Of all the places I’ve been to (nearly 60 countries), none quite compare to the happiness and serenity I feel as the Cayman Airways Express propeller plane touches down on the dirt runway of the Little Cayman Airport (which is also the Post Office & Fire Station!).

Little Cayman provides the perfect playground to relax, to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, reconnect with yourself and loved ones, all whilst being among isolated, untouched nature with the chillest vibes. It’s like taking a step back 100 years to the island that time forgot.

I’ve been visiting this piece of paradise since I was a little girl for so many occasions, including fishing trips, Easter weekend getaways, birthday celebrations with a large group, a friend’s bachelorette, and most recently on a romantic long weekend getaway with my husband. Whatever the occasion, there really is no place on earth as rustic, beautiful and untouched, to get a tan, leave your problems behind, and simply have fun.

While the uniqueness of Little Cayman is best enjoyed with no concrete itinerary or concept of time (you’re on island time now), there are a number of really beautiful places to unwind and appreciate the untouched beauty of the island.

1.Point of Sand

With its powder white sand and crystal clear waters, this is my favourite beach to relax at on Little Cayman. It is extremely secluded so worth bringing your snorkel gear, cooler, snacks, music and anything else you’ll need if you’re planning to spend the day there.

2. Kayak to Owen Island

A fifteen minute kayak from the mainland and you will arrive at Owen Island, a small, picturesque uninhabited island covered in vegetation and surrounded by every shade of the prettiest blue water. On my last trip, we wanted to spend the afternoon there, so we brought a cooler full of water, wine and rum, snacks and sunscreen - the bare necessities for being stranded on a deserted island :). We rented a kayak from Southern Cross Club, but there are other places on the south side to rent your kayak.

3. Find a hammock

You know you’ve got first world problems when the toughest decision of the day is deciding which hammock to spend your afternoon in - you won’t be short on options! You’re not experiencing Little Cayman the right way if a good portion of your time there isn’t spent in a hammock, with a good book, or better yet, a beverage of your choice. I was reading Michelle Obama’s book “Becoming” so a lot of time was spent reading in hammocks in between my cat naps!

4. Look For Boobies (& other wildlife)

Little Cayman has the largest breeding population of Red-Footed Boobies in the Western Hemisphere, as well as frigate birds, whistling ducks, gigantic rock iguanas, and other wild life. Take a road trip around the island by bike or car to the Boobie Pond Nature Reserve to spend some time among the boobies.

5. Grab a drink

With no concept of time, it’s a perfectly acceptable place to drink your mimosa before your breakfast, your rum and coconut water before your lunch, and your sun downer, well, before the sun goes down! You’re relaxing in paradise with no where to go and nothing on your agenda, so there’s no safer place to rock back and enjoy a beverage or two (or three!).

6. Explore the underwater life

Little Cayman is untouched, and so is its marine environment with its healthy, vibrant coral and an abundance of fish, turtles, sharks, etc. I’m yet to dive there, but desperate to find out why thousands flock monthly for some of the best diving in the Caribbean, and maybe even world.

7. Eat Well

Being on a small island with its tiny population doesn’t mean you can’t eat well. The island has several options for good food including the Hungry Iguana, Little Cayman Beach Resort and on this trip, we went to a steak night at Pirate’s Point for the first time which was delicious. We also brought groceries along with us on the plane in a cooler to cook some yummy meals at our place! There is a local grocery shop but if you’re intending to cook intricate meals or if you have a special preference on wines, I would recommend bringing ingredients with you as the selection can be limited and the availability unpredictable if ships can’t get in due to rough weather. If you’re making stops to the local grocery, look for the “porch of lost ambition” sign just outside it.

Whatever brings you to Little Cayman, I hope you love, cherish and respect this little piece of paradise as much as I do, and do your part to keep it as beautiful, clean and as full of wildlife as you found it!