Spa and Beach Vacation Guru

East Coast

With long stretches of open beach, crashing ocean surf, rocky cliffs, and verdant hills, the Atlantic (windward) side of Barbados is full of dramatic views. This is also where many Barbadians have second homes and spend their holidays. But be cautioned: swimming at east coast beaches is treacherous, even for strong swimmers, and is not recommended. Waves are high, the bottom tends to be rocky, the currents are unpredictable, and the undertow is dangerously strong.

Barclays Park

Serious swimming is unwise at this beach that follows the coastline in St. Andrew, but there are tide pools where you can take a dip, wade, and play -- and a lovely shaded area with picnic tables directly across the road. Ermy Bourne Hwy., north of Bathsheba, St. Andrews, Barbados.

Bathsheba/Cattlewash

Although it's not safe for swimming, the miles of untouched, windswept sand along the East Coast Road in St. Joseph parish are great for beachcombing and wading. Approaching Bathsheba Soup Bowl, the southernmost stretch just below Tent Bay, the enormous mushroomlike boulders and rolling surf are uniquely spectacular. This is also where expert surfers from around the world converge each November for the Independence Classic Surfing Championship. East Coast Rd., Bathsheba, St. Joseph, Barbados.

South Coast

A young, energetic crowd favors the south coast beaches, which are broad, blessed with white, powdery sand, and dotted with tall palms. The reef-protected areas with crystal-clear water are safe for swimming and snorkeling. The surf is medium to high, and the waves get bigger and the winds stronger (windsurfers take note) the farther southeast you go.

Accra Beach

This popular beach next to the Accra Hotel has gentle surf and a lifeguard. There are plenty of nearby restaurants for refreshments and beach stalls for renting chairs and equipment for snorkeling and other water sports. There's also a convenient parking lot and a children's playground. Hwy. 7, Rockley, Christ Church, Barbados.

Carlisle Bay

Adjacent to the Hilton Barbados and Grand Barbados hotels just south of Bridgetown, this broad half-circle of white sand is one of the island's best beaches -- but it can become crowded on weekends and holidays. Park at Harbour Lights or the Boatyard, both on Bay Street, where you can also rent umbrellas and beach chairs and buy refreshments. Needham's Point, Aquatic Gap, St. Michael, Barbados.

Crane Beach

An exquisite crescent of pink sand on the southeast coast, Crane Beach is protected by steep cliffs. As attractive as this location is now, it was named not for the elegant long-legged wading birds but for the crane used for hauling and loading cargo when this area was a busy port. Protected by a reef, the rolling surf is great for bodysurfing. A lifeguard is on duty. Changing rooms are available at the Crane resort for a small fee (which you can apply toward drinks or a meal at the restaurant). Beach access is through the hotel and down about 200 steps. Crane Bay, St. Philip, Barbados.

Miami Beach

Also called Enterprise Beach, this isolated spot on Enterprise Coast Road, just east of Oistins, is a picturesque slice of pure white sand with cliffs on either side and crystal clear water. You can find a palm-shaded parking area, snack carts, and chair rentals. Bring a picnic or have lunch across the road at Café Luna in Little Arches Hotel. Enterprise Beach Rd., Enterprise, Christ Church, Barbados.

Sandy Beach

Next to the Sandy Beach Island Resort, this fabulous beach has shallow, calm waters and a picturesque lagoon, making it an ideal location for families with small kids. Park right on the main road. You can rent beach chairs and umbrellas, and plenty of places nearby sell food and drink. Hwy. 7, Worthing, Christ Church, Barbados.

Silver Sands-Silver Rock Beach

Nestled between South Point, the southernmost tip of the island, and Inch Marlowe Point, Silver Sands-Silver Rock is a beautiful strand of white sand that always has a stiff breeze. That makes this beach the best in Barbados for intermediate and advanced windsurfers and, more recently, kitesurfers. Off Hwy. 7, Christ Church, Barbados.

West Coast

Gentle Caribbean waves lap the west coast, and the stunning coves and sandy beaches are shaded by leafy mahogany trees. The water is perfect for swimming and water sports. An almost unbroken chain of beaches runs between Bridgetown and Speightstown. Elegant homes and luxury hotels face much of the beachfront property in this area, Barbados's Platinum Coast.

Although west coast beaches are seldom crowded, they aren't isolated. Vendors stroll by, selling handmade baskets, hats, dolls, jewelry -- even original watercolors; owners of private boats offer waterskiing, parasailing, and snorkeling excursions. There are no concession stands, but hotels and beachside restaurants welcome nonguests for terrace lunches (wear a cover-up), and you can buy picnic items at supermarkets in Holetown.

Brighton Beach

Calm as a lake, this is where you can find locals taking a quick dip on hot days. Just north of Bridgetown, Brighton Beach is also the home to the Malibu Beach Club. Spring Garden Hwy., Brighton, St. Michael, Barbados.

Mullins Beach

This lovely beach just south of Speightstown is a perfect place to spend the day. The water is safe for swimming and snorkeling, there's easy parking on the main road, and Suga Suga Restaurant serves snacks, meals, and drinks -- and rents chairs and umbrellas. Hwy. 1, Mullins Bay, St. Peter, Barbados.

Paynes Bay

The stretch of beach just south of Sandy Lane is lined with luxury hotels. It's a very pretty area, with plenty of beach to go around and good snorkeling. Parking areas and public access are available near the Coach House. Grab a bite to eat and liquid refreshments at Bomba's Beach Bar. Hwy. 1, Paynes Bay, St. James, Barbados.