Whether you’re seeking solitude or a party, shallow waters or surfing bays, find the perfect beach here in our pick of 10, from Brazil and Cuba, to the Seychelles, Thailand and Venezuela.
- Grace Bay (Turks and Caicos Islands)
If you’re looking for undeniably clear waters and sugar-white sands, look no further than Grace Bay, a luxury haven in the Turks and Caicos Islands, southeast of the Bahamas. Boasting 1,100 feet of beach frontage, Grace Bay offers its visitors not only more space than any other beach, but a selection of private amenities to help relax, rejuvenate and relish its tranquil shores.
- Baia do Sancho (Brazil)
Located on the island of Fernando de Noronha, Brazil, Baia do Sancho is an environmentally protected beach coined as “a heavenly view”. Ideal for both solitude and adventure, the beach offers calming waters and complete seclusion, but for those looking for something more exciting, its shores are surrounded by the most beautiful of marine life both in and out of the water.
- Playa Paraiso (Cuba)
With its eclectic mix of calm and bustling community life, Playa Paraiso’s long stretch of turquoise waters and white-wash sands is quite literally, undisturbed perfection. Situated on the island of Cayo Largo del Sur, just off the southeast coast of Cuba, any pre-holiday stresses will melt away with its endless sunshine and a (very) simple bar that serves a rather good mojito.
- Anse Lazio (Seychelles)
Bordered by large granite boulders and appeasing vegetation, Anse Lazio is considered the best beach on the Praslin Island in the Seychelles. Located to the north east of Madagascar in the middle of the Indian Ocean, Anse Lazio’s crystal waters, thick fringe of palm trees and year-round sunshine make it the go-to haven to relax, explore and to taste the local cuisine at one of its many shore-front restaurants.
- Cayo de Agua (Venezuela)
Sun, sea and sugar-fine sand – you’ll find it all here at the Cayo de Agua beach in Venezula’s little-known Los Roques. With its arch-shaped quays and dune-like shores, Cayo de Agua is surrounded by a myriad of colours that will, simply put, blind you with beauty.
- Playa de Ses Illetes (Balearic Islands)
For many decades, a great number of Euro hipsters come over to Playa de Ses Illetes on a day-trip from Ibiza to visit its glassy waters and series of wooden beachfront restaurants. Located in Formentera in the Balearic Islands, this is the only beach on our list not to have an infrastructure – no showers, no sunbeds and no swimsuits! – in attempt to keep its beach life simple, safe and sun-orientated. What more could you wish for?
- Kata Noi Beach (Thailand)
Nestled on the southwest side of Phuket in Karon, Thailand, Kata Noi Beach is a cosy bay that boasts fine sands and fantastic water quality. Popular with both surfers and sun-seekers alike, Kata Noi is bordered by rich vegetation, beachfront resorts and several smaller villages.
- Maho Beach (Cruz Bay, Saint John)
Mayo Beach is favourite among both locals and tourists alike. Not only does it boast crystal waters, sugary sands and a fringe of coconut palms – but it’s convenience is unrivalled. Situated north of Saint John’s in the US Virgin Islands, Maho Beach is part of Cruz Bay, a locale that thrives on its amenities, snorkeling and marine life opportunities, and off-shore adventure trails.
- Whitehaven Beach (Australia)
Whitehaven Beach is a 7 km stretch along Whitsunday Island, Australia. Best known for its pure silica sand, warm waters, and its award for Queensland’s cleanest beach, Whitehaven is quite simply put, heaven on earth.
- Praia de Santa Maria (Santa Maria, Cape Verde)
With its crashing waves and freshwater fishing, Praia de Santa Maria is a beach that will dazzle, yet equally impress with its heritage and sense of discovery. Located in Santa Maria, Cape Verde, the beach is abundant with colour – think turquoise waters and terracotta rooftops – and beauty; two things that will guarantee you returning year after year.
