Ready to start planning a warm, tropical getaway? Or are you content simply dreaming about future trips to the Caribbean?
Either way, a lot of other people have that same idea, and Caribbean beaches can get crowded quickly. Luckily, there are still some secret spots in the Caribbean where you can relax in your own little slice of paradise and these are 10 of our favorites.
A tiny uninhabited island southeast of Curacao is known for its white, powdery sand and spectacular diving conditions (read: sprawling masses of coral and underwater caves). To get there, you'll need to charter a boat or book a tour with an operator such as Bounty Adventures. Once you explore the lighthouse, swim with sea turtles and snorkel around a shipwreck, you'll definitely be asking, "Can I go back?"
Since you have to get there via boat or group tour, you could stay by the harbor of Willemstad on the main island at Renaissance Wind Creek Curaao Resort. Rates start from just $206 per night in low season. Marriott loyalists can redeem 30,000 Marriott Bonvoy points per night or use a free night certificate from the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless Credit Card (worth up to 35,000 points).
You won't have to fight for a beach chair at this off-the-beaten-path beach as it's located in the northeast corner of the island, away from the main tourist destinations in Punta Cana.
It's a bit difficult to get to, and there's no restaurant nearby, but that just adds to the secluded nature of the sandy spot. Once there, you'll get to enjoy coconut trees, white sand and turquoise waters with few others in sight. And let your whole family enjoy the seclusion by booking a stay at the nearby Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Punta Cana or the Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana (from $400 or 25,000 points per night).
When you have to climb down a rope along a cliff to get there, you know it's a secret beach. But that's precisely the adventure it takes to enjoy the secluded nature of Little Bay. While accessing it may be a bit of a harrowing experience, once you get to the white sandy beaches with no crowds, you'll be glad you did. We guess we should mention you can take a chartered boat here, too, though you'll miss out on the adrenaline rush.
Related: The 22 best Caribbean resorts, from boutique literary haunts to exclusive private-island escapes
If you're traveling to Anguilla, there's good news for Hilton loyalists: Zemi Beach House an incredible resort just 15 minutes away from Little Bay and part of Hilton's LXR Hotels & Resorts group is bookable from $930 or 95,000 points per night.
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The uninhabited island, located a half-mile off Bonaire, doesn't have any buildings or people. What you will find, however, is a stunning reef, bright blue waters and unspoiled white-sand beaches. Best of all, No Name Beach is protected by a national park, which means it will never be overrun with hotels and visitors. Eden Beach Resort (rates from $110 per night) is right near a water taxi, making it an affordable and perfectly located home base to explore the stunning island.
Antigua's Half Moon Bay tends to be more deserted than others on the island: There's no sign identifying the mile-long stretch of pink and white sand. Once you find it, though, you're in for a crowd-free euphoria. The beach has something for everyone windsurfers flock to the center to take advantage of the waves, while snorkelers float around the calmer water near the edges.
There are several hotels on the island, including Nonsuch Bay Resort (rates from $354 per night) and Carlisle Bay (rates from $470), as well as excellent all-inclusive resorts.
Related: The best beaches you can visit on a cruise
You'll feel as if you're on a private island here, as this secluded beach is filled with unspoiled white sand and you won't see high-rise hotels or hordes of visitors: just the occasional hammock and umbrella. There are some low-key beach bars and restaurants, but they stay pretty hidden.
If you're going to travel to the British Virgin Islands, you might want to splash out at Scrub Island, a Marriott Autograph Collection property you can book from $629 or 70,000 points per night on off-peak dates.
Rosalie Bay Beach, located in Dominica's remote southeast corner, is a hidden gem of the Caribbean. It's not just the golden sands and crystal-clear waters that make it special; this serene beach is one of the prime spots to witness the mesmerizing nesting rituals of hawksbill turtles. What's more, it's a haven for relaxation.
The accommodations around this area are thoughtfully designed to melt away stress and immerse you in tranquility. While it's a bit of an adventure to get there, the journey is worth every step. The beach has blossomed into a vibrant ecotourism hub, with family-friendly tour packages offering everything from water sports to up-close wildlife encounters.
To check out this beach you can book a room at InterContinental Dominica Cabrits Resort & Spa, an IHG Hotel for around $477 or 50,000 IHG rewards points per night.
Tucked away on the enchanting island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands lies a hidden treasure: Salomon Beach.
A stone's throw away from the bustling Cruz Bay, a mile-long walk through the island's lush vegetation via the Lind Point Trail leads adventurers to this secluded paradise. Whether you take the left or right fork along the trail, both paths converge, revealing a charming sandy nook that stretches for just 25 yards. It's a beach that's often so tranquil and untouched you'd probably find only a handful of fellow sun seekers or, if lucky, have the entire beach to yourself.
The Westin St. John Resort Villas is a great hub to explore this secret spot and will cost around $629 per night or you can redeem 103,000 Marriott Bonvoy rewards points.
Beyond the picturesque Seven Seas Beach lies a lesser-known sanctuary, Playa Escondida.
Translated as "Hidden Beach," its name says it all. From the far left corner of Seven Seas Beach, a captivating trail through the mangroves invites explorers. Wander along this path and choose the right when faced with a fork. Then, at another fork, once again veer right. A short 10-minute trek rewards you with the first secret spot: Playa Colora.
After basking under the sun, possibly with a rum cocktail in hand, retrace your steps to the path, turn right, and in just about five minutes, you'll emerge onto Playa Escondida. Its orange-hued sands and the promise of seclusion make it a true hidden gem. After all, anything with "hidden" in its name promises a magical escape, doesn't it?
Related: The best hotels in Puerto Rico find your stay on the Island of Enchantment
Hyatt Regency Grand Reserve Puerto Rico is available from around $411 or 17,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
Hidden away, this island feels more like a slice of Kauai than your usual Caribbean haunt. And guess what? It's got the world's tiniest commercial runway! But that's not its only surprise. In just 5 square miles, you'll find everything from misty forests to golden beaches.
And many maps don't even show this gem. Think you've seen every Caribbean beach? Think again. Well's Bay is a real standout here. Imagine tall cliffs with a beach that plays peek-a-boo because of the northern waves. Sometimes it's there, sometimes it's not. If you're keen to catch it, ask the locals. They know the best times. With its quirks and hidden charm, it's no wonder this island boasts one of the best hidden beaches in the Caribbean.
As you can imagine, there aren't a ton of hotels, but Queen's Gardens Resort & Spa is one of the best; rates start from just $260 per night.
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