Since opening two years ago, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman continues to wow visitors. Here, General Manager Jean Cohen ([email protected]; 345-815-6002) runs a tight ship; however, her employees are the first to tell you she's a great manager. That could be because the resort's opening was delayed for a year due to damage incurred by Hurricane Ivan, giving Cohen a generous amount of time to hire and train her staff. Working alongside Cohen is Natalia Alexander (345-815-6810); she is the best go-to person if you have questions regarding your client's stay.
Standard guest rooms are spacious here and all bathrooms
have double sinks and soaking tubs. Put your best clients in an Opal Reserve
Suite (391 or 393); each has a 1,400-square-foot-terrace with panoramic views
of North West Point, the Caribbean Sea,
Our test, based on dire need, was to inquire whether there was any hair mousse to be found on property. After being filled in on what this product actually was, our butler got to work, with our polite hinting that we would ideally need it within the hour, as we were leaving for a full day of activities. He called just a few minutes later to say that there was none to be had at the resort; however, he had found out who distributed the product on the island and expected some to be delivered shortly. Our butler arrived with 10 minutes to go before our departure, proudly displaying both a small and large bottle of mousse so that we would have a choice of size. (Note: We were greatly relieved to have been charged a mere $8 for a premium-brand mousse.)
Stellar Service
Concierge Leroy Jordan ([email protected];
345-815-6129) is an artist at guest relations; his past famous feats include
planning a magical evening for a couple who visited early last year.
Jordan had also arranged for a local jeweler's sales
associate to approach their table decked out in an evening gown to present the
wife with a selection of six diamond tennis bracelets from which to choose (of
course with prior arrangement with/approval from the husband). The couple
subsequently visited The Ritz-Carlton,
There's also a new nine-hole Blue Tip golf course, where instructor Kerry Mahar patiently worked on our swing for at least an hour. Steve Mazzei ([email protected]) can answer any questions regarding golf at the resort.
If you suspect your clients' shoulders may ache after such a thorough lesson, reserve a treatment for them at the Silver Rain La Prairie Spa, which has been a home run since the resort's opening. Trudy Miller (345-815-6118) is the assistant spa director.
Activities and Dining
The resort's Ambassadors of the Environment by Jean Cousteau children's program is truly educational. One of the many programs offered takes kids out on apontoon to swim with stingrays. Contact the program's director, Denise Naguib ([email protected]; 345-815-6017).
Dining is quite special at the resort thanks to the
restaurant Blue, which was created by star chef Eric Ripert of
For clients who want to dine (or wed) on