The Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman dominates the Seven Mile Beach corridor. To many who live here, the restaurants are a familiar haunt, but the hotel itself remains somewhat foreign. After all, why book into a hotel when you can just pop in for dinner and then head back home?
Well, because it really does make a difference.

Service and sunsets
Of course, the service at the Ritz is beyond reproach – you truly feel like you are a VIP as you are escorted through the hotel to your room.
 
We stayed in the Seven Mile Beach side of the hotel, with a beautiful view over the pool and out to the beach from our balcony. We checked in after work on a Friday and settled in our room just in time to watch the sunset from our balcony.

Dining decisions
After yet another beautiful Cayman sunset, it was time to decide on a venue for dinner, which was probably the hardest work we would have to do the entire weekend. It was certainly not an easy decision to make as the Ritz-Carlton has a number of great restaurants on site. Whether it is the casual open-air atmosphere of Periwinkle, the expertly prepared steaks at 7 Prime Cuts & Sunsets, or the best in seafood creations at Blue by Eric Ripert, there are options aplenty.
 
Then there is Taikun, the Ritz-Carlton’s sushi lounge, or even the option of a quick bite poolside at Bar Jack.
 
Staying in
As wonderful as the restaurants at the Ritz are, sometimes a quiet and very private dinner in the comfort of your room is just what you want. There are some excellent choices on the in-room dining menu, with service and presentation being beyond reproach. We decided to eat inside rather than risk the balcony and the possibility of dropping cutlery on the poor innocents enjoying the evening breezes eight floors down.

Fabulous facilities
Of course, what really sets the hotel apart are the facilities available to guests.
 
On a romantic weekend getaway though, the portions of the stay not spent in the room tend to be spent with long walks on the beach or relaxing by the pool.
 
However, with facilities such as the Silver Rain Spa, Nick Bolletieri tennis, and the Greg Norman-designed golf course, there are many other diversions as well.
 
We did not spot any celebrities during our stay, although I am assured by those in the know that they are there, at least occasionally. Then again, with the Ritz-Carlton’s reputation for client confidentiality, no one was telling either.
 
Yet all too soon it was time to return to reality – a place where you are responsible for making your own bed, cooking your own dinner and a stroll on Seven Mile Beach is more than a mere elevator ride away.   WH