Nearly half of Americans say planning a vacation is more stressful than staying at work, and 23% unable to completely disconnect from work while on vacation. What was once meant to offer relief increasingly mirrors the same structure and expectations travelers hope to leave behind.
The Cayman Islands leans into that contradiction with a new role designed to flip modern travel on its head. The destination has opened applications for its first-ever Chief Relaxation Officer, a two-week, island-time assignment built entirely around intentional rest, no schedules and a firm rejection of vacation overload.
“Now more than ever, we can all use a moment of rest. When planned intentionally, a trip becomes an opportunity for true rejuvenation. Research shows that the art of slowing down has been lost, and the Cayman Islands offer everything a Chief Relaxation Officer (CRO) needs to reclaim their peace of mind. Through this experience our CRO will visit two out of our three gorgeous islands. The crystal blue waters of Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile Beach and the elevated and scenic vistas of Cayman Brac,” said Rosa Harris, director of tourism for the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism.
That sentiment reflects a broader shift in how Americans experience time off. Travel planning surveys show many travelers struggle to fully disconnect, often carrying the same structure, expectations and pressure into their vacations that they face at home, leaving little room for the kind of rest time off is meant to provide.
A Job Designed To Fix The Modern Vacation
The Chief Relaxation Officer is not framed as a traditional getaway. Instead, it is positioned as a two-week assignment focused on modeling what mindful travel looks like in a culture where slowing down already comes naturally.
The role launches as part of the Cayman Islands’ “Welcome to vaCay” platform, arriving as the holidays fade, teams return to work and burnout begins to resurface. Rather than optimizing every hour, the Chief Relaxation Officer is tasked with doing the opposite: embracing ease, learning from locals and demonstrating how intentional rest can reshape the vacation experience.
The Job Description, Taken Seriously
Despite the playful title, the expectations are clear. The Chief Relaxation Officer must sleep at least eight hours each night, with naps encouraged. Each day includes time by the water, whether floating, reading or doing nothing at all. A relaxed resort experience is the top priority.
Meals highlight local flavors such as coconut ceviche, paired with island cocktails at iconic beachfront spots. The role also calls for dining with locals to learn their relaxation rituals, exploring nature to spot rare island species like the blue iguana and Cayman parrot, and ending each day with a tech-free sunset on the beach.
These are not framed as perks. They are mandates, reinforcing the idea that restoration requires intention.
What The Assignment Includes
The selected traveler receives round-trip airfare to Grand Cayman, along with interisland flights to Cayman Brac. Accommodations span 14 nights at The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa and Le Soleil d’Or.
The package also includes a daily stipend for meals and optional island experiences, on-island transportation, and a custom no-itinerary itinerary curated by a local Board of Relaxation.
A Local Board Picks The Candidate
Applications will be reviewed by a Board of Relaxation made up of Caymanian chefs, artists and community leaders who embody the destination’s slower pace. Members include Luigi Moxam of Cayman Cabana, Sharlene Brenkus of the Cayman Islands Tourism Association, Nelson Dilbert of Cayman Spirits Co., and Kiristen Cousins of Vitamin Sea.
“Visiting our destination puts you in a perpetually positive state of mind when you explore off the beaten path experiences and discover the local treasures beyond the sand and sea, exclusively in the Cayman Islands,” said Moxam. “To truly experience vaCay, is to allow your body, mind and spirit to align and experience memorable moments of peaceful tranquility and hospitality in the Cayman Islands that resonate with you for a lifetime or at least until your next visit. It’s a Cayman ting.”
How To Apply
The Chief Relaxation Officer opportunity is open to U.S. residents ages 21 and older with a valid passport. Applicants submit their “worst vacation ever” story, whether shaped by chaotic itineraries or overcrowded beaches, at visitcaymanislands.com/ChiefRelaxationOfficer.
Applications close February 17, 2026. Terms and conditions apply.
