The Caribbean's myriad islands and beaches It can be difficult to locate the perfect strip of sand for your needs. First off, remember that it’s not solely about the beach itself. While the allure of an isolated patch far from civilization might seem enticing, consider Tom Hanks' experience as well. Cast Away That can become tiresome really quickly. The ideal beaches blend a beautiful stretch of sand with ambiance. Think bars offering artisanal drinks, eateries featuring ingredients from local sources, and accommodations brimming with character, among other elements.
Here are four of the Caribbean’s top beaches—ranging from iconic spots to hidden gems—as well as advice on where to venture and what activities to enjoy. Apply some eco-friendly sunscreen, and let’s meet at the shore.
Chiva Beach, Puerto Rico
There are over 30 beaches in Puerto Rico, however, the most notable one stands out. La Chiva Located on the eastern island of Vieques, it offers a peaceful environment suitable for children to play safely. The area teems with marine life perfect for snorkeling and features several gazebos that offer shade.
Approximately 20 minutes away lies the waterfront. malecón , known as the esplanade, in the town of Esperanza features several restaurants and bars. This outdoor area offers an inviting space for visitors. El Quenepo offers seafood sourced from nearby local fishers (and provides several rooms above for rental). Adjacent is Placita (the eatery located within the stark boutique hotel El Blok ) excels at preparing food grilled over a mesquite-fired stove. Located in a previous Navy fire station in the north part of the island, this establishment is notable as Vieques's inaugural distillery. Crab Island Rum , produces beverages imbued with flavors of coffee, oranges, and more. Be sure not to skip an evening kayak excursion. bioluminescent bay It's an amazing display of lights.
Where to stay
Canadian architect John Hix drew inspiration from the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi during his creation process. Hix Island House The open-air lofts are located within a cluster of geometric concrete structures offering ocean vistas. This hotel prioritizes eco-friendliness and calmness; it runs solely on solar and wind energy and does not feature televisions or Wi-Fi.
At one of the island's tallest peaks is Finca Victoria , an Ayurvedic wellness retreat. Visitors can relax through detox programs and daily yoga classes or enjoy time by the pool. Lodging options feature tree houses equipped with outdoor showers as well as a retro 1973 Airstream trailer.
How can one reach La Chiva?
Vieques can be reached either by a 25-minute flight departing from San Juan or by a 30-minute ferry ride originating from Ceiba on the Puerto Rico mainland.
Grace Bay Beach, located in Turks and Caicos, is renowned for its stunning beauty.
This unspoiled Turks and Caicos beach has become a top destination for travelers due to its charm. Even with extensive coastal developments and celebrity sightings such as those of the Kardashians who frequently visit, Grace Bay retains a laid-back atmosphere.
The beachfront Somewhere Café & Lounge It's a laid-back Tex-Mex place featuring performances from local bands and DJs. Located within the biggest palm oasis on the island, Coco Bistro offers exquisite Caribbean cuisine (such as lobster spring rolls and shrimp curry served over coconut rice). It’s also just a brief walk away from the beach. Crackpot Kitchen , a vibrantly colored food truck where Chef Nik (a local celebrity) serves innovative twists on beloved local fare, such as conch fritter lollipops and jerk-seasoned Cornish hen marinated in beer.
The Turks and Caicos Islands are also renowned for their exceptional diving opportunities, where beginners can start learning scuba diving near the gentle coral reefs. Should you wish to discover more, consider reserving a spot on a boat excursion with providers such as Island Vibes Tours This will lead you to abandoned islands nearby.
Where to stay
Located directly on Grace Bay Beach, this expansive property sits Beaches Turks & Caicos Offers something for every type of traveler, catering to both families and romantic getaways alike. The property features multiple lodging options, allowing guests to choose anything from a beachside villa complete with personal Butler service, to more understated accommodations close to the water slides. Scuba divers particularly enjoy this place as their underwater adventures are included in the comprehensive package price.
Grace Bay Club The island's premier luxurious accommodation played a significant role in establishing Turks & Caicos as a sought-after destination. This exclusive retreat features only suites, each offering panoramic ocean vistas. Among its highlights is the Infiniti Bar, renowned for boasting the region’s longest bar at an impressive 90 feet.
What's the way to reach Grace Bay Beach?
Direct flights to Providenciales are available from several U.S. cities such as Miami, New York, and Atlanta. After landing, you'll be just a 15-minute drive away from Grace Bay Beach.
French Leave Beach, The Bahamas
In the Bahamas, Nassau often steals the limelight due to its extravagant resorts. Discerning tourists prefer to go elsewhere. French Leave , a stunning pink-sand beach located on Eleuthera, a secret gem among the Out Islands.
A short distance away lies Governor's Harbour, which serves as the island's capital and is one of the earliest settled areas in the Bahamas. Venture towards Bahama Hand Prints (A store that has been retailing vintage hand-printed textiles since 1966) or the 30-acre Leon Levy Preserve (A botanical garden where you can discover everything related to Bahamian herbal remedies) lies just beyond the town limits. Here, you can enjoy conch fritters along with an acclaimed piña colada at the sophisticated beach hut nearby. Tippy's Another must-see attraction on Eleuthera that's worth the trip is the Glass Window Bridge where you can observe the striking difference between the tranquil Caribbean Sea and the turbulent Atlantic Ocean.
Where to stay
The Potlatch Club A classic celebrity retreat was revitalized by a duo of Caribbean business owners. (Interesting tidbit: Paul McCartney composed the track "She Came in Through the Bathroom Window" during his initial honeymoon at this location.) Currently, it features chic bungalows with views of both the sea and vibrant gardens, offers a compact yet impressive spa facility, includes two swimming pools, and boasts an upscale dining venue. The property gazes upon an unnamed pink-sand beach; officially, it’s considered part of French Leave Beach.
The yacht club–inspired French Leave Resort features 20 villas situated on a rocky promontory with views of Governor’s Harbour. Visitors have access to golf carts for easy travel to French Leave Beach, which is slightly over a mile away.
What is the way to reach French Leave Beach?
Eleuthera boasts two airstrips—Governor’s Harbour (GHB) and North Eleuthera (ELH)—and can be easily accessed via a brief flight from Nassau or through direct services from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Atlanta.
Meads Bay Beach, Anguilla
Charming small eateries and upscale resorts are scattered along Meads Bay Beach's powdery shoreline, yet this is still the Caribbean without the crowds . Try kayaking, take on paddleboarding on the calm waters, or simply relax.
There are two Blanchard's restaurants located on the beach—one offers a relaxed setting where you can have your feet in the sand. shack For smaller portions such as jerk chicken and something more substantial high-end location For creative cuisine such as hamachi crudo and lemon panko-coated grilled shrimp. Located close to the shore, Lowell Hodge converted his personal residence into Sharky's Restaurant , offering local dishes such as cinnamon-spiced pumpkin soup, curry chicken, and lobster stir fry). Once you’re prepared to venture out, Quest Experiences provides exclusive excursions across the entire island. Experience nocturnal kayak adventures aboard clear-bottomed vessels, gather sea salt, or partake in a rum-tasting session led by Gloria Leveret, a veteran bartender from Anguilla’s bar scene who later created her signature range of spiced rums.
Where to stay
Offering views of Meads Bay, this laid-back yet luxurious spot is a must-visit. Malliouhana Features ample suites and exclusive villas that offer stunning ocean vistas along with immediate proximity to the shoreline. Its serene atmosphere attracts both romantic getaways for couples as well as family vacations, thanks to amenities like the Mini-Explorers Kid’s Club which provides water-based excursions, cultural experiences, and various other activities.
The family-owned Frangipani Beach Resort is strongly dedicated to sustainability: It primarily runs on renewable energy sources. Regular weekly events like cocktail parties and sunset cruises foster a sense of community.
What's the way to reach Meads Bay Beach?
You have the option to fly directly to Anguilla from Miami or make a connection via St. Maarten or San Juan. Additionally, from St. Maarten, you can opt for a 20-minute ferry ride to reach Anguilla at the Blowing Point Ferry Terminal.
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