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The Cayman Islands have a natural pristine beauty. They may offer white sand beaches, coral reefs and and great dining options, but the draw for many loyal visitors is that this is the Caribbean unspoiled. There is almost no crime, no poverty and no hawkers on the beaches; every verge is trimmed, every pavement free of rubbish.

The islands are a UK Crown Colony, but the vibe is American, as are the majority of the visitors. Don’t go looking for jump-ups, cook-outs and calypso bands. But the Caymans are far from boring – the diving here is among the best on Earth and even with a snorkel and mask you can swim amongst shoals of exotic fish and see small sharks and huge eels.

Most Cayman Islands holidays start on the main island, Grand Cayman, which in Seven Mile Beach has one of the finest shorelines in the Caribbean. But the two other coral islands – Cayman Crac and Little Cayman – are only a half-hour flight away and well deserving of a visit. Unspoilt Little Cayman (pop. 100) is starkly beautiful and teeming with wildlife: the airfield is a mere dirt strip and motorists must give way to iguanas.

On Seven Mile Beach you’ll find large chain hotels with every facility, along with some quaint inns and B&Bs. Little Cayman is home to some charming little hotels for divers and non-divers alike. This is a perfect destination for a honeymoon in Cayman Islands. It’s perhaps not ideal if you’re travelling alone. Instead, check out these travel ideas for singles.

Nightlife is tame but eating out is a treat. Grand Cayman has several superb restaurants including the British-run Calypso Grill on the waterfront at Morgan’s Harbour. The seafood is outstanding and fresh as can be. The atmosphere is buzzy, the food world class. You may need to reserve a table.

Nearby, the locally-owned Crow’s Nest is the best place to go for island cooking with superb fish served with peas ‘n’ rice on a pastel-painted porch overlooking a tiny lighthouse on Sand Cay Island. Also try La Bodega in the West Shore Center. Its exciting Latin fusion dishes include pepita crusted reef snapper and barbecued sugarcane shrimp.

The best sights lie below sea. Head for Stingray City where you can get in the water with dozens of rays that are semi tame. Boats take trippers out to stand in the waist-deep water to pet, feed and stroke these extraordinarily graceful and gentle creatures. It’s an amazing experience and suitable for people of all ages – children love it. Stand still and they will rub up against your legs like affectionate cats. It’s a remarkable experience.