Insider’s Guide to the Cayman Islands

What makes Cayman such a great place to live?
It starts with that unique blend of world-class lifestyle and everyday ease. Life in the Cayman Islands is lived outdoors – from the crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches just steps from your door to the warm sunshine that invites sea swims, water sports and sunset sails almost every day of the year. It’s hard not to feel grounded here. 

Cayman’s quality of life is exceptional. We benefit from a stable, sophisticated economy underpinned by a global financial-services hub, which means excellent professional opportunities alongside an enviably high standard of living. There’s a real sense of balance here: you can build a rewarding career, then leave the office and be on Seven Mile Beach in less than five minutes. 

From healthcare to education, we punch well above our weight. We’re quietly global, with an international community from more than 130 countries genuinely welcomed by locals with a sense of “Caymankind”.

What really sets Cayman apart is that natural beauty is practical. Unlike destinations where gorgeous scenery feels like it’s confined to holiday snapshots, here you use the landscape: reefs for world-class diving, calm bays for kayaking, trails for hikes and sunsets that are part of your short commute home. It’s both a playground and a sanctuary – with a lifestyle that’s as aspirational as it is livable.

Which are the best areas to buy in?
Cayman’s property landscape offers a spectrum of options – from prestigious beachside living and luxury condos with strong investment appeal to family-orientated neighbourhoods and tranquil coastal retreats. It’s hard to beat a luxury condo on Seven Mile Beach in the popular WaterMark. Nearby are the canal neighbourhoods of Crystal Harbour, Vista del Mar, Salt Creek and The Shores, handy for the business district, Camana Bay and schools. Alternatives include nearby West Bay or South Sound, while Prospect and Grand Harbour is a fast-growing hub. Rum Point, Cayman Kai and North Side offer beachfront estates and elegant villas.

Who’s buying in Cayman, and why?
Cayman typically attracts a particular type of buyer: international, commercially astute and lifestyle-driven. You’ll find senior figures in finance, law and technology, entrepreneurs building global businesses and high-net-worth families establishing long-term roots. What unites them is simple: they’ve done the maths and are moving their families.

Which are your favourite places to eat and drink?
It’s not hard to see why we’re the culinary capital of the Caribbean, with a focus on excellent ingredients and Michelin-level cuisine. Waterfront, relaxed and consistently great, Calypso Grill at West Bay never disappoints, and Morgan’s is a go-to – I always end up staying longer than planned, watching the boats go by.

Agua in Camana Bay serves excellent seafood with an Italian/Peruvian twist, but for something more social, try Tillies in Palm Heights. It has quietly become the chic place to be, with toes-in-the-sand lunches that turn into sunset drinks. 

What can you do for culture?
Beyond beaches and boating, there’s a rich cultural scene. The National Gallery showcases contemporary Caribbean artists and the National Museum in George Town offers a fascinating look at the island’s history, from pirate lore to local traditions. The creative scene includes independent art galleries and craft shops: Kennedy Gallery in West Bay has one of the most extensive collections of Caymanian art. Visit in May if Cayman Art Week is of interest to you. 

A thriving music and festival scene showcases local and visiting talent – Pirates Week and Batabano feature costumes and dancing in the streets. Catch a local fish fry in Bodden Town for a crash course in Cayman’s identity, along with regular sailing regattas, fishing tournaments and boat-building. Cayman’s culture happens on the water. Living here gives you a front-row seat to a lifestyle that’s as vibrant as it is relaxed – and honestly, that’s part of the charm.

How’s the shopping?
Surprisingly sophisticated for a small island. Camana Bay is the obvious hotspot, with designer boutiques, homewares, galleries and stylish local stores in a walkable, beautifully designed town centre. It’s perfect for everything from a casual coffee to a full day of shopping.

Downtown George Town is the go-to for upscale brands such as Rolex, Patek Philippe and Cartier – or trinket shops alongside Cuban cigar stores and local craft markets. 

What do you love best about Cayman?
It’s hard to pick just one thing. Maybe it’s that you can close a deal in the morning and be in the sea by lunchtime. Or that every sunset looks as if it has been staged just for you. I love the sense of community, too. People are welcoming – it’s the kind of place where neighbours become friends and visitors feel instantly at home. 

JILL DAVISON, 1503 PROPERTY GROUP, SAVILLS ASSOCIATE IN CAYMAN
jill@1503propertygroup.com  

ODGE DAVEY, DIRECTOR, SAVILLS HEAD OF INTERNATIONAL SALES
odge.davey@savills.com