A collection of 14 boutique bungalows tucked discreetly away from Cayman’s iconic Seven Mile Beach
The Concept
An understated luxury experience inside a pristine Caribbean oasis. The cottages provide all the modern convenience of being at home but with a generous touch of tropical indulgence and coastal design aesthetic. Catering to sophisticated travellers and families alike, guests enjoy the proximity of Seven Mile Beach without sacrificing a single ounce of comfort.
The Cottages
Stepping into Botanica’s Queen Cottage feels like retreating to a personal island hideaway. Soaring exposed beam ceilings and immaculate white walls are accented by subtle Caribbean flora and organic textures. A wide brim silver thatch hat adorns the bedroom while hand-stitched Caymanian embroidery graces the living room shelving. Each corner has been thoughtfully curated to evoke a sentiment of simplicity and classic appreciation for Cayman. Natural light abounds, streaming in through expansive windows with views of the lush, verdant exterior. The Queen features a private garden where guests can dine al fresco under umbrella shade during the day and sip bubbles beneath twinkling lights at night.
Each cottage is designed uniquely, catering to a scope of travellers’ needs. The Queen and King are one-bedroom units ideal for a couple or individual. 600 and 650 square feet respectively, these spaces are on the cozy side but compensated by private outdoor gardens. The Family Cottage, on the other hand, is two-bed, two bathroom, boasting nearly double the square footage, but without the private garden.
The Perks
Botanica’s philosophy centers around a new approach to travel which values sustainable, slow-living. For that reason, their amenities are unparalleled to that of standard hotel accommodations in Cayman. From modern day essentials like washer and dryer all the way to simple luxuries including organic botanical skincare products and Turkish cotton robes, Botanica leaves nothing to chance. The cottage’s full kitchen comes equipped with sleek Bosch appliances, extensive cooking and cleaning supplies, and a Keurig outfitted with a selection of herbal infused coffee pods. The resort-style pool delivers immediate posh vibes marked by eight lounge chairs, an integrated heat spa, and a highly Instagrammable outdoor shower. Other attractive amenities include complimentary beach chairs, vintage-style bikes and fringed beach umbrellas which can all be collected at reception. Whatever your plans, adventurous or chill, Botanica has you covered.
The Service
The beauty of the ‘home away from home’ design is that it requires little to no service. Light housekeeping is available for mid-stay and a more extensive clean for those longer than 7 days. The botanical toiletries are complimentary upon arrival and replenished on request in an effort to minimize waste. A member of the Botanica staff is also available at the onsite office during the day for guest assistance.
Extras
Botanica offers curated packages to guests that can be requested upon reserving the cottage or booked directly through their contact. We had the pleasure of grazing on their beach picnic offering, complete with mimosas and charcuterie nibbles. What better way to spend a Sunday? Other available packages include personal fridge-stocking, a market fresh seasonal basket, Caymanian patisserie from SCRATCH, and even a Botanica go-bag with beach day essentials.
The Scene
Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of West Bay Road, Botanica is located adjacent to Seven Mile -- just a 5 minute walk or a 1 minute drive to Public Beach. Set back from the high traffic areas, the cottages preserve a sense of sanctuary while still being close in proximity to the best bars, restaurants, and attractions on island. Pop over to Coccoloba for seaside tacos and margs or to Tillies for an iconic Sunday brunch. With Botanica as your home base, you have the island at your fingertips.
What We Liked
Where to begin? Aside from the aesthetically satisfying design elements, we were most impressed by the cottage’s comfort factor. The bedding and mattress are made from bamboo, said to be one of the softest fabrics in the world. My reluctance to get out of bed in the morning was a happy testament to that claim. The complimentary Grown Alchemist toiletries, like damask rose and sage shampoo, elevated showers from a daily routine to a spa-day-esque experience. Possibly the most memorable and noteworthy elements of the stay were the outdoor spaces. We basked in the outdoor shower’s Caribbean vibes and delighted in the lush tropical landscaping surrounding the property. The charming private garden granted a sense of sweet solitude that allowed us to fully unwind; more so than at traditional hotels on the island.
