safari Adventure for 1 and a half hours. This entire excursion happens aboard a wave runner (you could get a single or a double). We shared a double. You follow a guide who takes you and your fellow riders to three fantastic snorkel spots. Not only do you get to use the wave runner for 1 and a half hours, but you stop every so often to snorkel. The hardest thing is getting back up the wave runner from the water. But it was SO worth it. We had a blast taking turns steering the wave runner and going super fast. Highly recommended!

We booked our reservation for the next morning snorkel trip - Stingray City Lunch/Snorkel Sail. It lasted a little over four hours. They provide equipment, but we have our own. They also provide help and lessons.

They take you to the famed Stingray City. Those stingrays are very friendly - a little too close for comfort in my opinion! Then you go to a stop to see coral and friendly little fish near a shallow reef and, depending on time and weather permitting, maybe another stop to see a shipwreck. Very cool surprise!

Right after the last stop, they dump a bucket with fish food for the sharks. Yes, that's right sharks. You can swim above them for a bit, but then they get waaay too close for comfort! I jumped out of the water immediately! My husband stayed for a bit - he was one of the last ones in the water. Take a look at our travelogues for lots more pictures.

Now that everyone is all salty and back on the boat, lunch is served! A deli-style lunch with all types of salads, chicken and breads. All types of large cookies for dessert. Lunch is pretty good. They also have a cash bar.

Oh hell! Did I really write that... This town called Hell was derived from someone saying exactly that - in the 1930's! When a commissioner from England visited the District of West Bay and shot at a bird and missed, the town became known as Hell.

Another story of how hell became Hell: When a visiting dignitary in 1932 remarked that the black rock formations looked like hell. Therefore, the town was widely known as Hell.

Who knows the truth. It’s a little pit stop that houses a large field of black rock formations evolving from years of extreme erosion. People have placed small wood cutouts of devilish little characters there – it’s quite hilarious actually. There are also a few gift shops that have t-shirts, keychains, magnets - you name it they have it and every item has the word Hell on it.

You know, like my aunt and uncle went to Hell, and all I got was this lousy t shirt....stuff like that.

One of the stores, has a man dressed up in a devil costume. Everyone was taking pictures with him. :0

There is also a good sized post office.

Stop by and browse around for a minute or two, pick up some souvenirs, and get your postcards stamped with Hell, Cayman Island B.W.I. You can even send a few postcards home.

It took us about an hour door-to-door back to Seven Mile Beach.