TOP 10 OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACHES
1. Honokalani Beach, Wai'anapanapa State Park, Maui,
Hawaii
With its jet-black shore, lapis lazuli waters, and thick,
jungle-like foliage, Honokalani Beach is a photographer’s dream. Besides lying
lazily on the “sand”—actually made up of of tiny lava pebbles—there’s plenty to
do: you’ll find seaside lava tubes and sea caves carved into the lava cliffs
along the shore. It’s wild, unspoiled
Hawaii at its best, and a necessary stop en route to Hana.
2. Honopu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii
Also known as Cathedral Beach, Honopu—like Waipio Valley—is
quite difficult to reach. For starters, it’s not accessible except by water, so
to get there, you must swim from an offshore boat, or from neighboring Kalalau
Beach (a quarter-mile swim). But the trouble is worth it: Think cumin-colored
sand bordered by soaring, vegetation-cloaked cliffs—and, most times, not a soul
in sight. Fun fact: It’s served as a location on such films as Six
Days, Seven Nights, Raiders of the Lost Ark, and King
Kong.
3. Sunset Beach, Oahu, Hawaii
Well-known as one of the world's best places to watch big
wave surfing in winter (the beach is home to the Vans Triple Crown), the water
here becomes as calm as a lake in summer, making it an excellent spot for
snorkeling. After a day spent in the sand and surf, don't towel off and head
home just yet: Above all, as its name suggests, it's the sunsets
that really seal the deal for visitors.
4. El Nido, Palawan, Philippines
Shockingly, Palawan remains steadily under the radar, even
though it continues to rank highly
in our Readers' Choice Awards. El Nido alone is home to around 50 white sand
beaches—it’s impossible to choose just one—all of which are set around dramatic
limestone formations and boast the finest and whitest sand you’ll ever see. The
water is so blindingly blue it makes the Caribbean Sea look murky in
comparison. And the sunsets? Well, they’ll ruin you for life. Consider yourself
warned.
5. Reduit Beach, St. Lucia
Located about ten minutes south of Pigeon Island National
Park, you'll get far-off views of Fort Rodney while lounging on your towel. And
whether you're looking for a spot to go windsurfing or a place to grab a bite
to eat, this beach—framing picturesque Rodney Bay—has everything you need: It’s
within walking distance of Reduit Beach village and luxury resorts, but still
retains a relaxed, beachy sense perfect for a quiet getaway.
6. Palm Beach, Aruba
The two-mile-long strip on the northwest side of the island
is filled with activities to keep you busy all day and night. Try your hand at
parasailing or snorkeling before sitting down to enjoy a barefoot lunch at
Pelican Pier Bar during the day; then, head to the nearby casinos, restaurants,
and nightclubs at night to make your lazy day a bit more lively.
7. Matira Beach, Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Matira is perhaps the most famous of Tahiti's beaches, and
for good reason: The mile-long stretch of silky, powder-white sand slopes
gently into a shallow emerald lagoon, and is backed by a thick curtain of palms
and tropical foliage. Added bonus: It’s one of the only public-access beaches
in Bora Bora, so you won't need to pay five-star resort prices to enjoy its
beauty. Come early to stake out a spot.
8. Treasure Beach, Jamaica
The six-mile-long coastline is actually divided up into a
number of coves, with four of them being open to the public. While you'll be
charmed by the sleepy fishing villages located at each of them, you can also
enjoy some spectacular
swimming and snorkeling along the untouched rock shorelines. Less of
a tourist spot, the local community is made up of writers and artists creating
an inviting cultural scene.
9. Orient Bay Beach, St. Martin
Not everyone wants to go to the beach to relax—here, you can
party all day with the scenic white sand and blue waters as your backdrop.
Plenty of bars and clubs dot the entire stretch, and since it's so populated,
getting (and staying) here is easy, as it's only about two miles from the airport.
Even more daring beachgoers will want to wander to the southern end of the
stretch, where there's an area for nudists.
10. Lindquist Beach, St. Thomas
Part of a protected 21-acre area called Smith Bay Park, this
white-sand beach has shallow, calm turquoise water ideal for everyone in the
family to enjoy a swim. After a dip, head to either the right or left side of
the shore, where you can enjoy a packed picnic of conch chowder in the coconut
grove or under the sea grape trees. Typically quiet during the week, the beach
becomes livelier on weekends, as locals tend to throw small parties.
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