Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands

Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman is actually closer to five and a half miles long — but no one complains. The beach runs along the western shore of the island with calm, clear water protected from Atlantic swells, no red-flag seaweed problems common in the Caribbean, and sand that stays fine and white year-round. It is the financial capital of Caribbean beachside living: world-class restaurants and bars line the road behind the beach, and the coral reef just offshore offers snorkelling accessible by swim from shore. Visit December through April for the driest weather.