New standard in luxury travel puts focus on resort experience

A recent travel industry survey states 93% of travelers in the Caribbean and Latin America prefer properties offering extensive on-site amenities and entertainment. Affluent guests now favor hotels that provide meaningful experiences, fine dining and recreation, where leaving the property is optional rather than required.

Travelers who once sought full itineraries now prefer stays that feel effortless yet personal. Resorts delivering this mix of convenience and authenticity capture the attention of today’s luxury market, including properties in Grand Cayman.

“At our resort, we are seeing more guests seeking travel experiences that feel personalized and purposeful,” says Jim Mauer, vice president and managing director of The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort and Spa. “To cater to this growing demand, we continue to expand our offerings to highlight local culture through thoughtfully designed wellness programs, distinctive culinary experiences and nature-inspired activities across the property.”

The Westin Grand Cayman leans into this trend, offering curated amenities and authentic island experiences. Its dining, spa and beachside experiences give guests reasons to linger, creating a stay that feels complete even before they step beyond the resort.

Culinary experiences that capture the island’s essence

Resort dining has become a defining part of the travel experience. Some 60% of luxury travelers now choose hotels for their restaurants. The Westin Grand Cayman embraces that shift, offering menus built around the island’s flavors and partnerships with local farmers and fishermen.

“A hallmark of our dining philosophy is our dedication to using fresh, seasonal products from local businesses here on Grand Cayman,” said Andre Blasczak, executive chef of The Westin Grand Cayman. “Over the years, we have established strong partnerships with farmers and fishermen on the island, which allows us to source the freshest ingredients available, such as Caribbean snapper and lobster tail. These partnerships not only support our community but also enhance the quality of our dishes for our guests.”

Among the resort’s dining options, Toes in the Sand by Beach House stands out for its setting as much as its menu. The AAA Four Diamond restaurant, also recognized by Wine Spectator, offers guests a private table directly on Seven Mile Beach. Tiki torches and the sound of waves create a relaxed atmosphere as diners enjoy island-inspired dishes. It highlights the growing trend of resorts becoming the focal point of the luxury vacation experience.

A spa experience that complements the stay

Hibiscus Spa at The Westin Grand Cayman offers more than relaxation; it embodies the resort’s focus on meaningful luxury. Within its 7,000-square-foot space, guests discover 13 treatment rooms, steam and sauna facilities, a women’s whirlpool and Vichy showers.

“Today’s travelers aren’t just looking for luxury — they’re looking for meaning in the way they unwind. They seek experiences that feel personal and effortless. From the moment guests step into the Hibiscus Spa, they’re surrounded by the soothing scent of sea air, the sound of calm and the touch of treatments inspired by the island itself,” says Yarlin Faurer, spa director.

That philosophy extends to the spa’s offerings, which range from Swedish and deep tissue massages to holistic therapies such as Reiki Healing and 7 Chakras balancing. “We offer an oasis where our skilled team provides a range of curated and personalized therapies. Every detail is tailored to create an experience of effortless luxury that restores both body and mind in a deeply personal journey of relaxation,” Faurer added.

Island experiences worth leaving the lounge chair for

While The Westin Grand Cayman offers ample opportunities to unwind on the property, many luxury travelers book curated off-site experiences to complement the resort stay. These excursions provide a balance of adventure and access to the island’s culture, wildlife and natural beauty.

Few activities capture Grand Cayman’s spirit like a visit to Stingray City with Red Sail Cayman. Standing in shallow turquoise water, participants meet southern stingrays in their natural environment. The calm setting reflects the island’s easy rhythm and the kind of unhurried experiences today’s travelers seek.

The Cayman Turtle Centre offers another hands-on experience. Visitors observe green sea turtles at different stages of development and have the opportunity to snorkel alongside them in a protected lagoon. The interactions highlight the center’s conservation efforts while giving travelers a close-up view of the island’s marine ecosystem.

For a combination of natural wonder and tropical exploration, the Cayman Crystal Caves offer guided tours through three limestone caves, followed by a walk through the forest above. The experience connects visitors to the island’s natural beauty while adding depth to a stay centered on relaxation and discovery.

​​At Rum Point Club on the island’s North Side, travelers can unwind where locals gather to swim, snorkel and share a meal by the sea. The calm, shallow waters and shaded hammocks invite an unhurried pace, while the recently refurbished bar and restaurant introduce guests to island flavors and the easy rhythm of Cayman life.

By combining offsite adventures with on-property amenities, guests gain firsthand insight into the island’s natural and cultural highlights that complement their stay. The experiences reinforce why many travelers choose properties that offer both comfort and access to local culture.

Cayman Islands’ appeal

Grand Cayman continues to position itself as a luxury destination that balances natural beauty with high-end amenities. The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa is part of a wider trend in the Caribbean, where resorts offer options that encourage guests to spend most of their stay on property.

“Our resorts are transforming the guest journey by pairing effortless luxury with experiences that are deeply rooted in Cayman,” said Rosa Harris, director of tourism for the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism. 

“Yes, we deliver exceptional accommodations, but the true hallmark of a Cayman stay is the way our resorts connect travelers to the spirit of our islands. Whether it’s dining infused with local Caymanian flavors that reaffirms our role as the ‘Culinary Capital of the Caribbean,’ wellness experiences that restore balance, and nature-based adventures that showcase the beauty of our destination or cultural programming that immerses travelers in our people and heritage, Cayman resorts are redefining what vacations should truly feel like.”  

Research shows nearly 60% of global travelers will take one to three international trips in 2025, showing sustained demand for overseas leisure experiences. Resorts that succeed in delivering these elements position themselves as more than a temporary stop and become a central part of the vacation experience.

Karee Blunt is a nationally syndicated travel journalist and creator of the travel blog Our Woven Journey. Karee enjoys sharing what she learns about places she visits, including history museums, unique things to do indoors and out, one-of-a-kind festivals and upscale dining and accommodations. She is the mother of six kids, including four through adoption, and lives with her family in the Pacific Northwest.