Honeymoon Beach on St. John is in the competition for the title of “Best Caribbean Beach” in a readers’ choice awards contest being run by USA Today, with public voting open until Jan. 1.
According to the leaderboard, Honeymoon Beach was in second place on Tuesday, behind Paradise Beach in Carriacou, Grenada.
“This nomination of Honeymoon Beach is a testament to the territory’s sprawling beauty and our dedication to preservation. We are thankful for the recognition and encourage everyone who has ever visited the beach to vote and share your experience,” V.I. Tourism Commissioner Joseph Boschulte said in a press release announcing the nomination.
A total of 19 beaches are vying for the honor of being chosen as one of the Top 10 beaches in the Caribbean. Nominees were chosen by a panel of experts — four travel writers with extensive experience covering the Caribbean — then narrowed down by USA Today editors, the newspaper said in a release announcing the contest that has 14 categories in total.
The other beaches vying for top honors are Eagle Beach in Aruba; Shoal Bay in Anguilla; Grand Anse Beach in St. George’s, Grenada; Meads Bay Beach in West End, Anguilla; Baby Beach in San Nicolas, Aruba; Grace Bay Beach in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos; Isla Verde in Carolina, Puerto Rico; Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; Bloody Bay Beach in Negril; Jamaica; Bambarra Beach in Turks and Caicos; Great Bay Beach in Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Dickenson Bay in Antigua and Barbuda; Grote Knip in Curacao; Maho Beach in Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Doctor’s Cave Beach in Montego Bay, Jamaica; Juanillo Beach in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; and Rum Point Beach in Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands.
Readers may vote once per category, per day. The winners will be announced on Jan. 12.
Another USVI institution vying for honors in the contest is the Buccaneer Beach and Golf Resort on St. Croix, which is nominated in the category of Best Caribbean Resort.
On Tuesday, it was on the top of the leaderboard, ahead of The Sands at Grace Bay in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos (second place), and Bucuti and Tara Beach Beach Resort in Oranjestad, Aruba (third).
“Being nominated for the USA Today 10 Best Reader’s Choice Awards is a tremendous honor for The Buccaneer and a tribute to the hard work and dedication of our entire team,” said Elizabeth Armstrong, owner of The Buccaneer Beach & Golf Resort. “We strive to provide our guests with an unparalleled experience, blending luxury, history and natural beauty. This nomination is a recognition of our promise to excellence in hospitality.”
Other contenders in the resort category include True Blue Bay Boutique Resort in St. George’s, Grenada; Zemi Beach House in Shoal Bay, Anguilla; COMO Parrot Cay in Turks and Caicos; Rosewood Little Dix Bay in Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands; The Palms Turks and Caicos in Providenciales, Turks and Caicos; the Grand Hyatt at Baha Mar in Nassau, Bahamas; Manchebo Beach Resort and Spa in Oranjestad, Aruba; Renaissance Wind Creek Curacao Resort in Willemstad, Curacao; St. Kitts Marriott Resort and The Royal Beach Casino in Frigate Bay, St. Kitts and Nevis; Casa de Campo Resort and Villas in La Romana, Dominican Republic; Eden Roc Cap Cana in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; Golden Rock Dive and Nature Resort in St. Eustatius, Dutch Caribbean; Harbour Village Beach Club in Bonaire, Dutch Caribbean; Jamaic Inn – Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Secret Bay in Portsmouth, Dominica; The Cove Eluthera in Eleuthera, Bahamas; and The Inn at English Harbour in Antigua and Barbuda.
Additional categories in the contest include Best Caribbean Beach Bar; Best Restaurant in the Caribbean; Best Caribbean Rum; Best All-Inclusive Caribbean Resort; Best Caribbean Golf Course; Best New Festival; Best New Attraction; Best New Theme Park Attraction; Best New Restaurant; Best New Museum; Best New Hotel; and Best New Cruise Itinerary.
For more information, visit the USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice 2023 website.
