The Reef Resort Grand Cayman

Hotel Information: The Reef Resort's seclusion, long beach, ocean views, and casual peace-and-quiet ambience draw couples as well as families who wish to holiday away from crowds, and to snorkel and dive to their hearts' content. The resort faces northeast so beachfront balconies and patios are shaded in the afternoon. Tradewinds usually provide cooling.

Amenity highlights: A 1,600-foot beach provides ample room for enjoying the surroundings of this lovely Grand Cayman property; sunbathing is a popular pastime among guests of The Reef Resort, with coral heads right off the beach for snorkeling.

One pool complex comprises two rock-lined free-form pools with a children's pool between and an eight-person spa tub. One pool measures 75 feet long and is bordered by a rock waterfall. The other measures 40 feet and features an infinity edge. A second pool complex comprises an 80-foot-long free-form pool and a six-person spa tub.

Insider tip: Teak benches at the end of a 150-foot dock become a popular spot for ocean gazing at happy hour.

The Reef Resort offers 152 extra-spacious oceanfront studios and suites in two- and three-story yellow buildings with blue roofs. Each studio and suite features a balcony or patio with a full ocean view. All units are nonsmoking. (Smoking at the resort is permitted only outdoors.) Ceiling fans provide a cooling alternative to units' air conditioning. Televisions offer U.S. cable channels.

Couples favor oceanfront studios that feature four-poster king beds and oval spa tubs draped with sheer white curtains. Families vacationing on Grand Cayman Island favor one-bedroom oceanfront suites and two-bedroom oceanfront condos with fully equipped kitchens.

Decor includes tile floors, white walls and ceilings, light-colored furniture, and artificial plants.

Full housekeeping is provided on Wednesdays and Saturdays; garbage removal and towel replacement takes place on all other days.

Wireless and dial-up Internet access are available (surcharges).

Caribbean

Grand Cayman Resort

Adventure Guide to the Cayman Islands

Price: $15*
(eBooks)

To the outsider, the Cayman Islands - Cayman Brac, Grand Cayman and Little Cayman - are almost always equated with watersports and glorious beaches, plus offshore banking opportunities.

Merchant: eBooks