10 Beach Destinations to Visit at Least Once In A Lifetime

While it is one of the most popular destinations to visit in Thailand, Phuket is also home to some of the most exotic and secluded beaches in the world. Enjoy turquoise waters alongside powdery and white sand at any of the island’s corners. Resorts dominate the coastline of this island, and offer a unique experience totally different from the one you may be used to in the Caribbean. Phuket has clear waters with tropical marine life, which make snorkeling and scuba diving popular activities to experience. Travelers can see the immaculate contrast of crystal waters and a flourishing jungle at Banana Beach. As the beach is named, it is also home to many Banana Boats you can ride around the bay. 

The low-lying coral islands of the Maldives are a world wonder amongst travelers, due to the luxury and romance that can be found on these islands. This archipelagic state offers travelers the feeling of being remote from the bustling cities with luxurious accommodations up to and including overwater bungalows. If you’re traveling to the Maldives for underwater life, visit the HP Reef in the North Male Atoll. It is a protected area which is home to some of the most beautiful formations of reefs, and lots of colourful fish. Overall, with around 1,200 islands to enjoy in this tropical archipelago, you will have lots of beaches to relax on, as well as many places to enjoy snorkeling and scuba diving. And do not miss a trip to Reethi Rah, which is one of the larger islands yet less crowded than the others.

The 115 islands that make up the archipelago of Seychelles are some of the most luxurious islands in the world to travel to. Travelers can reconnect with nature on some of the most pristine and remote island destinations, known for the ultimate romantic escape. Regardless which island you decide to visit, they all have lots to offer. From the beautiful Vallee de Mai Nature Reserve with its wide array of fauna and flora, to the Aldabra Atoll where the snorkeling and diving is the best in the entire archipelago, you will never run short of activities. If you go snorkeling or scuba diving, make sure to look out for the local tiger sharks and manta rays which swim in these coral atolls. And did I mention the incredible seafood on this island, and the luxurious resorts offering unparalleled beauty for your vacation? Many of these islands are virtually untouched and almost never crowded!

It shouldn’t be a surprise that this tropical archipelago, located off the eastern coast of Africa, ended up on this list! The beaches on Zanzibar are some of the finest in the world, and make for the ultimate couples’ retreat and/or honeymoon. If you enjoy snorkeling, take the dhow boat to Pembla Beach for a truly authentic local experience. If you’re looking for the best place to stay which has cool coffee shops and tasty local cuisine, stay in the area of Paje Beach on the southwest coast. The atmosphere on this long strip of white sand is more laid-back than the touristy areas, with lots of local beachfront resorts to relax and unwind.

The sky meets the sea! Sitting within the Polynesian Triangle between Hawaii and New Zealand, the beguiling islands of the French Polynesia are some of the most luxurious destinations in the world! Overwater bungalows dominate these islands, ideal for honeymooners and romantic getaways from far around the world! The French Polynesia is made up of over 100 islands and atolls, scattered across some of the most turquoise waters one has ever seen! The world’s second-largest atoll can be found in Rangiroa, a string of 240 islets snaking around a lagoon, and only one hour away by plane from Papeete. For the most romantic moments, catch a flight to Bora Bora, which has the most beautiful waters in the Polynesian Triangle, and the majority of overwater bungalow resorts. Trust me, after making the investment to travel here, these memories will stay with you forever!

Travel to the many unexpected islands of the archipelago of the Philippines is truly paradise redefined!. A short flight from Manila takes you to Busuanga on the island of Coron, with its beautiful beaches and resorts. A boat tour from the town of Coron takes you along Kayangan Lake to a short hike leading to one of the most photographed places in the Philippines. Nearby, a swim in the twin lagoon can unravel your stress from everyday life. Don’t forget to bring your GoPro, because this area is home to protected coral reefs and incredibly photogenic tropical scenes. You can also see an old shipwreck, but you might need to hold your breath and dive a bit further down. Have lunch at Beach 91, an isolated place only accessible by tour boats where the locals are waiting to have you enjoy their hospitality! Back on land, hike Mount Tapyas for the best views of Coron town and the hills over the water. 

Situated on the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, the Mayan Riviera is a vacation showpiece constructed on a huge sandbar. White-sand beaches and turquoise-blue waters are just the beginning. The region is famous for its diverse ecosystems, including dazzling coral reefs, tropical forests, jungles and year-round sunshine. Travelers can enjoy an endless number of tours around this region of deep heritage. History buffs can visit the ancient pyramids at Chichen Iza or Tulum, while nature enthusiasts can head to parks like XCaret or Xel-Ha. And do not miss the region’s famous cenotes, which used to be the only source of drinking water for the mayans. Nowadays, travelers can swim in the cenotes or simply admire the natural formations. And let’s not forget the many all-inclusive resorts situated along this peninsula. From budget to luxury, travelers can find an array of resorts with the locals waiting to offer you top-notch hospitality. Once you visit this place, you will want to come back over and over again!

Travelers looking for luxury in the Caribbean should look no further than Turks and Caicos. This small tropical archipelago offers some of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen with my eyes, and a pristine marine environment with friendly people. The luxury resorts and villas along Grace Bay will make you feel like you’ve won the lottery! Quite simply, the Turks and Caicos is the most luxurious beach destination of the Caribbean! You can take a tour of Providenciales with a private guide to see the small town and the crystal clear ocean water and views from the hills. And if you have time, you can also take a tour to Iguana Island where you will spot iguanas (don’t worry, they don’t bite) and enjoy some snorkeling.

Aloha! Located on the south shore of Oahu island, Waikiki Beach is one of the most popular beaches in the world. The area is only about 3 km long, however, surrounded by many hotels, shopping, dining and entertainment. And the abundance of activities will keep you busy for a week. Don’t forget to visit Pearl Harbour which commemorates one of the top significant events in WWII. It’s also worth renting a car to tour the north shore of Oahu. It’s amazing how in Waikiki it could be 30 degrees and sunny, and when one drives just about 30-45 minutes out of the area, it becomes a rainforest. Keep driving the coastal route and you will encounter waterfalls and beautiful vistas. And don’t leave without hiking up Diamond Head mountain for one of the top stunning vistas of Waikiki and the Pacific Ocean!