Guest Profile

The flower girls are Vanessa’s nieces, Daisy and Molly.


Darren’s dad, Peter (left), and Vanessa’s brother, Matthew, witness the signing of the marriage license

Name: Vanessa and Darren Gallant

From: UK and Canada

Background:
Vanessa, a legal secretary from the UK, and Darren, a chartered accountant from eastern Canada, both live and work in the Caymans, where they met. One thing led to another, and, in April 2010, they wed on London House’s stunning private beach.

“We take walks quite often at the beach near London House,” explains Vanessa, “and thought that it would be a great place for family to stay when they flew in for the wedding, so we took it from there. We discovered that London House is very reasonably priced compared to other places on Seven Mile Beach and we also loved the setting for the wedding ceremony. It has such a large, beautiful beach.”

Vanessa’s family – her parents, brother and his wife and two daughters – vacationed at London House when in town for the wedding. “(London House General Manager) Dominique was kind enough to offer me separate accommodations – a one-bedroom – in preparation for the ceremony, which was absolutely wonderful. My mom and I stayed there the night before and were ready there the next day. It was great because it was so busy in mom and dad’s condo with four adults and two children!” Darren’s family from Prince Edward Island in Canada also attended the wedding, as did his sister, niece and nephew from Calgary, Alberta.

Vanessa reports that the ceremony was beautiful. “Some of the main parts of Seven Mile Beach are so busy – you’ve got people walking past all the time. It’s quite private at London House. It was, in our view, absolutely perfect.”

“Repeat after me...”

What We Like Best about Grand Cayman:
The climate and laid-back Caribbean lifestyle are what appeals to both Vanessa and Darren. “It’s certainly not like the UK. Here, you’re guaranteed sunshine most days. Coming from Canada which can get very cold in the winter, Darren is always smiling about that. Commuting is so much easier here, too, especially compared to London. The beach, supermarkets – everything here is close by.”

A Must See/Do on the Island:
“You must see the stingrays!” Vanessa also enjoys snorkelling. “The water here is so warm, and so clean and clear.”

Our Favorite Restaurants:
“Darren and I met at Deckers Grille & Lounge, so of course it’s one of our favourites. We also really like the Calypso Grill.”

Our Favorite Activity:
When both families were in town for the wedding, the group hired a boat for a day and went to see Rum Point and Kaibo Beach. “On another day, we rented a minibus and took them all around the island. There were about 10 of us. It’s not that big an island, so it was good fun to be able to circle the whole place and quite amusing to see their reactions.”

Recommended Tip:
“Because the island is small, it’s easy to simply lodge in one place like London House and try all the different things the Caymans have to offer, especially its beaches. There is Seven Mile Beach on the main part which is beautiful. There is also Cemetery Beach (which is our favorite place) and it’s really good for snorkelling. Visit different parts of this lovely island...drive out of Georgetown and just go and see it.”

The Last Word:
While Vanessa and Darren may spend time snorkelling together, they won’t be leaving the islands for winter-climate sports. When Vanessa, who snow skies, met Darren, she presumed she had a fellow skier on her hands. “But he’s never skied before! I thought, my goodness, I never met a Canadian who couldn’t ski!”

Guest Profile

The big moment…Dorothy accepts Joe's marriage proposal.

Name: Joe Agati and Dorothy Dschida

From: Chicago, Illinois

Background:
Joe, a product designer for a toy company, grew up in the city of Chicago but is currently in Hong Kong on a work assignment. His family has been vacationing at London House for seven years. “I started coming during my freshman year at college with my dad and sister,” says Joe. “Last year, we were lucky enough to visit twice - Thanksgiving and Christmas.” Dorothy, in her final year as a med student, grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, and has been accompanying Joe to London House for the past two years.

This Thanksgiving's visit was perhaps the most special ever for both Joe and Dorothy. It was London House that Joe selected as the place to propose marriage to Dorothy. “He was acting a little strange leading up to it, but not enough to make me suspicious,” explains Dorothy. “It was really beautiful. We were sitting on the beach at sunset when he asked.”

“Nobody had any idea of my intentions except my dad, Joe Sr., whom I had told only a couple of days before, so everyone was pretty surprised,” laughs Joe. “Having the sunset and the water as a setting was perfect. We had some champagne right there on the beach afterwards. We then went up to the room to call family, got dressed up and went to The Reef Grill.” That's when Joe and Dorothy shared their proposal news with everyone else in their London House group and ended up having an impromptu celebration. “Looking back on it,” laughs Dorothy, “I think Joe's dad was more nervous than Joe!”

There's a group of almost 30 people that regularly stay at London House for Thanksgiving. “I really love going down there,” says Joe. “It's kind of a special place for me. And I only see these people once a year, so I wanted to share the proposal news with them as well. That made it particularly special.”

Our Favorite Moment: While it's a given that the proposal was the highlight of this trip for both, Dorothy chuckles about the annual Shuffleboard tournament which her team won. “It was really fun. They mixed everybody up for it, including other guests and members of our extended group. Mine was the last shot and Joe's dad said if I made it (and Joe, who was on the opposing team, lost) he would pay for the wedding,” she laughs. “And yes, I clinched the shot.”

What We Like Best about London House: Both love the Hammock Hut. “When the sun is at its peak, it's nice to be on a hammock in the shade,” says Joe. Dorothy is especially fond of London House's General Manager Dominique. “She is so friendly. I still remember the first time I met her. And she and her family joined us for Thanksgiving dinner. That was really great.”

What We Like Best about Grand Cayman: “I don't have to do anything,” confides Joe. “I can really relax here, especially at London House where it's very quiet and where there is a wide private beach. “Everywhere on the whole island, in fact, feels really comfortable.” Adds Dorothy, “You can't beat the weather and the beauty of the beach. Plus, a lot of family can visit at the same time at London House, so everyone is all together and can be part of your vacation.”

A Must See/Do on the Island: “Take a chartered boat tour through one of the harbours. And swimming with the stingrays may be considered the standard thing, but every year I end up doing it!” says Joe. “It's a fun outing on Dexter's catamaran” Joe also enjoys snorkelling at Cemetery Reef or even right in front of London House.

Our Favorite Restaurants: “Pappagallo because it's so pretty at night,” recommends Dorothy. Also the Wharf. “The Reef Grill” is fun because they have dancing and music,” adds Joe. “And Cracked Conch is great…but beware of the rum drinks!”

The Last Word: Joe Jr. and Sr. are both glider pilots. “Since we first went down to the Caymans, I've been talking about flying ourselves there one year,” says Joe. “Maybe next year! It would be a fun trip.” As for the wedding date, the couple plans to tie the knot in the coming year. “We'll probably keep coming to Grand Cayman and London House,” adds Joe. “It holds such special memories for us here.”

Guest Profile

[left to right] Joe and Brenda Drago, Gary and Pat Biehslich, Paul and Shirley Adams, and David and Sue Parsley enjoy vacationing together at London House.

Guest Name: David and Sue Parsley

From: Nederland, Texas

Background:
Hailing from outside Houston, Texas, David and Sue Parsley have made an almost annual visit to Grand Cayman since 1979. "We haven't missed many years going to Grand Cayman and some years we have been twice. We did miss the year that Hurricane Ivan visited the island," says David. Retired from a banking career two years ago, he and Sue - also retired from PR work in the oil industry - have stayed at London House for the past six years, always making it a group vacation with friends.

Usually two or three couples join them for a week during their fall visit, and then Sue stays on for an extra week when several girlfriends join her. "We have a deal with our friends," explains David. "Everyone can do their own thing…and since most of us come to relax, London House is the perfect place!" Over the years, the couple has introduced many friends and family to both the island and to London House, which they find accommodates a group of people so well. Their children and grandchildren are converts too. "Sometimes we share a unit when we travel with just one other couple, and other years we have had multiple units when there are more of us."

What We Like Best about Grand Cayman: "Compared to other places we have visited, like Jamaica and Mexico, we feel more comfortable and very safe here, especially because we prefer renting a car and exploring places on our own rather than being part of tours. And it is so easy to get to the island from Houston since there is a direct flight."

What We Like Best about London House: "The units are continually upgraded, the property is maintained so well and the staff are always so accommodating. We enjoy the whole ambiance of London House - the flowers and gardens, the outdoor amenities, sitting on the patio or balcony in the lush tropical setting and cooking out at the barbecue. When you're from Texas and you have a picture in your mind of what an island retreat should be, this place is it!"

Our Favorite Moment: "Going downtown where the fishermen bring in their catches and buying some fresh fish to grill back at the London House barbecue. There's nothing quite like cooking and dining with a group of good friends on the patio right beside the ocean."

Our Favorite Activity: "Just hanging out on the beautiful beach at London House and relaxing. And, if you don't want to be in the sun, you can sit under the Hammock Hut!"

A Must See/Do on the Island: "If you are new to Grand Cayman, be sure to visit the Turtle Farm and Stingray City. We have gone to Stingray City for years, even before it was developed. Our grandchildren also really enjoy the new Dolphin Discovery attraction, which is a good outing for families."

Our Favorite Restaurants: "The Cracked Conch, Calypso Grill, Lobster Pot, Eduardo's, The Wharf …and even Guy Harvey's."

Recommended Tip: "Take a drive around the island and have lunch at Rum Point."

The Last Word: "We hope London House doesn't change. The big hotels and condos on the island are nice, but we really enjoy the laid back atmosphere of London House. You don't feel you have to get dressed up…and it's perfect for relaxation."

Guest Profile

Matt, Nancy, Mark, Liz and her husband, Tom Foley

Guest Name: The McGowan family (Matt, Nancy, Mark, Liz and her husband, Tom Foley)

From: Wilmette, Illinois

Background:
Hailing from outside Chicago where she is the president of a local garden club and he is an executive with PepsiCo, Nancy and Mark McGowan took a week-long vacation with family this July, staying in the penthouse at London House after finding this three-bedroom apartment on the Internet. As avid scuba divers, they have visited Grand Cayman five times, but this represented their first time at London House. It was also their first trip as a family with their son-in-law, Tom, celebrating the first anniversary with their daughter, Liz. And since Tom took scuba lessons before the trip and then got certified while in Grand Cayman, it was a wonderful opportunity for the whole family to indulge in their favorite sport together.

What We Like Best about London House:  “The staff are so friendly, so welcoming, so nice and are willing to do anything to help – from helping arrange a rental car to giving insider recommendations on things to do. And the penthouse accommodated our group very well with its separate bathrooms for each bedroom and spacious living area that allows for privacy. We had plenty of room to have time on our own, yet be together as a family, too. It was very, very comfortable and just unbelievably beautiful – especially with that stunning view of the ocean and pool from the balcony. The penthouse at London House was a luxurious upgrade when compared to other condominiums we have rented in the past. We have enjoyed all of our past stays, but the penthouse was very glamorous.”

Our Favorite Moment:   “It is difficult to pick out one as there were so many, but our evening dinners when we ate in at London House were quite special. Our son and son-in-law loved cooking on the grill by the pool at dusk and then we would share good conversation and the next day’s plans over our meal.”

Our Favorite Activity:   “We visit Grand Cayman for the diving which is spectacular. We loved seeing the rays coming over the ridge at Eagle Ray Pass on the north wall. That was a magnificent sight – very dramatic.

A Must See/Do on the Island:   “The diving of course, but all the beaches are well worth the trip. And I love the Botanical Gardens”

Our Favorite Restaurant:  “The food is very good all over the island and we love dining out. Havana House for dinner is excellent. And it can be lots of fun to do carry out from Chicken! Chicken! 

Recommended Tip:   “Get fresh fish down by the dock to grill back at London House. You can talk to the fishermen and watch them cut up the fish right in front of you. It really makes you feel a part of life in Cayman. 

Guest Profile

Joan and John celebrate their 39th Wedding Anniversary at London House

Guest Name: The Krainin family (John, Joan, Joe, Colin, and Gillen and Nick Nowak)

From: Osterville, Massachusetts

Background:
The Krainin family may reside all over the U.S., but they always manage to gather at London House. John and Joan live in Cape Cod; their oldest son Joe, 33, is currently doing a fellowship at the University of Michigan Medical School; their daughter, Gillen, 29, and her husband Nick hail from Providence, RI; and youngest son, Colin, 24, lives in Austen, TX, and will be starting his Ph.D. at the University of Texas soon.

Why Grand Cayman?
“The Cayman Islands have been a part of our lives for a long time, even before we had children. We tried exploring other islands in the Caribbean, but would always say, ‘It wasn’t as nice as Grand Cayman,’ so we just kept returning to the Caymans.  We love the absolutely perfect weather, the gentle breezes and the crystal clear and magnificent ocean – unlike any other place we have ever seen.”

What we like best about London House
“It’s the only place we’ve been where Joan is not ready to go home. We’ve gone as a family when our kids were little, gone as a couple just to get away, dragged other families there with us (there’s another family from the Cape that comes with their kids as well). We love London House. We visit about the same time every year around our anniversary and see many of the same families whom our kids have gotten to know well and really enjoy. The beach volleyball starts when they roll out of bed in the morning and it goes on for hour…in between beach football and Frisbee!

Must see/do on the island?
Stingray City. Turtle Farm. Charter a boat and go to Rum Point. “My wife would say you can’t visit the Caymans without going to the duty-free shop, Kirk Freeport. And I say that if somebody doesn’t want to walk that beach every day, there’s something wrong with them.”

Must see/do at London House?
“We never miss a sunset no matter what has gone on during the day. At 5:30ish, we’re outside with our chairs pointing towards the sun, watching the day come to an end.” 

Favorite restaurant?
Calypso Grill.“I’d start and end every meal with their sticky toffee pudding if they’d let me!” More and more, the Krainins find themselves making use of London House’s outdoor barbecue. “It’s a great place to gather and socialize and just so easy to grill and share dinner with another family.”

Favorite activities?
As active, outdoor people, the Krainins have done it all over the years – fishing, scuba diving, snorkelling, and kayaking – taking advantage of the great weather. “We’ve snorkelled all over, and there’s no better place in the world. We like to find our own off-the-beaten-path spots by driving to deserted coves. On our list for this coming year when we return for our 40th anniversary will be evening kayaking at the Mangrove near Rum Point where phosphorescent illuminates the water – I hear it’s quite beautiful.”

The last word?
“The kids always tease me, and very few people would admit to this, but I always pack about two weeks in advance. My suitcase just sits there, waiting for the moment of departure!”

Guest Profile

Elaine O’Donovan

Guest Name: Elaine O’Donovan

From: County Kerry, Ireland

Background:
Elaine is a management consultant who ran her own business for over 15 years, working with multinationals on strategic consultancy work and staff training. Interested in possibly moving to the Caymans, she sought out a condo rental to get a feel for it and was referred to London House by a friend, staying here for nine weeks. “Within a week of my arrival, I asked if there were any condos for sale here!”

What I like best about London House
Elaine enjoys the informality at London House. “It’s so much more relaxed than staying in a hotel. And the units have everything you need. The beach is not too crowded here and the whole layout – with the hammocks and grills – is great.”

A must do on the island
“Snorkelling at the Coral Gardens at Governor’s House. For an even more adventurous outing, try diving with Neptune Divers. You feel very safe with them, they’re very accommodating, patient and reassuring especially if you’re nervous. And they have excellent instructors.” Also for a great trip to Sting Ray City and for snorkelling and music on the way back be sure to call Captain Crosby on 916 1725.

Favourite restaurant
“For lunch, I suggest Britannia at the Old Hyatt on the canal. For dinner, I would recommend Copper Falls.  It’s a consistently good steakhouse with a lovely ambiance and great music. Another recommendation is Grand Old House And Eats Cafe for good food and great value.”

Favourite activity
“Dancing at the Royal Palms on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays - and at the Wharf on Tuesdays (Salsa at 9:00 p.m.). The steel band at Treasure Island is also very good. They are there on Monday nights from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m  followed by live music in The Bed bar/restaurant on Mondays and Wednesdays – quite a good place for food also.”

Insider recommendation
“Rent a car and explore the island.”

The last word
“If you like outdoor living, this island is the place to be!”

Guest Profile

Martha Macdougall [right] with Tina McLeod

Guest Name: Martha Macdougall
From: Montreal, Quebec

Background:
A retired high school counsellor, Martha visited London House and Grand Cayman for the first time in 2007 as part of a group – the “Tarts on Tour” – 18 women who gathered for a surprise 60th birthday celebration of a mutual friend. Ranging in ages from 28 to 69, the friends not only took advantage of all the Island has to offer, but appreciated being able to gather as a group on the London House beach and beside the spacious poolside Caymanian stone barbecue for evening cookouts.

What I like best about London House
“It’s special in that it’s a small condominium building. I would highly recommend it because it has everything you need. And it’s private. The patio is yours; the swimming pool is yours; we never had to hunt and wait for tables. Every dinnertime we just went out and, if anyone else was there, they joined us. London House is really top notch!”

What I like best about Grand Cayman
“I’ve been to Cuba, Mexico and the Bahamas, so I have those places to compare, and Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman is absolutely the best. It’s amazing, especially where London House is located on such a wide, private part of the beach.  The water is so buoyant that you just seem to float, unlike a lake where you really have to work at swimming.”

My favorite moment
“I really loved swimming with the stingrays out near the reef, where we swam off the side of Dexter’s catamaran.  This was really a unique experience. Swimming with and touching such magnificent creatures has left me with a different attitude toward all of sea life.  There is so much I don’t yet know about the marine world.”

A must see/do on the island
“I loved the bus ride from London House to Georgetown because we met native Caymanians. That was really fun because the people are so friendly and funny and touching.”

Favourite restaurant
“The Cracked Conch . We could dance, or just listen to the live music. It was great.  And, of course, the London House barbecue pits are awesome…our food was amazing.”

Favourite site/activity
“We took a van tour of the island, including a visit to Hell, and also saw some of the amazing private homes that have been built. The guide was really informative and now I have a real sense of how big the island is and what there is to do.”

Insider recommendation
“I did so many things that have stayed with me. I enjoyed a walk with a friend to Foster’s Food Fair one day, which was interesting.  And a few of us went to a church service at the Ritz. That was delightful because we learned how the churches manage to flourish on Grand Cayman Island, and we met very interesting people and had a chance to talk with them over coffee and refreshments.”

The last word
“This trip was very special in many ways and I hope to return with yet another group of women because it’s the perfect place for reunions and get-togethers.  The view is so incredible that I took a picture looking out on the ocean with one hammock in it. It’s such an amazing photo that I use it as my screen saver. Every time I turn on my computer, I’m right back on that beach!”

Martha [third from right] and the “Tarts on Tour” swimming with the stingrays.

Martha’s screen saver. Wouldn’t it be nice to create a Cayman screen saver of your own?

Guest Profile

Guest Name: The Wrights - Lon, Debi, Ashlee, Abram - and Kim Perry
From: Muncie, Indiana, USA

Since visiting nine years ago with a group, Lon - a dairy farmer - and Debi, a school teacher - have been coming to London House and actually celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary with us in 2006. Their daughter, Ashlee is a sophomore at the University of Maine, while their son, Abram, is in high school.

What we like best about London House?
"We love spending time as a family, whether swimming or sitting on the beach or just a nice evening watching the cruise ships leave while we are here enjoying London House."

Our favorite moment?
"Our family volleyball game at London House – even if the girls won!"

A must see/do on the island?
"The new Turtle Farm (Boatswain Beach) with ice cream at the entrance. Both are great on a hot summer day!"

Favorite restaurant?
"On our last night, we always enjoy an evening at the Calypso Grill."

Favorite site/activity?
"The Turtle Farm and Stingray City."

We recommend (tip)?
"Cloud Dancer parasailing and spending extra time as a family on the beach."

The last word?
"Enjoy every minute at London House with family – the laughs, walks and beautiful days - as your children grow up too fast."

Guest Profile

Guest Name: David Blanchard and Jan Chambers
From: Hamilton and Fergus, Ontario

As first-time visitors to Grand Cayman with friends who frequent London House, David - the owner of a commercial real estate and property management company in Canada - and Jan - a certified management accountant with a manufacturing company - thoroughly enjoyed both their island and London House experience.

What we like best about London House?
"The beach is spectacular, with the casuarina trees and hammock house providing shade when you want to be out of the sun but still enjoy the tranquil surroundings and beautiful view of the ocean. And playing shuffleboard on the oceanside court is outstanding!"

Our favorite moment?
"When we bought fresh fish at Foster's Food Fair and grilled it on the outdoor bbq at London House, overlooking the blue Caribbean ocean."

A must see/do on the island?
"Take a catamaran ride on Dexter’s (Fantasea Tours) boat to Stingray City to swim with the rays and snorkel at the nearby reef. The afternoon is best. Dexter is a good host…and there's nothing quite as relaxing as laying on the front of his catamaran, listening to the island music he plays in the background."

Favorite restaurant?
"The Calypso Grill for casual dining and good seafood on the outdoor patio…and the Lobster Pot for great lobster and unique presentation."

Favorite site/activity?
"Snorkelling at Cemetery Reef and taking long, morning walks along Seven Mile Beach."

We recommend (tip)?
"Check out the band 'Mango Jam'."

The last word?
"The crystal clear, blue water of Seven Mile Beach is warm and pristine…and among the finest in the world."

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