Little Cayman Beach Resort
Little Cayman Beach Resort is pleasantly unpretentious and laid back; as guests, my husband and I feel at once relaxed and pampered. The food at their Flamingo Room restaurant is outstanding, with impressive buffet-style meals that are gourmet in preparation and presentation. There are lots of fresh food selections, and nightly dessert bars to die for! Every meal is a feast. My favorite breakfast dish (anywhere) is their delicious coconut porridge. Oceanfront and poolside rooms are well designed and comfortable; as a photographer, I appreciate the ample sized counters, cupboards, and closet storage. Resort staff is efficient and friendly, clearly into making your stay fun, like the groundskeeper who, while pruning a palm, eagerly cleaved a coconut for me, primed for a straw and my lounge chair! Beach Nuts Bar is a cheerful diversion; its ceilings and surrounds are packed with “artwork” crafted by fellow divers, using organic materials (driftwood, shells, palm fronds, etc.) and paint; great fun to check out, or add to the collection yourself (they have the supplies). Nightlife at Beach Nuts varies from quite lively to subdued. A weekly team trivia contest can be a hoot. For a short daytime stroll, the Red-Footed Booby Sanctuary is just down the road. Other resort activities include kayak and sunfish rentals; there is a small pool and hot tub, and a gift shop called Mermaids.
Diving, primarily on the north side of the island at Bloody Bay and Jackson Bight, is nothing short of phenomenal: remarkable topography with steep walls, swim-throughs, drop-offs, and sand pans with coral mounts full of critters large and small; it’s a healthy reef with lots to explore. Sea turtles and Southern stingrays are common, and I often see lemon rays and reef sharks. Large barrel sponges frequently punctuate the reefscape. There’s plenty of great macro life and lots to investigate; as a photographer, I’m thrilled with constant close and wide-angle opportunities. Resident groupers are friendly and make for willing models. The “concierge” style of diving provided by Reef Divers means minimal handling of your BC and reg after the first day. Their dive briefings are well detailed, which I much appreciate given the relief. Visibility is generally 75-100 plus feet; a few sites have mild currents. Many sites allow for deep (>90 feet) or shallow exploration. I’d be hard-pressed to pick favorite sites (!) but I’m especially fond of Coconut Walk and anything with a swim-through. Reef Divers will guide each dive, but also give you the option of exploring on your own. Most diving is about 20-30 minutes from the resort pier.
LCBR is a bit more involved to get to, as an additional flight from Grand Cayman is needed, which for me adds to the adventure. As such, it’s great for people who can handle a little extra travel time and cost. I think it’s less well suited for kids (there’s no daycare or separate kid’s pool), novice divers (potential depths and topography). Snorklers may be disappointed as the resort sits on a shallow bay of turtle grass. I think it’s ideal for competent divers, couples or groups, and as to photography, there is something for every level of interest and skill. We definitely look forward to returning to the LCBR!
