13 Best Hotels in Cayman Islands

This gleaming boutique facility has a striking lobby with aquariums, infinity pool, and contemporary trattoria, Luca. Enormous three-bedroom units occupy a plantation-style seven-story "tower," offering beach views. Behind are two three-story buildings with oceanfront units. No expense was spared to appeal to the style conscious; luxury-brand players are represented from Villeroy & Boch china to Gilchrist & Soames toiletries. Kitchens have curved granite bars and stainless-steel appliances, including both regular and convection ovens. The decor, refurbished in 2017, seamlessly fuses classic (coffered ceilings, polished hardwood furnishings, glass-and-iron tables, Italian marble accents throughout) with contemporary convenience (free Wi-Fi, iPod stations, plasma TV/DVD, washer/dryer). Nice touches include wraparound balconies in many units, oversize jetted tubs, and walk-in his-and-hers closets. Personal assistants, trainers, chefs, nannies, and the like can be arranged.

These two-bedroom condos are cramped compared with otherwise newer compounds, but fully equipped, modernized, scrupulously clean, and—most important—affordable (at least for garden-view apartments). Many have an odd, if versatile, L-shape layout, though owners adapt the space ingeniously into "dens" with trundle beds, extra TV rooms, or offices. The showcase units are 12 (marvelous views), 14, and 15. The peace and little extras make the Anchorage a safe port of call for any family.

One of the older condo complexes, ABC is scrupulously maintained, quiet, and affordable. Three coral-color, three-story buildings surround lovely landscaping fronting an uncrowded stretch of sand dotted with inviting palapas and palm trees for shade. Each condo—some split-level—looks smack onto the water from its spacious screened-in patio or balcony. Most have sofa beds, and management will provide cribs; the only downside for families is that the beach can be rocky in spots. Units vary according to individual owners' whims: some have refined wrought-iron four-poster beds and beveled glass. Unit 7 is exceedingly handsome, with hand-painted shelves and cabinets, antique doors, and window frames hung as artwork. A two-bedroom unit costs only CI$50 more than the one-bedroom.

This attractive, pink-brick, colonnaded condo development sitting between the Bluff and the southeast coastal ironshore caters to climbers, who scale the Bluff's sheer face, as well as divers, who appreciate the good shore diving right off the property. Spacious two-bedroom units favor soft seashell colors, beach photos, and frilly touches (Aubusson-style rugs, shell-embedded mirrors, painted wooden fish) and have full open kitchens including a dishwasher, as well as a sleeper sofa and washer/dryer. Units 104 and 106 have particularly fine views. A private shore-dive entrance with a shower and rinse tank is at the cabana/pool area, slung with hammocks and offering breathtaking views of the Bluff and beach. There's a three-night minimum. You can rent from a variety of websites, including Expedia and Trivago, but the resort itself has no website.

With its two- and three-bedroom condos, this enduring favorite on the peaceful northern end of Seven Mile Beach is a find for families. Snorkeling is superb right offshore, and the beach is free of rocks. The parrot-green lawn fronting the sand is so perfectly maintained you could play croquet, and tennis courts and a large pool also tempt active types. Thatched cabanas and a gazebo offer shade. Living rooms and kitchens are enormous; the decor generally favors soft seashell colors of pink, mint, and baby blue, with nautical artworks aplenty. The complex is pretty quiet overall, but the north building units are quietest. Units 8 and 10 (the latter a particularly good value for families as its "den" has two twin beds) are among the stunners opening onto the beach; only the pricier three-bedroom units offer beach views.

These ultramodern, luxurious, three-bedroom condos are Little Cayman's nicest units, though only five are usually included in the rental pool. Each comes fully equipped, from kitchen to bedroom, with Italian marble, Turkish tiles, etched-glass doors, elegant accents such as arches and crown moldings, state-of-the-art gadgetry from rainfall showerheads to flat-screen TVs, upscale furnishings such as four-poster beds, and patios or balconies with scintillating water views. The complex has an outdoor pool with waterfall and Jacuzzi along the beachfront, as well as a dock with inviting hammocks. Guests can use the amenities and sign up for a meal plan at Little Cayman Beach Resort, under the same ownership, which is about a five-minute walk from The Club. Some residences can be locked off into one- and two-bedroom units.

In the shadow of the Ritz-Carlton, this exclusive enclave still shines by offering understated barefoot luxury, stellar service, and huge three-bedroom condos. Elegant touches include beveled-glass doors, granite-clad kitchens and bathrooms (with stylish raised basins), deco-inspired art, and arched Palladian windows. Top-floor units have the finest views. Many have four-poster beds and oversize jetted tubs, but all have Wi-Fi, a washer/dryer, screened-in sunbathing patio, and flat-screen TV/DVD. The annual attention to detail is exemplary (whether expanding the TV channel selection, adding a state-of-the-art fitness center, or converting the infinity pool to gentle salt water), and management can arrange anything from a babysitter to a chef.

This older but upgraded complex of all oceanfront suites sits at the north end of Seven Mile Beach, 6 miles from George Town, with fabulous snorkeling in the protected waters of nearby Cemetery Reef. Tennis courts, a large pool with hot tub, and sizable screened-in private porches add to the appeal. Kids 12 and under stay free, making it popular with families. The open layout enhances the spaciousness, though guest bedrooms are generally cramped and second bathrooms are shower-only. All units (except studios, rented only in low season and not recommended) have a washer/dryer. Decor varies according to the owner's taste; Unit 23 is particularly smart, with wonderful island photos and granite accents. Units 32–40 are also top of the line.

Grand view, indeed: all 69 two- and three-bedroom units (sadly only 20 are generally in the rental pool) look smack onto the Caribbean and the beach past splendidly maintained gardens. Little painted sandals climbing the office door set the laid-back tone. Decor varies wildly but favors soft pastels and marine motifs. First-rate amenities include huge kitchens, washer/dryers, and screened-in patios; larger families will also appreciate the sofa beds and the children-under-12-stay-free policy. Snorkeling here is excellent, the beach is long (if narrow), and the location is ideal for walking into George Town or the most bustling part of Seven Mile Beach. Guests receive a discount at nearby King's Gym.

The lavish landscaping and neo-Edwardian architecture with gables, Palladian windows, and grillwork balconies set an understated opulent tone that carries over to the interior—curved enclosed patios larger than many apartments, traditional decor favoring hardwood furnishings, four-poster beds, carved-wood chandeliers, and antique maps. Master bedrooms overlook the beach; their bathrooms have sunken tubs and separate showers. End units offer the most spectacular views (though there's not a bad patio seat in the house). Welcome extras include a well-equipped gym, free Wi-Fi, and a washer/dryer in each unit.

Cozy, sunny, one-bedroom units with beachfront terraces and hammocks are simply but immaculately appointed with rattan furnishings, marine artwork, painted driftwood, and bright abstract fabrics. Stylish contemporary touches include flat-screen TVs. If you tire of cooking in the well-equipped kitchen, fine island-style food (not to mention the island's only real bar) is steps away at the nutty, nautically themed Hungry Iguana (affectionately dubbed "The Iggy") restaurant. Conch Club Divers provides transfers and offers good service despite being off-site; room/dive packages are a sensational value.

Plantana is exceedingly lush, set on a stunning stretch of sand with smashing views of the leviathan ships lumbering into George Town and permeated with the sounds of surf and birdsong. The 49 individually decorated one-to-three-bedroom units are fully outfitted (including washer/dryers and Wi-Fi) and handsomely appointed, with designs running from contemporary to colonial or even Asian inspired.

On the beachfront, snuggled between the Ritz-Carlton and Westin, Galleon's villas are just steps away from groceries, restaurants, nightlife, and water sports. The buildings are staggered to ensure optimal sea views. All units have full kitchens with a dishwasher and microwave; two- and three-bedroom units include a washer/dryer. Cribs are provided gratis; families also appreciate the charcoal grills. The on-site manager encourages guests to call anytime they need something; energetic and personable, she loves dispensing advice and fresh fruit (often plucked from the sea-grape, lime, papaya, and banana trees on the property). Iguanas, alongside house cats Tom and Samantha, dart about the pretty grounds.