Fodor's Expert Review Banana/Cockleshell Bays

These twin connected eyebrows of glittering Champagne-color sand—stretching nearly 2 miles (3 km) total at the southeastern tip of the island—feature majestic views of Nevis and are backed by lush vegetation and coconut palms. The first-rate restaurant-bar Spice Mill (next to Rasta-hued Lion Rock Beach Bar—order the knockout Lion Punch) and Reggae Beach Bar & Grill bracket either end of Cockleshell, and the posh Park Hyatt is here as well. The water is generally placid, ideal for swimming. The downside is irregular maintenance, with seaweed (particularly after rough weather) and occasional litter. Follow Simmonds Highway to the end and bear right, ignoring the turnoff for Turtle Beach. Amenities: food and drink; parking. Best for: partiers; snorkeling; swimming; walking.