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.

This 144-acre, exquisitely manicured resort offers unparalleled luxury and service infused with a sense of place, with works by local artists and craftspeople. The resort took the opportunity of the nearly two-year shutdown to pour CI$50 million of improvements into the property. It is anchored by a seven-story behemoth that faces Seven Mile Beach on the west and the North Sound on the east. Top chef Eric Ripert created one of the eateries, Greg Norman designed the golf course, La Prairie operates the sybaritic spa, and the Ambassadors of the Environment children's program was created by none other than Jean-Michel Cousteau. Despite its glam romantic trappings, the resort is family friendly, offering movie screenings poolside and stargazing with astronomers, and incorporating Caymanian culture into the estimable kids' club activities. The spacious rooms have been given a refresh blending modern coastal and midcentury British Caribbean styles with local artwork and are outfitted with high-tech conveniences.

Little Cayman's first resort was founded in the 1950s as a private fishing club by the CEO of Sears-Roebuck and the CFO of General Motors, and its focus is still on fishing and diving in a barefoot luxury environment. The adventure and casually elegant motifs are struck in the semi-open lobby with African masks, trophy game fish, hand-painted cabinets, and a magnificent indoor-outdoor bar. Psychedelically hued duplex cottages sit on Little Cayman's most spectacular white-sand beach, with views of the uninhabited Owen Island and romantic private outdoor showers. Rooms feature a monochrome color scheme enlivened by vivid throw pillows and local art, bamboo accents, and hardwood furniture, including several four-poster beds. Some have separate living rooms and indoor-outdoor showers; the newest incorporate ecologically sound aspects such as gray-watered gardens and solar-heated water. Dive services are superb—set your gear up once and the rest is done for you during your stay. Creative mixologists hold sway at the delightful bar, and the food is exceptional, served in various venues, including an air-conditioned split-level dining room with panoramic views. The resort is Green Globe certified.

The handsomely designed, well-equipped Westin offers something for everyone, from conventioneers to honeymooners and families, not to mention what the hospitality industry calls "location, location, location." You can walk on a perfect beach or luxuriate in a cabana, enjoy the sumptuous spa, sweat in the state-of-the-art fitness club, get wet with a Red Sail Sports branch, dine at the estimable Beach House, lounge in Grand Cayman's largest freshwater pool (with an ocean view to boot), or loll in the suave piano lounge after dark. The sophisticated room decor includes rich hardwood furnishings and granite-clad bathrooms with pampering showers. The Westin-brand signatures have been subtly tailored to the tropics: local rum cakes are the turndown treats, a "run concierge" leads jogs at cooler times of day, craft demonstrations from glassblowing to thatch-weaving are offered, and the kids' club includes piratical skits and scavenger hunts teaching Cayman history.

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.

Beachcomber rose phoenix-like after Hurricane Ivan as a glam high-rise with 40 spacious two- to four-bedroom condos (roughly 24 in the rental pool). The decor is high end, the amenities and appliances high-tech, and there's free underground parking, long distance calls to North America, and Wi-Fi; HDTV with DVD; a washer/dryer; and a dishwasher. The beach is gorgeous, and the location is ideal (walking distance to groceries and restaurants). It compares favorably to neighbors Caribbean Club and Meridian.

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.

The soaring, stylish marble lobby (with exquisite art glass and majestic stingray bas-relief sculpture) sets a "beach house" tone for this bustling property. Large adjoining rooms are ideal for families; all have tiny balconies, hardwood furniture, pullout sofas, and smallish bathrooms. The beach, pool, beach bar, sunglasses concierge, sunburn relief stations, and Red Sail dive center with water toys fill every nautical need. Add a serene spa, lovely lush tropical courtyard and turtle lagoon, clever man-made reef, and solid restaurants using local ingredients as much as possible, and you never need to leave the property (despite the on-site car rental agency). When you do, it's a short walk to more restaurants and stores.

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.

Silver Sands is an older compound that anchors the quieter northernmost end of Seven Mile Beach, with terrific snorkeling off the spectacular sweep of glittering sand. Most of the 42 units have balconies with fabulous views; second-floor units with vaulted ceilings are preferable.

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.