< Previous68 WEL COME SISTER ISLANDS Diving is a big draw to the Sister Islands which boast some of the best underwater vistas. Both islands are world-renowned for their healthy reefs and incredible visibility. THE SISTERS Diving THERE ARE NUMEROUS SHORE DIVES as well as spectacular wall diving. With more than 100 sites between the two islands, divers of all skill levels have plenty of options when it comes to exploring the underwater world. Cayman Brac The island’s signature site is the MV Captain Keith Tibbetts wreck, a 330-foot Russian destroyer that was Cayman Brac is also noted for its excellent shore diving, with sites dotted around the island. Check out Stake Bay, Charlie’s Reef and Kissimmee wreck. Little Cayman Little Cayman’s spectacular Bloody Bay Wall is the island’s star dive attraction, which starts at just 18 feet and plunges dramatically into the abyss. It features many eels, groupers, turtles and barracuda. Jackson Bay is another popular spot to explore. It boasts beautiful coral reefs, breathtaking drop-offs and an abundance of marine life including eagle rays and turtles. IMA G ES : El iz ab eth W ya tt 69 WEL COME DIVER-RECOMMENDED SITES Underwater photographer Ben Phillips of Next Level Photography has logged more than 6,000 dives in some of the world’s top diving destinations. Here is his list of favourite dive sites in the Sister Islands. 1. Best boat dive: Nancy’s Cup of Tea, Little Cayman 2. Best shore dive: Bus Stop, Little Cayman 3. Best dive spot for beginners: Lea Lea’s Lookout, Little Cayman 4. Best wreck dive: MV Captain Keith Tibbetts wreck, Cayman Brac 5. Best night dive: Marilyn’s Cut, Little Cayman 6. Best shark dive: Bus Stop/The Meadows, Little Cayman IMA G E: Ben P hil lip s1 WEL COMETHOSE LOOKING TO DISCOVER WHAT CAYMAN has to offer beyond the beach have plenty of options to explore. Enjoy diverse dining scene – Cayman is hailed as the ‘Culinary Capital of the Caribbean’. Shop for hand-crafted island treasures as well as duty- free luxury goods. Watch for vibrant festivals and cultural events taking place throughout the year. STYLE72 WEL COME CAYMAN STYLE THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF THE CAYMAN ISLANDS is a hub of artistic and cultural activity. Established in 1996, the gallery highlights the works of established and emerging Caymanian artists, also drawing from the regional and international stage. The gallery is home to a permanent collection, a temporary exhibition space and a state-of-the-art learning centre and screenings and community exhibitions. Its permanent collection is loosely assembled by decade and, collectively, tells the story of Caymanian art through the years. It also features an outdoor sculpture garden and labyrinth for walking meditations. For details on current and upcoming exhibits visit: nationalgallery.org.ky. NATIONAL GALLERY OF THE CAYMAN ISLANDS Yonier Powery Kerwin Ebanks Gordon Solomon John Reno Jackson Al Ebanks Simone Scott John Broad Charles Long Pascal Pernix73 WEL COME CAYMAN STYLE Galleries highlight local artists THE CAYMAN ISLANDS BOASTS a thriving arts community, home to emerging and well-known artists, artisans and craftspeople. Several galleries exhibit their works, many of which are inspired by Cayman’s natural beauty, culture and heritage. Pure Art Housed in a quaint Cayman cottage, this long-established gallery highlights Cayman’s local artists and craftspeople. It features original works, prints and an array of handcrafted jewellery and gift items. 5 Denham Thompson Way, South Sound Kennedy Gallery The gallery represents many popular Caymanian artists and features one of the largest collections of local artworks, including original paintings, prints and sculptures. West Shore Center, West Bay Road The Gallery at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman Featuring changing exhibitions, the gallery showcases works by homegrown artists, including sculptures, paintings and photography. The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, West Bay Road Guy Harvey Gallery The gallery features original paintings and prints by renowned artist and conservationist Guy Harvey. 49 South Church Street, George Town White Dog Art Artist Ren Seffer is known for her unique style portraying island life in bold and vivid imagery. Bodden Town Road, Breakers Sandon Feat Gallery Well-known oil painter CE Whitney captures the natural beauty of the islands in vibrant colours, often in large format. 72 North Church Street (Digicel Plaza), George Town K ay Smith Art Kay Smith’s bold and evocative works are on display in her studio/gallery. 2420 Bodden Town Road, Breakers Sister Islands Simone’s Art Gallery Artist Simone Scott is inspired by the natural beauty and heritage of Cayman Brac. Works include paintings, digital art and photography. 426 Spot Bay Road, Cayman Brac Gordon Solomon Gallery & Studio The prominent Caymanian artist celebrates the culture and heritage of the islands. Working in a variety of styles, he is known for his ‘spots of light’ technique. West End, Cayman Brac74 WEL COME Eat like a local CAYMAN STYLE Jerk chicken Slow-cooked over a smoky grill, this island staple with roots in Jamaica uses jerk seasonings – a mix of Scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, garlic and onions – to give it a spicy kick. Fried fish Straight from the sea, seasoned and fried so they are hot pepper, eaten with a fried dough dumplings known as festivals. Rundown seafood with ground provisions and infused with milk made from grated coconut. Everything is cooked in one juices are absorbed. Curry goat A spicy dish of goat meat, which has been simmered until it is full of juice and aroma. Conch fritters peppers and spices, the fritters are battered and deep fried and served with a dipping sauce. Lobster waters, with lobster season running from 1 Dec. to Scotch bonnet peppers, tomatoes and onion. Ackee and codfish national dish, this hearty meal combines the fruit of the ackee tree, which looks and tastes likes scrambled eggs, Heav y cake Made from starch vegetables such as yam, cassava or sweet potato, this dish is nowadays baked in the oven although in years gone by it was baked in iron pots buried in the ground and covered with ash. Cayman-style beef Similar to pulled pork, the seasoned beef is slow-cooked to tender and juicy perfection, and then shredded. Turtle stew years and the meat continues to be popular with locals. It is made into a stew with meat harvested sustainably at Local fare is hearty and delicious, with dishes that have been enjoyed in Cayman for generations. Over the years, traditional Caymanian cuisine has had a dash of Jamaican and other regional influences added to it. Here are some island favourites.75 WEL COME Clockwise: Fried fish; the Red Bay Jerk Stand; Heritage Kitchen in West Bay serves local delicacies; coconuts provide water, meat or milk for local recipes; fresh produce elevates Caymanian cuisine; conch fritters; local fish fries include Captain Herman’s in East End; fish escovitch.76 WEL COME CAYMAN STYLE THIS BOOZY MILKSHAKE IS A DELICIOUS mix of Baileys Irish Cream, Kahlua coffee liqueur and Absolut vodka – with an added kick of Kahlua poured down the straw. Recipes vary from place to place, with some adding ice cream, but the original is said to have been concocted at Rum Point Wreck Bar in the 1970s. It’s been an island mainstay ever since. Along with this must-try cocktail, Cayman offers some unique local spirits and brews. Tours and tastings are offered on site. Cayman Islands Brewery Opening in 2007 with the launch of its signature beer, Caybrew, the brewery has since added 10 beer brands and three seasonal brews. Enjoy a craft brew or two in its tap room where patrons can watch workings of the brewery. There are regular tours and tastings. cib.ky The signature drink of the Cayman Islands is the Mudslide. Mudslides more & Cayman Spirits Co. The company began handcrafting small-batch spirits in 2008, producing its award-winning Seven Fathoms Rum. Its craft spirits now include Gun Bay Vodka and Governor’s Reserve Rum along with several premium liqueurs. A behind-the-scenes tour of the custom-built distillery ends in its tasting room. caymanspirits.com 19-81 Brewing Co. Named after the coordinates of the Cayman Islands, the company features three signature craft brews – Cayman Blonde, Island Session and Tropical IPA. It also produces limited editions from time to time, crated in collaboration with local farmers. Tour the brewery and sample its brews in the tap room. 1981brewingco.com77 WEL COME CAYMAN STYLE Catch of the day BUY FRESH FISH in this open-air market on the waterfront in downtown George Town, located next to the cruise terminal. Fishermen set up tables on the beach and display their catch-of-the day. Snapper, mahi-mahi and tuna are common. You TO P IM A G E: Ste ph en C la rk e P hot og ra phyNext >