For some a beach is a place to sunbathe, read and daydream. For others it represents adventure and excitement. Which is why when it comes to picking the world’s best sandy shores, suggestions change with the tides. So, to make things a bit easier we’ve asked our network of experts to share with us some of their favourites from around the globe.
Wategos Beach, Australia
Once a bohemian hangout, Wategos’ myriad charms have seen it become something of a celebrity magnet, with the likes of Matt Damon and Nicole Kidman both owning homes here. Located two kilometres from Byron Bay town centre, Wategos really does have it all: a sheltered crescent-shaped beach surrounded by lush vegetation, calm, crystal-clear waters and a rainforest path that leads from the sand up to the Cape Byron Lighthouse with its incredible vistas.
Anse Source d’Argent, Seychelles
Bordered by a crystal-clear lagoon on one side and lush vegetation on the other, Anse Source d’Argent stretches across La Digue, one of the 115 islands that make up this gorgeous archipelago in the Indian Ocean. Arguably one of the most photogenic places in the world, Anse Source d’Argent is a regular on the world’s best beaches list, thanks to its powdery white sand, swaying palm trees and calm turquoise waters that gently caress the giant granite boulders that have been shaped by nature. Aim to get there early in the morning or late in the afternoon before the inevitable day-trippers descend from Mahé and Praslin.
Luskentyre, Outer Hebrides
Located at the end of a winding road, on the windswept west coast of the Isle of Harris, Luskentyre Beach is a vast stretch of silvery-white sand, lapped by unerringly blue water. On a sunny day, you’ll find it hard to believe you are not in the tropics rather than Scotland, until that is you dip your toe into the water.
Dune du Pyla, France
About an hour’s drive from Bordeaux you will find Europe’s tallest sand dune, towering over 100 metres high. Nestled on the edge of Arcachon Bay, sandwiched between the pounding surf of the Atlantic and verdant green pine forests, a trek to the summit is rewarded by amazing views over the surrounding landscape. During the summer months, Dune du Pyla is best enjoyed at dawn and at dusk when the temperatures are more forgiving and the sand takes on a glistening golden glow.
Koh Kradan, Thailand
Choosing the best beach in Thailand is no easy task, but one that manages to be both stunningly beautiful and relatively peaceful is Koh Kradan, a long, narrow island in Trang province. Choose to relax on a hammock suspended between a palm tree, stroll along the powdery sands or take a dip in the warm aquamarine waters. Or, if you’re feeling a little more energetic you can go snorkelling on a reef just off the beach or take advantage of the kayak route around the island which can be completed in less than three hours.
Ipanema Beach, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Stretching for some three kilometres, Rio’s Ipanema Beach is one of the most famous on the planet thanks to its pristine white sand, vibrant culture and laid-back vibe. Nestled in between Leblon and Copacabana and east of the striking twin hills of Morro Dois Irmãos, its location affords it some of the city’s most incredible sunset views. Daytime is pretty special too, thanks to a myriad of activities from surfing and stand-up paddleboarding to beach volleyball. Not to mention good old-fashioned people watching!
Pink Beach, Padar Island, Komodo National Park, Indonesia
Located between Komodo and Rinca Islands that together make up the Komodo National Park, Padar Island is celebrated for its rare combination of crescent-shaped beaches with their white, black and, most famously, pink sand. The latter is known as the Pink Beach and gets its remarkable hue from thousands of tiny pieces of broken red coral, shells and microscopic marine creatures that have washed up onto the shore. The waters around the island are teeming with marine life, making it a great spot for scuba diving.
To plan your ultimate beach trip, give our team of experts a call on 0203 535 9290.