Now that the January blues have departed and everyone has accepted the festive season is over, the prospect of springtime arriving has finally lifted our moods. With that in mind I feel far less guilty sharing this post with you that is exploding with splashes of blue and heaps of sunshine.
I’m a strong believer that everything in life happens for a reason although most of the time we don’t understand why. The prospect of an exciting new project arose and the destination seemed dreamy – or more like a fantasy that I conjured up in my mind.
Although, for some reason beyond my control this high plummeted to a low when the trip got cancelled. Accepting my fate that sunshine was no longer on my agenda, things then took a full 360 turn and I had the opportunity to take the trip across the world for an adventure all alone.
I arrived early at Heathrow, dropped off my bikini-clad suitcase and sat chirpily in the BA lounge imagining skipping along a white sandy beach sipping on chilled rum based cocktail.
I propped my feet up, sunk into my chair and happily relaxed being spoilt with endless supplies of champagne.
I indulged in a feast whilst watching Ted 2 but couldn’t stop daydreaming about my travels.
5,000 miles later I finally reached paradise; the Cayman Islands. I was hit with a gush of hot air as I stepped off the plane. I arrived at nighttime in pitch-black skies, and could just about see the silhouettes of palm trees lining the streets. I dropped my luggage, leapt onto my bouncy bed and crashed out.
The next morning I woke up pinching myself, snuggled in my suite in The Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman.
My room was light and airy with rich mahogany accents, and calming textures throughout.
I had a soak in my marble bathtub in a bid to wake myself up.
I happily dived into a bowl of fresh fruit whilst taking in my view before I headed out into the sunshine.
I slipped outside and admired the view of lush palm trees from my terrace, breathing in the salty sea air. I grabbed my sunnies and trekked the five-minute stroll from room to beach.
Blue skies and turquoise jewelled waters brought an instant grin to my face.
I was spoilt by the staff that insisted on laying out a deck chair wrapped in fresh towels close to the sea.
Seconds later I was handed iced drinks, a refreshingly cold cloth and a selection of juicy watermelon slices. I could definitely get used to this princess pamper treatment!
With the sun beaming I spent most of the morning napping, reading, paddling in the warm waters, checking my tan progress and then repeating all of the above.
For lunch I decided to continue lapping up my current view watching the waves roll in and ordered food from Bar Jack to be delivered to my deck chair.
Keen to try some Caribbean cuisine I selected the Jerk chicken flatbread, filled with cilantro, salad and sweet mango chutney. The perfect spicy kick followed by the sweetness of chutney was mouthwatering bliss. Accompanied by crispy succulent sweet potato fries, all washed down with an iced Pina Colada.
After a long nap, I strolled along the beach enjoying the unspoiled sand and dipping my feet into the crystal clear waters.
The sun was scorching hot, and my winter skin wasn’t entirely prepared so I hopped inside the hotel for a temporary cool down.
I breezed into the La Prairie Spa, greeted with calming music and mesmerizing fragrant scents.
The spa was equipped with float glass that water ran through creating a healing energy in the space.
With so many irrestible options on the spa menu I took a while to choose, but the ‘Island Dream Body Treatment’ was calling my name.
For 90 minutes of my life I fell into what can only be described as heaven. The treatment began with a full body exfoliation smothered in mango, papaya and coconut mix. The scent was exceptional!
Followed by a soak in a steamy tub that almost sent me to sleep. Lastly but not least a full body massage, that left me feeling like I’d been cleansed of all life’s stresses.
I slowly meandered back to the beach and propped myself on a sun lounger watching the clouds glide in as the sun set.
Feeling like I was on cloud nine, I watched the sun slowly disappear.
I explored the hotel galleries, which were oozing with vibrant artwork and luxurious jewellery.
The interior of the hotel was full of bright clashing finishes, and personally not at all to my taste. But I guess in the tropical lands you can get away with splashing colour wherever you like.
A floating glass chandelier added to the bright tones in the hotel interior.
The communal hallways wrapped in floral carpets, equally adding another layer of colour explosion to the hotel.
After a full on day of being lazy and my jetlag creeping in, I wrapped myself in a fluffy rope and decided to dine indoors with a movie.
My evening snack was wheeled into my room, a trolley packed with warm sweet rolls, bubbles to celebrate my first night in paradise and a hearty jacket potato served with lobster and truffle. It was rich with flavour and dripping in gooey cheese.
Before I sank into my movie, the doorbell buzzed and to my delight I was handed a delivery of complimentary dark chocolate and sea salt.
Indulging in chocolate as I watched my movie was the finishing touch to my first day in the captivating Caribbean.
