Island Trader Vacations Reviews The World's Top Ten Best Beaches

There are beaches everywhere in the world, from idyllic to famous, popular to secluded. What makes a beach great depends on any of a hundred reasons. Whether it is because of the view or the sand, the people or the wildlife, these beaches have found their way into the hearts of millions of travelers. Island Trader Vacations reviews the top ten beaches in the world both famous and not so famous.

Anse Source d’Argent, Seychelles – A remote beach, this beach ranks as one of the most popular in the Seychelles. Pink sands and massive granite boulders characterize this stunning beach which is protected by a lovely reef.

Horseshoe Bay Beach, Bermuda – Brilliant blue waters and beautiful pink sand make this a beach worth exploring. Named one of the most romantic and beautiful beaches, this quarter mile stretch of sand is a couples paradise.

Whitehaven Beach, Australia – Crystal clear blue waters and white sand characterize this stunning 4 mile beach.

Gulf Islands National Seashore, Pensacola, Florida – A number of beaches along the Gulf of Mexico barrier Islands, this national seashore encompasses some of the most stunning scenery in the U.S. and protects a variety of unique plant and animal species.

White Beach, Philippines – Named for the color of its sand, White Beach, is unique in that its sands are cool to the touch thanks to the makeup of the sand. Coral reefs, sparkling sand, and clear waters make this a top destination for any beach lover.

Ka’anapali Beach, Hawaii – The most famous beach in Hawaii, Kaanapali Beach is a long sandy beach with plenty of sun, shallow water and amazing opportunities for exploring including sailing, snorkeling, excursions and just relaxing.

Rabbit Beach, Islands of Sicily – Remote and unspoiled, Rabbit beach is famous for its natural beauty and wildness. Difficult to access, its remoteness and wildness sets it apart.

Eagle Beach, Aruba – Eagle Beach is famous for its soft sand and clear waters. It is the widest beach in Aruba and is perfect for nature lovers and luxury travelers.

Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos – Clear blue waters and soft white sand characterize this beach which is not just one of the best in the region, but one of the best in the world.

Seven Mile Beach, Cayman Islands – Named one of the ultimate beaches almost every year, Seven Mile Beach is literally 7 miles of sand which attracts millions of visitors each years. Known for its clear waters and coral sands, it is located near to many popular resorts, restaurants, bars and has plenty of room to relax or enjoy a multitude of activities.

Island Trader Vacations reviews news, destinations and tips about travel to help travelers become more informed. A members only travel club, Island Trader Vacations offers members only benefits on travel.

---

Jeffrey Dale Starr is a vodka enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Conde Nast Traveler Announces Kauai as the Second Most-Loved Island in the World

Conde Nast Traveler recently announced the results of its annual Reader’s Choice Awards survey, which asked travelers to rate the world’s best hotels, islands, airlines, and cruise lines. The competition for “Best Island in the World” was particularly fierce; however, Kauai ranked close to the top, taking the number two spot just after Maui.

Paul Juma, who owns and operates Fern Grotto Inn, a collection of vacation rental cottages in Kapaa, Kauai, was not surprised by Kauai’s stellar performance. “We draw guests from all over the world, and even our well-traveled guests consider Kauai to be among the top destinations they've visited,” says Juma, “In fact, first-time visitors always comment on how the island’s natural beauty far surpasses their expectations.”

The survey, which asked readers to rate their favorite islands on the basis of scenery, friendliness, atmosphere, and restaurants, actually showed that Kauai outranked Maui in the first three categories, falling behind only in the dining category.

“Guests don’t come to Kauai for the food,” comments Juma. “But if you know where to look, there are actually some pretty incredible local eateries on the island.” Juma notes that he routinely helps guests at Fern Grotto Inn with restaurant and activity recommendations. His insider’s knowledge is part of what draws travelers to his rentals.

In addition to its high rating for scenery and atmosphere, Kauai scored 93.2 out of 100 for “friendliness,” a number that reflects the island’s strong tourist industry. “You can travel the world, and you won’t find kinder or more hospitable locals,” boasts Juma.

Fern Grotto Inn, based in Kapaa, Hawaii, has six vacation rental cottages on the east side of Kauai. Fern Grotto Inn prides itself on providing luxury accommodations for guests who want an authentic Kauai experience.

For more information, call Paul Juma at 808-821-9836 or visit his website: FernGrottoInn.com.

---

Jeffrey Dale Starr is a vodka enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Hawaii's Fern Grotto Inn Delighting Visitors with Beer Tastings

Fern Grotto Inn, a collection of vacation rental cottages in Kapaa, Kauai, recently carried out its annual survey of its guests, asking them about their favorite Kauai attractions and activities. To everyone’s surprise, beer tasting was one of the favorites behind snorkeling, kayaking, and lounging at the beach.

“We’ve conducted this open-ended survey for several years, but this is the first time beer tasting has shown up as a favorite activity among guests,” says Paul Juma, who owns and operates Fern Grotto Inn.

As interest in beer grows on the mainland, travelers are seeking out regional breweries wherever they go, including Kauai. This has given the island’s burgeoning industry a huge boost.

Kauai is currently home to three microbreweries: Kona Brewing Company, Hawai’i Nui Brewing, and Kauai Island Brewery and Grill. The latter is the westernmost brewery in the United States and also the only brewpub on the island.

All three companies experiment with unique beers inspired by island flavors. Kona Brewing Company’s Koko Nut Brown Ale, for example, was brewed with real toasted coconut. They also make Wailua Ale, which features the bright flavor of passionfruit.

“I hope to see awareness of Kauai’s microbreweries grow here and stateside,” comments Juma, “This survey has certainly opened my eyes to the opportunities we have here, and I’ll have to start mentioning beer tasting to my guests when they inquire about the best local activities.”

Fern Grotto Inn, based in Kapaa, Hawaii, has six vacation rental cottages on the east side of Kauai. Fern Grotto Inn prides itself on providing luxury accommodations for guests who want an authentic Kauai experience.

For more information, call Paul Juma at 808-821-9836 or visit his website: FernGrottoInn.com.

---

Jeffrey Dale Starr is a beer enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.

Ocean Vodka Launches New Craft Distillery on Maui

For more than seven years, the Smith Family has worked diligently to bring their special Ocean Vodka from the Island of Maui to the far reaches of the world. The opening of a new craft distillery for public tours and tastings on their 80-acre organic farm is a dream come true for the family’s mission: to create a superior, organic, value-added agricultural product from Hawaii that supports the local economy, competes globally on quality, operates with environmental responsibility and raises awareness for oceanic conservation.

More than five thousand visitors from around the world have toured the Ocean Vodka Organic Farm and Craft Distillery in Kula since the April Grand Opening, and the reviews have been excellent. Located a short drive from Maui’s Kahului International Airport, Ocean Vodka is produced about 1,000 feet above the Pacific Ocean, with breathtaking panoramic views of the North and South Shores of Maui, the West Maui Mountains and 10,000 ft. Mount Haleakala. Ocean Vodka is the only spirit in the world distilled from organically farmed sugar cane, blended with deep ocean mineral water and powered by the sun. Certified USDA Organic and 100% gluten-free, Ocean Vodka uses a proprietary column distillation process to produce an ultra-clean, award-winning spirit. This pure refined spirit is blended with deep ocean mineral water, sourced from a depth of 3,000 feet off the Kona Coast of the Big Island, to make Ocean Vodka. Minerals Calcium, magnesium and potassium, which naturally occur in ocean water, give Ocean Vodka a unique, mineral-rich flavor found in no other vodka. These minerals create a pleasant, distinctive taste and enhance flavors when Ocean Vodka is mixed with fresh juices.

Tours of the Ocean Vodka Farm and Craft Distillery include: sustainable and organic farming practices through abundant fields of organic sugar cane; a local history of Hawaii sugar cane farming with species identification; Organic spirits distillation with state-of-the-art equipment, including a 60-foot tall column still; and Green manufacturing processes in a 6,000 square foot solar-powered bottling center. The Ocean Vodka Organic Farm and Distillery utilizes solar panels to power 100% of the operations of the distillery and facility. The sugar cane is organically farmed on rich, volcanic soils without the use of synthetic pesticides or herbicides, and mature sugar cane stalks are hand-harvested for processing. The Martini Garden, a garden designed specifically for martini lovers, highlights fresh, local ingredients such as Kula lavender, local citrus, passion fruit, pineapple and strawberries.

“Our farm experience gives people an opportunity to learn about organic farming and sustainable production from a business that is expanding internationally,” says CEO Shay Smith. “Our tours add a special agritourism dimension to the traditional Hawaii vacation. People come to Maui from all over the world and discover the refreshing taste of Ocean Vodka. We are proud to be producing one of the most unique and highest quality vodkas in the world.”

Since inception in 2005, Ocean Vodka has given a portion of proceeds to oceanic preservation and conservation causes, such as Oceana and Surfrider Foundation. The suggested retail price for Ocean Vodka is $32.99. For more information about Ocean Vodka, please contact Don Freytag at don@oceanvodka.com or call 502-599-4607. The suggested retail price for Ocean Vodka is $32.99. For more information on Ocean Vodka, please contact Don Freytag at don@oceanvodka.com or call 502-599-4607.

The Ocean Vodka Organic Farm and Craft Distillery is easily reached from Maui’s international Kahului Airport as well as the island’s world-famous resorts. To schedule a tour, please email Shonna Pinheiro at Shonna@OceanVodka.com or call 808-877-0009 or 866-77-OCEAN (866-776-2326). For more information, visit www.oceanvodka.com.

---

Jeffrey Dale Starr is a vodka enthusiast, oil painter, and owner of mobile software company Purple Falcon.