Top 5 Most Beautiful Beaches
Because it's cold, rainy and dreary in Chicago and because I live close to arctic winds and far, far, away from paradise, I've been contemplating the most beautiful beaches I've ever visited. My criterion for beauty doesn't just involve physical attractiveness. I also consider the clarity of the water, color and texture of sand and if there are distinguishing cultural indicators like music, food or dress. Using those requirements, here are my top five most beautiful beaches:
1. St. Lucia
Of course. From the warm, crystalline water to the sweep of the Pitons overlooking powdery stretches of beach, St. Lucia comes as close to Eden as I've ever seen.
2. Barbuda
You've just never experienced paradise until you've laid on a pink sand beach. Tiny Barbuda boasts a stunning combination of turquoise water and pink sands. The sand is so dazzling that I keep glass bottles of it all over my house.
3. Bahia
Rio may claim the fame and glitz but the beaches in Bahia, south of Salvador, are known to be the best in Brazil. My fave is Boipeba, where you can drink fresh coconut water and catch capoeiristas practicing.
4. Jamaica
Jamaica is covered with lovely beaches but to escape hordes of tourists, the south coast and Treasure Beach supplies the best experience. This quaint fishing village is famous for its black sands and fresh seafood grilled right on the beach.
5. St. John, USVI
St. John's natural treasures are legendary and Honeymoon Beach consistently tops lists for the world's most beautiful. Small and not accessible by car, Honeymoon Beach unfolds with pearly white sand shaded by lush sea grape trees.
1. St. Lucia
Of course. From the warm, crystalline water to the sweep of the Pitons overlooking powdery stretches of beach, St. Lucia comes as close to Eden as I've ever seen.
2. Barbuda
You've just never experienced paradise until you've laid on a pink sand beach. Tiny Barbuda boasts a stunning combination of turquoise water and pink sands. The sand is so dazzling that I keep glass bottles of it all over my house.
3. Bahia
Rio may claim the fame and glitz but the beaches in Bahia, south of Salvador, are known to be the best in Brazil. My fave is Boipeba, where you can drink fresh coconut water and catch capoeiristas practicing.
4. Jamaica
Jamaica is covered with lovely beaches but to escape hordes of tourists, the south coast and Treasure Beach supplies the best experience. This quaint fishing village is famous for its black sands and fresh seafood grilled right on the beach.
5. St. John, USVI
St. John's natural treasures are legendary and Honeymoon Beach consistently tops lists for the world's most beautiful. Small and not accessible by car, Honeymoon Beach unfolds with pearly white sand shaded by lush sea grape trees.
Comments
Marina, you have no reason to feel out of place! You've lived in the beauty of Costa Rica and now Guatemala.
Catherine, I thought of some of the great Mexican beaches that I've visited while I wrote this. I don't have a fave yet. You and Wendy be sure to bring some great pix back!
funny we're both fantasizing about each other's climates right now. I've been missing a proper fall!
Like you, a good beach for me is not just sand and water, there has to be more to it than that. Loved your selections.
Now, there was no Cuban beach there and that can only be the result of never having visited the island. I hope you remedy this dilemma soon. I would be surprised if I didn't find one of my country's beaches topping your poll. Ah, jingoism, I can't help it sometimes :-)!
Many thanks for such a beautiful post, especially when it's raining cats and dogs here in London.
Greetings from London.
Tiffany, I don't think I made it to Miami beach but Barbados towns are what I most enjoy.
Cubano, you know that's exactly why Cuba isn't on here. I've just come back from discussing a trip with friends that just left after 5
years so I believe the situation
will indeed be remedied.
Jen, a caribbean vacation is always good anytime of the year!
St John has some stunning stretches of beach with snorkeling just a few steps away! I would also include a couple of quiet beaches on Hawaii and Virgin Gorda. My daughter and I loved the beaches on Anna Maria Island (Gulf Coast) a few years ago.
Need a beach fix...
Beaches, yes, Negril has a lovely beach. It's just really touristy. Thanks for dropping by.