Our round up of the best new hotels, attractions, bars, restaurants, and beach clubs to have opened in Cayman this year

The Kimpton Seafire

In the huge double height ceiling lobby, walls covered in calming neutrals and bursts of tropical colour mix with huge tubs filled with plants, under which millennials, families, and out of towners tussle with dogs and children or sip kombucha drinks and locally roasted coffee. The hotel’s eco-friendly promise, although often not seen, are certainly admirable. But sustainability is not the whole story. This new hotel is on one of the island’s prime spots – Seven Mile Beach. Which means bedrooms have sensational views across the caribbean sea and the famous Seven Mile Beach sunsets.

They look good too, being a cosy take on industrial modern, rustic, and beach chic. If it sounds eclectic, that’s because it is, but it works. Complimentary Wi-Fi, sculpted headboards, and sumptuous baths encourage a laid-back feel good factor. A new spa, signature Avecita restaurant, Cocolobo beach bar, pool, beach cabanas, Cayman’s first beach-side boardwalk, and bungalows all add up to the hottest new hotel in years. Set in the sweet point of major development plans by Cayman’s most prolific developer DART (responsible for Camana Bay and a Seven Mile Beach grandiose masterplan) you can embrace the energy and activity either side of the beach. www.seafireresortandspa.com.

Hemingways

The island already has the hottest foodie scene in the Caribbean. Now with the opening of this bar, everyone’s got a brand new excuse to don their finest threads. Set in the grounds of the now defunct Beach Club, it’s a beach bar mix with asian fusion ocean-front dining. Kick back on one of the oversized sofas out front with something tropical in hand – it’s the kind of place where a bright blue cocktail would never go tacky. Long tables shaded by umbrellas fill up at sunset when fresh seafood hits the Asian-fusion grill and plates of fish tacos, sashimi, and salads are carried past. In the evenings local DJs spin up a soundtrack of upbeat funk and soul which will have you dancing barefoot on the sand before you know it.

Cayman Crystal Caves

Sure, Cayman is known worldwide for its pristine white beaches and crystal clear turquoise waters, but did you know that it’s also a spelunker’s paradise? With a claimed labyrinth of over 150 cave systems boasting pristine azure blue pools and impressive stalactites and stalagmites, Cayman’s unspoiled beauty may very well lie beneath the ground. Laced with million year old immaculate white stalagmites and stalactites and crystal clear pools, Crystal Caves provides guided tours for your exploration. For more information and to book tours visit www.caymancrystalcaves.com.

The Backroom

Mixology lives at this secret cocktail den hidden behind a small door in Regency Court on Seven Mile Beach, a haven for superlative bartenders who whip up divine custom cocktails; high-end price tags, chill vibes and a hip crowd come with the territory. But what to drink? It takes two to Mango cocktail – Ciroc vodka, fresh local mango, thyme, fino sherry, lemon, egg white and bittered sling grapefruit and hop bitters has a wonderfully clean local flavour. www.facebook.com/backroomcayman/