Have you ever taken a vacation to the Caribbean? If so, you'll know what we are talking about when we say that some of the finest beaches in the world are just a quick flight away from the USA. Here are our top 10 picks:
1. Maroma Beach, Mexico
This beach is located along the Mayan Riviera on the Caribbean side of Mexico. Home to lavish all inclusive resorts and small boutique hotels, the beautiful Maroma Beach is made of pristine sands surrounded by beautiful azur seas and frolicking waves.
2. 7 mile beach, Negril, Jamaica
A classic! Negril beach is famous for the ultimate ocean sunsets. Many destination weddings take place just before sunset to capture the best Caribbean backdrop ever! You'll find several small bars and vendor huts on the beach and this beach has retained its cultural roots. You won't find a McDonald's on this beach, but you will find some cool Jamaican vibes and an ocean as clear as pool water. This beach is perfect for taking a dip or donning a snorkel mask for a little underwater viewing.
3. Cancun, Mexico
The beach in Cancun never seems to make a list of top beaches and we are here to tout its virtues! Miles and miles of white sand? Check. Luxury hotels? Check. Tons of shopping and nightlife on the other side of the road? Check. Where can you have it all like you can with Cancun's beach? Relax on the beach and take in some well-deserved sun or hit the clubs for world-class nightlife. This place has it all!
4. 7-Mile Beach, Grand Cayman
Great walking beach. Pristine waters. Consistently voted one of the top beaches in the Caribbean. What else can we say?
5. Macao Beach, Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic
Home to the newly opened all inclusive Hard Rock Hotel, this beach really surprised us. Powdered sand that your feet sink into, along with awesome blue waters, fit for body surfing! This beach has virtually no commercialism and is a true hidden gem.
6. Grace Bay Beach, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
This beach is amazing! Powdered white sand and crazy, clear blue waters. Snorkeling and diving is a must if you visit this area. Lots of condomimiums dot the strip of beach. There isn't a lot to do in the area, but the water and beach is the main draw.
7. Palm Beach, Aruba
Another awesome Caribbean beach. A number of higher rise hotels dot this beach and it's in the center of the action, so you can expect a little busier beach from this one. Still features pure blue waters and great sand.
8. Cable Beach, Nassau, Bahamas
This beach is a sleeper pick. We like it because of the classic nature and its crystal clear waters. Nassau is just a short flight from the US and has many things to offer. Swimming and snorkeling are complemented by parasailing and other motorized water sports.
9. Bloody Bay Beach, Negril, Jamaica
The name doesn't sound appealing but the beach sure is. Not many people distinguish between the "other" famous beach in Negril and this one. Several exceptional all inclusive resorts line this beach. The key here? No resort can be built taller than the tallest palm tree. This makes for a great palm-fronted beach right on the bay. This water is so calm you can virtually sit in the water all day with a frozen cocktail.
10. Playa Beach at Royal Hideaway Resort in Playa Del Carmen
This one makes our top 10 because of the unique story behind it. Due to beach erosion, this beach had virtually disappeared in parts. Before a 2010 beach reclamation project, where we stood not 50 feet from the resort would have been under water. In the fall of 2010 this beach was unbelievable! They brought back the famous Playa Del Carmen beach at this hotel to an unreal size. If you are looking for an upscale beach resort with all inclusive inclusions, this is the place to go.
