Just Back ... Grand Cayman

Pulling off a great photo shoot takes a lot of work -- you need a great photographer, fabulous clothes, a dedicated crew and a location that's worthy of all that attention. For our next issue, we chose Grand Cayman. I've always liked this island -- tucked below Cuba, it's known for scuba diving (one of the top spots in the Caribbean, if not the world), a great quality of life (the capital, Georgetown, is the fifth-largest banking center in the world!) and the residents have a truly friendly, low-key attitude, enhanced by its British cultural vibe. The Cayman Islands were pummeled by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, but after my recent visit I'm glad to report that it's back and better than ever.

I loved my room at the Ritz Carlton Grand Cayman, the island's plushest accommodations since opening last year. My one-bedroom suite overlooked the beach, with a large private terrace (a great place for the crew to chill between shots) and one of the comfiest beds I've had the pleasure to sleep in. As expected, the hotel does big wedding business, thanks in no small part to excellent planner Nadia Fagan.

The La Prairie spa is truly one of coolest spas I've ever been in: decadently designed in silver, stone and icy white, like Austin PowersmeetsJayne Mansfield (only classier). Among other groovy touches, you get to choose the music that plays during your treatment, and there are pastries in the coed lounge area -- sweet!

The hotel is also home to Blue, the newest outpost from chef Eric Ripert (of New York City's Le Bernadin), which manages to showcase exquisitely prepared seafood without all the associated stuffiness that some top-rated restaurants have. I'd go back any time just for the tuna-foie gras appetizer -- it was unreal!

Ritzcarlton.com/resorts/grand_cayman

Ritz-Carlton

Blue

While we did a lot of work -- honest! -- we also managed to have some fun. One day after shooting on the resort's boat, the captain took us over to Stingray City, a sandbar on the edge of the North Sound where stingrays gather to feed on chum dropped from tourist boats. We snorkeled in the waist-deep water while the rays swarmed all over us (in a good, albeit occasionally scream-inducing way), looking for handouts. It was totally cool, and would make great group activity for your guests!
Redsailcayman.com

We also had some great meals. We had to hit Casonova's, a delish restaurant in downtown Georgetown where the adorable (and very Italian) waiters handed out rum shots and serenaded staffers Melissa and Fiona for their birthdays. Between the frescoed Italian scenes on the wall, the exquisite seafood linguine and the wine list, heavy on Tuscan reds, we felt like we were in Italy -- at least until we went on the terrace and saw the Caribbean crashing on the rocks beneath us.
Casanova.ky

On our last night, we celebrated with dinner at the Cracked Conch. An island landmark that was KO'd by Ivan, it's recently reopened under new management. And that is very good news! They have a long open-air tiki-style bar that juts out into the water -- plus great mojitos, and even better sunsets -- and a breezy Mediterranean-style restaurant with lots of outdoor seating on a multilevel terrace. As expected from the name, their cracked conch -- lightly breaded, tender and unbelievably fresh -- is the best on the island, and they couldn't have treated us any better. They'll do the same for your gang, I'm sure.
Crackedconch.com.ky