Think of your favorite beaches in the Caribbean, the show-stopping ones, like Prickly Pear or Sandy Spit in the British Virgin Islands, or Trunk Bay in St John. But what makes these beaches so spectacular is something of a flaw when it comes to your vacation: they don’t have a hotel attached. So what are the best beaches you can actually “stay” on? That’s where this list comes in, offering a spectacular beach — and a place to stay. These places offer the expereinces of walking out onto a world-class beach, and not having to leave at the end of the afternoon. These are the Best Beaches you can stay on in the Caribbean.
Rendezvous Bay, Anguilla
This beach simply has it all: sweeping scenery, powder-soft sand, calm waves and one of the Caribbean’s best beach bars (Garvey’s SunShine Shack). And yes, you can stay here, with options ranging from the affordable Anguilla Great House to the foodie-focused CuisinArt.
Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
There’s no proof, but this beach seems to have the warmest water in the Caribbean. Whether that’s true or not, it’s ultra-clear, ultra-calm and, well, almost seven miles long. Where to stay? The world-class Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman (our Caribbean Hotel of the Year in 2015) and the delightful Westin Grand Cayman.
Maundays Bay, Anguilla
It’s a classic Anguillian beach: impossibly soft sand, calm waters and a special kind of blue water. And there’s just one, marvelous place to stay here: the ultra-luxe Cap Juluca.
Galley Bay, Antigua
Antigua’s top all-inclusive resort is also home to one of the island’s most exquisite beaches: the lush, quiet paradise that shares its name: Galley Bay. (The property also boasts some of the Caribbean’s top toes-in-the-sand rooms, directly on the sand).
Bavaro Beach, Dominican Republic
Yes, Punta Cana is known for its multitude of large all-inclusives. But there’s a reason they’re all here: the magnificent, palm tree-filled Playa Bavaro, or Bavaro Beach. And if you’re looking to stay here, we’d suggest Secrets Royal Beach, the Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real.
Cabbage Beach, Paradise Island
A leisurely stroll down the sand from Atlantis is Cabbage Beach, one of the Bahamas’ most beautiful stretches of sand that’s also home to one of the world’s best hotels: the One & Only Ocean Club.
Eagle Beach, Aruba
Standing here, it’s almost difficult to imagine a beach as wide as this one exists. But it does, and this corner of Aruba’s Best Beach is truly paradise for beach-seekers. Where to stay? Aruba’s top hotel, the lovely Bucuti & Tara Beach Resorts, or the affordable Manchebo Beach Resort.
St Jean, St Barth
This is where things happen in St Barth. Whether you’re looking to people-watch, down rosé or just lie in the sand, this is a top-level beach that also has some seriously good hotels, from the boutique Tom Beach Hotel (that’s also got a great beach bar) to the world-famous Eden Rock.
Caneel Bay, US Virgin Islands
While St John is filled with jaw-dropping beaches, few come with hotels: enter Caneel Bay, a sprawling property blessed with several beaches, most notably the one that bears its name.
Pink Sands Beach, Harbour Island
Tony Harbour Island has long been one of the region’s most closely-guarded secrets, thanks to a slew of charming hotels and, yes, a pink sand beach. And if you’re looking to stay on Pink Sand Beach, try the Coral Sands, Pink Sands or the delightful Dunmore.
Baie Longue, Saint Martin
It’s no surprise that this is a long beach, but it’s also a striking one, from the otherworldly color of the sand to the sweeping cliffs. And if you’re staying here, there’s one great option: Belmond La Samanna.
Half Moon Bay, Jamaica
It’s the smallest beach on this list, but this is a magical beach. There’s a reason the Queen stayed in one of the beachfront cottages at Half Moon when she came to Jamaica — it’s just about perfect. Soft white sand, relaxed water and a feeling that you’ve somehow traveled back in time.
Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos
When it comes to the Best Beaches, well, it doesn’t get any better than Providenciales’ world-famous Grace Bay, and thankfully you can spend the night here. Right now, we like the Grace Bay Club, Ocean Club Resorts and the Gansevoort Turks and Caicos.
Treasure Cay Beach, Bahamas
A major draw for boaters, the Abacos are home to classic Bahamian white-sand beaches. But it’s hard to argue with Treasure Cay Beach on the east coast of Abaco, home to two solid options: the Bahama Beach Club and the Treasure Cay Beach Hotel.
Long Bay, British Virgin Islands
Tortola’s most stunning beach has a kind of exotic feeling, one reinforced by the sound of the waves and the green-hill-filled scenery. And one of the Best Beaches in the Caribbean is also home to a classic Caribbean resort: the Long Bay Beach Club.