Shangri-La Boutique Bed & Breakfast

The Shangri-La is set on the edge of a picturesque pond, where iguanas and white egrets can often be spotted. The small property consists of two quaint yellow buildings with white trim, connected by a dark wood staircase in the center. The buildings are surrounded by appealing green grounds, which feature hammocks looped between palm trees, in addition to lawn chairs and patio tables overlooking the pond. The property is already set away from the island’s busy tourist centers, but the serene setting makes it feel like a different world entirely.

The Shangri-La bills itself as a luxury bed-and-breakfast, but understatedly stylish might be more accurate. The property doesn’t come across as upscale, instead it benefits from a cute, home-away-from-home vibe. Wood and beige living room furniture is set up in the lobby, and a coffee table holds back issues of tabloid and travel magazines. Owned and operated by a long-time expat family, the bed-and-breakfast has a friendly, warm atmosphere, with communal breakfasts offering daily opportunities to interact with the owners and the other guests, many of which are families.

Shangri-La is set at the end of a peaceful side street in the West Bay District. While it’s well removed from the Seven Mile Beach tourist hub, it’s not completely isolated as there are several restaurants and a grocery store found within a 20-minute walk. It’s a 10-minute drive away from two of West Bay’s most popular attractions, Dolphin Discovery and Cayman Turtle Farm. The northern tip of Seven Mile Beach, called Cemetery Beach, can be reached in a five-minute drive. It’s a 20-minute drive to the capital of George Town and the airport. There’s a bus stop a short walk from the property, but service can be inconsistent and only runs until early evening.

Each guest room at Shangri-La is uniquely decorated, but all are bright and subtly elegant, if not a little dated. The cheerful Hibiscus Room features white furniture and lemon-colored walls. And the handsome Poinciana Room has a grand four-poster bed frame. Other features found in certain rooms include balconies with French doors, walk-in closets, small sitting areas, and/or private entrances. All rooms offer mini-fridges and most have tiled flooring throughout. Flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi are standard in each.

Bathrooms vary from room to room. Some feature shower/tub combos and others offer separate showers and jetted tubs. All are stocked with bath products by Gilchrist & Soames.

The apartment unit has a beautiful, modern kitchen with a full-size refrigerator, dishwasher, oven, and microwave, among other convenient amenities. It also includes a washer and dryer, a chic living area, and a private rooftop terrace with striking views over the island. The apartment has one-bedroom, but connecting doors to the neighboring unit create the option of expanding it to a two-bedroom unit.

Shangri-La has some unexpected features for a small bed-and-breakfast. It offers a lagoon-shaped pool as well as a hot tub framed by an interesting rock and waterfall feature. Overlooking the property’s small pond, the pool is surrounded by an attractive lush lawn with plenty of landscaped greenery.

The main house includes a comfy communal living room, which opens up into the kitchen and dining terrace where breakfast is cooked and served each morning. Guests can dine inside at a long wooden table set beneath a graceful chandelier, or out on the breezy covered porch with views of the pond. The hearty breakfast varies each morning, but quiches, omelets, blueberry buttermilk pancakes, and bacon are among the typical offerings.

There are a limited number of bicycles that guests can borrow for free, and there’s also a barbecue available for guest use. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout, and there’s free parking on-site.