The Reef the first premium all-inclusive in the Cayman Islands

Resort on 1,600-foot beach fun for adults and families with children

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From Paul Kandarian

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One of the pools at all-inclusive The Reef in the Cayman Islands.

Opened in 2000, the Reef introduced the first premium, all-inclusive package in the Cayman Islands. The resort, with 152 studios, one-bedroom executive suites and two-bedroom master suites, all overlook the Caribbean and the Reef’s 1,600-foot white sugar-sand beach. It is located on Grand Cayman Island’s east end, away from crowds and features a la carte dining, top-shelf liquor, introductory scuba lesson, tennis and many activities, with three landscaped pools including one for kids.

All-Inclusive The Reef Rooms

The Reef’s 152 units offer spacious and comfortable accommodation, each decorated in Caribbean style and featuring beach views from a patio or balcony. Rooms feature cable TV, a DVD player, in-room safe, and WiFi capability ($8.99 a day).

Studios are about 450 square feet and accommodate two with king bed, full bath, and kitchenette.

Deluxe studios have 500 square feet of space and accommodate two, with king bed, full bath with separate Jacuzzi tub and kitchenette.

One-bedroom executive suites are 900 square feet and have a bedroom with king bed, full bath, full kitchen, dining and living areas. Two pull-out beds in the living area provide for a total sleeping capacity of four. These are popular with families and those enjoying longer stays.

Two-bedroom master suites sleep six and are about 1,350 square feet each, with two bedrooms (one with king bed, one with a queen), full bath, full kitchen, dining and living areas. Two pull-out beds make it easy for six to sleep here, and these are popular with families or two couples traveling together.

All-Inclusive The Reef Restaurants

Pelican Reef Restaurant at The Reef all-inclusive resort in the Cayman Islands.

The Reef has three main dining options. Pelican’s Reef serves a la carte menu items on the patio or beach, featuring fresh fish, lobster and steak and “Barefoot Man” performing exclusively here. The Rusty Pelican is patio dining under a palapa, serving casual fare and a myriad of Caribbean drinks. The Barefoot Bistro provides a casual indoor option for day dining, open for breakfast and lunch. There is also pizza delivery and room service available, including the resort’s jerk-chicken pizza.

All-Inclusive The Reef Activities

The beach is the main recreational draw here, some 1,600 feet of sugary sand. The swimming complex features a trio of landscaped pools with adjoining Jacuzzi, including an infinity pool and one for kids. Unlike many all-inclusives, activities like snorkeling, windsurfing and kayaking cost extra.

New for 2010, the Reef has partnered with Red Sail Sports to provide specialized dive offerings, preferential pricing and certified staff. With more than 60 dive sites in the East End alone, and hundreds of sites all over the island, there is lots to dive into. Red Sail Sports runs two, 42-foot Newtons and ice water and fresh fruits are part of every dive. One-tank dive rate is $75.