News

A day in Grand Cayman, by Lindsay Allen, founder of Island Naturals

I came to Grand Cayman fifteen years ago looking for balance. With its white-sand beaches and clear Caribbean water, the island helped me slow down and reconnect. That experience inspired Island Naturals.

If you’re new to the Cayman Islands, or just visiting, a foodie, or an adventurer, here’s how I’d spend a day when I want to stay grounded and present. This isn’t your standard tourist checklist or travel guide, but the kind of advice I’d share with a friend: where to get fresh food, time outside, movement and space to slow down.

Early morning

Starting before the heat, an ideal way to begin your day is to grab a smoothie from The Café and walk along Seven Mile Beach, one of the best beaches in the Caribbean. If you prefer being on the water, head to Happy Days Paddleboard & Coffee for a paddle lesson or intro tour with Coach Yaz. Stand-up paddleboarding along crystal-clear waters is a beautiful way to start your morning whilst visiting the island. For anyone feeling more adventurous, there are plenty of water sports available along Seven Mile Beach as well. 

Morning movement

To kickstart my day, I often book an early morning class at Energy Pilates. They offer everything from classic reformer sessions to dynamic cardio and power classes. Personally, I like a reformer flow or restore mat class, which keeps things focused, flexible and functional.
To really wake me up, I’ll go to The Well on the waterfront in George Town for a 30-minute session of hot and cold therapy, with a sauna and cold plunge. It’s effective for recovery and circulation, and I use it myself as a practical way to set you up for the day. 

Morning essentials

Back at Earth Close, I like to stop by our Wellness Store next door to The Café, which stocks supplements, clean beauty products and essentials for travel. It’s nice to browse in the morning when you’re feeling fresh. Whether you’re looking for immune support after flying into George Town’s airport, magnesium for relaxation, or Vitamin B12 to help with energy to explore busy areas like Camana Bay, our team can help.

Mid-morning nature

I like to drive up to Queen Elizabeth II Botanic Park, where woodland trails, themed gardens and the Blue iguana habitat make for a calm and grounding experience in nature. It always feels like a personal getaway when I head out to other parts of the island. On the way back, head over to Rum Point, a favourite stop for more fun beach time with clear water and the must try Mud-slides! Car rentals are easy to secure on island so you can explore different parts of the island like West Bay and East End. If you’re staying at one of the luxury resorts like the Ritz-Carlton or Seafire, they can also help you with car hire or transportation.

Midday community

At Camana Bay, I usually walk the waterfront and check out any pop-up markets or public fitness events. It’s scenic and low-key. Collections, our shop nearby at The Grove, is also worth a stop for all things gifting. From crystals to journals, beautiful jewellery and amazing scents, there’s something aesthetic to take home for everyone!

Lunch

I’ll never rush lunch. Island Naturals Restaurant at The Grove offers sit-down service and menu items that support most dietary preferences, whether vegan, gluten-free, keto or simply mindful. Some of my favourites are the Firecracker Cauliflower or Thai Green Curry Bowl, usually paired with a juice or iced latte from the coffee bar.

Afternoon unwind

Depending on my energy, I’ll either slow down or stay active:

• Smith Cove or Spotts Beach for a quiet beachfront spot (Spotts is well known for turtle sightings).
• Governor’s Beach for a livelier stretch.
• Stingray City to wade among rays and other marine life at the sandbar.
• The Kittiwake shipwreck just off Seven Mile Beach, one of the best places for world-class snorkelling.

Evening meal

For dinner, I really enjoy ordering takeout to a laid-back location by the pool or beach. There’s something about ending the day outdoors that feels grounding, whether it’s sitting by the water with your toes in the sand or settling in by the pool as the sky changes colour. I’ll often order shareable plates as they travel well, still taste fresh, and feel comforting yet casual. It’s an easy way to keep things relaxed and nourishing, without having to rush anywhere. When I get home, I often indulge in a bubble bath with natural products like magnesium and essential oils from our retail location to wind down for a great night’s sleep.

Finding balance

Wellness travel doesn’t need to be complicated. A day can be balanced with early movement, fresh food, a pause in nature and a restorative hot and cold session. Paddle at dawn, take a Pilates class, wander a botanic garden, snorkel a reef, enjoy a juice at the café, and reset at The Well. That rhythm feels simple and balanced.

Island Naturals was built to support this way of travelling: reliable, mindful and grounded. I hope this guide helps you experience Grand Cayman in a way that feels natural, uncomplicated and enjoyable.