Nestled in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea, the Cayman Islands have long been seen as a paradisiacal holiday destination that luxury seeking travellers should tick off their bucket list at least once, and with their pristine beaches, colourful coral reefs, stunning natural beauty and vibrant culture, it’s easy to see why they have become so highly sought after.
From world-class diving and snorkeling sites to lavish high-end resorts and a thriving culinary scene, the islands – which are made up of Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman – are awash with a host of awe-inspiring treasures to discover and attract affluent travellers from across the globe.
And when it comes to planning a trip to the islands, nobody knows them better than Monica Walton.
Monica is the founder of media company Vagabond Media Group, which produces content for multi-platform TV channel and travel brand This is Cayman – the official tourism channel in the Cayman Islands.
A native to the island, Monica is well placed to take viewers on a captivating journey across the destination, both on screen and off, with a focus on culture, food and entertainment.
From professional jetsetter, to award-winning filmmaker, she began her illustrious career as a TV reporter in the Cayman Islands, and has subsequently built up an impressive international travel brand that transcends her humble island beginnings.
She’s filmed content in the French Riviera, in Monaco and Nice, captured and featured in videos for hotel brands and tourism boards in far-flung places like Tulum, Aruba, Uganda and The Maldives, all whilst landing sizable brand sponsorships with the likes of DJIGlobal and Jeep.
Over the years, Monica has well and truly cemented her position as a respected authority on the Caribbean as a high-end travel destination. We sat down with her to find what she loves about the region, and what it takes to build a globally renowned travel brand like hers.
Tell us about your business. What’s the best thing about it for you?
Over the years, the business has evolved and grown into something I could only have dreamed about in those early days.
It started with the launch of a tourism channel in the Cayman Islands, called This is Cayman – which is a comprehensive guide for visitors that showcases the best in restaurants, tours, spas and hotels on the island. The channel is unique in that the programming is hybrid: part commercial, part lifestyle, highlighting the accessible luxury that Cayman is known for, as well as the best local offerings. From there, unexpectedly, my personal brand and filmmaking really took off and got the attention of other brands and companies outside of Cayman and the Caribbean.
What fulfills me is helping other businesses, strategising and working collaboratively to visually tell their stories to a captive audience. I also enjoy the freedom of it. I’m lucky and very grateful that I can now pick and choose the projects I take on.
What about the filmmaking side of it? Your videos have been on programmes on networks like Disney and in prestigious publications like Vogue Italia, winning international awards in London and LA. How did that happen, and how do you plan to grow that side of your business?
I’ve always loved capturing stories, whether through the lens of a camera or in well-crafted words. I studied multimedia journalism at Bachelor and Masters levels and I’ve been passionate about storytelling ever since.
Most opportunities I’ve been offered have been as the result of networking, and by finding generous and inspiring people who genuinely share your passion and want to help you. People who aren’t in it for the money, but who simply love to create and are impassioned and industrious.
You’ve worked across a number of islands in the Caribbean. What’s the best thing about the islands for you?
Definitely the people. The sun, sea and seafood are what these idyllic islands are famous for, but what sticks with you is that infectious, warm energy the Caribbean culture so effortlessly exudes. The best part of travelling for me is experiencing authentic, deep-rooted culture.
What’s the key to maintaining a reputable and marketable brand?
Differentiating yourself. Being yourself but being open to change. We all change and grow over time, and your brand will, too. If you’re authentic, the right brands will want to associate themselves with you and it will fit.
Your favourite holiday destination?
The Cayman Islands! But outside of the Caribbean, it has to be Italy. Nowhere specific – any region, any city in Italy will do. You can’t beat the food, architecture, and of course, the wine.
Last show you binge-watched?
Black Mirror, season six.
Favourite restaurant at home and abroad?
In Cayman, Miss Vivine’s Kitchen for the conch stew, or Agua for the seafood – every dish on the menu is a must-try. In London I recently visited Hide in Mayfair and the food was amazing.
Book you’re currently reading?
I’m usually reading a mystery or a thriller, or anything by Gillian Flynn, but right now I’m half-way through All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr – it’s been on my list for a long time.
Best resort wear for tropical travel?
Rat and Boa or anything from Revolve. Lesser-known brands that are small, yet very successful businesses: XIX Palms based in Hawaii and Sabo Skirt in Australia. In the Cayman Islands, I like to work with local stores that celebrate artisans, our culture and heritage.
What does your daily routine look like?
It depends what kind of day it is. I have a very active 14-month-old son, so a lot of juggling is involved! It might be a day where we’re planning a shoot for the TV channel, and have Zoom calls about production or scripts. I also freelance for TV networks in the UK and Canada, so it might be a day where I’m producing or interviewing for a show, booking flights, attending an event or taking my son to the park. I love the variety and the freedom, I get restless with too much structure and routine, so I’ve finally found my sweet spot, and this suits me
perfectly.
What drives you everyday?
At first, it was just that I loved creating content, then it was the fact I had to pay my rent! Now, it’s helping others, and getting to be creative. Writing, hosting, producing, filming, chatting with collaborators-turned-friends – for me, that never gets boring.
Favourite way to give back?
Cayman tourism was hit hard during the pandemic, so I try to donate to causes that focus on disaster readiness, relief, and recovery for the island, like the R3 foundation. My husband and I also support Water to Thrive, who bring access to sustainable, clean and safe water to African villages. We travelled and filmed a project for them a few years ago and they’re completely passionate and determined and brilliant at what they do. They aid rural communities in Ethiopia and Uganda, countries that don’t typically get the influx of tourists that other African nations do.
You can follow Monica on Instagram here.
All imagery used in this article credit: vagabondmediagroup/thisiscaymantv
