Best Beaches in the World 2017

Trunk Bay, St. John, USVI
Undeniably one of the most photographed beaches in the Caribbean, if not the world, Trunk Bay sits in the northwestern corner of the Virgin Islands National Park (it was donated to the park service by Laurence S. Rockefeller more than 50 years ago). Calm, clear water and a 225-yard-long Underwater Trail for superb snorkeling are big draws, as are hiking trails up and into the surrounding greenery filled with the ruins of historic sugar cane plantations.

Where to stay: Caneel Bay, which boasts six of its own nearly-completely private beaches. The resort is currently undergoing renovations following the devastating hurricanes of September 2017.

Blue Beach (La Chiva), Vieques, Puerto Rico
A long, thin stretch of perfect sand and clear water in a thousand shades of blue make this one of the Caribbean's top beaches. Since it's accessed only by parking in one of 21 tiny turn-offs along a bumpy, unpaved road in the middle of the island's western National Wildlife Refuge (formerly off-limits as a U.S. Navy training base), getting there is part of the adventure. Snorkel on your own around a small cay, or book a trip with one of the island's operators for a trip to its secret underwater spots.

Where to stay: W Retreat & Spa, Vieques.

Harbour Island, Bahamas
Located off the northeast coast of Eleuthera Island and away from the buzz of other Bahamian beaches, families and couples alike can spend the day on pink sands only seeing a handful of other people. After basking in the sun and getting serenaded by the breeze rustling through the palm trees, visitors can pop into the town to roam down quaint Dunmore Street, dine on the fresh catch of the day at The Landing, and grab a sunset cocktail at Beyond the Reef.

Where to stay: Pink Sands