The beautiful turquoise water and the white sand was just spectacular. We spent our days soaking up the sun and playing in the surf. We all had a try at jet-skiing and para-sailing. These were generally $50 per person with some negotiating going on, but not much. Some rides were better than others. Remember to ask for "the dip" when para-sailing. That's when they slow the boat just enough to let your toes dip in the water before they speed up and reel you in to the boat. Not all drivers do this, and be prepared to tip the ones who do. We also got our hair braided into cornrows on the beach. It looked great, although it was also expensive, and it really kept the hair out of our eyes and eliminated the need for styling all week. However, the cornrows are very tight and hurt for days!! We literally had ice packs on our heads the first night! I didn't really feel better until the third day, when the hair grew enough to loosen the cornrows, and even then I found sleeping on the beads to be uncomfortable. I wouldn't do it again, although my daughter still has hers in and loves it. They're supposed to last 2-3 weeks but I took mine out as soon as we got home. Worst $50 I ever spent (for only half the head)!

Cabbage Beach, with its 3km white sand, sparking clear aquamarine water and gentle waves has made it onto my top 10 Carribbean beach list.

Near major hotels like the Atlantis, there are designated swimming areas, with life guards and of course, all the tourists. At both ends of the beach, there are quiet coves where waters are calmer and there are almost no tourists.

Take a walk to the east along the beach front and you come to lovely Snorklers Cove. This rocky section provides cover of a numerous colorful fish--but wear shoes or fins--there's sea urchins in them there waters! Keep an eye on those golfers though, there's enough golf balls in the shallow waters to make one a touch wary.

Going west, toward the Club Med beach, the waters are a touch rougher, but better for body surfing.