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    a sandy beach next to a body of water

    Date of publication 18/06/2017

    Destinations

    Beach Tourism Eight destinations for beachgoers in the know

    Beaches have always been a draw for travelers seeking relaxation, and sometimes the gentle crash of waves and salty air are exactly what the mind and body need. The therapeutic benefits of the beach include warm sunlight — a major source of vitamin D — and minerals from the sea that enhance skin quality and help combat aging and bone-related conditions. Walking barefoot on the sand not only feels wonderful but also naturally exfoliates the skin.
    The beach is the perfect place to unwind, disconnect, and recharge. Here are 8 truly unique seaside destinations that stand out from the rest.

    <h2>Saona Island, Dominican Republic</h2> <p>Famous with filmmakers for its beautiful beaches and its &ldquo;desert island&rdquo; feel, <strong>Saona Island is a protected nature reserve,</strong> part of the Eastern National Park. Accessible by speedboat and catamaran, authorities take great care here to avoid overcrowding. The beaches are formed <strong>by long stretches of sand bars, which provide the perfect conditions for shallow water wading and discovering fields of starfish.</strong> The highlights include the<strong> palapa-lined Catuano and Mano Juan,</strong> with its local colmado markets and barbeques of fresh lobster.</p> <p>SHAWN MOKSVOLD I 18/06/2017</p>

    SHAWN MOSKVOLD

    Famous among filmmakers for its stunning beaches and “desert island” atmosphere, Saona Island is a protected nature reserve, part of the Eastern National Park. Accessible by speedboat or catamaran, the area is carefully managed to prevent overcrowding.
    The beaches are made up of long sandbars, ideal for shallow-water wading and exploring fields of starfish.
    Highlights include Catuano and Mano Juan, lined with palapas, local colmado markets, and grilled lobster barbecues by the sea.
    Would you like to visit? Check out our hotels in the Dominican Republic.

    <h2>Catalina Island, Dominican Republic</h2> <p><strong>Off the coast of La Romana,</strong> Catalina Island is still relatively undeveloped, thanks to its designation as a natural park. Beach lovers enjoy the<strong> exquisite white sand, as well as the caves and reefs waiting to be discovered offshore. </strong>Just below the surface off the coast lies the shipwreck of 17th-century pirate Captain William Kidd, but<strong> it&rsquo;s the relaxed island atmosphere that makes Catalina a perfect spot</strong> for lounging on a beach chair after a soothing boat excursion, or throwing down a beach blanket with a seafood lunch and local beers.</p> <p>SHAWN MOKSVOLD I 18/06/2017</p>

    CATALINA ISLAND, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC

    Just off the coast of La Romana, Catalina Island remains largely undeveloped thanks to its status as a protected natural park. Beach lovers are drawn to its powdery white sand and the caves and coral reefs waiting to be explored offshore.
    Beneath the turquoise waters lies the shipwreck of 17th-century pirate Captain William Kidd, but what truly defines Catalina is its relaxed island vibe, perfect for lounging in a beach chair after a peaceful boat trip or enjoying a seafood picnic and cold local beers right on the sand.

    <h2>Frenchman&rsquo;s Cove, Jamaica</h2> <p>Frenchman&rsquo;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

    Frenchman’s Cove Beach walks the fine line between wild jungle and serene paradise. Just minutes from Port Antonio, this hidden cove feels sculpted by nature itself, astounding visitors lucky enough to find it. Pink mango blossoms and small rocky cliffs flank the turquoise sea entrance, where immaculately clean sands meet gentle waves.
    A small blue lagoon, surrounded by lush greenery, makes this an utterly unique and breathtaking destination.
    Take a look at our hotels in Jamaica and don’t miss the chance to experience the beauty of Frenchman’s Cove Beach for yourself.

    <h2>Negril, Jamaica</h2> <p>Unparalleled diversity and beauty make Negril a rare gem, even by Jamaican standards.&nbsp; The juxtaposition of <strong>rugged cliffs, sugar white sand and pristine waters astound lucky visitors</strong>. And if that weren&rsquo;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>

    For over a century, this has been one of the most famous beaches in Jamaica. Visitors have been drawn to the soft sands of Doctor’s Cave Beach since the 1920s, when an English osteopathic doctor claimed to have found healing properties in its waters.
    Today it remains one of Montego Bay’s true jewels, a snorkeler’s paradise dotted with catamarans bobbing on turquoise waters, white sand shaded by bright umbrellas, and charming little lifeguard towers framed by lush green foliage.

    <h2>Cayo Guillermo, Cuba</h2> <p>A highlight of the <strong>King&rsquo;s Gardens Archipelago, </strong><a href="https://www.iberostar.com/en/hotels/cayo-guillermo" target="_blank">Cayo Guillermo</a> is a soft key resting on one of the many coral reefs on Cuba&rsquo;s north coast. One of the island&rsquo;s premier beaches, Pilar Beach, is named after<strong> Ernest Hemingway&rsquo;s motor yacht. </strong>Relax with a cold beer, or stop by a friendly seaside restaurant for lobster or Cuban-style barbeque, watching kite surfers glide on the steady breezes.</p> <p>SHAWN MOKSVOLD I 18/06/2017</p>

    CAYO GUILLERMO, CUBA

    A highlight of the King’s Gardens Archipelago, Cayo Guillermo is a soft coral key resting among the reefs off Cuba’s north coast. Its crown jewel, Playa Pilar, takes its name from Ernest Hemingway’s motor yacht, which often sailed these waters.
    Relax with a cold beer or visit a seaside restaurant for lobster or Cuban-style barbecue while watching kite surfers glide across the steady trade winds.
    Tempted? Plan your trip to Cuba and don’t miss a stay at one of our hotels in Cayo Guillermo — it will surprise you!

    <h2>Playa Anc&oacute;n, Cuba</h2> <p>Just when you think you&rsquo;ve seen the whitest and softest sand a beach can offer, you find the gem of Sancti Sp&iacute;ritus: Playa Anc&oacute;n. On <strong>Cuba&#39;s beautiful south coast,</strong> beach lovers pitch their chairs under the shade of palapas, and gaze at the turquoise Casilda Bay, or take a dip in the vast, warm shallows. Catamarans make daily trips to nearby <strong>coral keys,</strong> which are ideal for snorkeling. Nearby, a <strong>large tidal flat is abundant with birdlife. </strong></p> <p>SHAWN MOKSVOLD I 18/06/2017</p>
    <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&rsquo;s paradise</strong>. &nbsp;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&rsquo;re looking for relaxation, don&rsquo;t miss the curved Half Moon Bay and Yal-ku Lagoon, where colorful reefs are naturally protected from the occasional currents and gusty winds.&nbsp;<strong>.</strong></p> <p>SHAWN MOKSVOLD I 18/06/2017</p>

    AKUMAL, MAYAN RIVIERA

    In the heart of the Mayan Riviera, between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, lies Akumal, a true snorkeler’s paradise. Each year, sea turtles return to the shores of Playa Akumal, a protected marine sanctuary rich in reefs and marine life, including rays, barracudas, and bull sharks.
    At the Akumal Dive Center, visitors can join guided snorkeling tours through its crystalline waters, while swimmers relax in the calm turquoise shallows for a blissful beach day.
    For a more tranquil experience, head to Half Moon Bay or Yal-Ku Lagoon, where vibrant reefs are naturally sheltered from winds and currents.
    Enjoy them while staying at one of our hotels in Riviera Maya.

    <h2>Xpu-Ha Beach, Riviera Maya</h2> <p>A relaxed and <strong>unspoiled seaside secret of the Yucatan,</strong> Xpu-Ha offers a sound alternative to the more crowded beaches of the Riviera Maya. <strong>Casual restaurants </strong>offer fresh fish tacos and cold beer. Locals and tourists alike enjoy snorkeling, fishing and kayaking, and landlubbers find an inviting locale for an impromptu game of beach volleyball or a <strong>relaxing yoga session near an ancient castle. </strong> What better place to enjoy a cold <strong>michelada</strong>?</p> <p>SHAWN MOKSVOLD I 18/06/2017</p>
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