It’s time to follow the white rabbit down the rabbit hole and see what awaits on the other side as Kaibo celebrates Mardi Gras Wonderland this year.
The biggest party on the far side is set to take place on Ash Wednesday, 22 February, and is definitely one of the biggest events on the local social calendar.
This year as always the place to see and be seen will be the balcony, which will play host to the Through the Looking Glass VIP party. Sponsored by Stoli, Stoli Elit and Nicolas Feuillatte champagne, the three course lunch and drinks only form one part of the attraction. What everyone is really after is the control of the beads, which can be graciously dispensed to the eager populace below.
The Mad Hatter’s Main Bar will see the central thatched bar at Kaibo enlarged to twice its regular size, almost like it ate a mushroom. Regardless of your favourite tea party tipple, the bartenders will be ready to serve.
For something truly refreshing, the Flor de Cana Mojito Bar is dedicated to the art of muddled mint, Cuban sugar, fresh lime, a splash of soda water and of course Flor de Cana rum, all served with a flair.
If you need a quick dance floor break, don’t lose your head trying to make it to one of the other bars as the Queen of Hearts Beach Bar is right there, offering the only full bar on the beach and with a great view of the action to boot.
A day on the far side just wouldn’t be complete without a mudslide, and nothing could be more cooling that taking a shot from the ice luge at the Mudslide Tent. Although it says mudslide on the sign, there will also be other shots and soft drinks available from this bar, sponsored by Stoli and Amarula.
Not all bars stick to one spot though – this is wonderland after all! Draught Grolsch can come to you in the form of the Grolsch Cannonball Jet Pack, while the Jager Hot Shot Girl will also be circulating through the crowd with shots of Jagermeister.
Of course, all drink and no food makes for one massive headache, so the Mardi Gras Food Court will be a vital component to partying all day long. Choose from a variety of vendors with food for every taste, then chill under the shade of the palm trees.
Look the partOne of the parts of the Mardi Gras experience that many revellers look forward to most is serving as a kinetic canvas for noted artist and body painter extraordinaire Tansy Maki, who has become a regular at the event over the years.
Her creations bring a sense of magic to the day that would be impossible to imagine otherwise. So if you see a Cheshire Cat grinning at you or some other fanciful creature flitting through the crowd, don’t be alarmed, it’s just proof that Tansy has been at work again. Want to get a taste of what she can create? Take a look at the cover of the magazine or visit tansymaki.com.
Getting thereAlthough Kaibo isn’t quite in another country, it is quite a drive, in Cayman terms at least, which makes the organised ferries over from Safehaven a very attractive option indeed. And for those who plan to indulge a bit, it also avoids the temptation of getting behind the steering wheel after a little too much celebrating.
$10 gets you a return ticket one of the ferries that will be running from 12pm to 12am for a full day of partying. You can even get the party started before you hit the deck with the Safehaven Carib bar offering ice cold Carib to get you in the party spirit before you even reach the beach at Kaibo.
If you want to arrive in real style, you can rent a boat slip for the day for $100.
For those who do decide to drive out to Kaibo, a park and ride system will be in place, with busses departing every couple of minutes to shuttle revellers from the parking area at the old Cayman Kai resort to the scene of the party.
Although Kaibo Mardi Gras Wonderland is a kid friendly event, the organisers suggest a PG rating for all minors.
Entry is only $5, with tickets on sale at the door, on the ferry or on the bus.
For more information, visit
kaibo.ky