History of Seven Mile Beach
Seven Mile Beach is a name born of romance rather than cartography. The shoreline stretches roughly 5.5 to 6 miles along Grand Cayman’s western coast, its length shifting with erosion and storms over time.
In the 1700s, when permanent settlement began under British administration, most Caymanians lived inland or on higher ground. The western beach, though beautiful, was considered unsuitable for farming or building—its soft sand offered no stability for crops or foundations. Instead, it served a practical purpose. The long, flat shoreline became a natural roadway between George Town and West Bay.
Early Caymanians often used catboats—small wooden sailing vessels—to fish and catch turtle from the calm, reef-protected waters. Oral history recalls catboats being pulled along the shoreline with the help of mules, one leading and one following, as they moved between the two districts. For nearly two centuries, the area remained undeveloped—valued more for its quiet and access to the sea than for settlement.
Development and the Rise of Tourism
The isolation of Seven Mile Beach began to fade in the 1950s with the introduction of regular air service to Grand Cayman. Owen Roberts International Airport officially opened in 1952, allowing travelers to arrive by air rather than the long boat journey from Jamaica or Florida.
The first major hotel on Seven Mile Beach, the Galleon Beach Hotel, opened in the late 1950s, marking the beginning of Grand Cayman’s tourism era. It was soon followed by small inns and guesthouses that catered to divers, fishermen, and adventurous travelers seeking tranquility. During this period, visitors often described the Cayman Islands as “the islands that time forgot”—a place of simple charm, friendly locals, and unspoiled beaches.
The passage of the Companies Law in 1966 transformed Grand Cayman into a budding offshore financial center, attracting professionals from abroad who sought leisure alongside business. This convergence of tourism and finance helped fuel steady development along Seven Mile Beach.
By the 1970s and 1980s, the coastline saw more construction of condominiums and mid-range hotels. The Marriott resort opened in 1989, while the Hyatt Regency followed in 1987, bringing new levels of comfort and amenities to the island. The Westin Casuarina Resort, now the Westin Grand Cayman, opened in the late 1990s, further elevating the island’s tourism profile.
Modern Era and The Renaissance
As development continued into the 2000s, Seven Mile Beach evolved from a quiet coastal retreat into one of the Caribbean’s most desirable destinations. The arrival of the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman in 2006 ushered in a new era of luxury tourism, redefining the island’s standard for high-end accommodations.
The beach’s natural beauty, however, has never been static. Hurricane Ivan in 2004 caused extensive damage along Seven Mile Beach, including to Tarquynn Manor, a two-storey condominium hotel built in the mid-1970s by brothers Don and Brian Butler.
Following Ivan, the decision was made to completely redevelop the site. The new property—The Renaissance—was rebuilt from the ground up between 2005 and 2010, offering modern luxury on the quiet northern end of Seven Mile Beach. Many of the original Tarquynn Manor owners became owners at The Renaissance, maintaining the property’s strong sense of community and continuity.
Since opening its doors, The Renaissance has continued to attract returning guests who value its tranquility, privacy, and understated elegance. It stands today as a symbol of Cayman’s resilience and the enduring appeal of Seven Mile Beach—where friendly people, turquoise waters, and spectacular sunsets remain timeless.
Discover The Renaissance Villas on Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman. View our gallery, explore unique experiences, and learn more about the island’s best beaches and attractions