With turquoise blue waters, powdery beaches and stunning sunsets, the Cayman Islands call out to lovers in all languages and cultures. Whether you are honeymooning, celebrating an anniversary or escaping reality together, the islands offer a tropical setting for your romance. Here are a few ideas to heat up your very own Cayman love affair.
Sunset Walk
Walking barefoot along the beach at sunset while holding your lover’s hand never fails to awaken the romantic heart. As the sun draws closer to the horizon, spreading deep yellows and reds across the sky, let the sand curl between your toes. Together, you can watch carefully for the famous green flash.
Bring along a bottle of wine or Champagne to celebrate the experience. Then find a cosy spot in the sand, close your eyes and listen to the ocean. Give in to your playful side by drawing a heart in the sand and asking a passerby to take a photo of the two of you sitting next to the sandy image. Get inspired by the island and recite romantic vows to each other, then seal it with a kiss.
Although Seven Mile Beach is rarely crowded, couples desiring more seclusion can stroll towards the north end of the beach. For a romantic surprise, arrange to have a candlelit table on the beach, away from the crowds. Up the romantic ante by having a musician with a violin, a harp or guitar waiting to serenade the event, says Ashley Vodarek of Celebrations, which provides concierge services for customised romantic experiences.
Seaside Massage
Indulge in a relaxing couples massage by the sea. Whether in the early morning, sunset or by moonlight, most hotels, spas and even local event coordinators can make arrangements for professional masseuses to work their magic near the sea or in a private cabana for this unforgettable and luxurious moment.
Picnic at Botanic Park
Enjoy a romantic picnic in the lush tropical gardens of the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park. While the Botanic Park is famous for its rare blue iguanas, it also features a large floral garden filled with colourful flowers, as well as numerous wooded areas with native trees. With open, grassy spaces and secluded benches, it’s a gorgeous location to sit back and enjoy a bite; just be mindful not to share your treats with the blue iguanas too!
Sunset Sail to Remember
Feel the wind and taste the salty air aboard a romantic sunset sail and dinner cruise on Red Sail’s magnificent 65-foot catamaran. As the crew hoist the expansive sails and they billow with the sea breeze, the catamaran picks up speed, leaving your worries far behind. The catamaran also features a thick trampoline net that couples can sit on and sense the sea rushing below them. The skipper anchors the boat when the three-course dinner is ready to be served. Don’t forget to look toward the sky to see hundreds of stars illuminating the night.
Horseback by Moonlight
Novice and experienced horseback riders alike will be captivated by a moonlight stroll along a deserted stretch of beach. By horseback, the moonlight’s reflections appear to dance along the sea, making the white, powdery sand glow in the dark. As horses carry riders along the water‘s edge, the sea breeze flows through their hair with the enchanting sound of hoofs moving along the sand and waves rolling onto shore. As clouds drift along in the sky, moonlight fills the night with a sense of mystery and romance. Since there are so few full or near-full moonlight nights, Chelsea Rivers, from Spirit of the West, which offers romantic horseback rides, suggests making reservations as early as possible.
Sushi for Two
Put a little wasabi into your romance with a sushi course for two at Bamboo, a renowned Japanese restaurant in the heart of Seven Mile Beach. In this two-hour lesson, sushi sous chef Wonhee Park will teach the techniques needed to prepare Japanese rice, as well as cutting fish for sashimi and nigiri. While enjoying sake, you will also learn the fine art of making traditional rolls. After the course, couples can enjoy their sushi dishes. For a wow factor, order a Japanese-inspired martini made from sake, passion fruit and yuzu juice.
Light up the Night
On moonless nights and in a certain out-of-the-way cove far from touristy hot spots, the water is lit up with nature‘s own glitter, known as bioluminescence, a naturally occurring sparkle created by marine plants and creatures.
Couples can put a magical twist on the romantic getaway with a kayak tour of a bioluminescent bay. As part of a small group, couples start off by pushing out their kayak from Rum Point Beach and heading to the nearby cove. Along the way, watch for starfish, lobsters and stingrays. The kayaks are simple to use and the sea is so calm and clear that even people who have never paddled a canoe or other watercraft will find it easy to manoeuvre.
Once in Bio Bay, the water reflects a multitude of light flecks. Dip a hand in the water and scoop out a handful of these tiny marine fireflies. “You get a sense that this is Tinker Bell’s fairy dust, so it‘s like rediscovering the magic and wonder of being a child again, just like the Peter Pan story,” says Tom Watling of Cayman Kayaks.
Sunset Helicopter Ride
Take a sunset tour with your sweetheart celebrity-style with Cayman Islands Helicopters. The views of tropical paradise from up high will have you feeling giddy. The pilot will drop you off at Ristorante Pappagallo for a traditional Italian meal. Afterwards, a limousine will pick you up for a cosy ride back to your hotel.
Kiss a Dolphin
For a quirky romantic moment, head out to Dolphin Cove or Dolphin Discovery in West Bay for a swim with the dolphins. The lovable 300-pound, 6-foot animals overwhelm swimmers with their affectionate and fun nature. Look out for dolphins pairing up for a playful kiss. Zoe Spooner at Dolphin Cove says visitors get so inspired by all the marine smooching that couples should be ready to recruit a friend or staff member to take a photo or video of them kissing each other alongside the loving dolphins.
Renew Your Vows
Whether you’ve been married for a few decades or have recently tied the knot, Cayman offers a range of venues to say “I do” all over again. The picturesque dock overlooking the Caribbean at The Reef Resort in the eastern part of the island offers a gorgeous setting. Writing your own special vows will add a sense of wonder and magic to the occasion. Then celebrate your vow renewal with dinner under the stars.
For scuba divers, a fun option is having the vow renewal ceremony under water. Accessorise scuba gear with a short white veil for the bride and top hat attached to the groom’s head. Have witnesses bring down signs displaying “I love you” and “I love you too” to use during the ceremony. Don’t forget to hire an underwater photographer or videographer to record the moment. Vow renewal ceremonies can be arranged by many dive operations or through Celebrations.
Cayman Brac
On the nearby island of Cayman Brac, a cliff juts out of the sea rising 150-feet to a limestone shelf known as The Bluff. This locale offers numerous trails and hidden caves as a mysterious backdrop for romance, but it’s the panoramic view of the sea that draws couples like magnets.
On nights when the moon is out, bring a blanket and a bottle of wine and head for the lighthouse on the island. The moon’s reflection on the sea is breathtaking. For a rugged twist on romance, bring a flashlight to one of the well-known caves featuring stalagmites and stalactites. Arrange for a hotel employee or taxi driver to hide a treasure in the cave for your sweetheart to find.
Little Cayman
While Little Cayman is sparsely populated, lovers will still find the deserted Owen Island irresistible for a romantic liaison. Pack a picnic and head across the bay by kayak or small catamaran. The island features secluded beaches with the lush tropical vegetation as a perfect backdrop.
Snorkelling around the island will reveal stunning corals and tropical fish. For a gorgeous sunset, paddle to the western side of Owen Island. For early morning romance, share an unforgettable sunrise together at Point of Sand, a secluded beach on the eastern side of the island. To enhance the romance, bring a picnic brunch with Champagne prepared by one of the resort chefs, says Kimberly Dangerfield from Little Cayman Beach Resort.
From sunrise to moonlight, Cayman’s three islands offer couples a chance to spice up their love life with activities sure to rekindle any romance. No matter how long you‘ve been with your sweetheart, indulge your love affair with the magic of the Cayman Islands.
Source: caymanairwaysmagazine.com