A concierge advisor has shared how a recent visit to the Cayman Islands transformed her perspective on the “often overlooked” destination.
Enya Disney, guest experiences specialist at Top Villas, was one of six agents to join the first ever villas-only UK fam trip to the Caribbean destination.
Hosted by the Cayman Islands’ tourism board, the five-day itinerary was designed to promote the British Overseas Territory to the British and Irish market.
As well as inspecting ten luxury villas, the agents participated in a number of unique experiences – including a bioluminescent excursion, a rum tasting at Pedro St. James and a tour of Stingray City.
They also sampled the Caymans’ diverse culinary scene, including its strong culture of beachside Sunday brunches.
But for Enya, it was the destination’s accessibility that cemented it as a prime candidate for UK holidaymakers.
The Cayman Islands is a 12 hour flight from London, with British Airways operating multiple direct routes from Heathrow every week. Unlike some other Caribbean islands, however, it doesn’t require a connecting flight to visit.
“I think people rule the Caymans out because they don’t realise it’s almost as easy to get to as Barbados or Antigua, and they worry about stopping for a refuel in the Bahamas,” Enya told TTG.
Enya, far right, swimming with stingrays in the Cayman Islands
“The duration of the stop varies from about half an hour to 90 minutes. For us, it was 45 minutes outbound and half an hour returning. It’s really just an opportunity to stretch your legs.”
Enya was also surprised by the laid-back atmosphere of the Cayman Islands. While there’s no denying its reputation as one of the Caribbean’s pricier destinations, a wide selection of villas and condos have made it more accessible for the UK's middle-class traveller.
Rental properties now account for 67% of its tourist accommodation, and the North Side’s Rum Point is home to the majority of its luxury villas.
This isn’t accidental; its government actively avoids endorsing large, all-inclusive resorts, instead supporting the development of private rental homes and multi-dwelling estates. It’s hoped that this strategy will encourage visitors to interact with the local economy, whilst also minimising the risk of overtourism.
“I didn’t feel out of place at all,” said Enya. “Places like St. Barts can feel like a millionaire’s playground, where you can be asking yourself: ‘What am I doing here?’ But the Caymans are really friendly and homey.”
The trip, which took place between 5th and 10th June, was hosted by the Cayman Islands' tourism board
The group, which also had agents from CV Villas, Worldwide Dream Villas, Exceptional Villas and The Villa Collection, stayed at Ocean Edge Seaside Estate Villa in the residential enclave of Savannah during their trip.
They also toured Point of View Villa, Koha Kai, SunRays Villa and Great Bluff Estates, all of which offer different versions of luxury.
“That was the crème de la crème,” Enya said. “It was definitely my favourite of all the villas.”
There was also plenty of allocated downtime, ensuring the agents could learn about the destination without feeling overwhelmed.
“They spread it out really nicely. There was one day where we just had the day to ourselves and there were no site inspections, just activities,” Enya said.
Since returning, the travel enthusiast is actively promoting the Caymans to her client base and has already secured multiple excursions.
She believes the destination will especially appeal to families, as well as well-travelled customers who are looking to explore a less popular Caribbean island.
“I don’t really think I'd have a spiel to give; I think I would just say there's just so much you can do there,” she added. “It's such a good mix of activities, the food is amazing, and obviously, the beaches are beautiful as well. Why wouldn't you want to go there?”
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