2014 July/August - Wyndham Reef Resort, Grand Cayman

July/August 2014 Newsletter
Dear Reef Members,
Hard to believe that August is almost gone and September is rapidly approaching. We
have had a busy summer with many members back to theReef. The changes that are
starting to occur are being well received and we appreciate all the feedback.
The beach is remarkably clean with our new machine grooming it regularly. The new
patio furniture has been a big hit as well and has brightened the terrace areas out in
front of that beautiful beach that we call home.
We do have some large changes coming, starting with the Bistro and Lobby, and we do look very forward to the finalized project and
know that all of you will enjoy the new look.
With the kids going back to school, we know that many of you will be planning your next summer vacations and
we look forward to showing off the new look to you all.
Kindest Regards,
Gaetan Babin
Resort Director
Introducing ... The JETAVATOR!
White Sand Water Sports is proud and excited to be offering the coolest new water toy accessory - the
JETOVATOR! Similar to the Jet Pack, but much more intuitive, fun, and easier to learn, most people are
flying within 10 minutes! Soar 25 feet in the air, or dive 10 feet under water, perform spins, barrel rolls, and
even back flips. This is truly a thrill you do not want to miss.
The personal water craft (PWC), which provides the power, follows behind the Jetovator using the hose as a
tether. It is similar to other water sports accessories like wake boarding or water skiing except the accessory
is actually towing the boat rather than the other way around.
The standard Jetovator kit requires two people to operate it; a rider on the Jetovator controlling the height,
and direction of the Jetovator, and a rider on the PWC controlling the throttle of the engine. Although this
might sound complicated, generally the rider of the PWC just takes the throttle up to approximately 80% of
full power and holds it there until the Jetovator rider is ready to come
down (again, very similar to waterskiing or wakeboarding).
Despite its impressive aerial capabilities, the Jetovator is actually incredibly easy to learn to
operate. The idea of balancing atop a moving hose sounds impossible but the Jetovator provides
such a stable platform that just about anybody can learn to operate it safely and proficiently in
twenty minutes.
If
this
sounds
like
fun
for
you,
visit
whitesandwatersports.com/the-jetovator/ for more information or
talk to our concierge to set up an adventure of your own!
Annual Stingray Awards
Recently, the Cayman Islands Tourism Association held its' annual Stingray Awards Ceremony. The Stingray Awards were
established to recognize the best in the Tourism Industry and is regarded as the highest award in the country for Tourism. Attended
by his excellency Premier Alden McLaughlin and other dignitaries, it was a wonderful event recognizing the best within our industry.
This year, theReef proudly nominated 4 staff members: Milos
Damjanovic as Manager of the year, Vuk Dordjic as Rising Star of the year, Viki Kapusi and
Roderick Rubias as Employees of the year. The list of nominees was long but one of our own
won the prestigious Stingray Awards for employee of the year in the Accommodation Sector for
the entire Cayman Islands.
Congratulations our Star Employee, Viki, who works in our Member Service Department!
Although we have many deserving team members, we were pleased to have one of our own
recognized by our industry for being among the best!
Sandra (left) with Viki
Again, congratulations to Viki and to all the nominees that represented our great resort, Team Reef.
Upcoming Cayman Events
Did you know that October is Cayman Restaurant Month? It's a great time to visit
and experience the "flavour" of the island. Our concierge team is happy to help you
plan your trip and explore the many culinary opportunities available on the island.
Remember to check our fall travel specials and learn how you can save on your
vacation when you stay at theReef, home of the longest resort beach on Grand
Cayman. View our specials here: thereef.com/Vacation-Deals-and-Savings
If you are looking for more events and activities on Cayman, try visiting the following
event calendars.
Compass Cayman
Explore Cayman
Cayman Islands Department of Tourism
National Gallery Events Calendar
National Trust for the Cayman Islands
Fabulous dining opportunities start right here
at theReef. Doesn't this fish look delicious?
There is always so much to do when you stay at our all beachfront suites resort. Did you know we publish a daily activity schedule?
If you are currently staying at the resort, please contact a member of our concierge team. They will help you arrange the activities in
which you want to participate. We hope you enjoy another beautiful day in Grand Cayman! Email us at concierge@theReef.com.
Gayle's Travel Tips
Helpful Grand Cayman Travel Tidbits
Whether it is your first time in Cayman or you have visited here before, hopefully these little snippets of information will make your
trip more fun and relaxing.
BIKE AND SCOOTER TRAVEL
When renting a motor scooter or bicycle, remember to drive on the leftand wear sunblock and a
helmet. Scooters ($35 to $40 a day) can be rented in George Town.
ELECTRICITY
Electricity is reliable and is the same as in the United States (110 volts/60 cycles).
BANKS AND EXCHANGE SERVICES
You should not need to change money in Grand Cayman, since U.S. dollars are readily accepted.
ATMs generally offer the option of U.S. or Cayman dollars. The Cayman dollar is pegged to the
U.S. dollar at the rate of CI$1.25 to $1. Be sure you know which currency is being quoted when making a purchase.
PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS
All visitors must have a valid passport and a return or ongoing ticket to enter the Cayman Islands. A birth
certificate and photo ID are
not sufficient proof of citizenship.
TAXES
At the airport, each adult passenger leaving Grand Cayman must pay a departure tax of
$25 (CI$20), payable in cash. It's usually added to airfare-check with your carrier. A 10%
government tax is added to all hotel bills. A 10% service charge is often added to hotel
bills and restaurant checks in lieu of a tip.
TIPPING
Although tipping is customary at restaurants, note that some automatically include 15% on the bill-so check the
tab carefully. Taxi drivers expect a 10% to 15% tip.
MAIL
Sending a postcard to the United States, Canada, other parts of the Caribbean, or Central America costs CI25¢.
An airmail letter is CI75¢ per half ounce.
August Recipe
Crabmeat Omelette
10 eggs
1 tablespoon fresh parsley
1/4 crab, shelled
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon chives
1. Shell and drain the crabmeat & set aside.
2. Separate the eggs. Beat the yolks in a bowl. Beat the egg whites in another bowl until fluffy. Fold the crabmeat into the egg
whites and fold in the yolks.
3. In a skillet, melt the butter. Add the mixture and cook until brown on the bottom. Sprinkle parsley and chives on top. Fold in
half and serve.
Serves 4
Cayman Cornbread
2 cups all purpose flour
1 cup yellow cornmeal
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 tablespoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup evaporated milk
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons dark rum
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.Grease a 9-inch square baking pan well.
2. Combine flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Whisk together both types of milk, eggs, butter, rum, and vanilla in another bowl.
4. Combine both mixtures using a wooden spoon, just enough to dampen all ingredients (it will still be a bit lumpy).
5. Pour into prepared pan and bake until golden brown and cake tester comes out clean, about 45 minutes.
6. Let cool on rack slightly before cutting into 12 small squares.
Social Media
If you love the 'Island Life' at theReef Resort then why not join our Facebook community? Follow the Reef Resort and keep up to
date with what's happening here in the sunny Cayman Islands! Enjoy all the great pictures of the beach and share them with
friends and family. We have almost 7,000 avid followers and we'd love you to join the conversation!
Join us on facebook and let's see how many NEW LIKES we get by the next newsletter!
Website Sign In
Please note to log in to our new and updated website, you will need the password.
The password is: stingray
Interval International Getaways
Star Island Resort and Club,
Kissimee, Florida
This 65-acre (26 hectares) retreat, just 4 miles (6 kilometers) from the entrance to Walt Disney World, has one- and threebedroom Mediterranean-style villas. Each complete villa includes two whirlpool baths, one king-sized bed in the master bedroom,
two full-sized beds in the guest bedroom, and two sleeper sofas. The resort features The Spa at Star Island, offering hair, nail,
facial, and body treatments; Celebrity Fitness, a state-of-the-art health club; and specialized tennis programs. Star Island also
has a golf driving range and putting green, large free-form pool, pool bar, water sports on Lake Cecile, and a lakefront
boardwalk.
August 17 - 24, 2014
One Bedroom, Sleeps 4
$422 USD Gold Member
$397 USD Platinum Member
If you would like to learn how to book
Getaways, contact Gayle at gmiller@theReef.com or call 1.866.231.9706 or 1.250.244.3454.
Points Members at theReef
If you are not going to use your points to stay at theReef in 2014, you must contact reservations no later than August 31 in order
to bank these points into 2015. Please call 1.866.554.8175 and talk to one of our agents who can assist you with this process.
The Turtles are Here!
On July 28, we helped approximately 100 baby turtles begin their life's journey as we released them to the beautiful Caribbean
waters. Each year, the turtles choose our pristine beaches as their breeding grounds and we make a special effort to ensure a
successful hatching.
Keep this in mind when you are booking your next Reef vacation. Perhaps you might like to come and experience the release of
this precious cargo.
Maintenance Update
We are so excited for the changes that are happening at theReef. If you have been here recently, you have
already seen the new patio furniture.
You will notice the beach is much more groomed. We are about to start on the Bistro and Lobby and we
can't wait to see the final results!
theReef Resort | 888-873-2361 | http://www.theReef.com
PO Box 100
Queens Highway
East End, KY1-1801