Stella Should Have Went To The Cayman Islands
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Last year, I went to the Cayman Islands.
I’d only heard about it in movies usually as the place where after some big heist, all the bad guys hid their money. I knew it was real but only through film. They never actually showed it.
Then, I went.
I was invited to experience the islands, their beauty, the people, and the art during Cayman Art Week.
The first movie that comes to mind when I think of a Black babe on an island vacay is How Stella Got Her Groove Back. It takes place in Jamaica and I just picture Angela Basset with her flowing braids and white dress ready to reset her life.
I’m not usually an island kind of girl, no matter how tempting Angela made it look, but you do not say no to an opportunity to visit a beautiful place you’ve never been. So I packed, tried to prep, and headed to The Cayman Islands!
I arrived in a bit of a fragile state thought. I was excited and I was trying to stick to the whole plan I had but it was starting to fall part. There was a lot going on emotionally but this was work after all so I couldn’t cancel and tried to show up as best as I could.
I got off the plane and for damn near a week I was put in the lap of luxury. Staying at Hotel Indigo, surrounded by natural beauty, eating some incredible food, drinking the yummiest tasting drinks I’d ever had, talking to artists non-stop, but inside I was a wreck.
One day, I was selected out of our group of journalists to go to the neighboring smaller island, Cayman Brac. This has since become one of thee most stunning places I’d ever seen in my whole life and I was only there for about 4 hours.
I climbed to the top of Le Soleil d’Or, toured the farm (after having a hella tasty and fresh brekkie downstairs at the restaurant), and tasted fruit straight off the trees. Around me, there was silence. Not total silence, but the kind where the waves crashing was the only thing I heard and the ocean was the only thing I saw.
I started crying.
It was just a few days into the trip, and I knew we’d be leaving soon. I’d had an incredible time—meeting amazing people, hearing their stories—but I was also full of the emotions I had carried onto the island and I guess it was coming to a head.
I tried to keep it in, be respectful to the two others I was with, but it just started happening. I was just going to tuck it in and take it back with me but it felt like the island, that particular place, was trying to tell me to leave it there.
One of the folks I was with was a Caymanian, and when she noticed I’d stepped away, she came up to me and told me it was okay. That feelings often come out here, that it wasn’t odd or off putting but human.
After a few moments we climbed back down and went to The Beach Club, it’s a few miles away from the farm and omigosh would I love to go back.
My dream Cayman Brac redeux includes sauntering around The Beach Club Studio, making our way to the beach and just sleeping to the sounds of the sea in the middle of the day.
It’s kinda like The Cayman Islands knew I wanted a redeux because TODAY they launched somehting looking for the islands first Chief Relaxation Officer!
It’s for the folks who just deserve a vacation do-over!
For TWO WHOLE ASS WEEKS, the island is selecting someone to to actually REST. Like that’s the whole point of your job as the FIRST EVER Chief Relaxation Officer is TO JUST CHILL.
Here are the vibes:
The Assignment (Yes, This Is the Actual Job Description):
Sleep at least eight hours a night (naps encouraged).
Spend daily time by the water - floating, reading, or doing nothing at all.
Enjoy fresh local dishes like coconut ceviche.
Sip island cocktails at iconic beachfront spots.
Dine with Caymanian locals to learn their relaxation rituals.
Explore nature and see rare island species like the blue iguana or Cayman parrot.
End days with a tech-free sunset on Seven Mile Beach.
And these are the benefits
Round-trip flights to Grand Cayman
Round-trip island-hopping flights to Cayman Brac
14 nights of luxe island accommodations
Winner will stay at Le Soleil d’Or in Cayman Brac! A luxury farm-style inn!
Additional hotel stay locations will be confirmed before launch!
Daily meal + activity stipend
On-island transportation
A custom “no-itinerary itinerary” designed by locals
And bragging rights as Cayman’s first Chief Relaxation Officer
That’s it.
No schedules, no alarms, no working….just actual rest and relaxaatttiiioonnn.
All you have to do is submit your “worst vacation ever” story by February 17, 2026 and A real Board of Relaxation (Caymanian chefs, artists, community leaders) will pick the person who needs a vaCay the most.
I really hope y’all apply. Just the fact that you’ll get to stay at Le Soleil d’Or if you apply is all the more reason to just go for it.
So apply, there’s nothing to lose and everything to gain. You can pack your swimsuits, your books, and your emotions. I promise you the island will welcome every single one <3
Extras:
I have a lot of photos I never got to share so now you get to see them so you can get prepped for when you’re selected at CRO!
I was too in my feelings to take selfies while there but I looked cute when I was sweating at an art gallery one night and I was FEELING THE STELLA FANTASY!!!
This was one of the sexiest drinks I ever had and it was at Rasa
Also look at all these bites of heaven that I had at Rasa while in some of the greatest conversations I’ve kinda ever had?
ANNNNDDD I went to Library By The Sea where they, get this, POUR YOU A STORY! They have drinks that they curate based off books and OH MY GOD all I wanna do is lounge here and read and get all knowledgable and tipsy at the same tiiiimmmeeee!!!
Also art galore and these by Conroy Ebanks…I wanted to take every single one back with me and not to mention he is literally the flyest and chillest person.
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kthanksbiiiii!!!!
Beautiful share. Captures the essence of travel as a powerful act of transformation.