Sitting in the shade on the breezy patio of Solana restaurant, at the Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort one weekday lunchtime, it’s quite easy to close your eyes and imagine you are there on holiday. Solana has one of the best views of any restaurant on Seven Mile Beach and from that vantage point you can take in the impressive expanse of perfect white sand and the turquoise waters that make the beach so famous. A couple of kite-surfers whiz back and forth performing impressive acrobatics; the odd couple stroll along the beach; groups of people frolic in the shallow water and others relax around the pool – it’s a view that is at once dynamic and relaxing.

The lunch menu, though concise, manages to reflect this duality, with a choice of light salads, sandwiches and wraps that would be conducive to an active afternoon, as well as a selection of more substantial meals for those who perhaps have no particular plans for the rest of the day.

A handful of menu items including the tuna tartare, a Greek salad, the spinach salad and the pan seared snapper are also helpfully marked up with the Marriott “Fit for You” icon which identifies dishes that are carb conscious, low cholesterol and/or low fat – a useful tool for anyone needing to watch their diet and also absolute proof that healthy food can still be tasty food.

Between two of us, my companion and I started by sharing a Greek salad and, on our server’s recommendation, the chicken quesadilla which, she assured us, was the best on the Island. Generously filled with chicken breast pieces, peppers and cheese and served with sides of home-made pico de gallo, sour cream and guacamole, it was hard to disagree.

The entrees all looked tempting and I wavered between the traditional fish and chips served UK-style in newspaper packages but with a local flair, covered in Caybrew batter, and the authentic Indian chicken curry served with basmati rice, mango chutney and naan bread. Curious to try one of the “Fit for You” entrees, I opted for pan-seared snapper with papaya chutney and calalloo-pumpkin fricassee. The fish, which could not have been fresher, was delicately seasoned and well complemented by the vegetable fricassee. There was certainly no loss of flavour in this heart-healthy dish and the portion size was extremely generous.

To balance out the health factor my companion chose to indulge in the Marriott burger. As burgers go, this could not be further from the typiacl fast food offering. The the juicy patty was home-made with Certified Angus Beef, and served with crispy bacon, cheese and all the trimmings and home-made fries seasoned with the chef’s special blend of spices.

After two large and satisfying courses, had our host not insisted we try at least one dessert we would happily have stopped there. It was a good thing we had our arms twisted, however, as the signature frozen key lime pie was simply delicious: sweet but not too sweet, creamy, cool and served with a refreshing pina colada sauce.

Not being accustomed to more than a quick midday snack, a full belly, the warm breeze and the relaxing setting made me want to kick off my shoes and have a little snooze – after all, isn’t that what people on holiday do?