Christmas in the Caribbean.....
Review Submitted: November 18, 2008
Date of Stay: December 2007
In advance of our trip, Jim provided us with very accurate information, and was always very helpful. When we arrived at the property, the caretaker was there to meet us, make sure that we understood how everything worked, and provide us with lots of fresh drinking water for the week. He came back once or twice to check on us during the week.
Ten of us--my family and friends--spent Christmas '07 at Sand Castle. The weather was spectacular; Sand Castle was all we hoped for and more. The villa was clean, bright, comfortable and beautiful. It was well-equipped with linens, beach towels, and other nice amenities. Everything was in very good working order--the expansive outdoor grill was a nice surprise. The villa itself is spacious, so that we never felt we were the least bit crowded; there was plenty of space to spread out.
The covered veranda facing the ocean was a favorite spot for those of us not looking for much excitement. It was also where we ate all of our meals, enjoying the ocean breeze and listening to the surf. For the adventure seekers, it was an easy car ride to dive shops offering trips to the Wall and other world class dives. A real bonus was the pretty terrific snorkeling right off the Sand Castle beach--we saw a Moray eel, a giant lobster, tons of beautiful fish, and many rays. It wasn't the Great Barrier Reef--but it was pretty great, and literally right off of "our" beach! There was great shelling on beach walks, and lots of sea glass (which we don't see regularly on many US beaches any more).
The only negative was that the best of the grocery stores was a drive--a minor imposition, effectively dealt with by planning meals in advance! The grocery store was great--lots of selection, great produce and meats. Fish was available from fishermen along the water.
We spent some time touring the island, and, of course, took a boat ride from Rum Point to Stingray City. The trip was a lot of fun, and the staff was very interactive (it always helps if you bring cute young daughters along with you). We have mixed reviews of our up close experience with the rays. Some of us thought they would make great pets--others of us thought not so much (that would be me)!
We absolutely recommend a stay in Cayman and at Sand Castle. We had a wonderful week there, including a joyous Christmas celebration. This year, we will be back in the snow and cold--only dreaming of Christmas in the Caribbean!!
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Helpful votes: 4/4
