For a long time now, the Caribbean has held a special place in my heart. The Bahamas was my first foreign country that I ever stepped foot in at the age of eleven and I have returned to the island chain over twenty times since. I have also visited Aruba, Cuba, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Puerto Rico, and the United States Virgin Islands. Personally, I believe that many Americans have become jaded with this region, since it is in such close proximity. However, to me it is easily one of the most beautiful and vibrant parts of the world! Thus, I could not have been more excited when QC Exclusive magazine recently sent me on assignment to visit the Cayman Islands, a country I had never visited, and that I was able to bring my husband, Lucas, along for the journey. Unfortunately, we were not on the direct flight from Charlotte, rather we had to first stop in Miami, however the layover went by quickly thanks to some refreshing mojitos.
I always sit aisle when I am flying, except when I am en route to the Caribbean, because I know that the views are going to be spectacular.
Lucas and I decided to splurge on our rental car by getting a convertible. Unfortunately, the car we reserved was given away before we arrived and instead we were given an old Volkswagen Beetle that had a lot of problems and we were charged $100 more than we had originally agreed upon. The service we encountered was dismal as well, so I strongly do not recommend using Andy’s Car Rental if you should find yourself on Grand Cayman.
The place we would call home for the next three days was Cotton Tree, the only luxury boutique hotel on the islands. It was about a thirty minute drive from the airport.
As the sun disappeared over the horizon and the sky became illuminated by a haze of pink, Lucas and I could barely contain our happiness about exploring a new country together. The Caribbean is a place where minutes easily melt into hours, a place where you can leave all of your worries behind as you watch life pass you by, a place where the saltwater air kisses your lips and intoxicates you.
this is exactly what i want all the time
Haha me too!
Such a gorgeous spot Andi!
I love flying over islands. The patterns of the coral amaze.
Murissa
Isn’t it stunning? I love flying over them too!
Looks like an amazing trip!
xo Jennifer
Thanks! XO
Looks gorgeous Andi!
Can’t wait to see more!
More to come soon promise!!! 🙂
These pictures are GORGEOUS! I’m in love with the pink sky in the last one…
Awww thank you so much! That one is my favorite too!!!
why are fly over photos of Caribbean so delicious? looks beautiful!
That’s a great question? But, all I know is they are, so that’s why I always sit aisle haha.
Gorgeous! The sunset photos are breathtaking!
Thank you sweetheart!
Wow so beautiful. It looks like a the best place in the world to relax. Great pictures Andi.
Yes, so beautiful!!! Love me some Caribbean!
Amazing! Just amazing photo’s Andi! You really have a good eye in capturing unforgettable moments that entice all of us your readers. How I wish you create a book with all your travels and photos in it. I’m pretty sure it will definitely be sold out 🙂
This might possibly be the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me, thank you!!!!! You have no idea how much this means to me!
I’ve been waiting for this! So sorry to hear about Andy’s, as I’m pretty sure I pointed you in their direction — ha. Hope it didn’t cause you too much annoyance! At least that car is cute as heck 🙂
No, I don’t think you did point us in their direction. We used Travelocity! So, don’t you worry sweetheart!!! Yes, the car was definitely cute! 🙂
This is a lovely post! I love your idea of sitting by the window when flying over beautiful islands. Cayman Islands has been on my list for a long time. I’ll be checking back to see your updates on this trip.
Oh yay, I’m glad that you’ll be back for some more and I’m glad that you enjoyed this post!!!
Oh my goodness – so jealous, I have always wanted to go to the Caymans. It looks amazing!
Awww don’t be jealous! I’m sure you’ll get there soon. 🙂
Brings back some good memories of my trip to the Cayman Islands a few years ago – those amazing sunsets, just gorgeous.
Where did you stay when you were there? I LOVED the sunset that night, just beautiful!
Wow love your aerial photos bella. I remember last time I flew back from San Salvador to Miami I kept looking down in awe at the islands 😉
The Cayman Islands look like paradise & it must be right?
Hope to visit some day 🙂
Thank you so much! I love them too. The Caymans were definitely beautiful!!! Hope you can visit one day as well. XO
I’ve considered going to grand cayman many times bc there is a direct flight from TPA! Can’t wait to see the rest of your pics 🙂
You should go!!!
that totally stinks about the car!! but the island looks amazing…i could totally use an island trip!
Yes it does, I’m still pissed about it actually! But the island’s beauty definitely made up for the car stress.
And now I’m jealous! 🙂
Hahaha! XO
So, we’re planning a London trip for this year, but wow do I want to plan a tropical one too. Ha! How darling was your villa?!?
Any way to do both? The villa was very cute!
What is that Drink, it looks delicious.. and those gratifies are awesome.
I think you meant to leave this comment on another post, yes?
Oh my goodness! I think you have just planned my next vacation! That little hotel looks adorable 🙂
Hahaha that’s so awesome!!!
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Thank you! 🙂
I wanna gooooo!!!! Haven’t been to the Caribbean since sailing with family through the British Virgin islands, but that was back in like 2000 — WAY too long…
The four of us need to go ASAP!
These photos are GORGEOUS!
Thank you so much!!!
Wow, great photos–it looks like such a beautiful island! I haven’t been to the Cayman Islands yet, but I love the Caribbean too; it’s such a great area to visit, especially for long weekend trips when you don’t have time to go farther!
Thank you! Yes, I’m definitely a Caribbean chic!!!
Can I just say wow! How beautiful!!!!!!
Yes it really is!
I have never been, but now I want to go!
You so should!
I’m impressed with your photos!
Why thank you!
Wow what a pretty place!
Yes, the Caymans are so pretty! 🙂
My husband and I are dying to get to the Caymans!
I hope you can make it there soon. Definitely rent a car!
WOW what a sunset!
Yes, it was amazing!
STUNNING!
Thanks Dale!
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