Perhaps the major draws for any visitor to the US or British Virgin Islands are the beaches. Yes, people love the climate, the vivid blues and greens of the sea, and those scrumptious rum umbrella drinks. But they especially adore the beaches of warm, fine, sand, set between clear sky and sparkling ocean. I’ve selected three example beaches, where the sand is pristine white and the water warm and inviting.

Megans Bay is located in a protected enclave on the north side of St. Thomas, about 20 minutes’ drive over the mountains from Charlotte Amalie. You can also visit by boat, and anchor outside the swimming area. The beach is nearly three quarters of a mile in length, and the sea floor is sandy – great for bare feet, but without coral for snorkelers. Amenities include showers, restrooms, a beach bar, boutique and café. Also available are kayaks to rent, and if you want to stretch your legs, there’s a nature trail.

Trunk Bay is on the west shore of St. John, USVI, and has been voted one of the top beaches in the world. The beach faces St. Thomas across Pillsbury Sound. Amenities include a snack bar, showers, and restrooms. There is a reef with an underwater trail for snorkeling.

The Baths at Virgin Gorda, BVI, is different from most other beaches because of its giant, granite boulders, with their tunnels and arches, around which the sea gathers, and through which you can stroll in the warm water. You can also swim on a ‘normal’ stretch of beach. The Baths are located about 1.2 miles from Spanish Town.