4 beautiful, lesser-known Caribbean beaches to visit

The Caribbean countless islands and beaches can make it challenging to find the best stretch of sand for you. The first thing you need to know: it’s not just about the beach itself. Sure, the idea of ​​a deserted place in the middle of nowhere has its appeal. But just ask Tom Hanks in Throw it away: That can get old really quickly. The best beaches combine a beautiful stretch of sand with atmosphere. We’re talking bars with craft cocktails, restaurants serving local cuisine and hotels with lots of personality, to name just a few factors.

Here are four of the Caribbean’s best beaches, including legendary locations and secret finds, along with tips on where to go and what to do. Put on your reef-safe sunscreen and we’ll see you at sea.

La Chiva Beach, Puerto Rico

There are more than 30 beaches in Puerto Rico, but the highlight is that La Chivaon the eastern island of Vieques. It’s quiet enough for children to play safely, full of marine life for snorkeling and lined with a few gazebos to provide shade.

About 20 minutes away, the waterfront maleconor esplanade, the town of Esperanza has a handful of restaurants and bars. The open air El Quenepo serves seafood caught by local fishermen (and has a few rooms to rent upstairs). Next door, Placita (the restaurant of the brutalist boutique hotel El Blok) specializes in dishes prepared on a mesquite grill. In a former naval barracks in the northern part of the island, the first distiller of Vieques, Crab Island Rumcreates spirits infused with coffee, orange and more. Don’t miss an overnight kayaking trip in the bioluminescent bay. It is a spectacular light show.

Where to stay

Canadian architect John Hix was inspired by the Japanese concept of wabi-sabi in his creation Hix Island House. Open-air lofts are located in a series of angular concrete buildings with ocean views. Sustainability and tranquility are at the heart of this hotel: the property is powered by solar and wind energy and has no TV or WiFi.

Located on one of the highest points on the island Finca Victoriaan Ayurvedic wellness retreat. Guests can relax with detox programs and daily yoga sessions or by the pool. Accommodations include treehouses with outdoor showers and a vintage 1973 Airstream.

How to get to La Chiva?

Vieques is accessible via a 25-minute flight from San Juan or a 30-minute ferry from Ceiba on the Puerto Rican mainland.

Grace Bay Beach, Turks and Caicos Islands

This pristine Turks and Caicos beach has become a travel destination for good reason. Despite all the development along the coast and high-wattage visitors like the Kardashians (who are regularly spotted in the area), Grace Bay has retained a tranquil atmosphere.

The beach Somewhere Café & Lounge is a casual Tex-Mex spot with local bands and DJs. Hidden in the largest palm grove on the island, Coco Bistro serves gourmet Caribbean dishes (lobster spring rolls, shrimp curry on coconut rice). And a short walk from the sand Crackpot kitchena colorful food truck where chef Nik (a local celebrity) serves local favorites such as conch fritter lollipops and beer-jerked Cornish chicken.

Turks and Caicos Islands are also a world-class diving destination, and you can learn to dive along the shallow coral reefs. If you feel like exploring, book a boat tour through an outfitter Island Vibes Tourswhich takes you to nearby deserted islets.

Where to stay

It is located directly on Grace Bay Beach, the vast Beaches Turks and Caicos Islands has something for everyone, from families to couples. There are several hotels within the hotel, so you can probably find what you’re looking for, whether it’s a beach villa with a butler, or a simple room near the water slides. Divers love this because diving is included in the all-inclusive rate.

Grace Bay Clubthe island’s first luxury real estate, has put Turks and Caicos on the map. It is an all-suite resort with beautiful views of the sea. One of the showpieces is the Infiniti Bar, with a 30-meter bar (the longest in the Caribbean).

How to get to Grace Bay beach?

You can fly directly to Providenciales from a number of US cities, including Miami, New York and Atlanta. Once you land, it’s a 15-minute drive to Grace Bay Beach.

French people desert beach, Bahamas

In the Bahamas, Nassau is usually in the spotlight thanks to its gigantic resorts. Famous travelers go to French leavea breathtaking pink sand beach on Eleuthera, a hidden gem in the Out Islands.

A few minutes away is Governor’s Harbor, the island’s capital and one of the oldest settlements in the Bahamas. Go to Bahama Handprints (a shop selling retro hand-printed fabrics since 1966) or the 30-hectare Leon Levy Reserve (a botanical garden where you can learn all about Bahamian bush medicine). Just outside the city you can eat conch fritters and an award-winning piña colada at the luxurious beach hut From Tippie. Another highlight of Eleuthera that’s worth the drive: the Glass window bridgewhere you can see the dramatic contrast between the calm Caribbean sea and the rough Atlantic Ocean.

Where to stay

The Potlatch Cluban old-school celebrity hideout, was recently brought back to life by a pair of Caribbean entrepreneurs. (Fun fact: Paul McCartney wrote the song “She Came in Through the Bathroom Window” here during his first honeymoon.) Now it has stylish cottages with ocean views and lush gardens, a small but mighty spa, two pools and a ambitious restaurant. The hotel overlooks a pink sand beach that remains unnamed; it is technically an extension of French Leave.

The yacht club inspired French departure resort has 20 villas on a rock overlooking Governor’s Harbour. You can borrow a golf cart to go to French Leave Beach, just over a mile away.

How to get to French Leave Beach?

Eleuthera has two airports – Governor’s Harbor (GHB) and North Eleuthera (ELH) – and can be reached with a short flight from Nassau and with direct service from Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Atlanta.

Meads Bay Beach, Anguilla

On the talc coast of Meads Bay Beach you will find nice restaurants and luxurious resorts, but this is the Caribbean without the crowds. Go kayaking, try paddle boarding on the calm waters, or just relax.

There are two Blanchards restaurants on the beach: one casual toes-in-the-sand shack for easy snacks like roasted chicken and more high end location for innovative dishes such as hamachi crudo and grilled shrimp with lemon panko crust. Not far from the beach, Lowell Hodge transformed his private home Sharky’s Restaurantserving local dishes (cinnamon-spiced pumpkin soup, chicken curry, lobster stir-fry). When you’re ready to explore, Quest experiences offers unique tours all over the island. Kayak at night in transparent boats, harvest sea salt, or do a rum tasting with Gloria Leveret, who worked in Anguilla bars for decades before launching her own line of flavored rums.

Where to stay

Overlooking Meads Bay, a quiet but glamorous hotel Malliouhana has spacious suites and private villas with ocean views and direct beach access. The tranquil atmosphere appeals to couples and families, who love the Mini-Explorers Kid’s Club, with water adventures, cultural activities and more.

The family business Frangipani Beach Resort has a strong commitment to sustainability: it is largely powered by renewable energy. Weekly cocktail parties and sunset cruises create a sense of community.

How to get to Meads Bay beach?

You can fly directly from Miami to Anguilla or connect via St. Maarten or San Juan. From St. Maarten you can also take a 20-minute ferry to the Blowing Point Ferry Terminal in Anguilla.