Grand Cayman is the perfect destination for the discerning traveller to indulge in some retail therapy. With no sales tax and certain luxury goods being free of import duty, visitors will find many items are significantly better priced here than at home.

Grand Cayman is the perfect destination for the discerning traveller to indulge in some retail therapy. With no sales tax and certain luxury goods being free of import duty, visitors will find many items are significantly better priced here than at home.

Duty free items include gold and precious metals, perfume, leather goods (excluding footwear), ceramic items, porcelain, bone china and crystal articles, spectacles and sunglasses, cameras and lenses.  Gemstones and watches also enjoy very low import duty.

Because some of the most costly, high end and sought after items in the luxury market are free from import duty in the Cayman Islands, numerous exclusive boutiques and luxury retail stores exist to satisfy the demand. 

The majority of jewellery, fragrance, leather, crystal and china stores are in downtown George Town, although additional stores are also found in many of the shopping plazas. Visitors will also find luxury boutiques in some of the larger resorts.  There are three good camera stores, with the best selection at Cathy Church’s Photo Centre at Sunset House.

Many luxury brands are represented here, some with the largest collections in the Caribbean in their Cayman Islands boutiques. Good value articles to look out for therefore include men’s and women’s fragrances, beauty products, sunglasses, watches, jewellery, photographic equipment, wooden hand carvings and leather handbags, jackets and accessories.

Effy Jewelers
Effy Jewelers, which has two stores in the heart of George Town, houses a fine collection of diamond, tanzanite and gemstone jewellery. Effy Hematian, company founder, personally designs each and every piece, which is then crafted at the New York workshop. Quality, integrity and trust are the essence of Effy Jewelers. Choose from dazzling collections, including the renowned Balissima and Diversa, with designs for both men and women.

T: 949 3393          W: effyjewelers.com

Pure Art
Situated in a charming Caymanian house on South Church Street, Pure Art houses a treasure trove of unusual gifts. Stroll through the ever-changing gallery and discover the diverse collection of paintings and sculptures by artists who reside in or visit Cayman. Prints are also available in addition to locally-made soaps, jewellery, spices, jams, handmade gifts and collectables. If you’re after a unusual souvenir, such as with Christmas decorations, which are made from seashells, sea glass jewellery or locally-made candles, visit this quirky shop.

T: 949 9133          W: pureart.ky

24K Mon Jewelers
24 K Mon Jewelers stock a diverse range of gifts and collectables, from antique coins and the latest trends in jewellery. Indigenous gems, such as the semi-precious Caymanite and black coral, are crafted by local artisans, while the collections reflect the treasures of the sea with stingray, turtle, fish and shell designs. The Bee Line Designs beaded jewellery is crafted in the shop with a portion of the proceeds donated to local breast cancer awareness initiatives.

T: 949 1499          W: 24k-monjewelers.com

Guy Harvey Studio
A talented artist, photographer, diver, scientist and conservationist, Guy Harvey captures the essence of the marine world in his depictions of ocean wildlife. His flagship gallery and store is located on the waterfront in George Town. The lower level is filled with Guy Harvey merchandise, clothing and accessories, while upstairs in the gallery find original paintings and sculptures as well as limited edition prints, tile art and other examples of his unique marine-themed art.

T: 943 4891
W: guyharveyinc.com/shipwreck.php

Cathy Church’s Photo Centre

Cayman’s underwater riches are one of the big draws for many visitors to the islands. The vast majority will explore the famous underwater scenery at some point during their stay. Capturing the beauty of the underwater world, however, is best left to the professionals. Cathy Church, internationally renowned underwater photographer, displays a stunning collection of underwater photos from the Caribbean and Pacific in her Imagination Gallery. The images feature giants of the sea and the tiniest of critters, in black and white or in colour. Prints of these atmospheric shots are available in a number of sizes.

T: 949 7415          W: cathychurch.com

The Lighthouse Gift Shop

The Lighthouse Gift Shop is filled with paintings, ceramics and jewellery from around the world. Silver jewellery from as far afield as Italy and Tibet is displayed alongside a line of jewellery made entirely from natural materials, including wood, coconut and shells. Capturing the restaurant’s seaside location, The Lighthouse Gift Shop also features a unique collection of sea glass jewellery, Mexican ceramics depicting turtles, sea horses and dolphins, as well as art and handicrafts by a local artist featuring the iconic lighthouse.

T: 947 2047          W: lighthouse.ky

Silver Retail

The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman is home to many incredible facilities. But Silver Retail is truly a hidden treasure. Located across from Silver Rain, a La Prairie Spa, Silver Retail is a charming boutique, full of distinctive gifts and unique pieces. The boutique stocks designer clothing and handbags, including exquisite hand-beaded evening bags, distinctive jewellery, stylish accessories and one-of-a-kind dresses. With the complete line of the luxurious La Prairie skin care products, fragrances and cosmetics, Silver Retail is the perfect place to indulge a loved one, or yourself.

T: 943 9000
W: ritzcarlton.com

National Gallery of the Cayman Islands

Explore the islands’ thriving visual arts scene at the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands. The National Gallery is the permanent home for part of the national collection and holds around eight temporary exhibitions each year, showcasing Caymanian and regional artists. In addition to art exhibitions, the non-profit organisation also presents a variety of art workshops and continuing education courses, art film evenings and an art library. Entrance to the gallery is free.

T: 945 8111          W: nationalgallery.org.ky