The quiet of the Eastern Districts stakes a strong claim when it comes to attracting locals just wanting to get away for a couple of days. The beaches are empty, only the occasional car passes by on the Queen’s Highway and the office could be on the other side of the world. It is a true getaway for those who spend their days stuck in traffic on West Bay Road.
The Reef Resort tends to do brisk business during the off season when local residents try to escape the summer heat by fleeing to the cooling breezes of East End. Making a couple of stops on the way to the resort can be well worth it, with a number of attractions along the way. A drive along Frank Sound Road will take you past the entrance to the historical Mastic Trail as well as past the Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park. Both these attractions are well worth a visit for anyone with an interest in nature.
The botanic park is also home to the Blue Iguana Recovery Programme, which allows visitors a glimpse at Cayman’s most famous and endangered residents.
Special staycation treats
The Reef has extended its Food Lovers’ Staycation, which offers the perfect romantic evening out. The evening includes a steak and lobster dinner for two right on the beach with a glass of wine, a garden salad and the chef’s special dessert to round off a truly unique dining experience. Then take a stroll on the beach to your beachfront studio suite and wake up with a beautiful view over the tranquil waters of East End.
The special, which is available until 30 September, excluding blackout dates from 11 to 17 September. The dinner and one night staycation is available for CI$199 per couple, but can be extended with additional nights at regular staycation rates.
Rooms with a view
All the suites at the resort are beachfront, so you have an ocean view guaranteed and never more than a short stroll on the beach from a cool cocktail at the beach bar.
The studio and deluxe studio suites sleep two, with the one bedroom and two bedroom condos sleeping four and six respectively. So whether you are looking for a romantic break for two or a family staycation there should be a room to accommodate your needs. The studio suites have a kitchenette, while the condos boast full kitchens, so you can decide whether you want to dine out at one of the on-site restaurants or dine in.
Watersports
From snorkelling to kayaking and everything in between, White Sands Water Sports at the Reef offers a wide variety of watersports for those who want to be a little bit more active during their staycation. For snorkelers a staycation presents an ideal opportunity to explore new venues, away from the much-travelled Seven Mile Beach and South Sound sites.
Guided snorkelling trips are also available, with turtles, rays and even the occasional nurse shark being spotted on many dives. A relaxing or even slightly more vigorous row on a kayak can also reveal some of Cayman’s underwater wonders as you gaze down through the crystal clear water.
Spa
For those who find lounging on the beach or floating in the pool not quite relaxing enough, there is the option of booking a treatment at Le Soleil Spa at the resort. With a selection of face and body treatments, as well as massage and hand and foot therapies, a relaxing beach break can be even more so. There are also special treatments for him and her, so you can be certain to find something that will suit your specific needs. WH