Lovely people, superb snorkelling!Visited: December 2007
Posted by maggienegodaeff,pete
My husband and I were just discussing our winter vacation (February in Canada is no fun!)and we agreed that virtually nothing could surpass Turtle Nest for friendliness, spacious and clean accommodations, location (far from the madding crowd but close enough to shops,etc.) The snorkelling is utterly marvellous and right off the huge white-sand beach. The people at Turtle Nest will do everything in their power to make your stay a little slice of heaven.
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The resort was located on the east end of the island, away from the busy end of the island. There was a market just across the street where you can find food and supplies for your room.
The rooms opened up direct to the beach, and had a great view. Ocean Frontiers was the in-house dive group, and they did a great job.
Restaurants were available with a bit of a drive. I recommend a rental car to get around - especially since cab fare from the airport is pretty steep.
The beach was a beautiful white sand that was raked often to remove any trash.
The staff was courteous and friendly. The only negative was that the daily maid service was only for fresh towels and trash. The beds were made once during our week.
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the Reef is real "paradise found".Visited: April 2008
Posted by gatorman
Our stay at The Reef was a breathtaking adventure to say the least.
The staff at The Reef could have been hand picked by my wife and me. They were super efficient, and arranged all requests with precision. Our condo was always immaculate and fresh.
The food fantastic, and the clear turquoise water was surely made in Heaven.
We will return again this year and hopefully many years to come.
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We just returned from five wonderful days at the Reef.
We arrived at the airport on time, and rented a car from Andy's. It's probably a good idea to reserve a car ahead. There were a couple of people beside us who didn't, and there were no cars to be had.
We stopped at Fosters for groceries, and we were off. We also went to Hurley's grocery a couple of days later - and both were great stores.
We had rented a deluxe studio, but were upgraded to a one-bedroom for some reason. No one ever said why. What a wonderful suite! Although, we didn't see the deluxe studio.
I think now I would pay the extra for the one-bedroom. You get a full kitchen, which we loved. We made all of our meals and ate on our balcony overlooking the ocean. We only ate out once-on our half day trip to Georgetown.
We went snorkeling every day right in front. It was awesome. There were no crowded beaches, and there was always an open beach chair and plenty of shade if you wanted.
Like a lot of reviews indicated before, I don't think this is a place for someone who wants to be entertained all the time. It is a place to go sit on the beach, relax, walk on the beach or take your rented car for a ride and explore the many beach spots around.
Although there were a few night time activities, and I think Morritts has some night things going on as well. You can rent kayaks, wave runners and other things at Morritts.
The resort and suite were spotless. All in all, it was a perfect vacation getaway.
12 users found this review helpful. 0 found this review unhelpful.
We came back for our one-year aniversary.Visited: September 2007
Posted by denaandsmitty
When we wanted to get married, we called The Reef Resort's wedding consultant, Linda, and told her we wanted to get married on her dock. We requested a very, very informal wedding, with no family, and no flowers. Linda and Sandra honored our wishes to the tee.
We said our vows on 9/29/06 with Rev. Meghoo, after which we "took the plunged" into the ocean, swam to shore and toasted our day at Castro's. It was our perfect day!
Last year, we had to return for our first anniversary.
We have been to many different tropical islands, and all were wonderful experiences. But to come back to The Reef Resort is absolutely Heaven on earth!
This year, we cannot wait for our second anniversary, so we are returning for a week in May.
As all the other reviews have reflected, this place is for total relaxation and restoration. Alaos, the people who work at The Reef have to be some of the nicest people you will ever meet!
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My family and I just returned from a week stay at The Reef. With three small kids, it isn't always easy to find a good blend of relaxation (for us), fun activities (for them), a great beach and sun, and plenty of room. The Reef offered all of that and more.
Our room was wonderful with an incredible unobstructed view to the sea. When our infant is older, we will have to move into a two-bedroom suite. But for now, the one-bedroom offered plenty of room.
We sat on the beach every day while the kids played in the sand or the pool for hours. We also ventured to Rum Point a few times just for a change of pace - and that was lovely as well. By the end of the day, we were usually exhausted so we ate almost every evening at the bar.
The food was very good - especially the Mahi! Yes, it was somewhat expensive, but so was the rest of the island so you have to plan for that in advance.
Fosters and Hurleys were good places to go for basic breakfast and lunch items so you can afford to splurge for dinner and drinks.
We thought this vacation was perfect, and we will definitely be coming back next year. In fact, we are seriously considering the investment option so we can come back every year!
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A Grand Cayman travel review
It was awesome.
Posted by bamx2_itslei
Our stay here was wonderful!
The staff was just fantastic! The view from our room was an "A+". I would come back any time - when I become rich again! I need to find money, so I can fly straight down there.
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I love this restaurant! They have great food, and the atmosphere is always fantastic. Also, it's right on the waterfront in the middle of Georgetown. It's a must if you go to Cayman.
0 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful.
I spent a joyful week at the Reef.Visited: November 2007
Posted by britrink
I came to the Caymans for my son's wedding, and had the most wonderful week at the Reef. The resort exceeded my expectations.
The one-bedroom suite was spotless, and beautifully decorated with every convenience. The beach was amazing - to step out onto the patio right on the beach each morning was heaven.
I could have stayed forever. The staff was friendly staff, and the resort was beautiful.
I don't often visit the same place twice, but the Reef will be my exception. I will definitely be back!
9 users found this review helpful. 2 found this review unhelpful.
This is a true island get-a-way, and not a dive.Visited: September 2006
Posted by cmanninghowell@aol_c
If you want to relax in a cottage environment on a very beautifully kept beach with tiled floors to keep the sand away, this is the place.
Imagine stepping out of your door onto the beach! There is plenty of great food, a nice bar, entertainment, a new pool, and watersports. Also, no one wakes you while sunning to braid your hair or hassle you to buy a t-shirt! All the people here are nice.
I have come here five times. The second time I came, they remembered me!
One time, I stayed across the street at the new Hyatt. And, if you want to take a vacation at a regular, but nice, hotel - go for it. Take the elevator to the lobby, swim in a pool.
However, if you want to go to the beach, you have to walk across the street to the Beach Club! The rustic atmosphere is a wonderful and rare experience. I will be back!
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I would not stay anywhere else. The apartments were quite large and immaculate. The property itself was lovely, and we had a large screened in porch overlooking the Caribbean.
The pool was also the perfect size and well kept. I loved the location as it was away from all the hubbub of the major hotels.
I am going back in January and will stay here again. What a wonderful property!
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The water was amazingly clear, and the people were incredibly nice.
Jet ski rentals were just down the beach, if you want to give up your beach chair by the sea. Stingray City, a tour organized by the resort, is something you don't want to miss, with massive but sweet rays jostling your legs as you try to feed them squid.
The resort itself may not have stingrays. However, in the ocean by the hotel there is an astounding amount of fish - easy to see from the pier or from a quick snorkeling trip.
This is a hotel and a vacation not to be missed!
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This is perfect for you, if you like bright, smiling, lovely staff, always willing to make your stay as perfect and stress-free as possible.
The Reef offers all oceanfront balconies on patios so close to the ocean you can’t even believe it. The beach bar is fun, and there are as many activities as you can think of.
Cayman’s own Barefoot Man plays here twice a week, too.
When you snorkel, you'll see more fish under the dock than most snorkel spots. Also, the convenience of the Thirsty Surfer and little Foster’s is great.
There is no better place—and those palapas are wonderful!
10 users found this review helpful. 1 found this review unhelpful.
We are going back this weekend.Visited: September 2007
Posted by wchandler01
We, like others, return every year for as long as we can!
This year we're looking forward to watching the coral spawn. The protected snorkeling with plenty of depth and life inside the reef makes this an ideal location for those who just view the rest of their life as a surface interval.
For those who prefer glitzy shopping, and making sure the right people see them having 'fun', I suspect this may be a disappointment.
For those who wish to stay dry, absorb the local culture and history, or impose their spoiled children on others, this is definitely not the perfect spot.
If you wish to enjoy the peace and quiet of the sand and surf without fear of crime and solicitors on the streets, the east end is the place to go.
If you want to still retain the comforts of civilization without being pampered by tip-seeking hustlers, come to the Reef.
I have even posted a few negative comments on this site, back when I lacked the maturity to recognize a good thing when I have it in hand.
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