The Best Boutique Hotels in the Cayman Islands 2023

Photo courtesy Palm Heights Beach Suites 

Smaller, more intimate, and extremely luxurious … Contributor Gina Baksa takes a look at the best boutique hotels in Cayman Islands

Updated July 22, 2023 / Commissions may be earned from Riley‘s affiliate partner links

A Cayman Islands vacation is food for the soul. This sun-drenched group of Caribbean islands located south of Cuba and west of Jamaica was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1503, and are a haven for scuba diving, snorkelling, sailing, and relaxing. Blessed with year-round tropical sunshine, crystal-clear water, white sandy beaches, and great nightlife, this is the perfect Caribbean holiday destination.

Choose from cosmopolitan Grand Cayman, the largest of the islands with its award-winning Seven Mile Beach, Stingray City, and Dolphin Disco; Cayman Brac for nature lovers and adventure seekers; and Little Cayman – just 10 miles long and one mile wide – for romantic seclusion and pristine tropical wilderness.

Here are our recommendations for the best boutique hotels in the Cayman Islands.

Best Boutique Hotels in Cayman Islands

Palm Heights Beach Suites

Palm Heights Beach Suites leads the way in luxurious boutique hotels in the Cayman Islands. This all-suite Cayman boutique hotel boasts an idyllic position overlooking the pristine white beach at Seven Mile Sands, with stunning ocean views from each balcony.

The two-bedroom corner penthouse suite is a dream: imagine the finest Carrera marble and hand-fired tiles, a separate tub, and king beds in both bedrooms as well as separate showers. Fix a cocktail and head out to the terrace that stretches the length of the suite with spectacular ocean views.

Palm Heights has two eateries: the finest Caribbean cuisine at Tillies and the more relaxed Coconut Club beach bar. When you tire of the beach, head to the spa or try a rooftop yoga class. The hotel can arrange offsite activities such as scuba, kayaking, helicopter tours, and jet-skiing, as well as visits to Stingray City.

Riley Recommends: For further details, visit Palm Heights Beach Suites.

The Locale Hotel, Grand Cayman 

The Locale Hotel Grand Cayman is a popular boutique hotel on the big island and is located in the heart of Seven Mile Beach within easy access to all the local restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops of George Town.

Families, solo travellers, and corporate guests will love the light-filled, air-conditioned, and well-appointed rooms. For a touch of luxury, book the 575 square foot Penthouse Suite with its king bed and a queen sofa bed. Ideal for families or friends, there’s a kitchenette, coffeemaker and fridge.

Relax in the lounge area and tune into Netflix on the 55” smart TV. In addition to free Wi-Fi, you’ll find Alexa in each suite and there’s an onsite Italian restaurant and cocktail bar, as well as an inviting saltwater pool.

Riley Recommends: For further details, visit Locale Hotel Grand Cayman.

The Grand Caymanian Resort

Taking the honors as the only oceanfront hotel on the North Sound, The Grand Caymanian Resort is one of the top boutique hotels in the Cayman Islands. This popular property is a short complimentary shuttle ride to the shopping and world-class restaurants at George Town, the North Sound Golf Club, and is only a short walk to the white sands at Seven Mile Beach.

Spread out in the 900 square foot one-bedroom king suite, with its private balcony or patio, a full kitchen, and separate living and dining space. If you’d rather leave the cooking to the experts, head to the on-site Blue Iguana Grill restaurant with its extensive Amero-Caribbean menu.

Try a spot of fishing from the North Sound fishing pier, snorkel in the azure waters, or dive the adjacent Grand Cayman Trench-the reefs around the three Cayman Islands are all protected.

Riley Recommends: For further details, visit The Grand Caymanian Resort.

The Alexander, Cayman Brac

A renowned Cayman Brac property and one of the top boutique hotels in Cayman Islands, The Alexander is a relaxing base for your Caribbean vacation. Reserve the spacious two-bedroom queen suite with a kitchenette and panoramic second-floor pool or ocean views-the space is ideal for two families or a group of friends.

Prepare your own meals or book a table at the in-hotel Arbutus Galley restaurant. Helmed by Chef Dwanye Brady, the bistro is popular for its Italian and American dishes.

Cayman Brac is a nature-lover’s paradise with pristine coral reefs, sunken warships, limestone caves, and lush tropical forests perfect for exploring. The Alexander is conveniently located just a two-minute drive from Gerrard Smith International Airport and the same distance from Charlie’s Reef. 

Reservations: For further details, visit The Alexander Cayman Brac.

Paradise Villas, Little Cayman

Just 10 miles long and one-mile wide, what Little Cayman lacks in size it more than makes up for in its amenities, hotels, and activities. Easily accessible by air from Grand Cayman, the island offers some of the best diving and snorkelling in the Caribbean.

One of our favourite boutique hotels in the Cayman Islands is Paradise Villas on Little Cayman. Comprising twelve, well-appointed private villas–each with panoramic oceanfront vistas–and direct access to the beach, the resort is a luxurious home-away-from-home during your Little Cayman vacation.

It also boasts the only à la carte restaurant on the island, so head to the Hungry Iguana for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Dives can be arranged with a local company each morning and visitors can snorkel with turtles, reef sharks, and stingrays in water that remains lusciously warm all year.

Reservations: For further details, visit Paradise Villas.

Rum Point Club Residences, Grand Cayman

This top Cayman Islands boutique hotel is on the quieter northern side of Grand Cayman and offers 33 residences, each with one to four bedrooms. Each residence has beautiful interior-designed spaces with king-size master bedrooms and jaw-dropping Caribbean views from the large terraces.

There’s an intimate vibe at Rum Point Club Residences, with secluded terraces and a smart lobby to relax in-along with luxurious daybeds and cabanas.

Pamper yourself at the spa or work out in the fitness centre with its state-of-the-art cardio machines. Kaibo restaurant is your go-to beachfront food stop and don’t miss a trip to the Crystal Caves just 10 minutes from the hotel.

Riley Recommends: For further details, visit Rum Point Club Residences.

Seven Mile Beach Resort & Club, Grand Cayman

The ideal location for a Cayman Islands holiday, Seven Mile Beach Resort & Club is a luxurious oceanside retreat set among lush tropical gardens on the stunning seven-mile crescent beach.

Each air-conditioned room has its own screened-in balcony set around a central pool with waterfalls and a Jacuzzi. There’ll be no fighting over TV, since there’s a set in the bedroom, lounge, and guest bedroom. The units all have a microwave, separate oven and fridge, and are simply yet comfortably furnished.

The hotel can arrange all excursions, including horse riding, parasailing, fishing, and diving among the many wrecks around the island. There are lots of fun things to do in the Cayman Islands-one of the best is a sunset cruise with stops at Coral Gardens, the Barrier Reef, and the famous Stingray City.

Riley Recommends: For further details, visit Seven Mile Beach Resort & Club.

Turtle Nest Inn & Condos, Grand Cayman

Located on the south side of Grand Cayman, the beachfront Turtle Nest Inn & Condos is one of the top boutique hotels in Cayman Islands. The gorgeous resort comprises the original Spanish-style building with eight apartments, along with newer additional condos.

Choose the well-appointed beachfront two-bed, two-bath units on two floors which give families and friends plenty of space-and offer beautiful views over the Caribbean and the hotel’s own white-sand beach. Guests have use of a full kitchen with dishwasher and two full bathrooms, each with a bath and shower.

With more than 150 restaurants on Grand Cayman, you’re guaranteed fine Caribbean and international food and drink. Activities we recommend include a visit to the Botanic Park, Stingray City, and snorkelling at the reef just off the hotel’s own beach.

Reservations: For further details, visit Turtle Nest Inn & Condos.

Wyndham Reef Resort, Grand Cayman

The luxury Wyndham Reef Resort is located on the eastern tip of Grand Cayman and is one of the top boutique hotels in Cayman Islands. White-sand beaches, pristine coral reefs, and crystal-clear turquoise waters are just steps away from your accommodations.

Choose from one of the 152 villas or beachfront studios, most with ocean-facing terraces, decorated in the typical island style of blue and white. Book a luxurious body treatment at Le Soleil Spa or work off lunch at the in-house fitness centre.

Tide’s Restaurant and Bar offers international cuisine, while cool beers and snacks are waiting for you at the hotelBeach Bar. Grand Cayman has 365 dive sites, just two of which – Cinderella’s Wall and Dragon’s Lair – are close to the hotel.

Riley Recommends: For further details, visit Wyndham Reef Resort.

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Contributor Gina Baksa writes about luxury travel and hospitality for a range of international magazines. See more of her writing at:  https://ginabaksa.journoportfolio.com.