Islands

Summer
top
ten

Beaches> a perfect place to melt away a day.

That’s what we’re looking for, dreaming of
beaches where the summer season and the island
vibe meet in lazy harmony. We found it on hun-
dreds of beaches, but none that seem to capture
it better than Hawaii’s Waimanalo Beach, on
the southeast shore of Oahu. Miles of soft-white
sand for relaxing, a gentle slope into the water
for swimming (with lifeguards), a quiet water-
front park of ironwood trees for strolling — it’s
all iconically perfect. But the sleepy neighbor-
hood next door bubbles Waimanalo to the top.
From the beach down a grassy public right of way
and up three blocks is the red-cottage restaurant
of Sweet Home Waimanalo, next door to the waimanalo
Naturally Hawaiian Art Gallery. Order a slow- beach, oahu
cooked barbecue lunch and acai bowl wrapped
up for a beach picnic. Across the street, the Honolulu Polo
Club hosts matches on Sunday summer afternoons at what
club president Allen Hoe calls “the foot of the magnificent
Koolau Range in the woodsy, salt-kissed flavor of Hawaii’s
countryside.” The day ends a one-minute walk from the beach
at Hale Nalo, a three-suite rental home with the new Zen
Treehouse loft. “Guests often have the beach all to themselves,”
says Hale Nalo owner Herlinda Lopez. “They always mention
this while deliriously happy.” Rates from $165. halenalo.com
> islands ranked summer beaches based on recommendations from our Sunrise isn’t
editors and contributors as well as local experts and readers with first- the only time
g r e g vau g h n

hand insight. We sought relaxing beaches within relatively easy reach in ­Waimanalo
scenic locations favored by locals with authentic restaurants and accom- Beach on Oahu’s
modations nearby. Accessibility led to Caribbean and Hawaii choices for southeast shore is
this list; see 60 top beach picks from around the world at islands.com/best. serenely inviting.

72 D e c e m b e r 2 0 0 9 isl a n d s . c om 73
 The Best

Beaches

Simply relax on
Anguilla’s Meads
Bay (left), or ride
on the Bahamas’
Pink Sands Beach
(below). Either way
can be a perfect day.

­Hotel & Spa on a bluff over the beach.

Retire to a hotel suite upstairs and
watch the sunset from a private ter-
race. From there you can take in an
expansive view of the wonderfulness

2
Meads bay, anguilla that is Meads Bay. So cool. Sum-
> Bays scooped from the shore- mer rates from $430. malliouhana.com
line like ice cream, sand as soft

3
and bright as fresh snow. That Pink Sands Beach, bahamas
is the cool vibe of Anguilla’s celebrat- > For a famous beach that’s ac-
ed beaches. On any Caribbean sum- tually pink — thanks to tiny bits
mer day, the island’s 33 beaches — all of red shell in the white sand —
public — are can’t-go-wrong choices. there’s room to relax and roam. “In the
But this summer, Meads Bay may be summer, a crowd is 20 people,” says Rob-
the place to be. With the same amount ert Arthur, who runs ­myharbourisland
of sand but fewer visitors than famous .com and Arthur’s Bakery on Harbour
Shoal Bay East, the smooth crescent of Island. “I like to walk the entire three-
Meads Bay has the recent additions of mile length of the beach, play in the
the open-air Jacala restaurant and new surf, go for a horseback ride. Have your

f r o m t o p : ja m e s schwab e l / a l a m y; e l l e n r oo n e y / f o t o t e ca 9 x 1 2
Malakh Day Spa on the beach. “If you privacy if you want, or end up having
want a blend of good hotels, five-star lunch with folks you meet on the beach.”
Caribbean-fusion restaurants and a Speaking of which, Robert’s lunch pick
pure stretch of sand so fine that you’ll is a lobster sandwich, wrapped up for
even notice the smallest pebble under- a beach picnic, from the Blue Bar at
foot, Meads Bay is the perfect choice,” Pink Sands Resort. That resort is the
says Nori Evoy, who covers the island largest one on this barely-wider-than-
for anguilla-beaches.com. the-beach island. Nearly everything is
For the perfect day here, this lo- within walking distance, including the
“I like to walk the cal expert recommends breakfast at historic village of Dunmore Town, once
length of the beach, Straw Hat (try the Anguillan crayfish the capital of the Bahamas. The colo-
play in the surf, go omelet), kayaking off the beach, lunch nial homes and pineapple trees fit nicely
for a horseback ride. at Jacala (chilled local cucumber soup), alongside Pink Sands’ 25 cottages. And
lounging on the beach, and dinner our resort contact promises us, “The
Have your privacy at Michel Rostang (with a choice of beach is never, ever crowded.” Sum-
if you want.” 25,000 bottles of wine) in ­Malliouhana mer rates from $600. pinksandsresort.com

74
 The Best

Beaches

Islands the way

4
Hanalei bay, kauai the St. Regis Princeville Resort on
they used to be. > The famous Dr. Beach (see the bayfront bluff next to Hanalei
p. 70) put this two-mile cres- Beach Park and a quiet nook of sand.
cent of sandy perfection on the Rates from $365. stregisprinceville.com
very top of his 2009 Top 10 beaches, EXOTIC CAYE BEACH RESORT

5
island or otherwise. The peaks, the Cane Garden Bay, BVI AMBERGRIS CAYE
palms, the pier — all frame Hanalei Bay > Honestly, the British Virgin Your relaxation destination when in Belize. Our
as the Hawaii of timeless daydreams. Islands could have had their one or two bedroom suites are equipped with
“The clear emerald waters are perfect for own “Best Summer Beaches” kitchen, living and dining areas, cable TV and
wireless internet. All are beachfront and
swimming during the tranquil summer list. So our experts helped narrow the complete with balconies. Swimming pool. Cafe.
months,” Dr. Beach notes in his ranking. search down to Tortola for its small Beach Bar. Restaurant. PADI Dive Centre.
“The laid-back little village is a good beachfront communities with just Fitness center. Tennis courts.
place for refreshments.” In ­Hanalei enough going on in the summer — but Tel: (501) 226-2870
Town, try the coconut ice cream at the not too much. Locals love the golden www.exoticcaye.com
info@exoticcaye.com
new Pink’s Creamery. Or next door beach and spectacular snorkeling of
at Kauai Nut Roasters, get a bag of Brewers Bay and the picnic parties on
Cane Garden Bay, BVI
­coconut Kona coffee pecans for munch- Beef Island’s Long Bay across the bridge.
ing while strolling along the Hanalei Yet islands reader Traci O’Dea sent ROATAN CHARTER
Pier, built in 1892 and featured in South us one of the best beach descriptions clouds. It’s perfect. That’s why I live Specialists in the overlooked islands of the
Pacific. The bay is also the ideal spot to we’ve read: “I love Cane Garden Bay in here.” Feel like you live here too when Western Caribbean since 1981. Let our Belize
try paddle boarding, where the calm the summer because, unlike the winter you rent the three-bedroom Cane Gar- travel specialist’s design the vacation that is
right for you. Free tour catalog features scuba
Hanalei river rolls gently to the small months when Cane boasts the biggest den Bay Beach House. Summer weekly diving, jungle lodges, rafting, cave tubing, fishing,
waves by the pier. Move west down surf in the BVI, the sea is as calm as a rates from $3,200. tortolabeach.com Mayan ruins and more. Lowest airfares, group
along the beach for bigger surfing or swimming pool. I’ll spend the day in incentives, travel agents welcome.

6
up-river for bigger kayaking — what- the water, swimming from one end of Paia beach, maui Tel: 800-282-8932
ever the summer day brings. the bay to the other or just limin’ with > Cue the summer montage of info@roatan.com
www.roatan.com
Sleeping near the beach, though, a nutmeg-sprinkled rum punch from beach barbecues, beach races
takes some advance planning. Out- one of the beachside bars. Summer and beach concerts. The little
side of rentals, there’s the Hanalei sunsets over Jost Van Dyke color the town of Paia on this little beach blos-
Inn in town, plus an islands ­favorite, sky with taffy pastels and cotton-candy soms with the annual Paia Fest, set for
June 27 this year. It’s a naturally happy RADISSON FORT GEORGE
place already. “The sand is yellow and HOTEL & MARINA
Hanalei Bay, Kauai impossibly soft, and the waves roll in BELIZE CITY
with typical North Shore perfection,” Premier hotel offers fine dining, two
says islands editor Adrienne Egolf. restaurants, Le Petit Cafe, two pools, fitness
room, conference facilities and full-service
“Then with sandy feet, you walk across marina. Daily tours to the reef, rainforest and
the street to the Paia Fish Market for an archaeological sites.
ahi sandwich and Maui Brewing ­Bikini Tel: 800-333-3333
Blonde Lager, followed by a papaya sor-

g r e g vau g h n ; o p p os i t e : e l l e n r oo n e y / g e t t y i m ag e s
betto from Ono Gelato. For someone
who loves Hawaii and the beach, this is
The pristine beauty perfection.” And so much really is just
of Bora Bora remains a summer stroll away from this beach.
Walk to 15 boutiques and galleries on
untouched by time. Paia or, if you want extra sand, the two-
mile-long Baldwin Beach Park next
door. But make sure to end your day
with one of those summer beach bar-
becues, with live jazz, at the Paia Inn
Hotel. It’s right on the beach, of course,
and could be your happiest place on
earth. Rates from $189. paiainn.com
TahitiTourism.com
1~877~GO ~TAH ITI
76
Fax: 011-501-227-3820
amin.dredge@radisson.com
www.radisson.com/belizecitybz
XANADU ISLAND RESORT
AMBERGRIS CAYE
If you’re looking for an Island getaway that will
rejuvenate your mind, body and soul, then look
no further. Xanadu Island Resort lies hidden on
an inviting palm lined beach, overlooking the
Caribbean and the Barrier Reef.
Tel: 011-501-226-2814
info@xanaduresort-belize.com
www.xanaduresort-belize.com

T R AV E L A D V I S O R Y B OA R D
e x c l u s i v e l y V i r t u o s o
Our intrepid board members routinely cover
the globe to bring you the most fascinating
and rewarding travel experiences…
RUTH TURPIN
Cruised down the Amalfi
Coast on the opulent Crystal
Serenity. First-class service
through Portofino, Sorrento
and the Isle of Capri proved
the perfect getaway.
LISA MANZILLO
Indulged in paradise at Le
Taha’a Private Island & Spa
on the secluded island of
Raiatea near Bora Bora.
Impeccable service made
this exclusive retreat feel
like heaven on earth.
TOM DE ROSE
Enjoyed quiet beaches at the
ultra-private Capella Pedregal
Residences in Cabo San
Lucas, Mexico before setting
sail for adventure and beauty
in the Sea of Cortez aboard
Cruise West.
BETTY JO CURRIE
Found Tiamo, a thatched-
roof paradise at the
southern end of Andros
Island in the Bahamas
ideal for those who love
barefoot luxury, kayaking
and bonefishing.
KARIMAH DOSSA
Watched spinner dolphins
frolic, snoozed on sandy
white beaches, tackled the
famous Koloiki Ridge hike and
mastered the links on Hawaii’s
beautiful island of Lanai.
MONIKA WEINSOFT
Discovered the perfect
blend of understated luxury,
gourmet meals, idyllic
beaches, world-class diving
and rugged mountain terrain
on Lizard Island in northern
Queensland, Australia.
Find a specialist • Book a trip
Expand your horizons
www.Islands.com/virtuoso
The Best
Beaches
Fly Free from Nassau
a beach bar and watch the sunset’s green
flash with a few new friends. Isn’t that
to the Bahama Out Islands*
what summer is all about?” The Pigeon
www.MyOutIslands.com/FlyFree
*minimum stay and restrictions apply
Point Heritage Park ensures the natural
atmosphere and helps with the stellar
snorkeling at Buccoo Reef. Just south
of Pigeon Point, the Coco Reef Resort
offers even more amenities, though you
may be already too relaxed for the spa.
Summer rates from $326. cocoreef.com
Valentines Resort, Marina and Beach Club Treasure Cay Hotel Resort & Marina
10
HARBOUR ISLAND ABACO
îlet pinel, st. martin Unparalleled suite accommodations, state of the art ma- Known for its powdery 3½ mile beach & un-crowded, laid-
rina, fine dining & spectacular white powder sand beaches back atmosphere. It’s the ideal base for island hopping, fish-
> On any trip to St. Martin, make Valentines the most memorable of all getaways! ing, boat rentals, scuba diving, snorkeling & water-sports.
set aside a day to wile away Mention Promo Code: ISLANDS www.TreasureCay.com • 800-327-1584
www.ValentinesResort.com • 800-848-4073
on this northeastern mini-
island. The ferry takes you to the Kari-
buni and Yellow Beach restaurants on
the main beach; your feet can take you
Sun Bay Beach, Vieques away from the day-trippers to quieter
beaches on the far side of Pinel. “It’s Stella Maris Resort Club Staniel Cay Yacht Club
LONG ISLAND THE EXUMAS
blissful, especially in the late afternoon Superb beaches and water sports; beautiful rooms-cottages- Soothe your body, mind and soul with small island charm.
7
bungalows; attentive services and old fashioned hospitality; Your balcony will literally overhang the clearest waters in
Sun Bay Beach, vieques island that’s all about spending a sum- with golden sunlight spilling over St. on tranquil Long Island, in the mid-southern Bahamas. the world. Come experience the Exumas.
> Lose yourself in the beach mer day with locals and expats, rent a car Martin’s rolling hills,” says islands www.stellamarisresort.com • 800-426-0466 www.stanielcay.com • 954-467-8920
photo above. Really, just imag- and head up to Rum Point, which still photographer Zach Stovall. “Order a
ine if you could close your eyes has about six miles of beach. This North lobster pulled freshly from a pot in the
right now, make a wish, then open them Sound outpost, which first showed up on sea. The sand is supple, and the snor-
and see yourself on Sun Bay Beach. It’s a a map in 1773, does steer closer to the old keling good.” You will have to leave at
Puerto Rican gem, hiding in plain sight Caribbean vibe. Picnic tables and ham- some point, if only to sleep. Try Cap- Small Hope Bay Lodge Green Turtle Club Resort and Marina
on the southern shore mocks dot the beach tain Oliver’s Resort, down the coast on ANDROS ISLAND ABACO
of Vieques, a glowing outside the Wreck Bar the French-Dutch border. But there’s Totally All-Inclusive! Celebrating 50 years! Unspoiled, powder soft, white sand beaches, crystal clear
21 Beachfront Cottages. Diving, Snorkeling, Fishing, waters, relaxing atmosphere, luxury accommodations,
“Watch the sunset
beacon for beach lov- & Grill, where visitors always tomorrow. Summer rates from Nature Tours & More... Packages Available. world class cuisine and modern amenities.
www.SmallHope.com • 800-223-6961 www.greenturtleclub.com • 1-866-528-0539
ers everywhere. That
includes islands reader
with a few new sip frozen mudslides
and fork up conch frit-
$120. captainolivers.com islands.com/best
Masha Jakubiak, who friends. Isn’t that ters. Or taste some rum
what summer is
celebrated her 47th on a weekend evening
birthday there. “We all about?” in Kaibo’s Upstairs res-
were instantly in awe taurant, which serves Cape Santa Maria Beach Resort & Villas Cape Eleuthera Resort & Yacht Club
of the beauty,” she says. “We swam in the rum-and-pepper braised oxtail and LONG ISLAND ELEUTHERA
Untouched…undiscovered…barefoot elegance in a Nestled on a private 4300-acre beach preserve with the
warm water and saw several wild horses 30 Caribbean rums. Live like an expat Caribbean paradise. Enjoy luxurious beachfront Bahamas largest watersports program. Pristine beaches,
accommodation, sumptuous cuisine, ocean adventures luxury oceanview townhomes & dive center.
running along the beach.” That natural with a house rental from Cayman Kai.
pa r aso l a . n e t / a l a m y; o p p os i t e : f r i d m a r da m m
and mile after mile of silky sand beach. Ranked #2 of all 373 Bahamas Hotels.
scenery is practically uninterrupted by Summer rates from $295. caymankai.com www.capesantamaria.com • 1-800-663-7090 www.capeeleuthera.com • 888-270-9642
civilization, except for a few facilities.
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But the town of Esperanza is less than pigeon point, tobago
a mile west, with accommodations in- > If you’ve ever seen a Tobago
cluding the Villa Coral guest house. brochure, you’ve likely seen
Rates from $85. villacoralguesthouse.com Pigeon Point. Yet this beach still Fernandez Bay Village Pigeon Cay
seems undiscovered. “A coconut plan- CAT ISLAND BAHAMAS CAT ISLAND BAHAMAS
8
rum point, grand cayman tation serves as a lush backdrop, with Discover the breath taking beauty and relaxed atmosphere
of Fernandez Bay Village. 12 beachfront cottages on a mile
A remote piece of paradise, the cottages offer the ultimate
in seclusion and breathtaking views. Located steps from a
> Seven Mile Beach certainly a few thatched-roof restaurants lining of sugary white sand, outdoor dining, tiki-bar, water sports. private 3-mile stretch of white, powdery sand beach.
www.fernandezbayvillage.com www.pigeoncaybahamas.com
deserves the notoriety — and the sand,” says islands editor Eddy 1-800-940-1905 or 1-954-474-4821 242-354-5084
the luxury resorts, spas and Patricelli. “Walking the beach means Pigeon Point, Tobago
restaurants. But for a Grand Cayman passing through a quaint little town. Sit at
www.MyOutIslands.com/FlyFree  Call 866-689-5505
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