THE SAND ON GRAND CAYMAN'S Seven Mile Beach was every bit as soft and white as I remembered, the water just as mesmerisingly turquoise. But on this trip, there were no cruise ships bobbing on the horizon like oversize tub toys. No reggae blared from unseen speakers. No day-trippers swarmed the beach with their matching striped towels and logo-adorned beach bags. The usual bustle was reduced to an occasional walker, and I couldn't tell whether they were locals or tourists. From the shade of my canopied chaise, I surveyed the sunny scallop of sand and counted a total of nine people.
I had missed this strip of coastline. Grand Cayman's marquee beach, technically a little less than 10 kilometres long (but who's counting?), has always been a favorite spot of mine. I've downed frosty bottles of Caybrew at its many beach bars; shopped at its hotel boutiques; and, of course, sunk my toes into its sugar-fine sand more times than I can count. But after the Cayman Islands, like the rest of the Caribbean, locked down in March 2020, the country didn't reopen the following summer or fall, as many of its neighbours did. Instead, the self-governing British overseas territory stayed largely off-limits to vacationers for almost two years. In the process, it successfully protected the population of just over 67,000 from the ravages of the pandemic.
"We did miss the tourists. They're an important part of our economy," said Hannah Ebanks, the public relations officer from the Department of Tourism, on the first day of my visit. We were eating fancy grilled cheese sandwiches, scented with truffle, at the Brasserie (entrées ₹1,655-₹2,813; brasseriecayman.com), in the heart of George Town, the capital. “But, as a local, it was really nice to enjoy Seven Mile Beach and have that little slice of heaven all to ourselves.”
Denne historien er fra May 2023-utgaven av Travel+Leisure India.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra May 2023-utgaven av Travel+Leisure India.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Retro: Timeless & Trending
As AI dominates the tech world, Nikhil Chawla introduces devices and apps that evoke nostalgia with their retro charm and timeless appeal.
Celebrating Timeless Austin
Austin is a melting pot of culture and style, and a personification of the great American lifestyle,
A Legacy of Art and Activism
Mallika Sarabhai reflects on her rich heritage as she discusses her unique approach to blending tradition with modernity, the power of arts in activism and her commitment to bringing about social change, in this conversation with Dipali Patwa.
Second Course
Noma chef René Redezpi found fame with ingredient-focused fine dining. His new TV show goes even further.
The Safari Sanctuary
Aamaghati Wildlife Resort, Ranthambore’s latest opening, offers the finest facilities and accommodation in the district and has the park embedded deep inside its soul.
THE ETERNAL FLAVOURS of our TIMELESS CLASSICS
India's most-loved restaurants have all stood the test of time, especially in an era when food ventures open with vast market research and modern aesthetics but fail to make a lasting impression. This is what makes our favourites timeless.
LATE CHECK OUT WITH Ayushmann Churrana
A film with a social message, a deeply inspiring couplet, a music tour that lets him explore his alter ego of sorts—what makes Ayushmann Khurrana the right fit in everything he chooses to do?
Luxury Legacy
Meet Tikka Shatrujit Singh, the visionary who paved the way for luxury brands to thrive in India. One of the most iconic figures in India's fashion and luxury industry, the former head representative of LVMH in Asia tells Samreen Tungekar about his journey, what today's consumer wants, and how Indian tourism can turn the world on its head.
Global Glamour
Attention shopaholics, we've got you covered! From Copenhagen to Cape Town, Marrakech to Melbourne, here are 20 cities across the world where you can indulge in retail therapy. Follow our guide to get your hands on traditional, bespoke, sustainable, slow fashion, and innovative, kitschy must-haves.
ARTISTIC INGENUITY MEETS ARCHITECTURAL SPLENDOUR
Architect Simran Boparai's skilled designs blend modernity with heritage, while striving for spatial excellence.