The Insider Guide to Creating an Authentic Corporate Event in the Cayman Islands (2024)

If you're looking to host an elevated corporate event in the Cayman Islands that gives your clients and guests a true taste of Cayman culture, one that they’ll enjoy, remember, and continue to talk about for years to come, then we’ve created this mini-guide for you. 

The feedback from event organizers we’ve worked with (and we’ve worked with some of the best over the years!) is that of course their guests want to be comfortable and made to feel special, but also that discerning guests today are also looking for authenticity and some level of engagement. 

They enjoy the opportunity to meet people from the local community, learn about local life, and take something home that is unique to the place while giving something back to the community.

Isy B. is a local Cayman Islands design brand. We pride ourselves on being unique and providing elegant and uniquely Caymanian products and experiences to guests visiting the Cayman Islands. 

We’ve worked with many organizations on corporate events of all sizes and created this mini-guide of ideas based on the feedback we’ve received from being a part of some of the most fabulous corporate events in the Cayman Islands.

It contains our take on some of the most unique and culturally rich activities available in Cayman that could be a perfect fit for your corporate event. 

Based on our experience we know every event has different needs and objectives, but we hope our mini-guide provides you with new inspiration and creativity that will delight even your most discerning guests. Enjoy!

Unique and Authentic Activities to Do in the Cayman Islands

Learn More About Islands’s Marine Life with Guy Harvey

The Cayman Islands are home to notable islanders with fascinating stories to share. One of them is Guy Harvey - a world-renowned marine wildlife artist and conservationist whose home has been in the Cayman Islands since 1999. He has dedicated his life to exploring, protecting, and capturing the beauty of the ocean’s marine life, including that of the Cayman Islands. His talks give inspiring insights into marine life conservation and the vibrant underwater world surrounding the Islands. Guy Harvey's passion for the ocean and artistic talent could make for an engaging, yet educational experience for your guests.

Exciting Dive and Snorkeling Experience

Organize a dive or snorkeling trip to the USS Kittiwake, a former US Navy submarine rescue vessel turned artificial reef. This underwater adventure offers a fascinating glimpse into marine life and the ship's storied past. The Kittiwake sits in shallow water, making it accessible for both experienced divers and novice snorkelers so that anyone can join in. Partner with local dive operators who can provide equipment and guidance for your group to make the experience truly magical and stress-free. 

Interactive Session with a Local Artist

Collaborate with the local artist Cera-Tan whose signature pieces grace the walls of some of the best hotels on the Islands for an interactive art session that captures the essence of island life. A self-taught artist and an engaging speaker, she offers guests island-inspired art projects that they can complete themselves and take home and also guides participants through her creative process adding depth to this unique experience. 

For locally made artisan crafts; connect with Three Girls and a Kiln and Goodness Cayman both of whose extensive roster of local artisans features a diverse range of Cayman-inspired handicrafts.

Ted Green is a local perfume artist based in the Cayman Islands who crafts beautiful perfumes and candles inspired by local flowers and fruits of the Cayman Islands. His presentation is in a chic perfume trolley which allows guests to sample local perfumes and candles.

Inspire Your Guests with a Visit to the National Gallery

Host a private tour or an event at the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands, where guests can appreciate the rich art and cultural heritage of the islands. Consider unique activities such as a curator-led tour, a friendly art competition, or simply host an elegant evening event surrounded by inspiring artwork. The beautifully landscaped gardens at the National Gallery also offer a perfect space for a corporate party, concert, or picnic.

Enjoy Historic Caymanian Dining

Plan a visit or dinner at the historical plantation house of Pedro St. James Great House on a low cliff-top overlooking the Caribbean Sea. It’s the perfect elegant, and historical setting just a 20-minute drive from George Town. Originally built in the 1700s, Pedro St. James offers a glimpse into Cayman's past. Consider arranging a guided tour of the property and its before settling down for a traditional Caymanian meal featuring local freshly caught delicacies.

The Grand Old House is another restaurant steeped in local history with seaside views and gourmet cuisine. Originally a plantation house built in 1908, the Grand Old House combines historical charm with a luxurious setting. Arrange for a sunset cocktail hour on the oceanfront deck before moving inside for a multi-course dinner featuring fresh local seafood and a curated menu to impress your guests.

Experience Cayman’s Nature Up Close with a Tour of Stingray City

Take your guests on a tour to Stingray City, a series of shallow sandbars located in the North Sound. This iconic Cayman Islands attraction allows guests to interact with friendly southern stingrays in their natural habitat. The crystal-clear waters and the experience of feeding and swimming with these gentle creatures make it a truly unique and unforgettable activity. There are numerous reputable companies to choose from, each offering a variety of tours with unique experiences and attractions to suit your guests and their interests, as well as your budget.

Get a Taste of the Land That Time Forgot 

Get behind Cayman’s modern facade and get a taste of the more relaxed side of island life by heading out of the main drag. Rum Point and Starfish Beach (about 45 - 50 minutes away by transfer) are loved by guests for their relaxed escapist feel. A range of beach activities such as snorkeling, paddleboarding, and beach volleyball can be provided by local operator Redsail Sports. For an even more exclusive and luxurious experience, but one better suited to smaller groups, a private catamaran cruise can be arranged to Rum Point, allowing your guests to enjoy the scenic views of the Island from the sea while indulging in authentic gourmet food and drinks.

Delight Your Guests with Locally-Made Treats to Take Home

Who wouldn’t love a freshly made treat? Surprise your guests with take-home local gourmet delights made by local Chef Lydia Ray at Powder Monkey. They offer a wide variety of snacks such as plantain chips and other Caribbean treats. They also introduced a Caribbean Afternoon Tea experience for corporate events. This fabulous afternoon will leave even the most discerning foodie guests very happy and satisfied with an array of sweet and savory dishes – all filled with unique Caribbean flavors!

For more ideas, also check out the local takeaway treat offerings from Tortuga Rum Company, their range of rum cakes is sold all over the world and is easily packed for travel. Cayman Sea Salt and their sister company Cayman Cookie Company also offer locally made and easily packable culinary treats for your guests to take home with them.

Get Involved in Local Conservation Efforts

• Turtle release at the Cayman Turtle Center. Learn more about their work to conserve turtles and be a part of the turtle release program at specific times of the year.
• Volunteer with the Blue Iguana Conservation team to care for the endangered blue iguanas only found in the Cayman Islands.
• Book a private tour of Queen Elizabeth Botanic Park to see their conservation effort of endangered plant species only found in the Cayman Islands.
• Take your guests diving for a good cause. With Ocean Frontiers, they will be able to help restore coral at Cayman’s largest underwater coral nursery.
• Take your guests on a memorable tour of Beacon Farms. This is a charming and award-winning local farm that uses technology to improve agriculture in the Cayman Islands while working with those in the community recovering from drugs and alcohol abuse. A documentary about the farm and its local characters has won multiple international film awards.

Rum Tasting in the Cayman Islands

Tour Cayman Spirits, the only rum distillery based on the islands whose premium rum; Seven Fathoms is aged in barrels anchored at 42 feet, or 7 fathoms under the sea. 

Did we save the best for last? Maybe we did! 

Award-Winning Storytelling Design from Isy B.

Isy B. offers an elevated range of stylish and modern gifts loved by visitors to the Cayman Islands. Created by award-winning Caymanian artist and designer Isy B., our gifts feature hand-drawn prints by the designer and inspired by original local Island folktales. 

On each product, guests can scan a QR code for an interactive experience of listening to the designer narrate the stories of each print. 

Isy B. appeals to today’s sophisticated travelers who seek quality, authenticity, and a unique experience of the Cayman Islands. Our pieces are practical works of art and the perfect memento for your event on the island.

One-of-a-Kind Corporate Gifts: 

We provide unique, locally designed gifts that add a personal touch to your event. Our beautiful Beach-to-Brunch tote bags are among our most popular corporate gifts. These premium quality totes are spacious enough to hold numerous goodies from the Cayman Islands and are multipurpose, ensuring your special guests can use them at home long after the event. Our gifting suite also includes practical and elegant gifts such as accessory bags, silk sleep masks, and notebooks among others.

Click here to explore more of Isy B. local gifting ideas.

Interactive Experiences:

We love to engage with guests and show off our islands, and so our corporate offering goes beyond providing gifting to offering a unique island experience to your guests. Some of our most popular experiences include:

• Interactive Shopping Experience with the Designer: Offer your guests an exclusive shopping experience personally hosted by award-winning designer Isy B. We create a beautiful exclusive boutique shopping experience for your guests where they can have fun exploring our unique Cayman-inspired collections, accessories, and gifts that tell the stories of the islands. As the host of this memorable interactive shopping experience, Isy B. explains the inspiration behind the pieces, and her artistic process while sharing her unique stories inspired by the Islands.
• Storytime with the Designer: Storytelling has long been a part of traditional Caymanian and wider Caribbean culture, with African roots. In this immersive experience with Isy B., a storyteller herself, she shares the rich history and culture of the Cayman Islands through captivating storytelling sessions. Guests learn more about Caymanian culture through original Cayman folktales that she writes, which inspire the hand-drawn artwork in the Isy B. collections. She narrates the stories in person during this intimate and uplifting session for your guests.

Experienced Event Planners in the Cayman Islands (Updated 2024)

• ETHOS Collective Group
• Celebrations Ltd.
• Direction Event Planning
• Kelly Holdings

Resorts to Stay for a Corporate Event in the Cayman Islands (Updated 2024)

We have hand-picked some of the finest resorts for your corporate event in the Cayman Islands, making sure won’t compromise on the luxury and comfort of your guests:

• The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa: You can host your corporate event in the serene and inviting atmosphere of Westin’s indoor and outdoor conference facilities. They have a total of four event rooms, 8,867 square feet of total event space, 800 people capacity of its largest space, and six breakout rooms.
• Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa: The Kimpton resort in Grand Cayman might be the perfect modern, tropical setting for your business or social gathering. They have a variety of breathtaking event venues including both expected and playfully stylish unconventional spaces, totaling 20,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space. 
• Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort: The Marriott Hotel features four versatile event rooms, encompassing a total of 4,901 square feet of gorgeous event space. The largest room can accommodate up to 500 guests, making it ideal for big corporate gatherings. If you are planning a more intimate meeting, the hotel offers three smaller breakout rooms.
• Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman: The Hotel Indigo Grand Cayman provides over 7,500 square feet of meeting and event space, including the expansive Azzure Ballroom, the versatile Cobalt Room, and the intimate Sapphire Boardroom. Each venue is equipped with advanced audio-visual technology to ensure your corporate event runs smoothly.
• Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman: The hotel offers over 122,000 square feet of meeting and event space, featuring 9 breakout rooms and 9 event rooms. Each venue is equipped with high-quality state-of-the-art audio-visual technology to ensure a unique and memorable event with cutting-edge designs and trends. 

How to Fly to Grand Cayman?

There are several direct flights to Grand Cayman from major cities in North America including Miami, Tampa, Washington DC, Los Angeles, Boston, New York, Denver, and Toronto. There are also direct flights to London and a few Caribbean Islands. Airlines offering regular flights to Owen Roberts International Airport include Air Canada, American Airlines, British Airways, Cayman Airways, Cayman Airways Express, Delta Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest, United Airlines, WestJet, and Caribbean Airlines. There is also an option for private charter handling services, which are provided by Island Air Ltd., Air Agencies, and Cayman Airways.

At Isy B., we combine our love for the Caymanian culture with our passion for design and storytelling to create elegant pieces of wearable art that bring the spirit of the islands alive.