13th January 2017: For many a nice beach is a ‘must have’ for a holiday and I hope we have given you food for thought in this list of Best Beaches of the World compiled by our Travel Specialists. It would have been easy to simply pick 10 in the Maldives or the Caribbean but we have tried to broaden the list to excite you with not always the normal choices and destinations.
A number of the selections are a holiday in themselves but some are simply a stopover or a stop on a tour. Do I have a favourite? If you pushed me on it, it would have to be Wineglass Bay. Tasmania looks so small on a map of Australia but I spent a week there and still had more to see. That beach in combination with the stunning Cradle Mountain and its wildlife is a truly memorable holiday, it’s not every day you see Quoll and Duckbilled platypuses.
We’d love to hear your thoughts too. Please comment at the end of this blog if you think we’ve missed somewhere special!
Kuramanthi Sand Bank, Maldives
Every beach list should include at least one island in the Maldives; pure paradise. Located just 56 kilometres from the airport at Male, the island is just 1.8 kilometres long. With a myriad of room types to choose from, you can stay in anything from a simple beach villa to a water villa with its own private pool. The island is large enough that you will always find a quiet spot if the diving, snorkelling and host of beach activities are too much for you. Then of course there is the food...
The reason for my nomination...
"I adore this beach. Its powdery white sand, endless views of the turquoise ocean and amazing views of the sunset make it one of the most stunning beaches I’ve ever seen."
Olivia Thomson, Bath shop
Champagne Beach, Vanuatu
Picture sparkling aqua waters and pure white sand; surrounded by lush jungle, you’re in Champagne Beach, Vanuatu. Getting its name from the coastline, which is shaped like an old fashioned champagne flute, it’s the perfect place to soak up some sunshine and take a dip in the calm waters. If you’re looking for something a little adventurous, why not join a quad bike tour, taking you past the local village, through the coconut plantation and towards the most stunning views, or simply enjoy the charm of the friendly locals.
The reason for my nomination...
"Champagne Bay is the jewel in the pacific crown of amazing beaches in Vanuatu. This idyllic location treats cruise ship passengers to a wonderfully intimate experience. In my years of travel on cruise ships this is certainly the best beach I’ve ever seen."
David Croft, Bath shop
Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda
Bermuda is famous for its pink sand beaches and this one is the very best. Around a quarter of a mile long the beach also has another amazing claim, even on hot days the sand does not get too hot under your feet due to the coral within it. Parrot fish, angel fish and wrasse are all just a few feet away in the crystal blue water for the keen snorkeler. Make sure you allow enough time to do some walks to the coves and bays just a few minutes away, it is certainly worth getting off your lounger to explore.
The reason for my nomination...
"This stunningly beautiful south shore beach is a curved stretch of pink sand and located in Southampton parish. The beach has been consistently ranked amongst the top beaches of the world."
Rachel Blake, Cirencester shop
Anse Lazio Beach, Seychelles
Located on the Northwest tip of Praslin in the Seychelles, this beach has done many an award for its stunning scenery and crystal blue waters. Not only does the huge rocks harbour a wonderful array of striking fish but often sea turtles can be spotted feeding in the area. For a quieter spot on the beach try one of the smaller bays at each end where day trippers often don’t go. The beach also has the benefit of some amazing sunsets between April and August. If you are seeking picture postcard beach heaven then this place could just be perfect for you.
The reason for my nomination...
"Situated on the north-west Paslin Island and protected by coral reef, Anse Lazio beach is truly breath-taking. Its waters are a glorious shade of turquoise and are safe for swimmers. Its large granite boulders make the beach feel much more secluded and intimate. I have never been anywhere like it."
Sarah Wilkins, Clifton shop
Seven Mile Beach, Jamaica
On the West edge of Jamaica, Seven Mile beach is on the outskirts of Negril. This 20 acres of beach of stunning powdery sand is the longest on the island with bowed palm trees offering protection of the heat of the sun. For those keen on exploring the sea, the crystal waters also have a coral reef for snorkelling. This beach can get busy so arrive early to get a great spot for your day in paradise.
The reason for my nomination...
"It’s the longest continuous stretch of powdery beach on Jamaica. You can spot the beach’s majestic cliffs further up the shore, and there’s a lighthouse at the end of the beach. You’ll find bowed palm trees providing a bit of shade. The waters are clear and aquamarine, featuring a lovely bit of coral reef where adventurers can do some snorkelling"
Joanne Greenway, Malmesbury shop
Vik Beach, Iceland
Now I imagine you were not expecting a beach in Iceland in our list, but this beach is one of the best in the world. With black pebbles and basalt columns like rocky pyramids this beach is beautiful in a very different way to most others on our list! On by the southern most village in Iceland, it is just 43 miles from the capital Reykjavik. With local flights from Bristol you could even visit for the weekend.
The reason for my nomination...
"This huge beach is covered in black pebbles and sand and is widely regarded as one of the most stunning black-sand beaches in the world. The basalt columns take on interesting formations which make for a truly breath-taking sight along the beach’s peninsula."
Gemma Thomson, Malmesbury shop
Hot Water Beach, New Zealand
This is a beach with a real difference, but bring your spade! The Coromandel might not be an area of New Zealand you have heard of, but it should certainly be on your list of places to visit. Not only for hot water beach but also the scenery with a “land that time forget” appearance. Stunning gorges, towering trees ferns and secluded coves simply add to the magic of this place, you’ll find it on the North Island of New Zealand, around a 90 minute drive East of Auckland, perfect for a stop enroute to Rotorua.
The reason for my nomination...
"Located on Mercury Bay on the east coast of the Coromandel Peninsula, North Island, Hot Water Beach offers you the incredible experience of being able to dig your own natural spa. Its water temperatures can reach 64oC and has two hot springs on this stretch of beach alone, making it totally unique. These fabulous springs are only accessible at low tide however usually there is two hour period either side of low tide which will still provide you with an opportunity to dig your own spa."
Louise Pye, Clifton shop
Wineglass Bay, Tasmania
Situated on the East Coast of Tasmania in the Freycinet National Park, Wineglass Bay is regularly voted one of the top 10 beaches in the world. With pink granite mountains rising from the sea, this is not only a stunning beach but a stunning area to explore offering so much more than just a trip to the beach. Whilst looking small on a map, it will still take you 2 1/2 hours to drive from the capital Hobart to this beautiful part of the Island. Walking, sea kayaking, golf, and 4x4 tours are all available to make the most of your trip.
The reason for my nomination...
"A gentle two hour walk will take you through the Freycinet National Park to the magnificent Wineglass Bay. You really have to see it to believe it. White powdered sands and brightly coloured granite peaks do leave you wondering how this beautiful natural environment could ever be surpassed"
Claire Hughes, Monmouth shop
Azura Beach, Mozambique
If you’re looking for somewhere relatively undiscovered, then Mozambique must be it. The country is welcoming tourists and it’s well worth the trip when you reach Benguerra Island, part of the Bazaruto Archipelago, in the south of the country. Here you’ll find an unspoilt island within a Marine National Park boasting manta rays, dolphins, turtles and dugongs. Azura Beach is one of many deserted beaches here with soft white sand and sparkling turquoise seas.
The reason for my nomination...
"This really is African paradise. A picture postcard beach that is totally unspoilt; sadly beaches like this are getting rare, so visit soon. Don’t miss the opportunity to twin your trip with my suggested Botswana safari!"
Beth Pegler, Cheltenham shop
Isles of Scilly
Now this choice might surprise you, unless of course you have been! Step back in time to a much slower pace of life and relax and unwind in beautiful unspoilt surroundings. The Scillys have just 5 inhabited islands all with beaches and scenery that will undoubtedly get you wanting to go back for more if relaxing on the quiet beaches becomes too much bird watching, walking and amazing gardens are the order of the day for many visitors. All this just a short flight away but it truly feels like a very different world.
The reason for my nomination...
"Very often places close to home are overlooked and that is certainly true with the Isles of Scilly. These islands also have their own microclimate making the visiting season that bit longer. For relaxing beach paradise close to home, this is for you; you could even go for the weekend."
Katie Tucker, Taunton shop
