News
Southern Cross Club sees record tourism, while keeping small island charm
2019 is another banner tourism year for the Southern Cross Club on Little Cayman, as it has been for the Cayman Islands overall. Grand Cayman has introduced new hotels, new restaurants, a new airport, and accommodates record crowds with a changing landscape. But Little Cayman does it while remaining an untouched gem in the Caribbean ¾ an authentic slice of the old Caribbean.
Owner of the Southern Cross Club, Peter Hillenbrand knows Little Cayman has always been different, that there aren’t many islands like it left in the Caribbean. He knows Little Cayman is one of a kind and this is what makes it so perfect. “I feel that we have an advantage over other destinations and resorts,” says Hillenbrand. “Our advantage really comes from our success in creating an old school resort in a new world environment. This is the Caribbean the way it used to be, but with the comforts of today, like air-conditioned bungalows, free WIFI and fantastic food.”
Hillenbrand says a 75% repeat guest ratio really gives the Southern Cross Club a solid base of bookings, and this helps with overall occupancy for the year: “Our guests know they have found something special here.”
Nassau Grouper greets scuba diver at Bloody Bay Wall in Little Cayman.
UK residents Paul and Paula Brazier discovered the Southern Cross Club in 2004 when they came here to be married. They have returned every year, and this past May they enjoyed their 16th dive vacation at the resort. “Against other resorts worldwide, the Southern Cross Club is our favorite,” says Paul Brazier. “There are ‘grander’ places, but to us, they lack ’soul’. The Southern Cross Club has a unique combination of class and informality, coupled with a real personal approach to each and every guest. It’s that touch that makes us feel the resort is the ‘best’ for us.”
This is just what resort owner Peter Hillenbrand wants to hear. He bought a run-down fishing camp on Little Cayman 24 years ago and has worked hard to create a place that guests like the Braziers can fully appreciate. Where the atmosphere is delightful and charming, and where they can be very comfortable.
A large brown tube sponge growing on a coral reef. Bloody Bay Wall, Little Cayman. (Image: Alex Mustard)
Paula Brazier, a non-diver as a newly-wed, is now a Master Scuba Diver who has logged 478 dives. She began her dive experience at the Southern Cross Club, as a guest who was afraid of the water, but who wanted to join her husband on diving adventures. Under the skilled and patient guidance of dive instructor Mike Schouton, Paula found her passion for the underwater world. “She loves it! Especially when she finds tiny critters that most divers don’t even notice,” says her proud dive buddy and husband. “She even finds stuff for the guides!”
Brazier says they have already booked their bungalow for next summer. “We keep coming back each year for many reasons,” said Brazier. “It’s special as the place we got married, the resort continues to offer excellent service and value. The diving is unrivaled, and we meet other guests that we’ve gotten to know over the years. We also consider the locals and the resort staff as friends… and I know that’s reciprocated!”
Hillenbrand concurs: “In a real and heartfelt way, our guests, especially our many, many repeat guests, have become our friends. And we look forward to seeing them every year.”
For more information visit their website by clicking here.
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Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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