Our Favorite Dreamy Beaches in the Caribbean

Daydreaming about the Caribbean conjures images of relaxing on your own stretch of pearly white sand, swimming in turquoise waters and sipping tropical cocktails. This vision comes to life when you sail with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection to some of the most pristine beaches in the region.

With 32 remote islands and cays boasting emerald hills, postcard-worthy harbors and boutique hotels, St. Vincent and the Grenadines boasts some of the best scenery — and smallest crowds — in the Caribbean. Perhaps the most idyllic island of them all, though, is the pint-sized Bequia, whose name means "island of the clouds" in the ancient Arawak language. Spanning just seven square miles, the island manages to pack paradise into nearly every inch, thanks to its pristine tropical shoreline. Perhaps the most notable stretch of sand is Princess Margaret Beach, which rose to global fame in the 1960s when the eponymous British royal honeymooned on its shore, but with turquoise waters, white sands and calm waves around every bend, the rest of the island is equally as mesmerizing.

A volcanic archipelago of two islands and seven uninhabited islets surrounded by thriving coral reefs and clear seas, Les Saintes is a sea lover’s paradise. Small at just over two square miles, Terre-de-Haut is the most developed of the group, thanks to an anchorage-rich coastline of scenic bays, natural harbors, quiet beaches and charmingly picturesque villages. The mood is decidedly unhurried and feels like a slice of southern France transported to the Caribbean, with days devoted to beachgoing, hiking, snorkeling and diving. The bay here is on UNESCO's list of most beautiful bays in the world — and, when paddling along the shoreline of the unspoiled Pain de Sucre Beach in a clear-bottomed kayak, you'll understand why.

The third largest of the British Virgin Islands, Virgin Gorda is known for its pristine beaches, dramatic geology, unspoiled landscapes and the iconic Baths. Often hailed as one of the Caribbean’s most stunning natural attractions, the Baths are a collection of massive granite boulders just off the island’s southernmost point that give way to a series of otherworldly grottos, arches and tide pools. An awe-inspiring stroll through the cavernous surroundings takes you to the sandy stretches of Spring Bay and Devil’s Bay, where unparalleled swimming and snorkeling await. Venture a bit further and you’ll find the Top of the Baths restaurant, where the only thing to rival the rum punch is the view of the landscape below.

Climb aboard a catamaran to cruise along St. Lucia’s west coast to the simply sublime Marigot Bay and discover why it’s often referred to as the most beautiful bay in the Caribbean. Flanked on three sides by steep, forested hills that create a safe harbor for visiting yachts, this gorgeous stretch of shoreline just south of Castries is a veritable tropical paradise, complete with white sand beaches and swaying palm trees. Chic resorts and stylish cafes pepper the coastline, making Marigot Bay a perfect place to while the day away.

Kittitians take the art of enjoying life seriously — so seriously, in fact, that they even have a word for it: limin’. To lime is to have a good time and, as any local will tell you, one of the best places to experience this island-wide ethos is at South Friar's Beach. Head to the east end to enjoy world class snorkeling or watch the sunset in one of the wonderfully ramshackle beach bars for an ice-cold beer in the shade. After soaking up the sun’s rays, you can soak up the scenery as you dine at one of the Caribbean's most elegant restaurants, the Carambola Beach Club, which boasts an exquisite sushi menu and a 4,000-bottle wine cellar. 

A paradise of white sand beaches, thatched houses and turquoise waters, life is refreshingly uncomplicated in Guna Yala. While the locals have embraced outboard motors and mobile phones, they mostly live like their ancestors did. You’ll see men farming coconuts and women selling colorful appliqué cloth molas. Chill out on the beach, shop for molas and dine on red snapper and coconut rice. Wash it all down with a glass of the local ‘Coco Loco’, a delicious blend of milk and rum served up in a freshly harvested coconut.

The adventures of writer Ernest Hemingway and other famed anglers sparked the transformation of the Bahamian outpost into a destination in the 1930s. Fishing remains a major draw, alongside the hotels, casinos and nightlife that are concentrated along North Bimini’s beautiful beaches. Beyond the sands, snorkeling and diving at a nearby shipwreck and the mysterious underwater formation known as Bimini Road spark intrigue, while authentic out-island experiences, like hiking a deserted cay or diving off the coast of North Cat Cay, beckon adventurers.

Exclusive yet unpretentious, Saint Barth’s barefoot elegance is distinctly Gallic in style. Around a scenic harbor filled with yachts and sailboats, the tidy capital of Gustavia is a chic mix of designer boutiques, galleries and fine restaurants serving elevated French-Caribbean cuisine. The town is an ideal base for exploring the island’s diverse array of white sand beaches, ranging from the tranquil natural beauty of isolated Colombier to the sleek hotels and exclusive beach clubs along Baie de St. Jean.

Gorgeous beaches, aquamarine waters, abundant sunshine and cooling trade winds have long been Aruba’s calling card. This Dutch island captivates with diverse outdoor options —world-class golfing, windsurfing, snorkeling and diving — the distinctly bent divi-divi trees and striking geological formations. The desert-like landscapes and rugged coastline of Arikok National Park are the focus of eco-explorations, while Eagle Beach is considered one of the world’s best beaches, thanks to its gentle waves and clear water.