Checking out Grand Cayman

We are excited that Grand Cayman is open again after Covid, but were sad to know that our old resort for store trips, Margaritaville Resort, is gone. That left us searching for a new resort to host our store dive trips. Of course, there was the option of staying with a traditional resort on Seven Mile Beach, but Dawn and I were intrigued by a couple that we met at DEMA last November who have a boutique resort on the north end of the peninsula, just a little bit north of Seven Mile Beach.

We were intrigued by the description of the property, and of course, Dawn and I never like to set up a store trip somewhere we have not previously been (and we are always game for checking out a new place!). So, we planned our FAM (familiarization) trip for the end of February to check out Ocean Cabanas and Living the Dream Divers. As soon as we drove up to the resort we knew this was going to be something special. Ocean Cabanas is set up as four buildings, with 1, 2, and 3-bedroom suites. The resort only holds 26 people, so for a store trip we can buy out the entire resort. We were traveling with my brother, so we opted for a 2-bedroom cabana. The rooms were unbelievable- extremely clean, fresh, and well-appointed. The bedrooms were separate enough to allow each of us our own space when we wanted it, with a full kitchen and living space between the rooms. There is also a full-size washer and dryer, which came in so handy for rinsing our dive gear each day. There is also a space outside to hang your gear to dry. Ocean Cabanas was built by divers, and it shows.

Ocean Cabanas is a little bit more remote, not being directly on Seven Mile Beach, so there are fewer amenities nearby. There is a restaurant next door (Vivo Cafe), and a fantastic restaurant about an 8 minute walk from the resort (Macabuca). Macabuca has great food, reasonable prices by Grand Cayman standards, and the location- on a pier- gives an amazing atmosphere. We ate there nearly every night.

Next was to check out the dive operator- Living the Dream Divers. There is too much to say about them in this short blog, but suffice it to say that Dawn and I both agree they are likely the best dive operator that we have ever dove with, and that is saying a lot, as we have dove with some very impressive operators. Everything, from the boats to the dive crew, were unbelievable. They are a well-oiled machine, and go above and beyond to take care of even the smallest details for their guests. Little extras like a bench at the rear of the boat for you to sit on for donning your gear were so unexpected. You just carry your mask and fins to the back, sit down, and they will bring your gear to you- then take it for you after the dive- so you do not walk on the boat with your gear on. We have never seen this before.

Even though we have some great trips between now and September, we left Ocean Cabanas already excited about returning. Gary, you have a great crew and a great operation. We will see you in September with 24 of our closest friends!