Love the idea of taking a beach trip all by yourself? You're not alone — solo travel is on the rise, and why shouldn't it be? Go on a trip alone and you can plan according to your tastes, indulge however you like, and open yourself up to new experiences and friendships.
If you're ready to hit the beach on your own, check out these 9 awesome beach destinations for solo travelers who could use some personal time in Florida, Mexico or the Caribbean.
1. For the sun, sand and culture seeker — Curaçao
If you enjoy eclectic cuisine, turquoise waters and beautiful people, then Curaçao is your go-to spot this year.
Located in the Southern Caribbean, the Dutch-Caribbean island of Curaçao is home to more than 35 secluded cove-like beaches, stunning European architecture, diverse cuisine and year-round sunshine. It's the ideal destination for solo travelers, as there's no shortage of activities to partake in on this vibrant island.
Solo travelers can get a dose of vitamin D and sunbathe at one of the many trademark cove beaches on the island, such as Playa Knip.
Venture to the uninhabited island of Klein Curaçao for a day, or even go for a hike on Mt. Christoffel (Curaçao's highest point).
For more information, visit www.curacao.com.
2. For foodies seeking an authentic experience — Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Solo travelers seeking a little R&R, some beach time and delicious authentic cuisine will find the perfect place to unwind at the Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa.
Located on a sandy strip between the Sierra Madre Mountains and Banderas Bay, the resort is part of the upscale marina area. Hop in the car and take a short drive to downtown Puerto Vallarta, a charming, friendly town with an authentic Mexican vibe offering a vibrant culinary and arts scene.
When guests aren't out exploring the coast, they can enjoy sunbathing and sipping margaritas around the hotel's infinity pool and beach. Have a first-rate tequila tasting at La Cava, led by the resort's own Tequila Sommelier. The resort is one of a few in the world to produce a proprietary brand of tequila.
Those looking for pure relaxation can find it at the Ohtli Spa, offering several signature treatments, such as a Thai massage and water-based Jantzu Rebirth Therapy experience.
Wind down the day at the resort's beachside Las Casitas, with the creamiest table-side guacamole, best enjoyed as the sun sets over the Pacific.
3. For outdoor explorers — San Juan, Puerto Rico
Thinking of taking a solo trip but afraid you'll get bored? In San Juan, that worry will be nonexistent, as you'll have plenty of outdoor adventures at your fingertips.
Located right on the beach, San Juan Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino is the perfect spot for some "me time," whether you're looking to catch some rays or explore the great outdoors.
Take a stroll down the beach and enjoy your favorite cocktail or gelato flavor by the resort's pools. Hop on a bike or throw on your sneakers and work your way through the colorful streets of the Condado neighborhood and the historic forts of Old San Juan.
If you're up for it, dance the night away in La Placita (an outdoor plaza of restaurants and bars). For a little more action on the island, take an excursion to Toro Negro Rainforest for hiking, zip-lining and rappelling, or to one of the island's three bioluminescent bays for an incredible nighttime kayaking experience.
4. For the beach bums by day and party animals by night — South Beach, Florida
South Beach is quickly becoming one of the hottest destinations for solo travelers as the streets are always packed with fellow singles and local trendsetters enjoying the epic party scene and sunny days.
One of very few hotels on Ocean Drive with direct beach access, Stanton South Beach greets solo guests with "Where to Mingle" tip cards providing top spots in town for meeting and mingling with new friends.
Plus, the hotel is located in the trendy SoFi district, just a short stroll away from the bustling nightlife, dining and shopping scenes. Its newly revamped guest rooms boast a coastal chic ambiance and the transformed lobby welcomes guests with a beach-club-meets-surfer-shack vibe.
Two oceanfront pools and an outdoor lounge area create an ideal setting for the solo traveler this summer.
5. For those who dare to get bare — Negril, Jamaica
Negril's famous clothing-optional beach resort, Sunset at the Palms Resort, may not be the first place that comes to mind when planning a solo Jamaica getaway, but this resort is one of the warmest and most welcoming spots in the Caribbean.
The resort's mild (and sometimes wild) attitude has created a judgment-free haven where people of all ages, shapes, backgrounds and lifestyles feel accepted and welcomed into the community.
The friendly atmosphere of this adults-only, all-inclusive retreat brings guests back year after year — in fact, some have been more than 100 times!
Whether solo travelers simply want to mingle by the pool and socialize or give into temptation and head over to the wild side, there is no wrong way to make friends or memories at the Palms.
6. For the chic traveler — Fort Lauderdale, Florida
For the work-hard, play-hard type, the chic W Fort Lauderdale beach resort, situated on an exclusive stretch of South Florida's sugar-sand coastline, has the essentials for the ultimate solo vacation (minus the madness of Miami).
Free daily butt-busting beach bootcamp/sunrise yoga helps guests stay on a fitness regime and provides a way to meet fellow exercise buffs.
Unwind and recharge with W Fort Lauderdale's Bliss Spa, offering jazzy blues tunes, a brownie bar for pre-treatment snacking, a luxe nail lounge, pampering treatment rooms and a retail boutique.
From here, it's walking distance to downtown Fort Lauderdale. Head to one of the local hotspots on Las Olas Boulevard before capping off the night with late-night food deliveries from the hotel's "Whenever/Whatever" service that provides round-the-clock attention for anything you need.
7. For the chance to experience a world-famous beach — Sarasota, Florida
Sarasota, Florida is renowned for its culture, fine dining, boutique shops and golf scene, but most of all for its beaches and epic sunsets.
Solo travelers can find natural beauty and peaceful moments at Sarasota's award-winning beaches, boasting the finest and whitest sand, made up of 99% pure quartz crystal.
Even on Florida's hottest days, the soft sand feels extra cool beneath your toes and is also said to maximize the ability to heal physically and emotionally. Definitely worthy of its own bullet point on your bucket list!
Solo travelers can stay at The Resort at Longboat Key Club or its sister hotel Lido Beach Resort (starting at $199/night during summer), located just a few minutes away from everything the city has to offer.
Enjoy rounds of golf, tennis matches and limitless fitness classes at The Resort at Longboat Key Club for a jumpstart to a healthier lifestyle.
For a more budget-friendly but equally gratifying experience, treat yourself to Lido Beach Resort's comfortable rooms and first-class brunch at the hotel's in-house restaurant, Lido Beach Grille.
Hang out at the newly renovated poolside Tiki Bar, where a mix of locals and hotel guests will surely keep you company.
8. For travelers who are "happy" to have fun for one — Palm Beach, Aruba
Palm Beach, Aruba's celebrated two-mile-long strip, is known for its calm, crystal-clear water and impressive crimson-yellow sunsets.
If your solo travel dream destination needs to have turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, swim-up bars, toes-in-the-sand dinners, and water sports, then Aruba Marriott Resort & Stellaris Casino has your name written all over it.
This amazing beachfront resort has everything you need for a fun-filled time all by yourself: nine restaurants and bars, nightly entertainment, a lively casino, a free-form pool with cascading waterfalls, an adults-only pool, tropical palapas ideal for beach lounging, and delicious Aruban cuisine.
The resort can arrange stand-up paddle-boarding yoga classes, beach tennis or windsurfing lessons, and snorkeling or ATV excursions, all within easy access of the property.
Aruba has been nicknamed "One Happy Island," and visitors won't have any trouble having a happy time all by themselves.
9. For the laid-back, luxe traveler — Clearwater Beach, Florida
It's easy to see why Clearwater Beach, Florida was named the best beach in the U.S. in the TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Awards for 2016, with its powder-soft, white sand, crystal-clear waters, and tranquil, carefree atmosphere.
Wake up to the soothing sounds of the Gulf and spend your days lounging poolside or at the beach — and then be sure to catch the sunset.
This year-round vacation destination is home to two luxury sister properties overlooking the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. Sandpearl Resort and Opal Sands Resort both offer a relaxing atmosphere with great food, views and activities.
At Sandpearl Resort, take an organic cooking class with the chef, make new friends roasting s'mores by the firepit, watch a poolside movie, and learn about the night sky from experts at Astronomy Night on the resort's boardwalk.
At the new Opal Sands Resort, sip a refreshing cocktail at Sand Bar, watch homemade pasta come to life at Sea-Guini's pasta station, and bask in the zero-entry pool directly over the Gulf.
Both resorts have incredible spas offering an array of pampering, coastal-inspired treatments.
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