Popular beach Destinations
Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres is a small island just off the coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, directly across the water from Cancun. Located on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef (the second-longest coral reef system in the world), Isla Mujeres is in a perfect spot for turquoise Caribbean waters, white sand beaches, and world-class diving and snorkeling.
Isla Holbox
Truth be told, Isla Holbox is less of the rustic island escape it used to be. The allure of its Instagram able hammock groves, yoga pavilions, and palapa-thatched bungalows worked well, and today, there are considerably more tourists and mainstream hotels than in years past. Still, this sun-soaked island, where cars are unwelcome and bare feet are preferred, is a worthy getaway from the mainland crowds of Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum.
Bacalar Lagoon
Bacalar is a charming city in the south of Quintana Roo, Mexico, known for its stunning lagoon of seven colors. The lagoon, which is the second largest freshwater lake in Mexico, offers a variety of activities such as kayaking, sailing, snorkeling, and swimming. You can also explore the natural beauty of the Laguna Bacalar Ecological Park, where you can see diverse flora and fauna, cenotes, and ancient Mayan ruins. Bacalar has a rich history and culture, as it was once a pirate stronghold and a colonial town. You can visit the San Felipe Fort, which houses a museum of piracy and local history, or the Bacalar Artisanal Market, where you can buy handicrafts and souvenirs. Whether you are looking for relaxation, adventure, or culture, Bacalar is a destination that will enchant you with its colors and charm.
Turks & Caicos
The Turks & Caicos Islands have the perfect antidote for your hectic lifestyle: blindingly white sand fringed by shimmering azure water, colorful coral reefs, crispy conch fritters and an easygoing vibe – despite its knack for attracting the rich and famous to its shores. Turks & Caicos holds tight to its reputation as an exclusive and secluded getaway, and regular vacationers to these skinny strips of alabaster sand will tell you that they wouldn't have it any other way.
Of the roughly 100 islands and cays, only nine are inhabited, with three receiving the bulk of tourist interest. There's glamorous Providenciales, or "Provo," which shelters a bevy of luxurious hotels. Laid-back Grand Turk – once the landing point for John Glenn’s Friendship 7 space capsule – is a cruise ship hub, and the archipelago’s historic and cultural nucleus, best seen in the Turks & Caicos National Museum or along the shores of Cockburn Town. Turks & Caicos is home to one of the largest reef systems in the world, and tiny, flat Salt Cay is one of the best places to explore it thanks to its exceptional wall dives.
Bora Bora
The small island of Bora Bora (just about 6 miles long and a little more than 2 miles wide) overflows with beauty. A dormant volcano rises up at its center and fans out into lush jungle before spilling into an aquamarine lagoon. In fact, author James Michener, who wrote "Tales of the South Pacific," called Bora Bora "the most beautiful island in the world." The 18th-century British explorer James Cook even coined it as the "Pearl of the Pacific." The very definition of a tropical getaway, blissful Bora Bora abounds with luxurious resorts, sunny skies, warm waters and friendly locals.
And as you might've already guessed, the main industry on this petite island in French Polynesia and its swarm of tiny motu (islands) is tourism. To that end, you can snorkel, explore Vaitape (Bora Bora's main port), hike Mount Otemanu and more.
Maldives
You've seen photos of the Maldives before: picture-perfect private villas suspended over striking blue waters, alabaster white sand beaches and spectacular sunsets dipping into the horizon. The scenic beauty of the Maldives is something to behold, something you can't quite understand until you're there in person.
The island nation of the Maldives is popular with honeymooners looking for seclusion and adventurers looking to explore the depths of the sea on a scuba diving or snorkeling excursion. If you don't fall into either category, consider that the Maldives' appeal has broadened in recent years. Today, honeymooners and divers are joined by a more diverse mix of families, groups of friends, and even solo travelers seeking wellness retreats or "budget" vacations in guesthouses rather than resorts. Travelers seeking the ultimate in relaxation can unwind at one of the many superb resort spas and all visitors should certainly spend an afternoon exploring an inhabited island village to get a snapshot of typical island life. The resorts in this region are also spectacular, ranging from underwater hotels to overwater bungalows to incredibly beautiful resorts. However, getting to and staying in this tropical paradise requires patience (there are no direct flights from the United States) and plentiful cash. Located in the Indian Ocean, roughly 600 miles southwest of Sri Lanka, the Maldives is about as isolated as you can get – and that's just one of its many allures.