grants04

My husband, 4.5 year old daughter, 2.5 son and I are going to Grand Cayman later this month. We are not divers, but are looking for a relaxing family trip to the beach. We were thinking about the Reef Resort because it has good options for accomodations that have a separate living room and bedroom so when the kids go to bed, we don't have to! They have a one room with murphy bed option or a two bedroom option. It sounds like a great resort but I cannot seem to get much information on their kid's club and the youngest age that they have day activities for kids. Also, I've read various posts on this site about the Reef Resort and it sounds like the water is much choppier on the East End and that we might be happier on 7MB. Also, the East End sounds rather secluded. We are obviously not going to be out all night partying with our preschoolers, but wouldn't mind seeing a person or two while we are there. Does anyone have recommendations for our stay, ie, where to stay, what would be good for the kids to see and do, etc?

Thanks for the help!

anonxx

We have stayed in a condo on 7MB and also at The Reef. Both are nice. At the Reef resort our 7 year old made friends with a couple of other children on the beach and had a blast making sand castles, etc. They have a nice pool area along the beach, so if there are rough days you can enjoy the view but swim in the pools. 7MB is calmer, but the snorkeling was better by the Reef. (unless you walk or drive to Cemetary Reef or a few other spots). Let me know if you have specific questions about the Reef Resort. We found plenty to do between the Reef Resort and Moritts right next door. Moritts had nightly entertainment outside. Both areas have great beaches for your little ones to play at.

grants04

Thank you for your reply. I can't tell from all the reviews, but it sounds like the East End of the Island where Reef Resort is has a more rocky beach instead of the powder sand. Is that the case?

EJC

TomCayman, the owner of The Reef, usually posts on this site. He can tell you everything you need to know. Go to; www.thereef.com.ky
You could also try The Grand Caymanian, which is on the north sound.It has a manmade beach,nice for playing and lounging, but not suitable for swimming, and 7 Mile Beach and restaurant area is only 2 miles away.Very nice resort w/ nice pool. go to: www.grandcaymanian.ky

TomCayman

Let me know what you need to know

As regards the beach, it is gorgeous white sand.... and the longest resort beach in Cayman by a long way.. we have 1450 linear feet of beach with only 74 beachfront suites.

Once you walk into the water, this is where the difference is to 7MB.... they have nothing but sand on the bottom (in most places), whereas we have ironshore pads on the bottom, which is great for snorkelling.

The news for 2004 though is that in 2003 we carved out (literally, with a huge jackhammer) two swim areas which are ideal for young children and for ease of entry for snorkellers.

As regards weather (wind, chop on the water etc), it can be windier in the mid Nov to mid Feb period, but that applies across the whole island... that is the time of year when cold fronts from the US can dip down and impact the Caribbean.

Let me know if you have any more questions.... but if you are looking to book for late January, move fast, we are normally pretty much sold out for the winter by about Jan 15th

Dee2

My personal preference with two young children would be to stay on 7 Mile Beach. You can check out condos, which with children would be a great way to go, on caymanvacations.com. You are also closer to restaurants, shops and activities. With two young ones, spending time driving would not be ideal. Just something else to think about.

anonxx

To answer your question, Tom C. is correct, the Reef Resort has the same type of beach as 7MB, but as I said before, better snorkeling. We have also stayed at the Grand Caymanian that someone mentioned on this post, and the London House on 7MB. The Grand Caymanian has the worst beach. It is man made and not too much sand for playing in right by the water, however it's better by the pool area. All are very nice resorts. The Grand Caymanian has beautiful views, nice tennis courts, and it's on a great 18 hole golf course, but no swimming beach. We stayed in 2BR condo's at each resort. (London House, Reef, Grand Caymanian) All very nice, but different. You also asked about kids activities. I think you will find more kids activites at the Reef & Grand Caymanian. Most condo's on 7MB don't have organized kids activities. We have been to Grand Cayman twice in the last two years and are going again in 3 weeks, so if I can help let me know.