It’s the time of year when so many are enjoying the region’s beaches with our families, friends — or just on quiet getaways! The members of Caribbean Beat team share some of our favorites
Magazine beach
Grenada
Located in the southwest, this is perfect for (get ready to groan) this magazine! It has great resorts and restaurants (including one of my favorites), plus great swimming and snorkeling, even if it’s less sheltered. What I love most about it is that it has really quiet stretches, which not many people ever seem to have. It’s also close to Grand Anse if you’re in the mood for a walk on the beach, and so close to the airport that even if you’re just on a layover, you can go and enjoy a swim without missing your flight!
-Caroline Taylor
Bottom Bay and Accra Beach
Barbados
Pick a favorite beach in Barbados? It’s like asking a mother to choose her favorite child! I love Bottom Bay (pictured) in St Philip for its quietness and offbeat street atmosphere. It’s a well-kept secret compared to Accra Beach (aka Rockley Beach) further down the south coast, which is the perfect place for a girlfriend’s getaway. Everything you might need is within easy reach. There are plenty of people who enjoy water sports too – but I prefer to have cocktail in hand, tan, lively conversation and a walk on the boardwalk. Cruising the calm waters is always a must!
– Halcyon Salazar
Darkwood Beach
Antigua and Barbuda
It may be true that Antigua has a beach for every day of the year, but most days would find me choosing sun, sand and sea at Darkwood Beach. Being more volcanic in composition, this southwest side of the island has lush, forested hills, so Darkwood’s perfect strip of white beach and azure sea is crowned with a brilliant green crown. It’s Nature at her Sunday best, all dressed up for me (and you!).
– Tracy Farrag
Bubble Bay
Dominica
Located in the fishing village of Soufrière, with Scotts Head in the distance, the rejuvenating warm bubbles from the hot spring at Bubble Beach are perfect for soothing any aching muscles. The heat levels in this natural jacuzzi can go from soothingly warm to alarmingly hot at points as the tide changes; Local entrepreneur Dale Mitchell has determined the best areas for lounging using sandbags and rocks. When you’re ready to relax, a refreshing snorkel to view the marine life and blow your bubbles in the bay is a huge plus! Donations are welcome for beach maintenance.
– Shelly-Ann Inniss
Kenepa Beach
Curaçao
On my last trip to Curaçao, I visited quite a few beaches, but there is one that really sticks in my mind: the beautiful Playa Kenepa (also known as Grote Knip). These are actually two beaches: the largest Kenepa Grandi, which has beautiful white sand and crystal clear water; and Kenepa Chiki, which is a type of small bay – also smaller and more intimate. It’s a bit of a drive, but well worth the trip.
– Evelyn Chung
miami beach
Florida, USA
While sun, sea and sand are easy enough to find where I am, many years ago I was immediately intrigued with one of our Caribbean Beat covers in 2013, featuring an iconic, colorful lifeguard station in Miami Beach. And then the love affair began. It’s perfect for spending hours frolicking in the sparkling clear waters and taking long walks along the endless white sand. Plus — there are plenty of adventures nearby, like exploring Miami’s famous Art Deco neighborhood with its beautifully restored pastel-colored buildings.
– Kevon Webster
Correction
An image of Cas Abao Beach was unfortunately used in our print edition and has been replaced with one of Playa Kenepa online.
