Top 10 Beaches
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Smooth boulders are one
of the iconic features of the world-renowned beaches of the Seychelles.
1. Seychelles
One of the most photographed beaches in the
world, the pale pink sands of Anse Source d’Argent unfurls across the island of
La Digue, one of the 115 components of this archipelago in the Indian Ocean.
The sands sparkle against a backdrop of towering granite boulders, worn by time
and weather. The turquoise water is relatively shallow and protected from the
ocean’s waves by a reef.
2. Maldives
Whether your dream beach trip consists of
spending a few pampered nights in a four-star resort or swimming among tropical
fish some 80 feet (24 meters) underwater, the Maldives are the sort of islands
where either—or both—can come true. Straddling the Equator southwest of Sri
Lanka, the 1,102 islands that make up the Maldives form 26 atolls. The soft air
enveloping the archipelago blends into a beautiful palm-fringed haze.
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The Maldives are a
perfect destination, whether your dream beach trip consists of spending a few
pampered nights in a four-star resort or swimming among tropical fish.
3. Bora Bora, Tahiti
This is one of the magical islands that make
up French Polynesia in the South Pacific. Just 18 miles (29 kilometers) long,
this lush little slip of land lies in a protected lagoon edged by white sandy
shores, the best being at Matira Point. Bora Bora boasts the nickname "the
romantic island,” a moniker easy to appreciate with its isolated beaches,
intimate hotels, and quiet atmosphere.
4. The Hamptons, New York
One of the hip spots for the air-kissing,
well-heeled set, the Hamptons boast some of the prettiest beaches on Long
Island. The unspoiled shoreline begins around Southampton and runs east to the
end of the island at Montauk. Windswept dunes and waving grasses border the
Atlantic Ocean.
5. Lanikai Beach, Hawaii
Half a mile of sparkling sand, palm trees
swaying over a white-sand beach, lush tropical plants, and endless sunshine
make Lanikai one of Hawaii’s most scenic beaches. The shore is protected by a nearby
coral reef, which keeps the surf relatively calm. The water is always deep
green and postcard-perfect.
6. Nantucket Island, Massachusetts
The most
popular beaches on this island in the North Atlantic are Surfside and
Children’s. The waters here are relatively calm, and there’s plenty of sand to
use for sunbathing or castle-building. Madaket Beach is known for its rougher
surf and not-to-be-missed sunsets. Quidnet Beach provides great views of
Sankaty Head lighthouse.
7. Fraser Island, Australia
Perched on the sunny Queensland coast 161
miles (259 kilometers) northeast of Brisbane, Fraser Island is the world’s
largest sand island and home to a wonderful beach. This World Heritage site is
an ecologist’s dream, with 640 square miles (1,664 square kilometers) of
unspoiled natural paradise. Rain forests with 1,000-year-old trees sprout from
the sand. Lodgings here accommodate a wide range of tourists, from the
backpacking ecology lover to pampered resort fans.
8. St. Barts
One of many islands in the Caribbean Sea, St.
Barts stands out with its blend of French chic and island relaxation. With
beautiful secluded beaches, fine French cuisine, and gracious hotels, this
tropical playground is popular with the jet set. The eight-mile-long
(13-kilometer-long) island is edged by 20 beaches and small coves for swimmers
and sunbathers, with sparkling water and white sand.
9. Langkawi, Malaysia
The name “Langkawi” translates into “the land
of one’s wishes,” a welcoming concept that somewhat belies the island’s
historic origins as a reputed refuge for pirates. Langkawi has since become a
modern hideaway for the traveler seeking an escape. If your vacation wishes
extend from uncrowded white sands and clear waters to lush green forests, you
will find yourself content here. Datai Bay, located on Pulau Langkawi, is a
heavenly retreat on the Andaman Sea.
10. Kauna'oa Bay, Hawaii
Located on the Kohala Coast of the Aloha
State’s Big Island, Kauna’oa Bay is the quintessential Hawaiian spot. The
0.25-mile-long (0.4-kilometer-long), crescent-shaped beach has plenty of white
sand, palm trees, and calm, clear, blue water. In addition to swimming and
sunbathing, beachgoers here can snorkel or ride boogie boards. (Be careful
swimming, however, because there are no lifeguards on this public beach.) At
night, nestle into the sands and peer out into the water to see if you can
catch a glimpse of manta rays swimming.
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