One of favorite destinations in the world is the Caribbean with its warm waters, sandy shores, and great cocktails. With so much destruction during Hurricane’s Irma and Maria over a year ago, I am thrilled to report most of the best beaches and waterfront hotels are back in action with quite a few of them better than before. The perfect retreat for millions of tourists worldwide, the Caribbean not only offers up an amazing escape from cold winter climates but also creates memories to last for a lifetime.
Pink Sands, Harbour Island, The Bahamas
Probably the most beautiful beach in the world, Pink Sands turns salmon-coloured in the setting sun. The pristine quality of the water, the safe snorkelling, sheltered swimming and two “chic shack” hotels are bonuses.
Varadero, Cuba
The most spectacular expanse of pure white sand in the Caribbean. It is so large that even when its numerous hotels are full, there is still adequate space to lay out a towel on the sands.
Grand Anse, Grenada
Fabulous white beaches aren’t always a given in the Caribbean, but Grenada has plenty. Grand Anse, a sheltered, two-mile stretch of perfect sand, dotted with sea grape and palm trees, just south of the capital, St George’s, is probably the most suitable for families. It is easily accessible, with restaurants, beach vendors and water sport facilities.
Shoal Bay, Anguilla
On Anguilla’s eastern side, two-mile Shoal Bay has blinding white sand and turquoise waters. The lower half of the beach is said to be the quieter end, while the upper end has villas and cottages up against the sand. Sunset over the bay is a treat.
Wickenson Bay, Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua has many fantastic beaches, but most are rather isolated. The chief exception is Dickenson Bay: backed by low-rise hotels, the long, wide stretch of white sand offers gently shelving waters and several laidback beachfront bars and restaurants.
Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
Pedants will point out that it is 5½ miles long, but there is little need for early-morning towels on sun-lounges along this enormous crescent of white sand. It’s on the western shore of Grand Cayman, home to most of the island’s luxury resorts and hotels, so there is no shortage of things to do.
Petit St Vincent, The Grenadines
Like its rival Palm Island, the private island of Petit St Vincent is one for unadulterated barefoot luxury. Those on a tighter budget might stay in nearby Canouan for a similar taste of white sands and azure waters.
Mullins Beach, Barbados
If you can’t afford a beachfront hotel or villa on the west coast , hole up at Mullins Beach, which provides everything you will need for the day: soft sands, water sports, sun beds, and an inviting beach bar.
Pinney’s Beach, St Kitts and Nevis
Azure waters, a perfect crescent of sugar-fine white sand… it’s everything you would expect from a Caribbean beach. Stretching from the edge of capital Charlestown for three miles to the Sea Bridge Ferry Dock, it hosts parties, volleyball, and some serious sunbathing. Despite the action, it is so large that it is not hard to find a more tranquil spot either. The five-star Four Seasons Resort Nevis stands at the beach’s northern end.
Warwick Long Bay, Bermuda
With pink sands set against a background of scrub grass, this half-mile beach is more secluded than the better- known bathing spots of Elbow Beach and Horseshoe Bay, with a coral reef that calms the waters for swimmers.
Sun Bay, Vieques, Puerto Rico
The island was largely occupied by US Navy personnel until 2003, so the 40-odd beaches have been spared too much development. Sun Bay is perhaps the best, although the simply named Blue, Red and Green beaches are worth a look.
St Jean, St Barts
Gallic St Barthélémy is arguably the most chic island in the Caribbean. To see why, head for St Jean: its two white-sand beaches are as perfectly formed as the clientele at its Eden Rock hotel and Nikki Beach club.
Cane Garden Bay, Tortola, British Virgin Islands
This beach, on the northern shore of the largest and most populous of the BVIs, is a hotspot for hanging out and diving in: it is famous for its water sports. Grab a drink after water-based activities at one of the beach bars lining the back of the sand.
Anse des Pitons, St Lucia
This astonishingly beautiful beach occupies a dramatic location in the cleavage of the volcanic cones of the Petit Piton and Gros Piton. If its fine white sand looks out of place, and you’re right in thinking so – it has been imported from Guyana.
Smuggler’s Cove, Tortola
The BVIs have no shortage of great beaches. This one, at the end of a dirt track on the tiny island of Tortola, is surely one of the best. Palm trees and sea grapes provide shade along the sweeping crescent of sands, with pelicans joining the snorkellers in the hunt for fish.
