They’re some of the major reasons we all love the Caribbean — an ice cold beer or rum punch, the sand at your feet and the sea in your sight. The Caribbean’s beach bars have all of them in full supply. So we thought we’d offer our list of the 10 best beach bars in the Caribbean for 2013 —from Anguilla to the United States Virgin Islands. Of course, these are just 10 of a multitude of terrific beach bars across the region. Do you have a top beach bar not on our list? Let us know! — CJ
Sunshine’s Beach Lounge – Nevis
Local celebrity Sunshine’s eponymous bar is known the world over for its signature “Killer Bee” rum punch, the recipe of which is the most closely-guarded secret in Nevis. Long a haunt of the celebrities who holiday in Nevis, Sunshine’s is simply the perfect Caribbean beach bar.
Soggy Dollar Bar – Jost Van Dyke, British Virgin Islands
Jost Van Dyke is only accessible by boat, and The Soggy Dollar Bar, located on White Bay Beach in the British Virgin Islands’ Jost Van Dyke, is worth the trip. It’s as classic a beach bar as you can find with an always-interesting crowd.
Ti’ Robinson – Ilet du Gosier, Guadeloupe
Like the Soggy Dollar, Ti’ Robinson can only be reached by boat, but it’s an experience you won’t forget. Pay a few Euros to one of the local fishermen at the pier in Gosier for passage, and you’ll be transported to an oasis off the coast of Guadeloupe. Sit back, order a Ti’ Punch and enjoy your own private island for the day. As you can imagine, it’s Robinson, as in Crusoe.
Dune Preserve – Anguilla
This is a beach bar for the musically inclined, owned by reggae musician Bankie Banx on Anguilla’s Rendezvous Bay. It’s simply a dune deck covered by a big old roof — but it’s far more than the sum of its parts: think upscale-eclectic. Often, Bankie’s musician friends will stop by, but other times, it will just be you and the beach. Try a signature Duneshine or the Dune Rum Punch.
Juanillo Beach Food & Drinks – Cap Cana, Dominican Republic
Located on perhaps the most beautiful beach on this list, Juanillo Beach Food & Drinks, which opened in 2010, is dubbed the “bohemian corner” of Cap Cana. It’s high-end, to be sure, but with a decidedly relaxed vibe.
Sunset Bar & Grill – St Maarten
Located on a beach right next to St Maarten’s airport, this bar will blow you away. Famous for its airplane watching, this beach is so close to the runway that many people used to be blown down the beach when jet engines weren’t quite so efficient. But it’s called Sunset for a reason – it’s a great place to watch the sun go down.
Rick’s Cafe – Negril, Jamaica
Rick’s Cafe, which was founded on a cliff in Negril in 1974, has become a Caribbean institution. And the cliffs are the story – a perfect jumping off point (literally) to see the beautiful cove below. To cool off after a leap, try Rick’s Famous Planter’s Punch.
Nipper’s Beach Bar and Grill – Great Guana Cay, Bahamas
From its sunday pig roast to a great mix of locals and tourists, Nipper’s is a favourite port of call for yachters making a trip around the 700-island Bahamian archipelago. It can also be reached by ferries from both Marsh Harbour and Guana Cay. People just seem to love it.
Le Petibonum – Le Carbet, Martinique
Our reigning Best Caribbean Beach Bar champion from 2012, Guy Ferdinand’s Le Carbet masterpiece is equal parts French bistro and beach shack. The Ti’ Punch is a must, made with Ferdinand’s current favourite, Rhum HSE from Martinique.
Iggie’s Beach Bar – St Thomas, US Virgin Islands
Iggie’s Beach Bar, located on the beach near the Bolongo Bay Resort in St Thomas, has a great mix of locals and hotel guests, with a terrific atmosphere and frequently exceptional, daily live music. Don’t miss the VooDoo Juice.