What makes a beach sexy? What makes anything sexy? Allure, strength mixed with vulnerability, distinction born from scarcity. Beaches are sexy when they are unknown, found by chance in a last ditch scouring of an old map. A tiny black dotted trail leads to an x like a pirates map. They are hard to access and have a natural allure made more sensual by their haughty- protected nature. We want what we can't have and we can't have these gems unless we work. They are quiet coves and talcum scythes showing off a teasing sliver of blue, a little peek at their ivory sand through tree branches as you wipe sweat from your eyes.
Though, hidden romantic beaches are almost always spectacularly beautiful, they do not have to be. Plato's, Socrates, had no money, looks or position, but he was charismatic. Fringed by palms and pungent native fruits, with boulders offering privacy, these beaches have charisma and that is sexy.
I find a certain romanticism in the tropics. It is humid and hot and there is something about stacked thunderheads lazing on the horizon that is regal. The lack of clothes and fruit growing naturally lends an edenic sensuality to the surroundings.
1. Anse Georgette. Praslin, Seychelles.
Anse Georgette on Praslin Island, in the Seychelles, is a perfect, white semi-circle cove that can only be accessed two ways. Either, have your property call Contance Lemuria Resort the day before to be put on the list to enter, or, hike from Anse Lazio Beach. Anse Lazio is a stunning beach itself that is well worth a day to explore the scenic huge boulders, talcum sand and clear, calm water. Plan lunch at Bonbon Plume when you return from your hike. This is one of the only places on the island you may buy an authentic Coco de Mer. The trail starts at the south end of Anse Lazzio. Bring water. It is scorcher hot and humid. Once you arrive, there is ample shade and depending on the swell, good swimming.
2. Tobago Cays. St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Hard to get to? Yes. Tobago Cays lie south of Bequia and Mustique in the Windward Islands of the Caribbean. Two splendid, exclusive and sexy islands themselves. Made up of several small islands and larger reefs, The Tobago Cays are home to some of the worlds most secluded and superb beaches. To get there, day-sail charters as well as multi-day trips sail out of many of the neighboring islands including Bequia,Canouan and Mustique . I recommend Octopus yacht out of Bequia. Rum punches with mahi mahi salad on the aft deck of a sleek black yacht is sexy.
3. Anse Major. Mahe, Seychelles.
It is hot. I mean hot, like not sexy hot just really hot- temperature hot. It is really sexy also but very hot. Go early, Park past La Scala restaurant and prepare for a hike uphill before you get to the trailhead. Once on the trail it is pleasant, if not open and exposed to the sun. It takes about 45 minutes to get to the beach. After the sweaty hike, the water is delightful to swim in. If you are not up for the return, there are regular water taxis. Everywhere you look in the Seychelles is cinematic and jaw dropping but there is something about this little piece of earth that will make you really smile.
4. Gibney(Oppenheimer) beach. St. John USVI.
Gibney beach is the least remote of my picks but is charming and well worth seeking out. Arguably, home to the finest beaches in the Caribbean(along with Anguilla, St. Barth, Virgin Gorda, Vieques, Jamaica, Exuma, Harbour Island and Turks and Caicos) St. John has Hawksnest Bay with Gibney beach as its hidden gem. Gibney or Oppenheimer as some call it is the portion in front of the Gibney rental cottages. There is a fascinating history to the property including family feuds between the Gibneys and the Robert Oppenheimer,(the father of the Atomic bomb) family. You will be well-served to hit Trunk, Maho and Cinnamon bay beaches, but there is just a really quaint, special quality to Gibney beach.
5. Columbier Beach, St. Barth Isle de France.
Stop at La Petite Columbe Columbier bakery for a baguette. They make chicken salad and tuna salad. Wait- this is a blog about sexy beaches! They make great patisserie, phenomenal croissants and fresh, eclairs and donuts. It is nice to have a chicken salad baguette picnic with a still cold bottle of Rose' once you hike the 25 minutes down to Anse Columbier. Bring sunscreen as it is exposed. There is good snorkelling to the right as you look out at the yacht moorings.
6. Dubovica Beach, Hvar, Croatia.
Dubovica Beach is central-casting, Croatian beach, with its small stones and clear turquoise waters. Semi-circle crescent beaches have my heart, what can I say? After a short, somewhat steep walk down to the beach you will find two beach bars serving cold drinks and typical Croatian food- that is to say, mouth watering fish, octopus, calamari, pizzas and cold beer. As an American, I always feel like Speedos and white sandals look so comfortable. Alas, I will stick with my Orlebars.
7. Makenna Cove, Maui. Hawaii.
Makenna Cove, just south of Big Makenna Beach on Maui, and not to be confused with Little Makenna Beach of Naturist fame. This little cove has been one of my favorites for years. Southern Maui between Wailea and La Perouse Bay has an almost Wild West or even African Steppe quality with a lighting and openness that is hard to describe. A small walkway with Bouganvilla draping the wall opens to a cove split by volcanic rock. There is good snorkelling and if you want you can walk around the corner to the north to get back to the wide open, superb Big Makenna Beach. A must for lunch is Jawz Taco Truck outside of Makenna beach.
