ARUBA
Moomba Beach Bar
By day, Moomba is the south coast of Aruba's epicenter of idle. The sunny beach, turquoise water and shady stand of divi-divi trees all make for one fine lazy-lazy atmosphere. Big Moomba Burgers and frozen Chi Chis complete the picture. But as afternoon turns to evening, beachgoers from all the nearby resorts squeegee off their sunscreen and come here to dine and party under the giant palapas. Live bands give way to DJs who keep the thatch shaking well into the night as the dancing spills out onto the sand. The place only closes for seven hours a day, so come prepared to put in some quality time.
297-586-5365; moombabeach.com
ANGUILLA
Dune Preserve
More than a classic beach bar, the Preserve is both an artwork in constant progress and a monument to owner Bankie Banx' quixotic fight against overdevelopment. From its beached-boat-turned-bar – lapped bycrystal-blue Rendezvous Bay – to the bandstand Jimmy Buffett has used, to the multi-level bars made of found material, Dune Preserve has a sexy, Swiss Family Reggaeson vibe. Bankie is first a musician, and you can usually catch him playing three nights a week and at his epic beach party, Moonsplash, held each March around the full moon. At other times, Dune Preserve is simply a most eclectic bar on a most stunning beach.
264-772-9259; bankiebanx.net








