There's a quiet little island just 90 miles off the coast of Grand Cayman in the Caribbean called Cayman Brac. The "Brac" as the locals refer to it is simply an island paradise. There are no large crowds or lines of people to wait in, just plenty of warm sunshine year round.
The island is only about 2 miles wide and approximately 10 miles in length with long stretches of sandy beaches. Air schedules can get you there by lunchtime so you can easily enjoy the rest of the day on the beach or out in the water snorkeling.
Our accommodations were top notch at the Brac Reef Resort just a short drive from the airport. Most of the 40 guestrooms offer an ocean view and private beach all its own. The amenities are endless with scuba diving, snorkeling, tennis/basketball, kayaking and available bicycles. There are only two main roads on the island and you can easily see the rest of the island by car or scooter in a day. Local caves, a parrot reserve and secure miles of walking trails at the east point bluffs for the hiker seeking spectacular views. The resort offers dining which we found to be delicious and plentiful. Our chef, Gregory did a fantastic job of supplying endless delicacies from both the sea and farm. He especially catered to the vegetarians in our group making sure they had numerous options.
Each morning with a full breakfast under our belts we headed for our dive boat the "Little Sister". The diving was wonderful as we encountered turtles and eagle rays. Two of the premier dives sites were the wreck of the Russian destroyer "Tibbetts" and the Bloody Bay wall of Little Cayman island just about 45 minutes away by boat. We saw a multitude of marine life with colors as varied as a painter's pallet. The visibility was close to 60 feet and the weather warm in the mid to upper 80's. We snorkeled in between dives and headed back to the resort for a huge lunch. Another dive awaited us after lunch or our afternoons could be filled lounging at the pool, on the beach or biking around the quiet island streets.
The resort was always clean, friendly and relaxing. Walks on the beach before dinner and beautiful sunsets completed wonderful days. Our group enjoyed each other's company and we played musical chairs at mealtimes to get to know each other or catch up on friendships. The resort planned some interesting evening activities since this quiet little island offers no gambling or night clubbing. Karaoke night was very entertaining followed by a current movie shown on movie night. Our group participated in the traditional rock painting which all members signed, decorated and found its place among the many colorful rocks along the boardwalk heading to the beach. This vacation was just what you would hope for to break the winter blues. Brac Reef, we shall return to enjoy your hospitality again and again.
For more information on the next trip to Cayman Brac, Call Laura at 413 562-7431.