If you’re planning a luxurious getaway to the stunning Grand Cayman Island and looking for the perfect place to stay, the Kimpton Seafire Resort and Spa might be just what you’re searching for! My Hun and I recently visited the resort to celebrate his birthday, and I’m here to give you the inside scoop. Whether you’re wondering, “Is Kimpton Seafire all-inclusive?”, or curious about the Kimpton Seafire amenities, food, rooms, and location, this post has got you covered. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this stunning beach resort on Seven Mile Beach!
Where is the Kimpton Seafire Resort and Spa?
The Kimpton Seafire Resort is centrally located on Seven Mile Beach, one of the most famous beaches in the world. This luxury Kimpton Seafire hotel in Grand Cayman is a beachfront property that first opened in November 2016, and it’s part of the IHG family of hotels. Fun fact: It’s the first Kimpton property to win the prestigious AAA Five Diamond Award and is also recognized as a five-star hotel by Forbes.
When it comes to location, the Kimpton Seafire hotel in Cayman Islands is close to everything! Since Grand Cayman is only 22 miles long, you can technically drive anywhere on the island in under two hours. Here’s a list of key attractions near the resort:
- Seven Mile Beach – You’re already there! The resort is right on the beach.
- Camana Bay – An upscale shopping, dining, and entertainment center just 2.5 miles away (about a 5-10 minute drive).
- George Town – The capital of the Cayman Islands, about 4.5 miles away (10-15 minutes by car).
- Stingray City – A famous sandbar for swimming with stingrays, about a 15-20 minute boat ride from Seven Mile Beach.
- Cayman Turtle Centre – A family-friendly attraction just 6.5 miles away (15 minutes).
- Rum Point – A snorkeling hotspot about 45 minutes away by car (25 miles).
The Kimpton Seafire location is perfect for exploring the island, but if you’re planning to dine out, keep in mind that most restaurants are about a 10-20 minute drive away. However, the onsite eateries are so good, you might not even want to leave!
How far is the Kimpton Seafire from the Airport?
The resort is about a 15-20 minute drive from Owen Roberts International Airport. One thing to note: The resort doesn’t offer airport shuttle services, so you’ll need to arrange transportation in advance or grab a taxi when you land. But don’t worry—it’s a quick and easy ride to get to paradise!
What are the Room Options and Views?
The Kimpton Seafire hotel boasts 264 rooms, including one- and two-bedroom suites and private bungalows. Whether you’re in a standard room or a suite, you’ll have some sort of beach view, and every room comes with a small balcony or patio for relaxing. We booked a King Premium Ocean View room, and it was everything I hoped for—modern, clean, and incredibly well-kept. The stylish decor, comfy bed, and thoughtful amenities (like toiletries, mini-fridge, and individually controlled air conditioning) made our stay feel ultra-luxurious.
Want a room tour? Check out my Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa review YouTube video or the hotel’s website for photos and descriptions of each room type to get a feel for the options available.
Dining at the Kimpton Seafire Resort
If you’re like us, you might be wondering, “How’s the food, really?” Spoiler: it’s amazing! The Kimpton Seafire Resort has several dining options that will satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s available and my rating:
- Ave – Mediterranean seafood and steakhouse. Breakfast and dinner here were solid 9/10 for us!
- Avecita – A Spanish woodfire tapas restaurant that we, unfortunately, didn’t have time to try, but it comes highly recommended.
- Coccoloba – Mexican street food served beachside with live music on certain nights. The vibe was so chill and the wait was quite long since this is a popular restaurant. However, bar seating is first-come, first-served so if you want to quick table ask to be seated in the bar area or directly on the beach. We rated it a 7.5/10 for its laid-back vibe, yummy margaritas, and tasty tacos. The rating would’ve been higher, but being born and raised so close to Mexico in San Diego, California, it feels like a crime to have to pay for chips and salsa, haha!
- Seafire Pantry – A convenient spot for coffee, quick eats, and snacks, open from 7 am to 7 pm.
- Library by the Sea – A cool cocktail bar named one of North America’s 50 Best Bars! The cocktails were expertly crafted at the resort – 10/10.
- 24-hour Room Service – For those nights when you just want to relax in your room. We gave it a 9/10 for quality and speed.
If you’re into foodie events, the resort also offers:
- Margarita night at Coccoloba,
- Sunday Brunch at Ave from 12-3 pm (10/10 rating from us!), and
- The Chef’s Table at Avecita (Thurs-Mon, 7 pm).
Special dietary needs? No problem. There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan menu options. Just be sure to budget for meals, with breakfast costing around $10-20 per person, lunch about $15-25, and dinner upwards of $40+. Check out the menus online before you go for the latest pricing.
Activities and Amenities at the Kimpton Seafire
One of the things I loved most about this resort was the range of activities and Kimpton Seafire amenities. Here’s what you can expect:
- Complimentary non-motorized water sports (paddleboards, catamarans, floating mats) offered onsite by Red Sail.
- A daily cocktail hour from 5-6 pm with free wine and snacks.
- A pool area with loungers, towels, and water, plus direct access to Seven Mile Beach with chairs and umbrellas.
- Live music at Coccoloba on Tuesdays and Saturdays during dinner.
- The Kimpton Seafire Spa – A luxurious experience with a heated pool, premium toiletries, and a range of treatments like massages, chocolates, champagne, and essential oils.
- Morning fitness classes, outdoor movies, games, and more!
For those who love to golf, the resort offers special rates and preferred tee times at the North Sound Golf Club.
How is the Kimpton Seafire Spa? Is it worth it?
My Hun and I had an amazing experience at the spa! Upon arrival, there were lockers, clean changing facilities with individual showers, and premium toiletries (we’re talking different lotion options, how wonderful!) We first started in the heated pool, followed by a quick nibble of house-made chocolates and champagne. Guests have access to the spa facilities a few hours before and after treatments.
Speaking of treatments, I had a wonderful 90 min massage w/ essential oils. The therapist was professional and friendly, and asked about my preferences regarding scents, pressure, and pain points prior to starting. What felt like a dream and half later, the spa session finished with freshly made chocolate and treats, infused water, and a quiet all cream-decorated area w/ relaxing sounds playing through individual headphones. Not only are there massage services, but you can bet hair, nails, and sun treatments available. I 10/10 recommend the spa!
Is Kimpton Seafire All-Inclusive?
One of the most common questions is, “Is the Kimpton Seafire Resort all-inclusive?” The short answer is no. The resort charges an $80 daily resort fee that covers fitness classes, beach loungers, towels, non-motorized water sports, and more, but meals and spa services are not included in the nightly rate. Expect a 16-20% service charge on most services. You’ll also need to budget for off-site activities, meals, and transportation.
What’s the Pool and Beach Area Like?
If lounging by the pool or soaking up the sun on the beach is your thing, you’ll love the Kimpton Seafire Resort! The pools are gorgeous, well-kept, surrounded by lush greenery, and there are plenty of lounge chairs and cabanas to rent. The beach area, located on Seven Mile Beach, offers water toys, towels, and umbrellas for all guests, making it easy to relax and unwind.
Family-Friendly Fun at Kimpton Seafire
Families will love the Kimpton Seafire Grand Cayman for its kid-friendly amenities. There’s a Camp Seafire kids’ zone for ages 5-12, offering outdoor adventures, water activities, and games. From the materials available, you MUST book this service in advance as space is limited. There are options to book by the hour, half day, or full day ranging from $45/hr to $140 per child for a full day. Plus, water diapers and sunscreen at the pool, family suites, cribs, and mini-fridges for nursing mothers can be requested. We don’t have kids, but there were plenty of families at the resort, and it seemed like a great spot for a family vacation.
Are There Any Special Offers, Packages, or Promotions at Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa?
Yes, there are a few ways to score deals and save on your stay at the Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa! Here are some great options to consider:
Onsite Specials
One of the fun perks during our stay was Margarita Night at the hotel. It’s the perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring or lounging by the beach. Check with the resort to see if they have similar events during your stay!
Price Range
Rates at Kimpton Seafire range from $500 to over $1,800 per night, depending on the time of year and the type of room you book. Expect luxury, but keep in mind that prices can vary based on availability.
Book During the Off-Season for the Best Rates
If you’re looking to save on your trip, book during the off-season months between May and October. We traveled in July and paid only a third of the usual price! Here’s how we did it:
Save Big with IHG Premier Credit Card
The Kimpton Seafire is part of the IHG family, so you can use IHG points to book your stay and save big. I personally use the IHG Premier Card, which offers a bonus of 140,000 points (or 4 free nights up to 40,000 points each, depending on the promotion) when you meet the minimum spend requirement in the first three months. These bonus points can cover at least two to four free nights, depending on availability! Plus, if you stay for four nights, you’ll get one free night as part of the IHG reward program.
Buy Points for Even More Savings
Don’t want a credit card? No problem! You can also buy IHG points to book your stay. Sometimes IHG runs 100% bonus point promotions, and that’s exactly how we booked our stay for just $1.3k instead of the $5,000! It’s a great way to get a luxurious stay without breaking the bank.
How’s the Service and Overall Experience at Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa?
The service at Kimpton Seafire is exceptional! Here’s a breakdown of our experience during our stay:
Overall Service
Grade: 10/10. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted by the friendliest staff members. The doormen helped with our luggage and made sure we felt welcomed right from the start. The concierge was especially helpful when we had an issue with a third-party booking and promptly assisted us in resolving the matter. And let’s not forget about the restaurant staff—though a bit shy, they were incredibly service-oriented and always went the extra mile.
Cleanliness
Grade: 10/10. Our room was cleaned 2-3 times a day, which kept everything fresh and tidy. There’s a handy digital panel in your room to request additional items or housekeeping services, and the attendants were always available to assist.
Attentiveness
Grade: 10/10. The staff truly shines when it comes to attentiveness. When our fire alarm went off two nights in a row at 2 a.m. (it was a false alarm), the front desk sent us a text to check in and make sure everything was okay. They even waived the resort fee for the inconvenience—super thoughtful! The waitstaff also noticed me swatting at mosquitoes during dinner at Ave (I’m a magnet for bug bites!) and immediately offered me bug spray to make sure I was comfortable. Little touches like these really made our experience special.
Safety
Grade: 10/10. No matter where I am in the world, be it Grand Cayman, Paris, Jamaica, or Dubai, I always reserve a certain level of awareness and follow general safety rules. I felt extremely safe at the Kimpton Seafire Resort and Spa. Compared to other Caribbean countries, Grand Cayman has one of the lowest crime rates. I never once felt unsafe, threatened, or like I had to watch over my shoulder at any time.
Overall Experience
The Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa lived up to every expectation! The resort is just as luxurious and vibrant as it looks online. The overall vibe is upscale but still laid-back, making it the perfect escape for anyone looking to relax and unwind. We also loved that the resort had plenty of families, but it never felt overcrowded or noisy.
What’s Not Perfect About the Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa?
While our stay was nearly perfect, no vacation is without its hiccups. The real test of a great hotel is how the staff handles things when they don’t go as planned. During our stay, two issues arose:
- False Fire Alarms
Two nights in a row, the fire alarm falsely triggered at 2 a.m., waking us up to loud screeching sirens. It was a bit of a panic moment, but the staff took immediate action to address the issue. They not only fixed the problem but also sent out messages to guests to check if there was anything else they could do to make things right. To make up for the inconvenience, they even waived the resort fee and credited 25,000 points back to your account – without being asked or prompted by us – yay! - Mosquitoes During Dinner
While dining on the patio at Ave, mosquitos decided to attack my legs (I’m prone to bug bites, unfortunately). The waiter noticed me scratching and quickly offered me some bug spray. After that, I was able to relax and enjoy our meal. It was a small inconvenience, but the staff’s quick response really impressed me.
In both cases, the staff’s empathy and prompt response made all the difference, and that’s all I could ask for! Finally, it goes without saying, but the hotel is expensive. Whether you’re there for the top-tier service, stunning ocean views, or the incredible food, it’s well worth the splurge. The prices are transparent, and if you book during the off-season or use IHG points, you can score a great deal.
Is Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa Right for You?
If you’re looking for a luxurious, relaxing getaway with excellent service, Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa should be at the top of your list. Here’s what to expect:
Perfect For
- Vacationers seeking a quiet, luxurious retreat.
- Couples or solo travelers who want to unwind in a serene and beautiful environment.
- Families who want a family-friendly experience but also appreciate a peaceful atmosphere.
Not Perfect For
Those looking for a party-heavy atmosphere. If you’re seeking a loud, fun, non-stop party vibe, you might want to head to nearby Jamaica. Grand Cayman has a much more relaxed and laid-back vibe, which we loved!
Final Thoughts: Is the Kimpton Seafire Resort Worth It?
Absolutely! The Kimpton Seafire hotel is everything it promises to be—luxurious, modern, and perfect for couples, families, or anyone looking to enjoy a quieter, upscale island getaway. My Hun and I felt like we were celebrities jet-setting to a private, secluded island where we could spend an un-disturbed, anonymous time unwinding from the pressures of life. To say it felt good is an understatement.
Was the stay flawless? Not exactly—nothing ever is!
Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa is a splurge, but it’s absolutely worth it for what you get. From the stunning beachfront views to the excellent service and luxurious amenities, it’s a destination worth considering. Plus, with the right timing and points, you can save big! I can’t wait to return in the future—and I’d love to bring my whole family next time.
Grand Cayman is truly an island paradise, and staying at the Kimpton Seafire Resort and Spa made our trip unforgettable. If you’re looking for a luxurious escape, you’ve found it! If you’re considering booking this property for your next vacation, let me know and feel free to leave your questions below!
Enjoy,
Antoinette | Frolic & Courage
