When we first booked our week through RCI at the Morritt’s Tortuga Club in Grand Cayman, we knew NOTHING about this island. Reading the reviews, we learned that this resort is located on the quieter east end of the island, away from the more popular and crowded Seven Mile Beach. It sounded like heaven. We were both looking for a relaxing, peaceful get-away and our vacation exceeded our wildest dreams. A week on the beach at the Tortuga was just what the doctor ordered. There were no crowds to speak of, in fact, most of the photos we took on the beaches showed NO ONE ELSE around – it was like our own private deserted beach. And the ocean was more beautiful than we could have imagined – a mix of crystal clear azure, turquoise, aquamarine and dozens of other shades of blue/green. The water was also pretty warm this time of year (Aug-Sept), probably 85F.

The weather was warm and a bit humid compared to what we are used to in Phoenix, but on the beach there was always a nice breeze to keep you cool and comfortable. We were lucky that our vacation feel the week after Hurricane Charlie and before Ivan passed through. Hurricane Francis, although damaging to the southern US, did not impact the Cayman Islands.

Another reason we enjoyed our vacation so much, is that it is very clean and safe in the Cayman Islands. We were told that because of very successful off-shore banking industry here, there is little to no unemployment and this has a positive effect on the tourism industry – there is no crime to speak of, no beggars, and no one hawking cheap souvenirs on the beach (which is a major annoyance on the beaches in Mexico and other Caribbean islands). We always felt safe and toured around the island without fear of crime (we’ve heard stories about Jamaica and have no intention of ever visiting there).

Our vacation rates a 10 out of 10.${QuickSuggestions} The currency exchange rate makes it a little expensive in the Caymans, but there was no sales tax on anything and it was worth it in our opinion to be able to enjoy ourselves in such a tropical paradise. ${BestWay} Rent a car, especially if you are staying on the East End at Morritt's.

From journal Uncrowded Cayman