Page 13

Oct 24 2018

A Cayman Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving in Cayman — Only 28 days until Thanksgiving 2018 is upon us.

Alas, summer is well behind us and before you know it the trees will have shed their foliage, the days will be shorter, and the holiday season will be upon us. Oh, and don’t forget the freezing temps, early winter snow falls, and–my personal favorite–nor’easters.

But, if you’re not ready to say good-bye to summer and want to shake up your family’s holiday plans then consider a winter trip to Grand Cayman.

Let’s start with Thanksgiving. Everyone loves gathering around the family table for a feast of turkey piled high with mashed potatoes and gravy, green bean casserole, candied yams, and, of course, pecan pie. Lots of pecan pie.

But, what everyone doesn’t like is all the prep work that goes into making that yummy turkey dinner, or the inevitable clean up that ensues. So, why not give the cook and clean up crew in your family a break this year and trade tradition for an unforgettable Thanksgiving escape to Grand Cayman.

Turkey Day in Cayman

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Thanksgiving isn’t the same without a turkey dinner. What will we do?!”

Well, rest assured, there are plenty of options on Cayman to get you and your family the Thanksgiving dinner you desire with plenty of sunshine, sand and surf too.

Chef Lloyd Brown of CaymanChef.com — Chef Lloyd Brown preparing a gourmet dinner for guests at Olympus

For starters, we have a roster of gourmet chefs and cooks for hire that will come to your villa and whip up a family feast while you kick back on the beach soaking up some serious rays. No trips to the grocery store. No worrying about overcooking the turkey. No clean up duty. Only thing you’ll have to worry about is booking your chef or cook before their availability fills up fast so start planing today.

Second option to consider is picking up a prepared dinner from local eateries. Kirk Market is one of our favorites for locally sourced gourmet dinners. There’s also Chicken Chicken in West Bay serving up the juiciest rotisserie birds along with some fantastic sides. Again, just make sure you get that dinner order in before the holiday rush.

Finally, if going out is more your style there are several restaurants offering traditional Thanksgiving dinner menus.

Tukka in East End prepares a traditional turkey dinner special along with their daily menu of seafood and steaks.

The Ritz Carlton on Seven Mile Beach hosts two Thanksgiving dining options: a turkey buffet dinner from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. in the Cayman Islands Ballroom, and a prix fixe dinner at Seven, the resort’s fine dining steakhouse. There’s also a Thanksgiving beach BBQ and sunset s’mores roasting at Bar Jack also at the Ritz. Reservations are highly recommended.

Turkey Day Villas

Scanning our reservation grid, we do have some great family-cozy villas available Thanksgiving week (Nov 18-25):

Heritage House in Rum Point sleeps 10 guests across 4 beds and 4 baths.

Heritage House – A guest favorite located within short walking distance to the Rum Point Club. With a pool at the front of the home guests can enjoy sunny days shielded from the trade winds along the beach. However, the real draw to this home is the the oceanfront dining terrace. Imagine gathering the family around the Thanksgiving table with spectacular ocean views in the background. It’ll definitely be a holiday dinner to remember.

Reef Romance – Also located in Rum Point, this villa is a great option for families with adult children. Made for outdoor living this villa has a great oceanfront patio with a salt water pool, thatched cabana bar, and beach volleyball court. Watch the Detroit Lions lose to whoever they play this year from the cabana bar’s flat screen TV (sorry Lions fans). Or, work up an appetite with a round of beach volleyball before gathering around the table for Thanksgiving dinner.

On the Rocks – Located along the south coast, a short drive from Seven Mile Beach, is this spacious villa with an oceanfront pool, and gourmet kitchen. Perfect for chefs to come in and prepare a home cooked meal. For a limited time, we’re offering a 10% new villa discount along with reduced rates for smaller groups.

On the Rocks Villa — On the Rocks can accommodate 14 guests across 7 beds and 4 baths.

We even have some fabulous 2 bedroom villas for young couples, or empty nesters planing a Friendsgiving getaway.

KiToCay – Located in Old Man Bay along the island’s north side, this 2 bedroom villa has a unique over-the-water sun deck with tiled cabana for shade. A private beach lot to the east is reserved for guests to enjoy.

KiToCay Villa in Grand Cayman — Ocean views from the living room at KiToCay

Moon Glow – One of our more popular villas located in Rum Point with an oceanfront sun deck and sandy beach with phenomenal snorkeling. Within easy walking distance to the Rum Point Club and Kaibo Beach Club this is a “must stay villa in the Caymans”.

Out of this world water views at Moon Glow.

Both Moon Glow and KiToCay also offer reduced 1 bedroom rates.

Northern Lights No. 5 – Those looking for a hidden oasis will love this two story town home in North Side. Surrounded with tropical landscaping this sliver of paradise sits on a 240-foot stretch of beach with a protected coral reef and some of the island’s best snorkeling and dive sites.

Ultimately, should you decide to opt for a Cayman Thanksgiving this year our on-island staff and vendor partners are ready to provide the sunny hospitality to make your 2018 Thanksgiving holiday unforgettable.

Oct 24 2018

Catch a Direct Flight to Cayman

A departure board in an airport. — Flying to Cayman has never been easier.

We’ve all been there at some point in our travels. You’re going on four hours stranded at the airport because your connecting flight keeps getting pushed back. It’s either that, or you’re hurrying to your gate because your first flight was delayed on the tarmac and now the whole start of your vacation is one big stressful nightmare–UGH!! (╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻

Forget layovers; direct flights are where it’s at. If you happen to live in one of the following cities, you’re closer than you think to our island paradise.

Denver residents you’re in luck! Nonstop service to Grand Cayman begins March 2019 on Cayman Airlines. This new gateway will reduce travel time for Mile High residents from 11 hours to just under 5 hours. That means less travel time, more beach time. Fun fact: Cayman Airlines offers all adult passengers a complimentary rum punch cocktail to make your travels that much sweeter–cheers!

Chicagoans, leave the Windy City behind for the tropical breezes of Grand Cayman. With direct service on United, American, and Cayman Airways you’re only 4 hours away from glorious Seven Mile Beach.

Detroit and Toronto you’re also only 4 hours away from barefoot sandy beaches and crystal blue waters. Hop on a Delta, Air Canada or WestJet flight and don’t forget to pack the sun screen!

Red Sox Nation, celebrate your 2018 World Series win with a quick trip down-island. JetBlue can whisk you away to Cayman in just under 4 hours out of Logan. And, hey, if the Red Sox lose the World Series at least you’re in sunny Grand Cayman ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Down south, the living gets a little easier and the direct flights shorter. Charlotte and Atlanta clock in with direct flight times of just under 3 hours on American or Delta. Watch a movie or binge six episodes of The Office and you’re practically there! You can find flights for under $400 too.

Winter is right around the corner and with it shorter days and increasingly inclement weather.

But, how nice would it be to come home from your winter holiday relaxed and revitalized? You’ll be re-charged and ready to conquer the holidays with a fabulous sun-kissed tan to boot.

Oct 22 2018

5 Home Offices That Won’t Spoil Your Vacation

Home Offices of Grand Cayman — The views from Villa Mora’s home office rivals that of any corner office.

Vacation is, and should always be, you-time. Time for you to relax. To escape your 9-to-5. And more importantly, to enjoy some quality time with family, friends, or even just by yourself.

But, sometimes you have to take that untimely call from the boss. Or, reply to that emergency email from a distressed client that leads you to taking out your laptop and punching away for a few hours of work.

On island, at the very least, you can look up and see miles of tropical ocean instead of looking up and facing your coworker Gary eating Cheetos and typing away with neon orange fingers—they’re called wet naps, Gary!

Lucky for you, there is no better place to work remotely than from these private home offices.

Villa Mora

Calling all creative types! At Villa Mora, you can take a breather from your workload and collect your thoughts on the balcony overlooking the Caribbean Sea. This is hands down the perfect spot to find that inspiration you’ve been looking for. Add a rum punch cocktail once your work day is done and kick back into vacation mode. It is Grand Cayman after all!

Amoraflora

Have you ever dreamed of having your own personal study replete with built-in shelving and a towering private collection of books? Then Amoraflora has you covered with an office made for bookworms! Feel yourself escape into a fictional haven as you read by the sea. This library is detached from the main villa, so you won’t have to worry about noise distracting you here.

Kai Zen

At Kai Zen, you can open the office windows and feel the ocean breeze fill the air while you work. Fair warning though, the calming winds and ocean sounds provide the perfect ambiance for an afternoon cat nap! Luckily, there’s a comfy couch in the office perfect for power naps.

Cos Kai

Grab your laptop and get ready to bang out some emails. This spacious villa in Cayman Kai has many scenic places for you to set up shop during the workday. The screened porch looking out at the oceanfront will surely be your go-to spot. The walk-out balcony off the upper-level suites is also a great place to get some work done under the sun. But, if you’re the type that prefers a traditional indoor setting, the media room might just be the place for you.

Great Bluff Estates

The master suite at Great Bluff Estates is truly a sight to behold. Spanning the entire upper wing of the villa it includes a small office nook with bay windows overlooking the villa’s pool deck below and ocean views across the horizon. Step out onto the master suite’s private balcony for some fresh air and tropical inspiration. The sunny views are sure to cure even the most extreme case of writer’s block.

Let’s face it, with our interconnected world work has a habit of following us all. Fortunately, these gorgeous home offices take the sting out of having to mix business with pleasure. However, make sure you don’t spend your entire vacation huddled up in these remote offices. A healthy work-life balance is key to productivity and your physical health.

Besides, you can’t go back to the office without a fabulous tan and memorable stories to share with your coworkers about your Grand Cayman adventure. We’re positive Gary is all too eager to hear about it.

Jul 19 2018

A Cayman Campaign to Save Our Oceans

The owners of multiple Grand Cayman restaurants.

Everywhere you look the resistance is growing. First, it was the public outcry against plastic bags giving rise to re-useable shopping bags now seen across every major grocery outlet. However, recent global attention and action have shifted to stemming another form of plastic waste.

From Miami to Malibu, across the Pacific to Australia, back around the globe to the UK and NYC one thing is certain: this is the last straw. But, what may seem like a global campaign against plastic straws has been a passion project for a pair of eco-friendly restauranteurs in Grand Cayman.

Lana Hargrave, co-owner of East End’s Tukka Restaurant, Eagle Ray’s Dive Bar & Grill, and the recently opened, Taco Cantina, has been making big waves with her eco-friendly campaign against plastic straws. She calls her campaign #DontSuck and aims to raise awareness against plastic straws polluting our oceans and endangering the reefs and marine life throughout the Caribbean.

“I started doing the straws campaign back in April 2017 after I saw a graphic Facebook video showing a person pulling a straw out of a turtle’s nose,” recalls Lana. “It was disgusting but so important to see. It really hit me.”

The Catalyst for a Movement

In 2015, Christine Figgener, a marine biologist at Texas A&M University, documented the horrific plight of a sea turtle and the heroic efforts it took for her team to dislodge a plastic straw that was stuck in its nose.

The video was put on YouTube and immediately went viral sparking a social media movement to eliminate plastic straws.

Earlier this month, Starbucks pledged to eliminate single-serve plastic straws from its 28,000 stores by 2020. Starbucks estimates their effort will result in eliminating over one billion plastic straws per year. Similarly, Hyatt Hotels, is stepping up their efforts to eliminate plastic straws by transitioning to alternative packaging.

Across the Atlantic, the UK government has stated a willingness to ban single-use plastics beginning in 2019 putting pressure on McDonald’s, Burger King, and Subway franchises to adapt or face fines.

Slowly, the movement is catching fire.

Eagle Ray's. — Eagle Ray’s paper straw comes standard with all drinks.

Plastics & The Caribbean

Caribbean nations are also working to reduce the local use of plastic straws and styrofoam food packaging. Wanting to do their part for the environment, Lana and Ron were ready to put their money where their mouth is.

“I wanted to do our part at Tukka and educate people,” explains Lana. “So, we immediately stopped putting straws in drinks that didn’t need them–juices, sodas and basic cocktails. After the first two days we only had about three people ask for a straw, or ask why they didn’t get one…. and we saved about 300-400 straws!”

But, Lana didn’t stop there. She asked her US supplier to find someone who could manufacture custom paper straws for their restaurants. “Even though these new straws cost us more, it’s worth it for the environment,” stated Lana.

“There is also a campaign, #RefuseTheStraw, on Twitter trying to get people to order their drinks and remind the server, ‘No Straws Please’,” notes Lana. If that could catch on worldwide, it would have an amazing impact!”

How You Can Help

We are incredibly proud of Lana and all that she and her husband do for the island community of Grand Cayman.

Following her lead, other island restaurants have ditched plastic straws. The Rum Point Club Restaurant and Wreck Bar in North Side, the Royal Palms Beach Club and Sunset House on Seven Mile Beach, and Ristorante Pappagallo in Morgan’s Harbor, have all replaced plastic straws with biodegradable paper alternatives. An encouraging sign from local eateries that we hope more Cayman businesses will adopt.

But it doesn’t stop with us. You can contribute to this movement while vacationing on Grand Cayman by visiting businesses committed to forgoing plastic straws. Alternatively, simply ask your server for no straws with your drink order, or say, “paper straws please!” One small change can have a global impact.

Note: Tukka, Eagle Ray’s, Taco Cantina, Rum Point Restaurant and, The Wreck Bar & Grill are all participants in our Silver Thatch preferred partner program. Just present your Silver Thatch card and receive a 10% discount off your bill.

Jul 16 2018

Check Out the Czech Inn Grill

Save 10% with your Silver Thatch Guest Card at the Czech Inn Grill.

After collecting your bags and clearing customs, then picking up your rental car and exiting the airport, your next thought may be, “I’m hungry. Where can I grab a quick bite to eat?” If this is you, look no further than our newest preferred restaurant partner, The Czech Inn Grill.

Located in Bodden Town just 10 miles east of the airport—and conveniently on the way to the Silver Thatch welcome center for check-ins—sits this new rustic roadside grill. The portions here are huge and the menu extensive with reasonable prices sure to satisfy your appetite without busting your budget. Plus, our villa guests receive 10% off their final bill with their Silver Thatch Guest Card, or proof of villa reservation.

A native of the Czech Republic, chef Jiri “George” Zitterbart opened the Czech Inn Grill after serving as the head chef at Morgan’s Harbour and Grand Old House. “I know [this to be] something good for Bodden Town because there’s not much in the way of a reasonably priced restaurant in the [area],” says Chef George.

And, so far, the feedback has been stellar. Reviews on TripAdvisor rave about the food and laid-back-island vibe with open air seating and rustic charm. Their BYOB policy is also a hit with customers since the restaurant lacks a liquor license. “You can come sit down, bring your own beer and enjoy the ambience [while you] order from the menu,” Chef George explains.

The menu features a variety of appetizers, burgers and sandwiches, salads, and, of course, traditional Czech and European foods—think chicken schnitzel, or guláš with dumplings. Chef George also puts his personal flair on regional dishes like jerk chicken, wahoo ceviche, and callaloo. Daily specials revolve around locally caught fresh snapper, wahoo, or lobster. You won’t find frozen fish or seafood here.

Open Tuesday – Sunday from 11:00 am until 10:00 pm (11:00 pm on weekends, and 7:00 pm on Sunday), The Czech Inn Grill is a great spot for a quick bite en route to our Welcome Center for check-in and to claim your complimentary snorkel gear and other check-out goodies.

It’s also a great place to stop for your last meal on-island before boarding your return flight home. Again, just show your Silver Thatch Guest Card and save 10% off your bill.

The Czech Inn Grill accepts cash ($US or $CI) and most major credit cards. No checks accepted. Czechs, on the other hand, warmly welcomed—lol.

Other restaurants extending a 10% discount to our Silver Thatch Guests include:

Tukka – For a taste of Australia with a Caribbean twist!

The Lighthouse – Specializing in Italian cuisine and fresh seafood.

Italian Kitchen – Serving casual Italian dishes and brick oven pizza. Great for take out or delivery!

Rum Point Club Restaurant & Wreck Bar & Grill – Serving Caribbean inspired delights for lunch and dinner on gorgeous Rum Point Beach.