Travel -- 3 days ago
Words: Patrick Tillard
It’s a magazine front cover we’ve seen many times before (and a dream which features regularly when sat at our desks ‘working’). Calm cyan seas lap chalky sands, as 40ft coconut trees rustle in a warm breeze under the canopy of an endless blue sky. Skiffs skim the water, where an aquarium of piscine life weaves through the pavonine coral. It is heaven on Earth.
We’re talking beaches, of course – more specifically, the very best of them lining the world’s coastline. From America to the Mediterranean, these are 10 you need to visit before you die…
1. COPACABANA BEACH, BRAZIL
Famous for its gorgeous beach as well as the beautiful people, epic party scene and amazing weather. As one of the sleekest beaches around, this is the place to be seen! To get the best view of all the action, why not rent a sleek and chic penthouse overlooking the beach?
Stay at the Copacabana Palace by Belmond, where they have sweeping views across the sea and a private, secluded beach area with dedicated beach assistants.
2. AZURA BENGUERRA ISLAND, MOZAMBIQUE
Situated on the doorstep of the Indian Ocean, this unspoilt island is within a Marine National Park and boasts deserted beaches of pure white sand that extends for miles and overlooks sparkling turquoise waters. Home to just 17 villas, which are nestled along the stretches of beach, this Mozambique marvel is certainly a destination to visit in your lifetime.
3. MERCURY BAY, NEW ZEALAND (an alternative option)
For something slightly alternative and unique, head to Hot Water Beach and experience… well, the beach’s hot spring water! Make sure you take your bucket and spade and head down either side of low tide so you can make the most of the hot water. Great for both summer and winter months, you can dig your own spa pool and bathe in the water. After a long day of digging and bathing, head to Treetops Lodge, a luxury estate nestled amongst valleys and forests in Rotorua.
4. JUMBY BAY BEACH, ANTIGUA
For one of the most spectacular (and fiercely protected) beaches in the Caribbean, head to the pristine shoreline of Jumby Bay Beach set on a 300-acre private island paradise in Antigua. Home to Jumby Bay, A Rosewood Resort, this island boasts the iconic half-mile stretch of white-powdered sand, turquoise waters and lush palms. Expect to see a sprinkling of hammocks strung between palms ready for you to soak up the golden rays.
5. RAYAVADEE KRABI, THAILAND
Rayavadee is a tropical hideaway, fringing 3 pristine beaches and surrounded by coconut groves. With panoramic views of the emerald-green waters and dramatic limestone cliffs, each beach is simply remarkable and a must visit.
6. MALDIVES
Surrounded by one of the largest turquoise lagoons in the Maldives and residing on 44 acres of untouched tropical lands, Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru’s white-sand beaches has to make the Top 10 list of beaches to visit! The resort is a stunning paradise hideaway and its beaches even more so!
7. SANTA MONICA, USA (for the more fun, city/beach vibe)
Santa Monica was named ‘one of the Top 10 beach cities in the world’ by National Geographic and it is a perfect marriage of both city and beach elements – here you truly get the best of both worlds. This active beach may not have the clear-blue waters and pristine white sand fringed with palm trees, but it is a marvel in itself. Boasting the iconic Santa Monica Pier and Ferris Wheel, those seeking an active and fun beach need to head here! While you’re visiting, be sure to stay at Shutters on the Beach – a beachfront hotel that will ensure you get the best of the Californian sun!
8. ZIGHY BAY, OMAN
Want a beach like nowhere you’ve visited before? Head to the award-winning Six Senses Zighy Bay, Oman where you will discover their sandy, remote beach, surrounded by a spectacular private marina and dramatic craggy mountains. The rugged landscape is scenic and secluded, providing you with vistas worth waiting for!
9. SARDINIA, ITALY
Named after Prince Aga Khan’s preference for this corner of the island (north-east), Principle Beach is certainly fit for royalty! Its two stunning powder-soft sand beaches are separated by blush-pink rocks and shimmering azure waters. When you’ve explored all the nooks and crannies of this beautiful beach, head to the luxurious Petra Segreta Resort & Spa for some more relaxing and rejuvenating – hey, it’s what holidays are for!
10. PLAYA DEL CARMEN, MEXICO
Located on the white sands of the Riviera Maya in Playa del Carmen, and nestled in a tropical forest, Viceroy Riviera Maya boasts a must-see, picture perfect beach! With seven-miles of a white-sand beach, this beachfront Playa del Carmen resort is a refuge if ever there was one!
For more information, contact Quintessentially Travel: +44(0)20 7022 6560, info@quintessentiallytravel.com
