The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman has introduced several “Real Cayman” offerings to its locally-inspired resort experience.
The first of these, now being offered at the Ritz-Carlton Culinary Studio, offers insights into true Caymanian cuisine in a special workshop called The Cayman Experience.
This session is dedicated to preparing creations with locally-sourced catches, fruits, vegetables and spices.
Participants in the class, which requires a 24-hour advance reservation, will begin their experience with a visit to local markets to select fresh ingredients for the meal.
Guests and chefs will then mingle for an experience of learning, gathering and dining.
On-site restaurants also now include “Real Cayman” selections on their dining and cocktail menus, such as Caribbean Lobster and Grits, Jerk Pork Belly with Papaya Relish, Beets and Passion Fruit Salad with Local Mustard Greens and Kale, Coconut Creamed Callaloo, Bodden Town Local Ratatouille, Caribbean Snapper, Local Catch Sashimi, Jerk Chicken Pizza with Local Peppers, and for the cocktail hour, Caymanian-distilled rums.
The luxury resort prides itself on delivering an insider’s look at the culture, heritage and natural history of Grand Cayman– from allowing guests to experience and help preserve the island’s mangroves, to designing a Cayman art walk showcasing local artists.
The Ritz-Carlton has also helped Caymanian-born artists to provide handmade, one-of-a-kind pieces to guests seeking authentic cultural finds.
Island-based treatments available at the resort’s la prairie spa employ rituals and local tropical ingredients including mango, papaya and coconut.
The resort’s acclaimed Ambassadors of the Environment program by Jean-Michel Cousteau is staffed with trained naturalists who are able to share the island’s flora and fauna through the lens of a true local.
The program’s immersive, all-ages activities include explorations of island wildlife, educational excursions in glass-bottomed kayaks and presentations on the region’s beloved coral reefs.
In recent weeks, and in conjunction with Cayman Turtle Centre, guests were able to witness tiny sea turtle hatchlings making their way from Seven Mile Beach into the sea.
— Dana Niland, CJ Contributor