Hotels Archives - World's Best Beaches

Grand Wailea in Wailea Beach, Maui, Hawaii

Located 17 miles south of Kahului Airport, 27 miles southeast of Lahaina, on the famous stretch of sand known as Wailea Beach sits the Grand Wailea Resort. It’s the sister hotel to the livelier Four Seasons at Hualalai, and both owned by Michael Dell of Dell Computers fame. They are really at opposite ends of the social scale, but that’s fine because they are both known to provide unerring service, world-class dining and gracious accommodations with amenities you just want to take back home with you.

Upscale certainly doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. In fact, there’s more fun at Grand Wailea than most resorts on Maui.

I’ve heard that the people here at the Grand Wailea take care very seriously. I’ve never been, but have driven by the location several times. It does sound like it’s true, at least in the dining department - they have six restaurants as of this writing and one called Humuhumunukunukuapuaa seems to be a favorite.

Picture yourself dining oceanside on some incredible cuisine, while at the same time watching that big red Hawaiian sun disappear into the sea. That sounds pretty relaxing to me.

Some people come here just to unwind, but others engage in all sorts of activities that the hotel has to offer. For example, there are the golf courses, world famous - I know from living in Naples, Florida that golf courses are a way of life for many and if they are world famous, well, the top players know them and have played them.

There are spas, restaurants (oh, I mentioned that) and a cool boardwalk that winds its way through the property. And what is cool is to see cattle from a near by ranch make their way down to the shoreline to drink from a natural spring close to the Grand Wailea. I want to go now - Grand Wailea, and familiarization passes?

If eating every meal at the hotel is OK, then you’re fine, but if you plan to eat out or explore, you’re going to need a rental car. There are many, many companies serving the island of Maui. Shop around for the best deals before you leave home.

The view will awe you - looking out at that beach from your room every moment you peek through the window. It’s enough to close your eyes and record to take back home with you. So make your reservation soon for this complex. From all I can gather it is well worth staying here once, and quite possibly come back time after time.

Baby Beach Aruba

Bright tropical fish swim through the clear blue water, so snorkelers will find plenty to observe. If you get tired of sitting on the beach, wander up to the hotels - most of them have ocean-side gardens and their own watertsports centers that are open to the public. Expect snorkeling gear to rent for US $15 per day, and snorkeling trips to cost US $25-35. Crowded with snorkelers at the passes where the best views are. Also strong current and surf in the passes when we were there in December. Visit and tour the Aloe factory or view the beautiful landscape or go golfing, enjoy the island sun tanning, sunbathing or scuba diving & snorkeling in the warm ocean waters. Also see the best of many restaurants and places to eat, recommend use the tourist tips while vacationing check your travel guide.

Baby Beach a windy day, always windy in Aruba from constant trade winds

It’s a sightseeing experience you’ll never forget: you’ll see the California Lighthouse, the Baby Natural Bridge and other key sights, including ultra popular Baby Beach, where you can go snorkeling or swimming. Our friendly and daring guides, experts in Aruba’s past and present, will give a detailed account of what you’re seeing along the way. The snorkeling at this location is great for kids or travelers new to snorkeling. However, for more experienced snorkelers, it is recommended to try Malmonk or Arashi Beach.

baby beach, aruba

Always remember to take your underwater camera and sunscreen!!! There are many disposables that work underwater - bring them from home as they are cheaper than buying them on the island. Keep them out of the hot sun.

There are no facilities of any kind nearby and the surf is extremly rough and dangerous for swimming. Topless sunbathing and swimming is not against the law, and tolerated on most beaches in the resort areas, but not on resort grounds!!! The 200 foot opening that forms the natural bridge was carved out of solid rock by the surf and wind. While interesting, I wouldn’t recommend it unless you are tired of shopping, beaches and want to see something unique. Hi there Lisa, on the photograph underneath Surfside Beach, you see that there isn’t any kind of facility whatsoever. However, just a bit farther ahead there is Havana Beach Bar where there are some beach facilities and bar.

Little Lagoon aka Baby Beach

Furthermore, several Caribbean beaches have change and shower facilities, shade huts and water sport equipment provided by Aruba resorts and hotels. For travelers in search of more privacy, a number of public beaches offer dazzling blue water and immaculate sand without the crowds. What’s more, many of the island’s finest resorts and hotels overlook the popular beach, granting a short walk to paradise for many travelers. Additionally, many resorts offer watersports equipment, shade huts and lounge chairs for their guests. Breathe in fresh tropical breezes bringing the captivating scents of our island retreat into each corner of our impeccably renewed Aruba hotel and resort. Delight in the beauty of our new design, from intimate gathering spaces to elegantly modern guestrooms.

Best Snorkeling Reefs in Cozumel

Jill & Butch Snorkeling at Chankanaab Park Cozumel

A Cozumel Shore Tour can not only save you money but also valuable vacation time by enabling you to plan and organize your holiday well in advance. But you’d better listen up when they announce when and where you’re going, because this is one destination you don’t want to miss. Join your fellow shipmates for the best snorkeling tour in Cozumel. And there’s a great snorkeling trip in Cozumel that offers you two great snorkeling stops inside Cozumel’s Underwater Marine Park.

One of the best snorkeling outings we did was the float down, with the current, over the Palancar coral reef. It’s fun, but know that you’ll be getting into deep water off the back of a boat that is about a mile off shore. Yes, there are other shipmates that go along, but I didn’t think that the tour operator could have really “saved” someone if they were in deep trouble. So, know that you should be a fairly good swimmer. There is not much swimming, but you would have to swim back to the boat if you needed help.

Snorkeling in Cozumel at Chankanaab.

Chankanaab Reef

Here is a picture of how you’ll be getting into the water at Chankanaab Reef. It’s rocky and clear and anything. The island is covered by lush vegetation and surrounded by a rocky coastline, interrupted only by ivory colored beaches, stunningly beautiful lagoons, and dense mangroves. The warm turquoise waters of Cozumel are incredibly clear and they shelter the second largest reef system in the world. The distances that are travelled are less than 10 minutes by boat from the beach of your hotel to best reefs of Cozumel Island.

From there just walk downhill to the beach, you will see the cove to the left. After snorkeling, passengers will enjoy all beach facilities, domestic drinks and a delicious buffet lunch at a private beach club. One hour before returning time, passengers will be taken into downtown for a great shopping. Departing from one of Cozumel’s most beautiful beaches this is the private charter excursion that really gives you everything, both above and below the water.

Snorkeling in Cozumel, Mexico

Once we arrive to the first shallow reef, you will jump into the water for snorkeling among the colorful fish and enjoy the beauty of the coral formations, always accompanied by our bilingual and experienced snorkel guide. If you decide to stay onboard and admire the fish and cozumel marine life from the comfort of the Glass Bottom Boat, you can enjoy a cold drink, while the rest of the group snorkel their way in cozumel reefs. The water was very shallow, and the fish were plentiful. We kept coming face to face with great barracuda in two feet of water, though. That wall is covered in sponges and corals just like the deep reefs and populated by a plethora of juvenile fish of the same varieties as found on deep dives, just smaller. This wall is especially beautiful in late afternoon when the sun angle lights up the reds and yellows which you seldom get to see at depth.

Blue Bay Beach - Mauritius

Mahebourg is a larger town in Mauritius and Blue Bay Beach is close. Because of this, Blue Bay Beach can get kind of crowded on weekends. But during the week, you may have this long beauty all to yourself - well, almost.

Blue Bay is named for the crystal-clear ice blue water. This is one of those beaches in the world where it is simply hard to get a bad picture. The contrasts are simply amazing.

To get the best shots, make sure your camera is set to “beach” or “sun” or “outdoors”. Best times are mid morning and late afternoon. You can sneak in a great shot at other times, as well. Just make sure you don’t position yourself where you’ll get too much glare.

Next, compose your shot with plenty of contrast. For beach shots here, it’s easy. Get about half sand and half sky. And make sure you get some great sky - with few clouds. The blues are amazing here (and at other beaches as well).

Blue Bay Beach is located on the southeast side of the main island and is very easily accessible. When in Mahebourg, just ask the directions to Blue Bay… and take the camera.

Blue Bay - BEACH INDEX:

Sand - medium powder, all coral based.
Facilities - full.
Shade - trees line the coast here. Nice.
Sports - snorkeling, diving, and a few others - ask at hotels - their venue changes with seasons.
Notes - will get crowded on weekends.

We make our way to a small fishing village next. Hard work as a fisherman, but what a view! Let’s visit the Cap, Next! >>

Playa Hotelera - San Jose del Cabo

When we reviewed this beach, the Playa Hotelera, we thought that Hotelera was kind of a cop out for a name for the beach. Yes, it’s along hotel alley, but still, maybe “Big-Wide Beach” would have been OK. Not complaining, just observing. San Jose del Cabo’s Playa Hotelera is a perfect spot for any string of hotels. Walk out of the hotel and you’re on the beach. Remember the surf here can get wild, so if you venture to swim, ask at the hotel if it is OK. Getting here is not hard, and you’ll find staying in this area very affordable. It is the leaving that always takes a little getting used to.

Just a mile from historic downtown San Jose del Cabo, Playa Hotelera (Hotel Beach), is beautiful. Unfortunately, it’s another one the beaches in the area where you can stay on the sand but out of the water.

The shore runs steeply into the ocean and is dangerous for swimming. Once in the surf, there are tricky currents that wash around the whole Cabo area and have been known to take just about anything out to sea - including people.

Well, we don’t want that to happen. But at the same time, we had to tell you about this gem. It’s easy to get to and happening because it’s one of the prime places you’ll find an exciting game of beach volleyball.

Fitness enthusiasts call this beach favorite. It’s compacted perfectly to allow for a nice jog. That makes it a nice people-watching beach in our book. Oh, and you’ll find those dawn and dusk surf fishermen here as well.

Just around sunrise, this beach becomes dotted with those trying to outsmart fish as they begin their search for a morning meal. Try your hand at it, too. If you’re taking a break from sports fishing, head on out to San Jose del Cabo and Playa Hotelera. Morning and evening are the best times as that is when the big ones are looking for something to eat.

Along Hotelera, you’ll find a nice promenade running just south of Plaza Caracol. And if you’re bringing the kids - this is one of the only beaches in the Los Cabos area to sport a play area. It’s across from the Fiesta Inn. Next door is a miniature golf course and the Rusty Putter restaurant. Plan a full day of fun!

We found the Don Manuel Orantes Sea Turtle Camp exciting. Just look for the Presidente Inter-Continental Hotel and the turtles are right next door. The San Jose Estuary is here as well. You’ll have a chance to see some of the most spectacular birds and wildlife - all native to the area.

To get to Playa Hotelera - you really can’t miss it. Walk down through any of the hotels, or open alleys between them, and onto the sand.

Playa Hotelera - BEACH INDEX:

Sand - the gold continues with Hotelera. Little shell/coral, mostly from rock.
Facilities - throughout - hotels abound here.
Shade - some huts along the beach, especially near the promenade area.
Sports - beach volley, sports fishing, jogging, walking.
Notes - stay out of the water here. Heavy undertow.

Head on out the East Cape Beaches! The most extreme adventurers hang out here, and you won’t believe the pictures! Next >>