Five Favorite Beaches

Product pricing and earnings updated August 30, 2007

To me, there is nothing more relaxing than a day spent on a beautiful, sunny beach. While good deals abound during the Atlantic hurricane season (June 1-November 30), you can find a bargain regardless of the season if you know where to look. Here are five of my favorite beaches and suggestions on when to visit and where to stay:

Palm and Eagle Beaches, Aruba

While picturesque white, sandy beaches abound in the Caribbean, Aruba makes my list because of its almost constantly sunny weather. Aruba lies outside the hurricane belt. So if you want to get away during hurricane season and don't want to risk a tropical storm ruining your day in the sun, this arid, cactus-strewn island's for you. High season is January through March, but Aruba is also extremely popular in August with family vacationers. Search for deals mid-April through July as well in the early fall. If you want to stay on Eagle Beach, which was rated one of the world's 10 best beaches by Travel + Leisure, my pick for couples is the Aruba Bucuti Beach Resort. Since the resort does not market to families and actually limits the number of children per room to one, it primarily attracts couples on romantic honeymoons and anniversary trips. Rates from $210. My Palm Beach hotel pick is the Radisson Aruba Resort and Casino. This 4 star hotel is beloved by families with children as well as honeymooners for its prime location on Palm Beach, two large zero entry swimming pools and deluxe spa. It's also a good selection if you want to enjoy watersports on your beach vacation. Rates from $204. Book your stay in Aruba now

South Beach, Miami

South Beach has it all: a beautiful beach, hot nightlife, world-class restaurants, and a convenient airport with lots of direct flights. And hotel deals in Miami abound—especially during hurricane season when travel to Florida slows slightly. Weather.com offers a 10 day weather forecast. So I check that and book if there are no major storms in sight. While I've occasionally been surprised by a brief rain shower, I've never been caught in a major storm during one of my last-minute trips. If I were, there would be plenty to occupy me in Miami, which is a foodie paradise. My South Beach hotel pick is the Loews Miami Beach Hotel. This large art-deco hotel offers complimentary beachside yoga sessions for fitness fanatics prepping for a night out at South Beach's trendiest clubs. When I visited, I skipped the beachside yoga, preferring to relax in the expansive freeform pool instead. Rates start at $219. Book your stay in South Beach now

Cancun, Mexico

When many people think about Cancun, they picture drunken crowds of spring-breakers. But don't let that discourage you. While January through mid-April is Cancun's high season, you can find some of the best deals in the fall and early December. This is the best time for honeymooners and families looking for lower prices and less crowded beaches. Not a single spring-breaker in sight! Keep on the lookout, and you might even score a discounted hotel during the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Years—a perfect time to experience Cancun 's beaches and all-inclusive hotels. My Cancun hotel pick is the Riu Palace Las Americas All-Inclusive. For the ultimate in relaxation, an all-inclusive hotel is a must since nothing spoils a vacation more than paying $20 for a mediocre burger at an overpriced hotel beach grille. The luxurious rooms have a free minibar with water, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, and this is a popular amenity that wins the hotel raves from the many honeymooning couples who choose it each year. My favorite thing: the Riu even has a quiet pool— a true luxury since it can be hard to find “peace and quiet” at a popular resort. Rates start at $315. Click here to read more about travel to Mexico. Book your stay in Cancun now

Waikiki, Hawaii

Waikiki is consistently voted one of the top beaches in the world by travelers. Waikiki is one of the most famous beaches in the world, but don't go there looking for seclusion. Part of the fun of a visit to Waikiki is the people-watching and nearby shopping and nightlife. Many people long to visit Hawaii in the winter to escape the cold, but flights and hotels are actually priciest from December-April. For the best weather and prices, visit Hawaii in September and October. My luxury hotel pick in Waikiki is the Halekulani Hotel. A favorite of celebrities, this 100+ year old resort is consistently rated one of the top hotels in the world by Travel + Leisure, Conde Nast Traveler. Aside from the hotel's prime location on the beach, the main attraction is the SpaHalekulani, which is recognized as one of the best in the world. Rates start at $445. Book your stay in Hawaii now

Negril, Jamaica

This seven mile stretch of sand is Jamaica 's prettiest and most laid-back beach. Negril is world-renowned for its powder soft sand and spectacular sunsets. It's also home to some of the most luxurious all-inclusive resorts. Mid-December through mid-April is the busiest time to visit as well as the most expensive. For a bargain, visit in June through early November. Many resorts offer a hurricane guarantee, so you won't need to worry about stormy weather ruining your vacation. My all-inclusive hotel pick for couples is Sandals Negril Beach Resort and Spa. It has an ideal location on the 7-mile beach, where you can sail, windsurf or just relax on a beach-chair sipping a frozen concoction. In addition to meals and beverages, watersports are included in your room rate. For the ultimate in luxury, book one of the Beachfront Swim-up River Suites, which have a private-entrance into the lazy river pool. Rates from $425. Book your stay at Sandals Negril

uTANGO merchants mentioned in this article include:

Expedia

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Hotels.com

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Sandals Resorts

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