Yet, as you travel along the water south of George Town, you will see many grand wooden structures, overflowing with cupolas and balconies and gingerbread fretwork, reminiscing of the early days of the Caribbean.

Those visiting the sister islands Cayman Brac and Little Cayman will find a slow-paced, easygoing paradise the way things used to be.

Seven Mile Beach is on the Top 10 lists because of its sheer beauty. The inviting powdery sand runs for miles - while hotels, condominiums, shops, dive operators, water-sports centers, car rental agencies and restaurants are just steps away.

Rum Point is another enticing, laid-back Grand Cayman beach, dotted with palm trees, lounge chairs, picnic tables and hammocks. Visitors can get to this remote end of the island by car or ferry. The Wreck Bar and Rum Point Club Restaurant cover food needs.

Red Sail Watersports handles diving, snorkeling and water toys, and runs Stingray City trips from Rum Point´s dock. Although Stingray City is considered a dive site, nondivers can stand in shallow water while these odd-looking mammals swim among them.

And there are plenty of wonderful beaches on Cayman Brac and Little Cayman, quite secluded and often deserted. At Point of Sand on Little Cayman, the only habitation visible is a slice of Cayman Brac peeking over the horizon.

Cayman Islands law prohibits all forms of public nudity, including topless sunbathing. Visitors going to public places outside their hotel grounds are required to wear a shirt, dress or beach cover-up.