Barbuda's pink Palm Beach

Since I specialize in Caribbean and Latin American travel, I consider myself somewhat an expert on pretty beaches.  Just because a destination is an island or on a coast, does not guarantee awesome beaches.  My criteria for beauty doesn’t just involve physical attractiveness.  I also consider the clarity of the water, color and texture of sand and if there are distinguishing cultural indicators like food, music or dress.  Based on those requirements here are my top five prettiest beaches :

1. St. Lucia

They don’t call it Helen of the West Indies for nothing.  St. Lucia is gorgeous, period  and that goes for the beaches as well.  With warm, crystalline water, and powdery stretches of beaches with the Pitons as a dramatic backdrop,  St. Lucia comes as close to Eden as I’ve ever seen.

2.Barbuda

You haven’t experienced paradise until you’ve laid out on a pink sand beach.  Tiny Barbuda boasts a striking combination of turquoise water and rosy, pink sands.  Composed of tiny, crushed pink shells, the sand is so magical that I keep bottles of it around my house.

3.  Bahia

Rio may reap all of the fame but the beaches in the Brazilian state of Bahia, south of Salvador, are known to be the best in Brazil.  My fave is Boipeba, where you can down fresh coconut water and watch capoeiristas practicing acrobatic moves.

4. Jamaica

Jamaica is covered with lovely beaches but to enjoy them in peace and escape the crowds, the South coast and Treasure Beach supplies the best beach experience.  This quaint fishing village is famous for its black sands and fresh seafood grilled right on the beach.

5. St. John USVI

Noted for its natural riches,  St. John encompasses several beautiful beaches but Honeymoon Beach consistently tops  the lists for world’s most beautiful beaches.  Small and not accessible by car, unfolds with pearly white sand shaded by lush sea grape trees.

Photo by Rosalind Cummings-Yeates