Date of publication 18/06/2017

Beach Tourism Five distinctive beach destinations for travelers in the know

Beaches have always held a special appeal for travelers looking to unwind. The gentle sound of the waves, salty sea air, and warm light create a unique atmosphere where both body and mind can slow down. A walk along the water, a swim in the sea, or simply feeling the sand beneath your feet can make time by the coast especially restorative. Walking barefoot on the sand is another simple pleasure that lets you experience your surroundings more fully.

The beach is the perfect place to disconnect, relax, and recharge. Here are five exceptional seaside destinations that each stand out for their own distinctive character.

SAONA ISLAND, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

A favorite with filmmakers for its remarkable beaches and castaway-island atmosphere, Saona Island is part of Cotubanamá National Park and is protected for its natural value. It can be reached by speedboat or catamaran, and the responsible authorities work to keep visitor numbers under control.

Its beaches stretch along wide sandbars, perfect for wading through shallow water and discovering extensive areas where starfish can be found.

Among the island's best-known spots are Catuano and Mano Juan, with their palapas, small local stores known as colmados, and fresh lobster grilled by the sea.

For travelers looking for a beachfront hotel with particularly convenient access to the island, Iberostar Selection Hacienda Dominicus in Bayahibe is the closest base. Boats to the island depart just minutes from the hotel. Excursions can also be arranged from Punta Cana, a little over an hour away, where JOIA Bávaro by Iberostar is one of the most popular hotels for couples who prefer to stay in this part of the country. Ready to discover the island? Explore our hotels in the Dominican Republic.

CATALINA ISLAND, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

Just off the coast of La Romana lies Catalina Island, which has preserved much of its original character thanks to its status as a protected natural park. Beach lovers will find fine white sand as well as caves and reefs that invite exploration beneath the surface.

Not far from the coast lie the remains of the ship of legendary 17th-century pirate Captain William Kidd. Beyond its history, however, much of the island's appeal comes from its laid-back atmosphere. After a boat trip, you can settle into a lounge chair or enjoy a seafood lunch with local beer right on the beach.

Many of these excursions also depart from Bayahibe, so if you're staying in the area, you can combine visits to Saona and Catalina in the same trip.

<h2>Frenchman’s Cove, Jamaica</h2>

<p>Frenchman’s Cove Beach <strong><strong>walks the fine line between wild jungle and relaxed paradise.</strong></strong><strong> </strong>Just down the road from Port Antonio, the hidden cove is manicured by nature, astounding its lucky visitors. Pink mango tree blossoms and subtle little cliffs flank the sides of the sea entrance, dominated by the ultraclean sands. <strong>The small blue lagoon </strong>and the dense vegetation that surrounds it make for an utterly<strong> unique paradise destination. </strong></p>

<p>SHAWN MOKSVOLD I 18/06/2017</p>

FRENCHMAN'S COVE BEACH, JAMAICA

Frenchman's Cove Beach combines untamed tropical nature with a relaxed beach atmosphere in a particularly striking way. Close to Port Antonio, this secluded cove seems almost shaped by nature itself, surprising visitors with its exceptional setting. Pink mango blossoms and small rocky cliffs frame the entrance to the sea, where fine, clean sand stretches along the shore.

Where a freshwater river flows into the sea, calm water and tropical scenery come together to create a distinctive setting. The surrounding tropical vegetation gives the cove its unmistakable, exotic character and makes it an appealing place for photography.

Make time to visit during your stay on the island. Discover our hotels in Jamaica and experience the special charm of Frenchman's Cove for yourself.

<h2>Negril, Jamaica</h2>

<p>Unparalleled diversity and beauty make Negril a rare gem, even by Jamaican standards.  The juxtaposition of <strong>rugged cliffs, sugar white sand and pristine waters astound lucky visitors</strong>. And if that weren’t enough, the area hosts an array of undersea life and <strong>unforgettable scuba diving experiences</strong>. The bars and restaurants along the famous Seven Mile Beach, with its laid back reggae rhythms and happy, inviting locals, boast the flair and character of Jamaica like no other. Snorkelers, divers, sailors and sunbathers alike enjoy this unique corner of the Caribbean and gather at the end of each day to listen to outdoor concerts and to <strong>witness phenomenal mackerel sunsets</strong>.</p>

<p>SHAWN MOKSVOLD I 18/06/2017</p>

DOCTOR’S CAVE BEACH, JAMAICA

For more than a century, Doctor's Cave Beach has been one of Jamaica's best-known beaches. Visitors have been drawn to its soft sand since the 1920s, after an English osteopath claimed to have discovered healing properties in its waters.

Today, it remains one of the best-known places in Montego Bay and is especially popular with snorkeling enthusiasts. Catamarans float on turquoise water, while colorful umbrellas and lifeguard towers stand out against the white sand and lush tropical vegetation.

About a 20-minute drive away, Iberostar Waves Rose Hall Beach is a beachfront hotel in Rose Hall and an ideal base for a trip to Doctor's Cave Beach. For couples, JOIA Rose Hall by Iberostar is one of Montego Bay's best-known hotels for couples, with an adults-only concept designed for romantic stays.

<h2>Akumal, Mayan Riviera</h2>

<p>In the heart of the Mexican Riviera, nestled between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, Akumal is a <strong>snorkeler’s paradise</strong>.  A yearly destination for sea turtles, the waters just off Playa Akumal are a <strong>protected sanctuary of diverse reefs, teeming with undersea fauna like skates and rays, barracudas and bull sharks</strong>. At <a href="http://www.akumaldivecenter.com/snorkeling/" target="_blank">Akumal Dive Center</a><a href="http://www.akumaldivecenter.com/snorkeling/">,</a> snorkelers can take a guided tour through the crystalline waters, and swimmers enjoy the tranquil turquoise shallows for a sublime day at the beach. If you’re looking for relaxation, don’t miss the curved Half Moon Bay and Yal-ku Lagoon, where colorful reefs are naturally protected from the occasional currents and gusty winds. <strong>.</strong></p>

<p>SHAWN MOKSVOLD I 18/06/2017</p>

AKUMAL, RIVIERA MAYA

In the heart of the Riviera Maya, between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, Akumal is a special destination for travelers who enjoy snorkeling. Every year, sea turtles arrive along its shores. The waters off Akumal Beach form a protected refuge with reefs and a diverse range of marine life, including manta rays, barracudas, and bull sharks.

At the Akumal Dive Center, guided excursions take visitors through the clear waters, while the calm turquoise sea also invites you to spend a relaxed day on the beach.

If you're mainly looking for peace and relaxation, make time for Half Moon Bay and Yal-Ku Lagoon as well. There, colorful reefs are naturally sheltered from the wind and currents.

About a 40-minute drive from Akumal, Iberostar Waves Paraíso Beach is a beachfront hotel that makes an ideal base for staying in Playa Paraíso and taking a day trip to Akumal. Iberostar Selection Paraíso Lindo, with its water park featuring slides and a wave pool close to the sea, is an excellent choice for families looking to combine a beach holiday with activities to enjoy together.

Discover Akumal with a stay at one of our hotels in Riviera Maya.

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Iberostar Beachfront Resorts is a leading hotel chain in responsible tourism with 4- and 5-star hotels on the best beaches in the world. Its beachfront resorts are located in destinations such as Mallorca, the Canary Islands, Andalusia, Crete, Morocco, Tunisia, Montenegro, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, Brazil, Jamaica, and Aruba. The hotels are divided into three segments: JOIA by Iberostar, with exquisite, personalized service; Iberostar Selection, which combines elegance and relaxation to enjoy with your loved ones; and Iberostar Waves, the ultimate expression of beachfront fun for families and couples. Its philosophy focuses on living in the present in a positive way while taking care of the natural landscapes that surround its resorts so that future generations can also enjoy them. The partnership between Iberostar and IHG excludes Iberostar’s interests in Cuba.