Inside Grand Cayman's Culinary Scene With Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa
Grand Cayman's recently opened first-ever boutique resort, Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa, brings travelers a real taste of the Caribbean's culinary capital. It's luxurious, perfectly decorated, tech-savvy, and just like all Kimpton properties, dog-friendly. Kimpton Seafire Resort is perfect for all types of travelers: families, millennials, couples, and, most of all, food-lovers. Offering guests the chance to partake in exclusive culinary events, the luxury resort brings a new element to vacation dining experiences.
Recently, Kimpton Seafire Resort collaborated with acclaimed British chef Clare Smyth for 10 days of fine and fresh dining experiences. The three-Michelin-starred chef worked with local farmers and chefs to create Caymanian dishes in cutting-edge ways. The "Chef Clare Takes Cayman" pop-up included dining events ranging from intimate tasting dinners to a four-course gala finale. Kimpton Seafire plans to host unique culinary events regularly throughout the year, bringing renowned culinary talent to the Cayman Islands.
The resort has a focus on promoting health and wellness, offering in-room yoga mats, beach and paddleboard yoga classes, tai chi flows, complimentary Sun Bum sunscreen lotion at the pool, and more. All of their restaurants' recipes reflect this theme, as they use fresh and local produce and follow a simple yet innovative approach.
The Restaurant Rundown:
Ave
Ave brings guests the freshest seafood they'll ever taste. Executive chef Massimo De Francesca perfectly infuses local Caymanian seafood with a coastal Mediterranean flair. Along with the delicious food, all dishes can be perfectly paired with handmade cocktails that feature local exotic fruits.
For breakfast, Ave offers à la carte or buffet style. The freshly made croissants with homemade jam are a must, along with the Cayman Sunshine juice (mango, carrot, ginger, and orange).
Avecita
The resort's dinner-only restaurant serves Spanish-inspired tapas dishes with the ultimate beverage pairing program, featuring Spanish wines along with handmade cocktails. Diners have the option of sitting at the chef's bar or communal tables for an intimate dining experience of up to 30 guests. At the chef's bar, nine lucky guests can watch the one-of-a-kind dishes (which change every night) being created right before their eyes.
Coccoloba
Located directly on the beach, Coccoloba is the perfect spot for a casual lunch — and don't forget the margaritas! Here, guests take a break from sunbathing and watersports to snack on gourmet Mexican cuisine with menu items such as fish tacos, fresh ceviche, tostadas, guacamole, and more.
The Pantry
Nestled in the middle of the Seafire Resort is The Pantry, an on-the-go café offering portable sandwiches, homemade pastries, gourmet coffee, and more. Guests can even pick up some cookie dough to bake in their suites or bungalows. Insider tip: Wake up extra early to snatch one of their first-come, first-serve cronuts — it's well worth it.
The Spa:
For complete relaxation and bliss, guests can stop by the resort's beautiful spa. The Spa at Seafire offers a full array of services: massage therapy, body treatments, facials, manicures, pedicures, and steam. A popular spa amenity is the grand soaking tub, where guests can sit back and take in the benefits following their treatments.
The Accommodations:
With 266 guest rooms ranging from ocean-view suites to self-standing bungalows, guests can expect luxurious amenities such as high-speed Wi-Fi, artful décor, a fully-equipped fitness center, a complimentary wine hour, and super comfortable beds. However, one of the top perks when staying at Kimpton Seafire Resort is the breathtaking ocean views.
Rates start at $399, though Kimpton's Karma members can receive exclusive last-minute deals.
Nearby Adventures:
For those looking to explore the island, meet locals, and get some shopping in, there are plenty of options nearby. Kimpton Seafire offers free shuttles daily to Camana Bay, a waterfront town in the heart of Grand Cayman, where guests can enjoy some hidden-gem foodie spots.
Dine at Abacus for the ultimate farm-to-table experience or grab a snack at Jessie's Juice Bar for freshly squeezed juices, kombucha, smoothies, and more.