Vida is nestled on the outskirts of Barkers National Park on the Western tip of Grand Cayman.VIDA Cayman
The coconut flesh wibbles on my cutting board, making it tricky to dice. Under the guidance of Vancouver-born head chef Maureen Cubbon, I’m preparing ceviche during a cooking class on the Cayman Islands.
It’s my first night at the newly opened Vida resort and this evening’s feast sets the scene for five days of incredible food. Alongside the coconut ceviche – tasty with lime, local scallions and Cayman seasoning peppers – I drool over wild mahi simmered in a sweet, tangy and spiced tomato sauce, cassava mash and a riff on bananas Foster using plantain, with a divine rum and salted-caramel sauce.
The class at Nourish, Vida’s in-house restaurant, is my introduction to the Cayman Islands’ unique gastronomy, which comes from throwing the dozens of cuisines of international residents of the British overseas territory into a melting pot with the island’s Caribbean roots.
Why you should visit
Vida, which opened its doors earlier this year, is a 12-suite hotel tucked in a quiet corner of Grand Cayman called West Bay. It’s far enough from the usual tourist hubs to feel like its own little oasis.
After stepping into the light and airy open-plan reception, I’m handed a cooling cloth infused with lavender and led to my room, which reflects the property’s laid-back, beachy feel. I greet a small Buddha statue before rolling out a yoga mat to stretch out the flight from Toronto.
Vida is off the beaten track and is submerged in nature and tranquility.VIDA Cayman
Am I skeptical when I read through the hotel’s wellness experience offerings? Absolutely; sound baths and reiki are not my thing. But my cynicism dissipates during a flow yoga session, the gentle sea breeze tickling my arms as I look over the sapphire water of Spanish Bay.
For those feeling energetic, the hotel offers sunrise kiteboard sessions, boxfit classes and bikes for a leisurely spin around the nearby Barkers National Park.
Cayman is thick with scuba-diving sites and reefs. When a storm clears, I grab snorkeling gear from reception and head down a short jungle path to a tranquil, white-sand beach.
The rain has whipped up a frenzy of underwater activity with queen angelfish, spotfin butterflyfish and blue tang darting through coral. Suddenly a small stingray whips underneath me; it’s harmless, but my Aussie roots mean I can’t help the visions of Steve Irwin’s untimely death at the end of a stinger. It’s enough to send me scuttling back to the safety of my room for a bit of quiet time before dinner.
While West Bay isn’t known for its thumping nightlife, there are plenty of excellent restaurants within a 10-minute drive.
Take Nova, at the Cobalt Coast hotel, with its Mediterranean-Asian fusion. The view over the infinity pool to the ocean is a superb backdrop as I make a dent in Nova’s wide selection of maki rolls, including tea-cured salmon with yuzu and rice puffs, and crispy shrimp with avocado, pickled carrot and red pepper mayo, and throw back coconut-lemongrass ceviche and red snapper croquettes.
Cobalt Coast hotel
Nova, a restaurant at the Cobalt Coast hotel, offers Mediterranean-Asian fusion food.Cobalt Coast hotel
Then there’s Bacaro, a charming Venice-inspired restaurant tucked away in the Cayman Islands Yacht Club. It’s an excellent place to sit by the water and watch boats pass by. As someone who is slightly obsessed with seafood, this place does not disappoint, as I try crispy lobster bites with a fiery scotch bonnet-paprika aioli, a massive, perfectly seared scallop, and shrimp served on tender quinoa salad.
Room for improvement
If you figure out the door-code locks at Vida on your first go, I salute you; they’re a great idea, but bamboozle even staff at times. The ability for guests to control the temperature in their room would also be a huge plus, particularly if you’re like me and don’t love icy air conditioning.
Like everywhere on Grand Cayman, you will likely hear roosters crowing in the morning. When Hurricane Ivan smashed into the island in 2004, it unleashed devastating winds that destroyed many a chicken coop. Now the birds roam free all over Cayman … by the runway at the international airport, in the middle of traffic circles, in gardens. So maybe pack earplugs if you’re a light sleeper.
Since you’re in the neighbourhood
Vida is about a 10-minute drive from Seven Mile Beach, which is hailed as one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. Its beauty has made it a tourist hub and a visit is an absolute must.
As the sun begins to set one evening, I head to Pom Pom, the rooftop bar at another newly opened spot, Hotel Indigo. The 360-degree views take in a white slice of beach rimmed by the sparkling sea; the local rum cocktail in my hand, blended with red wine, honey and Caribbean botanicals, reflects the rich colours of the burning sky.
Bacaro, a charming Venice-inspired restaurant tucked away in the Cayman Island Yacht ClubIrene Corti/Supplied
The takeaway
What sticks in my mind about Vida is how it has mastered the art of fostering a laid-back atmosphere while paying considerable attention to each guest.
With on-site activities that run the gamut from enthusiastic exercise to in-room spa treatments, and suites that cater to groups of all sizes, it’s an excellent destination no matter your travelling companions (plus it’s pet friendly).
Rooms start at around US$450, going up to US$1,150 for a three-bedroom suite. Each stay includes breakfast at Nourish, the onsite restaurant, and a bespoke itinerary developed by the concierge with activities at $25 a pop. Flights run directly between Toronto and Owen Roberts International Airport in George Town, Grand Cayman. vidacayman.com
The writer was a guest of the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism. It did not approve or review the story before publication.