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This week,we will profile our three top-selling destinations in the Caribbean. All promise beautiful beaches, warm breezes and a laid-back atmosphere.
Jamaica is edged by pristine beaches and crowned by mountains that run across the center of the island. It has more all-inclusive resorts than any other destination; these properties wrap accommodations, meals, drinks and many activities in the upfront rate. Most of the main tourist areas are situated along the reef-protected shores of the north coast.
Negril is known for soft sands and calm waters that are perfect for scuba diving and snorkeling. Vacationers in Ocho Rios can visit one of Jamaica's most treasured attractions, 600-foot Dunn's River Falls, while those in Montego Bay can take a gentle float trip down the Martha Brae River. Runaway Bay is near the Green Grotto Caves, where guided subterranean tours take visitors to a lake 120 feet below the surface.
The Dominican Republic comprises the eastern two-thirds of the island of Hispaniola and boasts more than 800 miles of coastline, championship courses designed by golf legends, and a culture threaded with Spanish, French, Haitian and African influences.
Experienced divers can explore interesting shipwrecks, including two Spanish vessels that sank off the north coast in the 16th century. Nature lovers can head to the country's national parks -- see crocodiles at Isla Cabritos and flamingos at Jaragua, for example. In the evening, nightclubs pulse with the beat of merengue music.
About 15 miles north of Venezuela, Aruba features broad beaches, a cactus-studded interior and distinctive divi-divi trees bent by steady trade winds. The waters teem with marine life, providing excellent snorkeling opportunities. Scuba divers can explore the shipwrecked Antilla, a sunken German World War II freighter.
Tall, multicolored Dutch colonial homes with wooden doors make a picturesque sight in Oranjestad, the capital city. Nearby Eagle Beach is one of the island's longest beaches, stretching for 200 yards. Palm Beach is a true Caribbean playground, with major resorts, fine golden sand and clear water.
Top Beaches
6/9/20102:17:45 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment
TOP BEACHES FOR AMAZING SAND
A beach is a beach is a beach...right? Not so when the sand beneath your feet is like that offered by these selections, chosen as the best beaches for sand quality . Creamy powder, talc, feather-soft; the adjectives go on and on. We say just check our list and then go!...
Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos
This twelve-mile beach on the northeast coast of Providenciales looks almost like a long snowbank lining the turquoise sea. Grab your shades, a towel, and you'll sink into this sand in no time.Saline Beach, St. Barts
"Saline offers beautiful settings and is great for walking along the shore," said Benoit Côté, Chief Operating Officer. We also love setting up picnics along this uber-comfortable stretch, with wine, cheese and other French goodies picked up along the way. Be warned that many choose Saline as their preferred clothing optional beach.Sian Kaan, Riviera Maya, Mexico
A bit remote? Yes. Worth it? Absolutely. This extreme southern end of the Riviera Maya thins out into a ribbon of sand one of our staffers calls "the most serene and private beachfront setting" he's ever seen. That means a paradise all to yourself, with the option of massages on the beach with no one else in sight.
Shoal Bay East, Anguilla
The absolute, undisputed, unanimous choice among our staff for best sand quality in the world goes to this wide creamy-soft stretch, also blessed with laidback beach bars and restaurants. If you don't like the sand at Shoal Bay East, perhaps there are some beaches on the moon that will satisfy you.TOP BEACHES FOR BARING IT ALL
Sometimes you just need an all-over tan, right? Whether legally designated as a nude beach or simply de facto (though we can't condone it officially of course...) these stretches are the perfect spots to let your inhibitions go, let the sun hit your entire body, and simply enjoy the feel of the sand and water as nature intended. It's something you just have to try once...
Colombier Beach, St. Barts
The oh-so-French island of St. Barts has no problem with nudity just about anywhere on its shores, but we love Colombier especially for its relative isolation. You get here only by boat or by half hour walk along a scenic path. That means that usually this spectacular beach is fairly empty, perfect for those shy first-timersPlum Bay, St. Martin
Located on the sexy French side of St. Martin, this soft beige bay is quiet and romantic, in other words perfect for getting sun without tan lines. Rent one the villas set right on this beach and don't be surprised to have the whole thing to yourself.Orient Bay, St. Martin
We couldn't even put a picture of this beach, it's so replete with those strolling the sand in the buff. Technically, only one end of Orient Beach is reserved for naturists, but topless sunbathing is very common (this is France, after all), and you're likely to see several nude bathers wandering in common territory. If this bothers you, stay away. If not, join in and enjoy