Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

As winter’s chilly arms embrace us, my thoughts drift back to sun-drenched days on Grand Cayman’s pristine beaches. Relaxing with a strawberry daiquiri in one hand and an engaging novel in the other, my days there were long, leisurely and sun-kissed.

The largest of the Cayman Islands, Grand Cayman boasts gorgeous white sand beaches, amazing diving and snorkeling experiences, duty-free shopping, a chance to wade in the ocean surrounded by stingrays, and the opportunity to visit the world's only green sea turtle farm.

Snorkeling in the clear azure waters made me feel like I had waded into an aquarium. Brightly colored fishes of many species drifted all around.

Stingray City, which is actually a sand bar and not a city, allows you to wade into waist-deep water to feed and interact with these gentle beings.

At Boatswain's Beach Turtle Farm in George Town, you can observe sea turtles in their varying stages of development.

If you want to tell your friends you’ve gone to Hell, visit the tiny village of that name. You can have your postcards postmarked from Hell. Early settlers described the desolate area as hellish, thus the name.

Grand Cayman is a colony of the United Kingdom, so if you rent a car, remember to drive on the left.