Hi there, <BR> <BR>We are planning a honeymoon for late October 2002, and we would love to go to Grand Cayman (heard there is great snorkeling!). I have read that a Ritz-Carlton is planned to open sometime in 2002, but I am wondering if it is on schedule, and if it will be completed in time for us to stay there. <BR> <BR>I appreciate any responses and advice! Thanks!!

Vicky, <BR> <BR>I was just in Cayman in April, and I didn't see any activity on the Ritz Carlton site. This hotel has been "under construction" for a couple of years and has had some difficulties with getting started. Lots of rumors have been flying about financing, etc., and I don't know what the real story is. I don't think I'd count on it being open. You might want to make a reservation there, if they're taking them, but make an alternative at the Westin which is just down the beach from the Ritz. The Westin is a very nice hotel with a beautiful beach. If the Ritz is open, great. If not, you'll be covered. October isn't typically a busy month unless you happen to be there during the last week in October which is Pirates Week. Have a great trip!

Thanks for that advice! I will certainly not count on anything happening there, and will stick with the Westin. <BR> <BR>I'll let you know how it goes!

We have the same dilemna for our honeymoon (we are looking at the same time period). I really want to be able to stay at a resort like the Ritz, and probably won't go to Cayman if it's not completed. You cannot compare the Westin to a Ritz - no where near the luxurious surroundings, quality of food, etc. The furnishings and are nothing like the Ritz or a resort like the Four Seasons. If the Ritz will not be open in time, we are going to do to the Four Seasons on Nevis - the only thing though, is that there is not too much to do on Nevis, so be aware of that. <BR> <BR>How I wish the Four Seasons or the Ritz would open up on an island like Aruba, Grand Cayman, or St. Lucia. It is unfortunate that these five star resorts are only on islands that now have high crime rates (ie. St. Thomas), or are very easy to get to for a regular vacation and are super-developed and overcrowded, and just don't seem as "special", ie. Puerto Rico. <BR> <BR>Just note, the Westin is a four star, and not up to the standards that I think you are looking for your honeymoon, which is a five star resort. <BR> <BR>We'll see what happens, good luck!

There's not really a lot to do on Cayman either. It's the beach, a dive or snorkel - that's about it. As of November, 2000, the RC property was a pile of rubble waiting for something to happen.

Evelyn, you might want to keep in mind the new Four Seasons opening on Great Exuma in the Bahamas instead of Nevis! It looks like it's going to be quite nice, indeed, much nicer than Nevis!!

Hi guys, <BR> <BR>Thanks so much - this is certainly helping us out a great deal. <BR> <BR>I had no idea the Four Seasons was building a resort on Great Exuma! Do you know if it will be done by mid 2002? <BR> <BR>Thanks again!!

Just got back from Grand Cayman ... saw the site where the Ritz will be ... just down from the Westin. Actually, it did look like some excavation work was being done on the beach side. There was a bulldozer type unit digging and it looked like they were putting in rods to support a foundation ... However, there was not alot of activity and from what I have read (that this site "construction" has been going on for awhile) I would not recommend planning that it would be open on Oct. 2002. Also, I recall that the sign said something about the "Ritz residences" and I heard that they are actually selling units ... so I'm not sure what will be straight hotel/resort (perhaps the part on the non-beach side of the road?) and what will be private condo type units (that the owners may rent out). <BR> <BR>We did not stay at the Westin, but toured the property, beach and pool. It is a beautiful property, much nicer than what I would expect from a Westin. The pool was beautiful, and it is on a very nice stretch of beach. They have 4 categories of rooms (keeping in mind that the hotel forms a "U"): Island view (which actually overlooks main road and parking lot), Ocean view (rooms on the side of the "U" with balconies angled toward the ocean - I don't think the ones near the back of the "U" would have very good views), Oceanfront (on the inside of the "U" facing the pool and ocean), and beachfront (at the front ends of the "U"). <BR> <BR>Seven Mile Beach is a beautiful beach with torquise blue water, and white silky sand. The governor's house is next to the Westin, and there is a reef you can swim out to (about 75 yards) in front of the governor's house for snorkeling.