Shade Trees Archives - World's Best Beaches

Grand Anse Beach - The Best Beach

Our selection of Best Beach in Grenada is based on ease of location, condition of the beach and surrounding area, and facilities. Grand Anse Beach has it all. Pure gold sand, as if you could take it away when the sun shines down. When you come to Grenada, make your way here at least one day.

You can spend some time just soaking in the Grenadian way of life by starting at one end and walking slowly to the other end. Before you begin, remind yourself that you are here to relax and that you are going to take it all in: the birds chirping, the sound of the tires on the paved street near by (well, scratch that if you’d like), the gentle Caribbean wind whispering through the palm fronds above you, the din of the local radio playing through the shops and restaurants along the beach, the smell of the ocean, the glimmer of the sun as it touches your skin, the sound of children playing… and on and on. Are you there, yet?

Grand Anse Beach is it, with dive shops complete with snorkel gear, windsurf rental (though there is not much wind on this side of the island) and water sports. And, you can arrive by water taxi. How chic!

But the facilities don’t make the beach - the view does. And Grand Anse Beach won’t let you down. Pristine sand with gentle lapping waves makes for unbelievable clear water. Hugged by the surrounding mountains and coconut palms, and a view to the sea that is breathtaking means you won’t want to pass up at least a full day at what many call the Caribbeans’ number one beach.

BEACH INDEX:

Sand - golden, clean
Facilities - full service
Shade - trees
Sports - full service rentals
Notes - highly recommended, arrive early

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! >>

Little Magens Bay Beach - St .Thomas USVI

Imagine waking up to water in so many shades of blue that you, well, never get use it. A sailboat sails slowly by as it makes its way into deeper water. You hear gulls overhead as they compete with the gentle Caribbean breeze. It’s almost hypnotizing, but you know you’re here in St. Thomas and moments away from planting your feet in that powdery, white sand. This beach is one of my favorites because it’s small and has both sand and rocks and water that will knock you out.

Though nude beaches are not a big thing in the U.S. Virgin Islands (it’s not legal and only unofficially tolerated), there are a few. One of the more popular ones is just down the trail from well-known Magens Bay Beach. To get there, just follow the signs.

We have very few pictures of Little Magens Bay Beach, but these shots will give you an idea of how beautiful Little Magens Bay is.

Little Magens Bay Beach is separated by rocks and water from the grand Magens Bay Beach.

Little Magens Bay BEACH INDEX:

Sand - medium grain/coral composition.
Facilities - must go back to Magens Bay Beach.
Shade - palm trees and afternoon shade from nearby mountain.
Notes - it’s illegal to be nude in the USVI.

Our next beach on St. Thomas offers some spectacular snorkeling! Bring the camera and let’s head northeast - Next! >>

Playa Grande, Cabrera - Dominican Republic

Playa Grande, in the Rio San Juan/Cabrera area is probably known best for serious golfers. Many golfers consider the course here at Playa Grande to be the best in the Dominican Republic. A few have even compared it to Pebble Beach. It was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr. Ten of its holes border the Atlantic Ocean. These are atop dramatic cliffs overlooking our featured beach. Playa Grande has some serious beach front as well.

Located 120 km east of Puerto Plata, Playa Grande Beach was once rated as one of the top ten most beautiful beaches in the world by Conde Nast Travel magazine. As you can see, this expanse of white sand, coconut palm lined paradise is a must see.

Each end of Playa Grande Beach is anchored by rugged coral formations and beautiful cliffs. Some great surfing and boogie boarding can be done at certain places along the beach. Keep your eye out for some of the locals who know the area and surf well.

Behind the tree line are a number of food vendors who offer up some of the finest in traditional Dominican cuisine. And some of the seafood is incredible. You won’t go hungry here - so plan on spending the day.

And if you’re a golfer, well, you won’t want to miss playing a round at the Playa Grande Golf Course. Even if you do poorly, the view is unforgettable. But you won’t. You’ll be SO inspired just being in this wonderful Caribbean dreamland that you’ll no doubt score your best game. And listen, this place is crawling with Pro’s from the world who want to play the links in the Dominican Republic. Come join them and watch and learn. Or play with them. The choice is yours.

Playa Grande BEACH INDEX:

Sand - white/beige coral/rock mix.
Facilities - full service.
Shade - trees, umbrellas.
Sports - full service.
Notes - can get crowded. Recommended.

Playa Cofresi, Puerto Plata - Dominican Republic

Cofresi Beach is located close to Puerto Plata and was named after an infamous Puerto Rican pirate, Captain Roberto Cofresi. This town began much like Buzios, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; a tiny fishing village that went on for years as a sleepy bay on the Atlantic.

Today, Cofresi has changed but only slightly, with high-end hotels and condos offering great views of both Cofresi Beach and the nearby mountains. What a fantastic bay - golden sand blending into crystal clear water. There is only one entrance to the town; a narrow road that runs all the way to the beach. Mountains peak at either side of the city.

Close to Cofresi Beach is the Ocean World & Water Park which houses the world’s largest dolphin lagoon. There is also a sea lion encounter claimed to be best in the world; but what some come for is the world’s first shark interaction pool. Check this out when you’re not at the beach. If you’re in Cofresi, ask anyone for directions.

While here, make sure you check out the local Dominican coffee, which locals say is second only to Colombian. And the cuisine here is special as well. If you can, get a local to shop at Puerto Plata with you for the best choices at the markets. Later, experiment some of the great dishes served in this country. Culture not to be missed.

Playa Cofresi - BEACH INDEX:

Sand - golden, coral/rock content.
Facilities - full service.
Shade - trees along the strand, some huts/umbrellas.
Sports - full service.
Notes - charming beach not likely to be overrun with tourists.

This coastline boast three great beaches. Of the three, Cofresi is the most charming. You will find fun and sun here along with a myriad of water toys that can make your time away from home just that much more exciting. Pictures of Playa Cofresi often appear in magazine all over the world. And now you know why.

Morne Rouge Beach

Morne Rouge Beach in Grenada is a must see. We happened upon Morne Rouge while investigating Grand Anse Beach. We were told that Morne Rouge was well worth a visit. Boy, were they right. The water here is so clear - you’ll be able to see bottom when you’re up to your neck. That’s cool.

Located south of the best beach on Grenada, but not to be overlooked, Morne Rouge Beach is smaller. Since the cove is not as open as Grand Anse Beach, the water is calmer. This beautiful Caribbean spectacle is also more secluded (read romantic).

With only one hotel on the beach, you’ll find Morne Rouge Beach great for getting that book read while taking in the rays, or just relaxing in the Grenadian sunshine.

Because of the smaller than usual cove, Morne Rouge Beach bay is somewhat shallower than other beaches. As a result, the water here is always slightly warmer.

Taking the kids? This is the ideal beach for families because of the fact that it is shallower, warmer, and mostly calm. As a matter of fact, so calm on many days you can see right to the bottom with crystal clear waters.

But what about that romantic quip? Morne Rouge Beach is big enough for families and couples, but small enough to make all the other factors happen as well (warm, calm water).

Take in the ocean and the beautiful Grenadian hillsides as you enjoy your time on the island. This is one stop you will remember for years to come.

BEACH INDEX:

Sand – fine, white powder, clean
Facilities – hotel with restaurant on beach
Shade – adult trees, palm trees
Sport – bring your own gear
Notes - recommended

Gold awaits you on our Best Beach of Grenada. Next >>