Lana got upgraded to Row 2 First Class. Unfortunately, we departed at least 75 minutes late as we needed to change runways and that backed up all the planes. Plus, our pilot was late to the plane. We got talking to a lady while in the Zone 1 queue who she is a regular visitor to the Grand Cayman and she gave us a strip of coupons which will save us some money. She also told use about the built in gratuity that is already added on to all restaurant bills--BUT, there is also another gratuity line on the bill which leads people think that the built in gratuity is just a sales tax!! Most people miss this and end up double tipping.
As we approached Grand Cayman the views were spectacular. Three huge cruise ships anchored off shore. In fact, the largest one looked like a small mountain! When they opened the doors the blast of warm air was much appreciated. The heat while walking on the tarmac was severe and slightly humid. When we got inside the building the lineup/queue was super long! About a 40 minute wait before we got to Immigration lady. Our passports were stamped pretty quickly and at the exit were greeted by SAP Club 19 signs.
There is another couple waiting as well. Mark and Ruth from the Calgary SAP office. On the shuttle bus and in this country they drive on the opposite side of the road. Many palm trees, very flat terrain, lots of vehicles and many roundabouts/traffic circles. Very warm reception on arrival at the Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach & Spa Resort. Problem though that our room was not ready and we had to change rooms after the first night. Technically, we are one day early and Lana is using points for our first night. They provided lots of free coupons for drinks and food though. We are in Room 194 ground floor with a patio and access to the huge sandy beach. King-size bed and a large room with side couch and huge tv screen.
Our Resort Hotel with rack rate of around $600USD per night.
First priority is to ge into our swimsuits and onto the beach. It is around 30 degrees Celsius and it is hot. Lots of beach chairs with towels on them and large umbrellas between each chair/small table. Lana needs as much shade as possible. Eventually, we find a spot with no towels and Lana has her trusty UV block umbrella to provide her shade. Immediately, Randy heads to the water and then Lana joins me by wading in to her waist holding her umbrella.
The swimming area is cordoned off by ropes and buoys. Red Sail Sports has water sports right beside the swimming area. Lots of kids in the water. The water is crystal clear and somewhat warmish. The sand underneath is much appreciated. I swim to the limit of the swimming area and Lana returns to her chair. While sunning on the beach you can order food and drinks by providing your room number/name and in some cases a free drink coupon. Value of the drink coupon is $15USD. Camyan dollars are equal to 1.20 USD so quite a negative exchange rate for us Canadians. To order a drink/food you press a buzzer on the umbrella pole to alert a server. Our server is a young French woman from Lyon, France. We order a cocktail and drink most of it and then head back into the water.
I discover a raft float that is not occupied and make it my own. We relax in the beach chairs/chaise lounges and finish our delicious drink. Back to our room to shower and get changed for an early dinner as we are both pretty hungry. We cancel our reservations and decide to eat at a hotel restaurant as it is much more convenient. We choose Ferdinand's as it was more casual and their kitchen is the same as the more upscale place beside it. We get an outdoor table although this place was mostly unoccupied. Order a glass of Mosel Riesling Kabinett and a Black Angus beef hamburger with sunny-side up egg. It was delicious! Total cost inclusive of the mandatory 16% Gratuity/Tip was 51 GC dollars, but we had 40 GC dollars in coupons. The meal was good and portion-size was not American size.
Ferdinand's Restaurant at the Westin Hotel
The sun was setting in the distance so we were facing west. We return to our room and discover the toilet is not working! We phone the front desk and then go for a walk in the dark on the beach towards the north. The temperature is still fantastic. We notice crabs scurrying in the darkness on the sand. There is very loud music at an event on the beach just outside our room. Event and music concludes around 22:00. Lana manages to fall asleep though!
Palm tree lit up at the resort
Crab on the beach
Pretty great start to our vacation that will be mostly paid by Lana's employer SAP given it is a four day all expenses paid trip!
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