Beach Tourism Eight destinations for beachgoers in the know

Beaches have always been a draw for travelers who want to relax, and sometimes the soft crash of waves and the salty air are just what the weary mind and body need. The therapeutic benefits of the beach include warm sunlight, a major source of vitamin D, and the minerals of the sea, which help the quality of your skin and have been shown to fight aging and bone-related illnesses. And not only does the beach feel great on bare feet, sand naturally exfoliates the skin. The beach is an ideal place to unwind, unplug and recharge your batteries. Here are 8 wonderfully unique destinations by the sea that set themselves apart from the crowd.

SHAWN MOKSVOLD I 18/06/2017

Saona Island, Dominican Republic

Famous with filmmakers for its beautiful beaches and its “desert island” feel, Saona Island is a protected nature reserve, part of the Eastern National Park. Accessible by speedboat and catamaran, authorities take great care here to avoid overcrowding. The beaches are formed by long stretches of sand bars, which provide the perfect conditions for shallow water wading and discovering fields of starfish. The highlights include the palapa-lined Catuano and Mano Juan, with its local colmado markets and barbeques of fresh lobster.

SHAWN MOKSVOLD I 18/06/2017

Catalina Island, Dominican Republic

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

SHAWN MOKSVOLD I 18/06/2017

Frenchman’s Cove, Jamaica

Frenchman’s Cove Beach walks the fine line between wild jungle and relaxed paradise. 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. The small blue lagoon and the dense vegetation that surrounds it make for an utterly unique paradise destination.

SHAWN MOKSVOLD I 18/06/2017

Negril, Jamaica

Unparalleled diversity and beauty make Negril a rare gem, even by Jamaican standards.  The juxtaposition of rugged cliffs, sugar white sand and pristine waters astound lucky visitors. And if that weren’t enough, the area hosts an array of undersea life and unforgettable scuba diving experiences. 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 witness phenomenal mackerel sunsets.

SHAWN MOKSVOLD I 18/06/2017

Cayo Guillermo, Cuba

A highlight of the King’s Gardens Archipelago, Cayo Guillermo is a soft key resting on one of the many coral reefs on Cuba’s north coast. One of the island’s premier beaches, Pilar Beach, is named after Ernest Hemingway’s motor yacht. 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.

SHAWN MOKSVOLD I 18/06/2017

Playa Ancón, Cuba

Just when you think you’ve seen the whitest and softest sand a beach can offer, you find the gem of Sancti Spíritus: Playa Ancón. On Cuba's beautiful south coast, 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 coral keys, which are ideal for snorkeling. Nearby, a large tidal flat is abundant with birdlife.

SHAWN MOKSVOLD I 18/06/2017

Akumal, Mayan Riviera

In the heart of the Mexican Riviera, nestled between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, Akumal is a snorkeler’s paradise.  A yearly destination for sea turtles, the waters just off Playa Akumal are a protected sanctuary of diverse reefs, teeming with undersea fauna like skates and rays, barracudas and bull sharks. At Akumal Dive Center, 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. .

SHAWN MOKSVOLD I 18/06/2017

Xpu-Ha Beach, Riviera Maya

A relaxed and unspoiled seaside secret of the Yucatan, Xpu-Ha offers a sound alternative to the more crowded beaches of the Riviera Maya. Casual restaurants 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 relaxing yoga session near an ancient castle. What better place to enjoy a cold michelada?

SHAWN MOKSVOLD I 18/06/2017