The perfect beach: Is there such a thing? I think it’s something different for everyone. For me it means soft, powdery sand and clear, calm ocean—and oftentimes delicious food right nearby. I’ve been lucky to find my idea of perfection at several different places around the world. What follows are my top five. Remember, summer may be almost over, but the beach is forever! Plan your getaway now—or at least enjoy the photos.
Meads Bay, Anguilla
My favorite beach is Meads Bay on the Caribbean island of Anguilla. Not only does it have soft white sand and the clearest—and cleanest—ocean I’ve ever seen, it also features a variety of restaurants along the beach. Their prices vary, for those on a budget to those on not so much of one. Try lobster on the beach at Jacala. Also a benefit: At the resort where I stayed, the Carimar Beach Club, each beach chair comes with its own umbrella. It’s perfect for those who enjoy the beach but don’t want to be directly in the sun. Meads Bay wasn’t crowded when I was there, making it feel like my own private getaway. Bonus tip: Anguilla is easily accessible by a quick, affordable ferry ride from St. Maarten (a.k.a. St. Martin)—see two gorgeous islands in one trip!
Bora Bora, Tahiti
I was fortunate enough to travel to Bora Bora in Tahiti, where each resort is on its own island. I stayed at the Four Seasons in a water bungalow right on the lagoon. It’s an excellent option if you’re looking for a sand-free beach vacation: You can access the amazing, clear water right from your bungalow. A reef separates the Pacific Ocean from the lagoon that surrounds Bora Bora, so the water is also very shallow. Because the surface is so glasslike, you definitely have to cake on the sunblock, but an added benefit of the shallowness is that you can see the many tropical fish without even having to step into the water. Bonus tip: The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort includes the must-dine restaurant Lagoon, from superstar chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.
Mahé, Seychelles
If you’re feeling adventurous and want to experience the beauty of the Indian Ocean, you have to visit Seychelles, an archipelago off the eastern coast of Africa. I stayed at the Four Seasons on Mahé Island in a hillside villa—it was like a luxurious tree house with a private plunge pool. The beach, just a few feet away, has sand so soft you sink right into it, and the water is so clear, calm and shallow that even a beginning swimmer would be comfortable taking a dip. Bonus tip: Be sure to check out the island of La Digue (pictured at the top of this post), which is a ferry ride away from Mahé. The beach there looks almost prehistoric and untouched. Bonus tip: You can get refreshing fruits from the stands around the shore, but if you want a can of Coke at a neighboring restaurant, it’ll run you $7!
Turks and Caicos
Although Anguilla is my favorite Atlantic beach, another Caribbean must-see is Turks and Caicos. The sand and ocean are simply fantastic. The water is supercalm and perfect for paddle boarding or a Hobie Cat ride. The white sand is so impeccable, you could skip the beach chairs altogether and lie right on its powdery softness. There are also many great restaurants on the islands, and they range in price from cheap ($10 per person) to pricey ($100 per person), depending on your budget and inclination. Bonus tip: Eat at Da Conch Shack & Rum Bar. The conch is fresh and delicious!
Kauai, Hawaii
Last, but certainly not least, is Poipu Beach on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. The ocean is the perfect temperature, and you won’t ever want to seek land. Even though I enjoyed a sand-free experience in the Pacific, in Bora Bora, the sand here in Kauai was incredible (though not quite as white as I would have liked). Essentially, you can never go wrong with Hawaii. Bonus tip: Be sure to try a Puka Dog. It’s the best Polish sausage hot dog ever, and the garlic mayo definitely doesn’t hurt!
All photos courtesy of Kathleen S. Boodoo