Grace Bay, Providenciales

Grace Bay is the beach that put Providenciales on the map, and it lives up to its reputation. Three miles of fine white sand curve along the north shore, fronting calm, clear, shallow turquoise water that an offshore reef keeps gentle, so the swimming is easy and the snorkeling close in is good. It tops world beach rankings year after year, and when you stand on the sand and look at the colour of the water, the rating makes immediate sense. This is the reference point against which other Caribbean beaches are judged.

The honest trade off is people and development. The whole back of Grace Bay is lined with resorts, restaurants and water sports, which means excellent facilities but also crowds, sunbeds and a steady hum of activity, especially in the dry season peak from December to April. The beach is public and free, but much of the service and shade belongs to the resorts, so independent visitors should plan where to base themselves. If you want the same flawless sand with far fewer people, simply walk toward the quieter eastern end near Leeward.

It suits almost everyone, from families wanting calm water to couples wanting comfort and a sunset cocktail, which is exactly why it is busy. Set your expectations for a polished, lively, resort beach rather than a wild and empty one and you will love it. For contrast, pair a Grace Bay day with the quieter Leeward Beach or the snorkel trail at the Bight, and you get both the showpiece and the calm within a short distance.