Page 69 - Real Style Spring 2017

Ah
, Grand Cayman. Beautiful, magi- cal Grand Cayman. Less than four hours ying time from bustling To- ronto, the verdant destination—and its warm, climatic shift—is almost otherworldly. The tropical island, indeed, is the jewel in the Caribbean’s twinkling crown, and a destination to which we escape whenever sched-
ules permit.
Visiting, we’re forever seduced by the island’s friendly residents,
its palm-fringed, sandy beaches and by its stellar standards of service— traits that, from our experience, are seldom matched by other, ahem, “luxury” destinations. Aye, it’s fair to say we’re smitten.
With a plethora of hostelries from which to choose, we elected, on this occasion, to lay our heads at the recently opened Kimpton Sea re Re- sort + Spa. All rooms and suites in the contemporary Seven Mile Beach outpost are beautifully appointed in a modern, sunny vernacular. Walls, throughout, are crisp white with pops of vibrant colour delivered via art- work, upholstery and textiles. The indulgent palette, it’s fair to report, is thoroughly enlivening.
The hotel, as we found it, is a haven of contemporary comfort, with a design aesthetic that’s sure to appeal to the most discerning guest. From the commodious stone tiled lobby, and its twelve feet tall blue painted screens, to the stunning lower level spa (where we indulged in a lime blossom body polish to prepare our skin for tanning) and Avecita, the principal dining room, every detail is mastered to perfection. The Kimpton, as we see it, is a visual and ergonomic conspiracy, indulgently balanced to unwind guests at every turn.
As much, though, as relaxation pivoted at the forefront of our Cayman odyssey, we factored in plenty of time for adventure. Strolling the entire length of Seven Mile Beach, for example, consumed the better part of a day, albeit punctuated by regular stops for comestibles and drinks along the way. Wandering the famous golden fringe (considered by many the world’s nest beach) and paddling in temperate waters, thoughts of Rob- inson Crusoe—and the undeniable appeal of a simpler life—abounded. As the waves lapped gently around our sun-kissed toes, work—and our hectic schedule— seemed a million miles away.
Seven Mile Beach
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Photo, Cayman iSLanDS DePartment of toUriSm