It's game on as Mesa Del Sol opens its doors

Mesa Del Sol has quickly become the ultimate destination for tabletop gaming enthusiasts in the Cayman Islands, offering a wide selection of board games, card games and pen-and-paper role-playing adventures that cater to both casual players and devoted fans. Whether you’re drawn to classic titles like Ticket to Ride or eager to try modern hits such as One Night Ultimate Werewolf or Disney Villainous, Mesa Del Sol has something for everyone.

What sets Mesa Del Sol apart is its commitment to community and inclusivity. The shop encourages walk-ins and organises regular gaming events where players can pair up as they arrive, whether as individuals or groups. For those new to gaming, the friendly and knowledgeable staff is always ready to teach. Additionally, open play tables allow customers to purchase a game and dive in immediately.

David Bainbridge, Mesa Del Sol’s floor manager, is passionate about bringing people together through gaming.

“Our aim is to help people get away from screens and electronics and reconnect face-to-face,” Bainbridge said. “It’s about creating a space where families and friends can bond, all while keeping things exciting and fresh.”  

Mesa Del Sol hosts a weekly Trade Night event, designed for kids and adults who collect trading cards. Whether it’s Pokémon, Magic: The Gathering or other popular games, the team ensures all trades are verified for authenticity and value, providing a safe, fun environment for enthusiasts. 

The inspiration for Mesa Del Sol stemmed from Bainbridge’s experiences managing a similar store and introducing his cousins to Magic: The Gathering during a family vacation. Upon realising that the island lacked a local hub for gamers, Bainbridge collaborated with his family to fill the void.

“We discovered there was already a vibrant community of players who had been waiting for a local game store,” he said. “That solidified the plan, and the rest is history.”

Mesa Del Sol’s curated selection of games is chosen for both fun and educational value, ensuring options for players aged 4 to 99. By asking a few simple questions, the team excels at matching customers with the perfect game. The store also stocks a variety of trading cards for play and collectability, along with other unique items such as plush figures and model kits.

Regularly hosted events are a cornerstone of Mesa Del Sol’s appeal. In addition to card game nights for Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon and Disney Lorcana, the shop offers beginner-friendly Dungeons & Dragons campaigns and Thursday board game evenings. Each week, Bainbridge introduces new games to participants, fostering a love for tabletop entertainment across generations.

Mesa Del Sol also provides special-order services, ensuring customers can access hard-to-find games and products.

“We’ve been overwhelmed by the support of this amazing community. It’s every store owner’s dream to feel this kind of connection," Bainbridge said.

With a mission to unite gamers of all ages and skill levels, Mesa Del Sol is poised to become a lasting hub for creativity, fun and fellowship at Camana Bay.  

This article was first published in the February/March 2025 print edition of Camana Bay Times.