It's always a pleasure to add a new stamp to the passport, especially when it's an opportunity to visit a country you've never been to. When invited to explore the Cayman Islands, I was very familiar with Grand Cayman—the largest among the three islands, known for its stunning clear-blue beaches, and modern city comforts—but I seriously slept on Cayman Brac.
On a six-day trip, I knew Grand Cayman would be that girl, but the smaller sister island Cayman Brac? She’s the captivating, low-key spot that is a whole soft-life fantasy.
This trip was my first time in the destination, via the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism (@visitcaymanislands) and it had all the luxe chill and exploration that makes for great memories that will prompt anybody to want to return again and again. Plus, it was the tail end of rainy season, which is basically my jam because off-peak travel makes me feel like a VIP. I get the beauty, the beaches, the food, the people—without the crowds and noise.
Let’s get into how you can pack your Cayman Islands itinerary with cultural exploration, elevated cuisine, deep restoration, and an island-hopping adventure along the way.
GRAND CAYMAN
Grand Cayman hits you with that effortless island confidence from the moment you land. It’s the largest of the Cayman Islands, known for crystal-clear Caribbean waters and a culture that blends British influence with laid-back island charm.
Visitors pull up for Seven Mile Beach, stingray encounters, fresh seafood, and those luxe resorts and villas that make unplugging way too easy.
Where To Stay
Courtesy/Grand Cayman Marriott Resort
Grand Cayman Marriott Resort: This property offers ocean views, polished comfort, with easy access to everything near Seven Mile Beach. (Marriott stays are often a go-to for me when I’m in the mood for a resort stay where the standards are consistent no matter the destination).
The spacious rooms, warm staff, and a pool area perfect for quick resets between adventures were a hit for me. Despite the patchy rain, lounging by the pool felt like a reset button.
I popped into the gift shop and found pieces from Isy B, the Cayman-based brand created by Isy Obi, a Black woman who pivoted from finance to fashion. The designs are bold, colorful, full of vibes I love to reference when returning home.
Botanica Luxury Cottages: The cluster boutique cottages blend island-chic décor with modern touches. My cabin had vaulted ceilings, washer and dryer, roomy showers, a cozy lounge area, and a private outdoor nook with stylish umbrellas and seating perfect for reading, sunbathing, or unwinding. A pool is just a short walk away on the property and Seven Mile Beach was just a quick drive. I took a two-mile stroll along the shoreline where families, chilled-out tourists, and sleek beach clubs lended to a balanced and laid-back but lively environment.
Courtesy/Botanica Luxury Cottages
Where To Eat
Pom Pom: This breezy rooftop lounge serving curated cocktails with a relaxed, stylish vibe and mellow music was the perfect evening welcome to the island. And the sunsets are divine.
Avecita Chef’s Table: It’s an amazing multi-course dining experience where chefs craft global flavor fusions right in front of you. Expect bubbles, bold tastes, and an ambiance that feels refined without being pretentious. This is one experience I definitely plan to fly back to Cayman for in the new year.
Pepper’s Bar & Grill: Conveniently located just across the street from the resort, it’s a local casual spot with live music and unique takes on Caribbean meal staples. The Cayman-style jerk pork was a favorite.
Ristorante Pappagallo: Set on a 14-acre bird sanctuary overlooking a saltwater lagoon, this brunch delivered everything from sushi to risotto to curry goat to barbacoa tacos. The white tablecloth elegance paired with homestyle warmth and peaceful water views made the whole experience feel elevated yet comforting.Bacaro
Bacaro: This is where we had our farewell dinner, enjoying their Venetian-inspired small plates and curated cocktails. If you want a final night with your partner or even your best girl group, this is the spot.
Things To Do:
Courtesy/Island Soul
Floating Sound Bath with Island Soul: The floating meditation was calming, grounding, and deeply restorative. We had the sky and breeze as a backdrop and listened to music, prompts and chimes that allowed us to simply float and be.
Anchor & Den Cocktail Class at the Grand Cayman Marriott Resort: I thoroughly enjoyed this lively, hands-on cocktail-making session which would be fun for couples, friends, or anyone wanting a playful evening activity without leaving the property.
The Grove: This is a foodie and art-lover's delight with its dining and culture scene that features spots like Island Naturals, a chill café with plant-forward dishes—where the mushroom tacos were everything, and the tuna poke nachos are a must—and upscale spots like Mykonos Steak Club. After eating, stop by Carlos Garcia’s gallery, a working studio and public exhibition space that supports a collective of local and international artists, and regularly hosts events, pop-ups, and live painting.
Pirates Week Festival: This was a welcome surprise addition to our itinerary, and it's an event held in November across the Cayman Islands, with the major events happening in the heart of Grand Cayman's George Town. During the finale, I was out there jumping and whining to Nessa Preppy and Faith Callender, rum in hand, surrounded by locals and pure island joy. As a woman who loves soca, that moment lit me up. It was the perfect last hurrah with a slice of home, culture, and celebration.
Bonny Moon Beach Club: It’s a Tik Tok-famous stylish beachfront lounge experience that, for me, actually matched the good reviews. The octopus ceviche and everything from the woodfired portion of the menu were a hit and the DJ added the right amount of energy. We ate just steps from the ocean. It's swanky, atmospheric, and ideal for date night, girls’ trips, or baecations.
CAYMAN BRAC
Known for dramatic limestone cliffs, caves, and some of the best diving in the Caribbean, the vibe in Cayman Brac is slower, more local, and perfect if you want nature, real island culture, and adventure without the crowds. I took a quick Cayman Airways flight from Grand Cayman and spent two days there.
The visit was honestly one of the most peaceful, soul-nourishing parts of my trip. The moment I landed, the island reeled me in—raw, mysterious, almost cinematic in its quiet beauty. There’s a softness that feels like an alluring secret.
Where to Stay
Courtesy/Le Soleil d'Or
Le Soleil d’Or: This is a farm-focused boutique haven with luxury villas, a restaurant, a pool, and its own beach club. Our villa was huge, complete with a kitchen, living room, laundry space, game room, and the modern luxury master suite of my dreams.
The bathroom had a soaking tub that fit my 5’7"-plus frame, a large shower, and his-and-her sinks. The bedroom had tons of storage, a large comfy bed, and a mini fridge, plus a TV lounge and veranda opening to the pool. Honestly, my suite could’ve been a full studio apartment back home—I was blown away.
The farm-to-table meals, which I could enjoy at the restaurant just steps away from my suite, were rich, fresh, and soulful. My morning walks on the property were serene, wrapped in nothing but nature and quiet.
If you want an escape from the tourist and business buzz of Grand Cayman, this is the perfect hideaway for a baecation, girls trip, or solo venture.
Courtesy/Le Soleil D'Or
Things To Do & Good Eats
Rock Iguana Yoga: This soothing yoga and therapeutic art experience was set in lush island terrain and was a grounding, earthy immersion that eased my back pain from stress, and was a great quiet time to reflect and release. The instructor was patient, graceful, and welcoming.
Le Soleil D’Or Beach Club: It's a chill open beachfront that offers a peaceful, quiet experience in the off season. Think serene solitude, gentle waves, and open space to unwind—far from the typical beach club scene with loud DJs, pumping music, and high-energy crowds.
Star Island Restaurant: This restaurant reminded me of my favorite local spots in Jamaica where you can get food with spices and tastes like your Caribbean grandma or auntie made the meals with love. The menu includes Caribbean dishes like jerk chicken and Cayman's national dish, stewed turtle.
I’ve been to several islands across the Caribbean—with my tried-and-true all-time favorite being Jamaica—and I must say, if you want that soft-life island-hopping luxury adventure paired with opportunities to connect with a rich arts, music, and culinary scene, a trip to the Cayman Islands is exactly that.
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RELATED
Anyway, I personally think that the less shallow folks out here may contemplate calling things “quits” or they at least distance themselves a bit from their partner (and what I’m referring to is serious relationships) due to all of the stress and strain that oftentimes comes with the holidays whether it be financial, familial, due to their tight schedules or something else.
Listen, I would hate for you and your man to miss the fun and happiness of experiencing this time of year, all because you are so overwhelmed or irritated that you can’t really enjoy it. That’s why I have a few practical tips for how to avoid allowing the typical holiday season stress from INFECTING your relationship.
Manage Your Expectations
GiphyUnmanaged expectations. If there is a main reason why the holiday season tends to be so stress-filled for so many people, I’d bet good money that this is the cause. And when you’re in a long-term relationship, expectations can manifest themselves in all sorts of cryptic and/or unexpected ways. You might have relatives who assume that you are going to be with them for Thanksgiving or Christmas when you have other plans in mind. You might be thinking that you are going to spend one amount for presents while your man is thinking something totally different. When it comes to scheduling, your signals may be crossed.
And you know what? To all of these scenarios, this is where clear and consistent communication come in. Don’t assume anything. Don’t dictate anything either. From now until New Year’s, mutually decide to check in once a week, just to make sure that you are both on the same page as it relates to the holidays and what you both are thinking will come along with it. The less blindsided you both feel, the less stressed out you will be. Trust me on this.
Set (and Keep) a Budget
GiphyOkay, so I read that last year, 36 percent of Americans incurred some type of holiday-related debt. Hmph. Last year, there was still some sense of normalcy in this country, chile, so I can only imagine what finances are gonna look like over the next several weeks. That said, since I don’t know a lot of people who don’t find being broke stressful, make sure that you and your bae set a budget and then stick to it this year — no ifs, ands or buts.
Because really, y’all — it doesn’t make sense to deplete savings and/or max out credit cards for a few days of giggles only to be damn near losing your mind because you don’t know how to make ends meet come Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
And by the way, this tip doesn’t just speak to things like food and gifts; I also mean travel. If it doesn’t make a ton of sense (or cents) to be all over the place this year — DON’T BE.
Keep Matthew 5:37 at the Forefront
GiphyIf off the top of your head, you don’t know what Matthew 5:37 says, no worries, here ya go: “But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.” That verse right there? Oh, it’s a boundaries lifesaver! I say that because do you see “maybe” or “I’ll think about it” in there? Nope. LOL. It says that you should tell people “yes” or “no” and leave it at that — and that complements Anne Lamott’s quote, “’No’ is a complete sentence” impeccably well. Yeah, you’ve got to remember that anything beyond a yes or no to a request is privileged information; you don’t owe anyone details or an explanation.
Besides, if you are really honest with yourself, when someone asks you something and you give a “Umm, let me think about it” kind of reply, more times than not, you already know what your answer is going to be — so why not let you both off of the hook? Give your response. Commit to that. And let everyone (including yourself) get on with their lives and schedules.
I promise you that when it comes to those holiday parties, you are pissing more folks off by not RSVP’ing or doing so and not showing up than just saying, “Thank you but not this year” off the rip.
Remember That Your Personal Space Is Privilege Not a Right
GiphyA friend of mine recently bought a new house and invited me over to come see it. He’s a single man with no children, so as I was taking in all of the space that he had, especially as I walked through his finished basement, I joked about relatives coming to live with him. “Hell no” and “absolutely not” were pretty much his immediate responses as he went on to say that some folks even had the nerve to be offended when he told them that he had no intentions on taking DNA in.
Ain’t it wild how people think that your stuff is their right? And yes, that brings me to my next point. Your home is your sanctuary space. If you want to host folks this year — cool. If not, ALSO COOL. Please don’t let folks (family included) guilt you into how they want you to act or even into what they would do if the shoe was on the other foot. You are not them — and as one of my favorite quotes states, “If two people were exactly alike, one of them would be unnecessary.” (A man by the name Larry Dixon said that.)
Hell, my friends? They know that I am good for sending them random things that they need or even want all throughout the year. Coming over to hang out at my pace, though. Uh-uh. Chalk it up to being a card-carrying member of the ambivert club yet I like keeping my living space personal — and I sleep like a baby, each and every night, for feeling that way.
Always remember that your space, your time, your resources, your energy and shoot, yourself period (including your relationship), are all things that are your own. You get to choose how, when and why you want to share them. The holiday season is certainly no exception.
Cultivate Some “You Two Only” Traditions
GiphyIt’s not uncommon for some couples to hit me up after the holiday season to “detox.” Sometimes it’s due to the financial drama (and sometimes trauma) that they experienced. Sometimes it’s because they allowed their relatives (especially in-laws) to get more into their personal business than they should’ve. More than anything, though, it tends to be because they didn’t get enough quality time together and so ended up feeling “disconnected.”
Please don’t let that happen. Listen, I’m not even a holidays kind of woman and yet, I will absolutely sit myself down with some hot chocolate and chocolate chip cookies to enjoy a Hallmark holiday film or two. Aside from the fact that most of them are lighthearted and sweet, I also like that they usually focus on couples loving on each other amidst all of the holiday beauty and ambiance — which is something that all couples should set aside some time to do.
Maybe it’s a vacation. Maybe it’s a staycation. Or maybe it’s my personal favorite, A SEXCATION. Whether it’s for a few days, the weekend or even overnight — don’t you let the holidays go by without setting aside time for you and your man to celebrate one another. Don’t you dare (check out “Are You Ready To Have Some Very Merry 'Christmas Sex'?”).
GET. SOME. REST.
GiphyI once read that 8 out of 10 people get stressed out over the holidays and 3 out of 10 lose sleep during to it — and when you’re stress-filled and sleep-deprived, that can absolutely lead to hypersensitivity, making mountains out of molehills and even not being in the mood for sex.
Your relationship can’t afford to go through any of this, so definitely make sure to prioritize rest. I don’t care how unrealistic it might seem during this time, sleep should never be seen as a luxury; it will always and forever be a great necessity.
That said, try to get no less than six hours of shut-eye in (check out “6 Fascinating Ways Sex And Sleep Definitely Go Hand In Hand”) and even ask your bae to take a nap with you sometimes (check out “Wanna Have Some Next-Level Sex? Take A Nap, Sis.”). Not only will sleep help to restore your mind, body and spirit but, when it’s with your partner, it’s an act of intimacy that can make you both feel super connected, even in the midst of what might feel like chaos.
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Holiday season stress is real. Still, never give it the permission or power to throw your relationship off. Put you and your man first and let the holidays be what they are gonna be, chile.
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1. Bamboo Leaf Tea
Raise your hand if you’ve ever tried bamboo leaf tea before. If you’re a doula like myself, you may have recommended it to a mom who is getting really close to her due date because some studies say that it can help with uterine contractions when it comes to making them more bearable.
Because we are focusing strictly on beauty today, though, this particular tea makes the list because it’s rich in amino acids, magnesium, zinc, antioxidants, copper, potassium and calcium that all work together to provide you with healthy skin, strong hair with reduced breakage and, thanks to the silica that is in it, nails that will grow the length that you want them to as well.
2. Warm Pea Milk
Another word for warm pea milk is ripple milk; it’s a milk alternative that’s been made from yellow peas that is rich in protein, Vitamin D, iron, potassium and calcium (reportedly 150 percent more than cow’s milk. Wild, right?). Since it’s great for the environment (y’all, almond milk actually isn’t) and it’s low in sugar and carbs, that’s why it’s becoming more and more popular, en masse.
As far as beauty tips go, this is a drink to try because, mentioned nutrients aside, something else that it is rich in is sunflower oil. Your skin will appreciate that because sunflower oil helps to protect it from free radicals while supporting your skin’s barrier so that it remains moisturized for longer periods of time. This oil, along with the vtamin E that it also contains can reduce hair breakage and, since sunflower oil also has antifungal properties, it can help to prevent fungal infections on your nails while providing a natural sheen to them.
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3. Mexican Hot Chocolate
If nothing makes you happier than a cup of hot chocolate, treat yourself to some Mexican hot chocolate before the holiday season ends. It’s basically hot chocolate that has a bit of a “kick” to it, thanks to the chili and/or cayenne and cinnamon powders that are added to it.
And yes, it’s those things that help to make it a great beauty drink too. Since chili powder (which is ground chili peppers) contains the chemical compound capsaicin, that can reduce the pain and inflammation that is associated with psoriasis; plus, it helps to reduce skin inflammation, reduces the appearance of cellulite and contains anti-aging properties too. Cinnamon has been known to support hair growth while hindering hair loss and word on the street is cinnamon is an all-natural way to treat toe fungus as well.
4. Hot Oaxacan Penicillin Cocktail
I’ll be honest — out of all of these, the one that I learned the most about is a drink known as the Hot Oaxacan Penicillin Cocktail. What makes it hot is hot water. What makes it a “beauty drink” is the tequila, ginger and honey. Tequlia can be good for your skin, thanks to the astringent properties that are in it. Ginger is good for your skin because its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antimicrobial properties can help to slow down the aging process.
Ginger is also good for your hair because it stimulates your hair follicles, so that they can get more of the nutrients that they need while helping to soothe and heal an irritated scalp. Ginger can also to keep your nails nice and healthy. And honey? Honey is a humectant; this means that it can help to keep your skin, hair and nails moisturized from the inside out.
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5. Milk Thistle Tea
I grew up with a mother who basically obsessed over herbs, so I’ve been knowing about milk thistle, in supplement form, for a long time now. What I remember most about it is it’s an herb that helps to detox your liver — and that alone can make it a great beauty addition since, the clearer your system is, the healthier your skin, hair and nails will be in return. In fact, thanks to its pretty potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, milk thistle can help to speed up the healing process of acne.
Also, it can help to even out your skin, slow down signs of aging and deeply hydrate your skin too. Your hair will like milk thistle because it helps to stimulate hair growth while also helping to prevent hair loss. And, as far as your nails go, milk thistle is great because it supports the production of keratin, so that your nails remain strong instead of brittle.
6. Wassail
Right around Christmastime, many people find themselves drinking wassail. It’s basically a type of apple cider that has citrus fruit, fresh apples and spices in it (sometimes it also has cranberries and bourbon or brandy in it too). In fact, since there are so many ingredients in this particular drink, I’m only going to shout-out a few ways that it benefits your hair, skin and nails (feel free to Google each ingredient for more intel).
Apples are good for your skin because they are loaded with antioxidants that can help to keep your skin healthy. They also have acids in them that can help to prevent too much dead skin accumulation; plus, they contain collagen that can keep your skin looking young, fresh and radiant. The spice nutmeg is good for your hair because it contains properties that reduce hair shedding, dandruff flakes and it helps to heal scalp infections. Another popular spice in wassail is cloves. They can be good for your nails because they can fight nail fungus; oftentimes before it even starts.
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7. Honey, Lemon and Mint Water
If you’re feeling like a cold is coming on, the combination of honey, lemon and mint water can do you a world of good. Not only is honey soothing to a sore throat, it contains properties that can actually shorten the lifespan of a cold. Lemon contains vitamin C that can help to boost your immune system. And mint water? Well, it has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help to fight the viruses that cause colds in the first place.
Beauty-wise, this combination is impressive too. Honey also has antimicrobial properties that can help to keep breakouts at bay. Your hair will like honey because it reduces breakage while adding shine. And your nails? Honey can keep your nails strong and your cuticles in a hydrated state, so that you don’t have to worry about hangnails so much. The vitamin C in lemons helps to boost your collagen levels so that your skin, hair and nails looks youthful. And mint water is an awesome detoxifier for your skin, clarifier as a hair rinse and it’s another way to keep your nails looking healthy from the inside out.
8. Crockpot Red Wine Hot Cocoa
Geeze: wine and cocoa? In the same drink?! Yep. Not only is this particular recipe absolutely delicious but, as we close this all out, it’s one more drink that is good for you, from head to toe. You can read my article “12 Ways Dark Chocolate Can Benefit Your Body From Head To Toe” to learn more about how chocolate is able to soften the appearance of wrinkles, protect your skin from damaging skin rays and deeply nourish your scalp. Also, dark chocolate can help your nails because the copper in chocolate can help to fight off bacteria while the magnesium and iron in chocolate are able to produce the healthy forms of keratin that your nails are made out of.
And red wine? Skin-wise, it helps to protect it from free radicals, reduces inflammation and improves both the texture and tone of your skin over time. Hair-wise, it helps to reduce frizz while also fighting to prevent hair loss. Also, since red wine contains properties that slow down cellular aging, it can help to keep your hands and nails looking younger for longer periods of time too.
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Is there anything more soothing and comforting than a mug that is full of a warm and delicious drink? And now that you know of something that can have you looking better than you already do — it’s time to Instacart some of these ingredients (recipes are featured in some of the hyperlinks).
Your skin, hair and nails are just waiting for you to!
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