Cayman Carnival: Batabano 2016!

Another successful year of the Cayman Carnival Batabano! On this wonderful day in May islanders of all shapes and sizes deck out in feathers and sequins and dance to Soca music down West Bay Rd. The costumes are definitely stepping it up this year, with Swanky looking awesome! 

This super fun parade can be participated in not only by locals, but by visitors too! If you are staying at Silver Sands you can sign up and join a band and jump in the parade fully decked out in a costume, or enjoy it from the sidelines along West Bay Road a bit further south from Silver Sands.

Love the photos and costumes? Check out Batabano 2015 here.

There is even a Jr Batabano the week before for kids! The costumes are beautiful and these kids are cute!

And a big thanks to the ever so talented Batabano photographers Cortez Vernon and Barbara Virano Cevela Photography for the great photos as usual!

Silver Sand's Brilliant Blues

Tempted by this beautiful blue water? Come visit us in Grand Cayman and bask in the Silver Sand's blues.

Cayman's Lavish Sunday Brunch Scene

While on vacation here at Silver Sands why not partake in a favorite weekly tradition of Sunday Brunch. There are some pretty spectacular spreads on offer island wide and our very own Good Taste Magazine has written the go-to guide for first time brunch diners. Below are my personal 3 favorites all in the close vicinity of 7-Mile beach and Silver Sands.

As with any popular eating location, be sure to book before you go, especially with bigger groups or around bank holidays, brunch is a favorite and can fill up with locals and tourists alike!

Luca at the Caribbean Club

My personal favorite, Luca offers a buffet spread consisting of a little bit of everything! From breakfast, to sushi, to meat and mash it is a game of pacing yourself so you can make it to the world class dessert table. Luca also offers indoor and outdoor sea-side dining options.

Anchor and Den at the Marriott

Fairly recently the Marriott revamped their hotel and with that bloomed Anchor and Den. This trendy brunch offers creative fresh juices, traditional breakfast options as well as interesting international cuisine. Dining in this bright beautiful atmosphere surrounded with delicious food is definitely a must.

Aqua Resturant at Galleria Plaza



Aqua is known for their ceviche and seafood, which is generously on offer for Sunday Brunch. Topped with other food options and bottomless champaign (standard brunch fare) this brunch is a great option for an indoor brunch experience.

Photo Credits: 

Aqua Resturant

Luca Resturant

Anchor & Den

Good Taste

En Route - Air Canada

Shipwrecked at Smiths Barcadere

Smiths Barcadere (also commondly called Smiths Cove) is a lovely little twin beach cove surrounded by ironshore and bush, located just south of Georgetown. It is a great little excursion from Silver Sands for a day time snorkel or a different place to watch the sunset. It is a favorite spot for locals, especially on the weekends where people bring picnics, BBQ and enjoy this quaint Cayman cove.

This poor little boat has some major issues at Smiths Cove the other day. I think they managed to save it in the end but it sure made a pretty little picture for us! 

Photography by Heather Holt Photography

Happy Valentines Day from Grand Cayman!

Have a very Happy Valentines Day from all of us here at Silver Sands. We hope you come and see us soon!

Here are some nice ideas for you and your valentine to spend this special day:

Take a ride around the island and stop at the scenic Lovers Wall on the East End. You can then pack a picnic and head to a secluded beach such as Barefoot Beach, or head to one of the restaurants on that side of the island at Rum Point, Over the Edge or the Reef Resort.

Splurge and get a couples massage at the Ritz Carlton Silver Rain Spa.

Go to a Romantic dinner at the Calypso Grill up at Morgans Harbor. 

Take a walk along 7-Mile and pack a bottle of champaign to enjoy it during our amazing sunset.

French, Fish and First Class Views: Not to Miss Venues to Get Your Fill

Introducing a few new Grand Cayman restaurants in 2015. In no particular order they all offer a pleasant dining atmosphere whilst delivering you culinary delight.

Morgan's
Some of you might remember the restaurant Morgans, that used to be up at Morgan's Harbor, well this is the new and improved Morgans! With a view equal to the old venue, the new restaurant is bigger, with a more diverse menu, and sits at the water's edge at the Cayman Islands Yacht Club. From fresh caught seafood, to chicken Schnitzel, you are sure to find a delicious dish on the menu.

Photo credit: Stephen Maciolek and Morgan's

Catch
The venue that USED to be Morgan's... is now Catch! I know it is only slightly confusing but not to worry either one you choose you can't go wrong. Catch also has super fresh seafood, the owners have certainly achieved their goal to serve only the freshest catch... and with the view of the quaint Morgan's Harbor and the North Sound, you can't go wrong. 

Photo Credit: Catch

The Bistro

In the mood for something slightly different than seaside dining? Try this new French restaurant in the heart of 7-Mile. It is casual and friendly experience with a modern-vintage flare. The restaurant is done by Mise en Place, a top notch catering company on the island, and from quiche and crepes to steak and snails, the menu is diverse and delicious.

Photo Credit: The Bistro

Plant of the Month: Delicious Local Avocados

The West Indian Avocado is the local avocado you will find growing on trees down here in Cayman. There are several different kinds of avocado through out the globe, with differences in the shape and size of the fruit, to the textures of the skin. What do they all have in common? Avocados are all delicious! and we are so lucky to have one growing right here on the Silver Sands grounds.

Mostly everyone likes guacamole and knows how to make their favorite version of the delicious dip. But have you ever thought of making avocado chocolate mousse?? I know crazy idea right, but I can speak from recent experience that it is awesome! And so simple to create. Here is a simple recipe:

1-2 large avocados
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup soy or almond milk
1/4 honey, maple sugar or sweetener of your choice
1 tsp vanilla

Mix together until creamy and well blended, chill and enjoy!

And now the maze to find the avocado tree, this photo pretty clearly shows where it is on the grounds, now if your are lucky to pass by when there is a ripe avocado on the tree ready for picking!

Parasailing in Paradise

On your average day here in Cayman, if you look out onto those turquoise Caribbean waters you are sure to see one of the many multi-colored parachutes flying high over Grand Cayman. 

Parasailing is a fantastic activity for Silver Sand's guests of all ages. Life jackets and safety gear are provided and once you are strapped in you lift off and sail up to 500 feet above the earth with a bird-eye view like no other! You can see the entirety of 7-Mile Beach, count the cruise ships docked  in Georgetown, you can even see all the way over the island to the North Sound and you might even catch a glimpse of the occasional turtle surfacing for a breath of air.

If you are interested in participating in parasailing it is a few hour excursion and very easily accessible from Silver Sands. Here are a few local companies:

Salty Rays Parasailing Adventures: 938-3603
Parasailing Professionals: 916-2953

Photos by: Heather Holt Photography and Parasailing Professionals.