The Perfect 72 Hours in Grand Cayman for the Hotel Snob

You'll arrive to the scenic Palm Heights hotel set on award-winning Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman. Palm Heights has truly thought of everything with its robust activities menu, fitness classes, world-class spa and bookshop/library; you'd be hard pressed to find a reason to leave this oasis.

For a taste of Grand Cayman's beautiful nature, take an ATV tour in West Bay along Barkers Beach and see mangroves, wetlands and tropical plants. After working up an appetite, head to Peppers in West Bay for Jamaican jerk served with a smile. Then stop by the National Gallery to view Caymanian sculptures and art.

Dinner can be enjoyed at one of Palm Heights' four dining options.

An island getaway would not be complete without the chance to interact with marine life. You can swim with, feed, and take pictures with amiable Southern stingrays on a catamaran adventure with Red Sail Sports that departs early in the morning from Grand Cayman.

Have lunch at local favorite Heritage Kitchen for lunch staples like coconut grouper and tamarind juice.

In the afternoon, shop in Camana Bay where you can find regional boutiques, outposts for handicrafts, high-end retailers, and duty-free jewelry shops.

Don't miss Smith Cove's magnificent sunset as day gives way to night.

Discover the pleasure of waking up on Seven Mile Beach by taking a stroll along the golden beaches as the sun rises.

Spend the early afternoon at The Pedro St. James National Historic Monument in Bodden Town to learn about the rich history of the islands. It is the oldest surviving stone building in Cayman and is referred to by locals as "Pedro Castle." The building offers guided tours that highlight its history as the Cayman Islands' first democratic assembly building.

For lunch, a meal at Thatch & Barrel, which features farm-to-table fare is non-negotiable. It's the only place on the island where you can find 1780, an unfiltered blend of rum that's distilled, aged, and bottled at Pedro St. James.

After lunch, make your way to East End to take pictures at picturesque locations like the Blowholes, where the water spray may reach heights of 15 feet, and Lovers Wall, a serpentine stretch of rock wall along Queen's Highway with signs spelling out the name of the location in the shape of hearts.

For a true foodie experience, the six-course tasting menu paired with rare rum cocktails at Kaibo Upstairs in Rum Point is your go-to.

Last up is a night kayaking adventure with Cayman Kayaks to experience the magic of bioluminescence—the beauty of tiny plankton illuminating beneath the water's surface. You can fully appreciate this natural marvel under a starry night sky.