Has anyone else forgotten what an exotic beach looks like? With the ongoing pandemic putting travel plans on hold and proving that 2020 really has been the year of the staycation that none of us asked for, cocktails by the sea and toes in the sand feels like a distant memory.
Until now.
This article is all about reinvigorating those beach vibes and reigniting our love of the seaside. And whether you are looking for the instagrammable white sands and miles of beach, or prefer to keep it lowkey with your own small bay of paradise hidden from the crowds, this article of 13 beaches has a little something for everyone.
Disclaimer: This article has been created as an outlet of beach love and inspiration for future holidays, and is in no way an indication of where consumers can or should be looking to visit right now in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Tel Aviv, Israel
Tel Aviv is known for its wild parties and extravagant events – but continue past this hotspot for young people and you will find the Metsitsim Beach. Lounge in the shade or in the sunshine, order a cocktail or two, and enjoy the hustle and bustle of the farmer’s market which is situated at the tip of the port next to the beach. Proof that a beach doesn’t have to be empty to be picturesque!
Palawan, Philippines
Perfect for those who love a little underwear adventure on their holidays, this is a vibrant and colourful beach where the marine life is as exciting – if not more so – than the life on the land. Look out for dolphins as you enjoy cocktails on the beach at sunset, and keep your eyes peeled for native mammals and exotic fish as you take a morning swim along the coastline of the Marimegmeg Beach.
Brittany, France
The Plage Sainte-Barbe is one of those beaches which is truly spectacular once you get there, but if you go looking for it, you’ll never find it. A deserted paradise of sandy beach bays and the perfect waves for surfing, topped off with sunset views at the end of every day.
Cape Town, South Africa
The Llandudno beach is yet another example of a beach which is picturesque and perfect because of the lack of people spoiling its shores. A late afternoon suntrap, and a great place to head if you want to catch the perfect sunset, this beach is surrounded by secluded bays and little corners to hide in, giving everyone their own piece of paradise and creating the perfect calm waters for a floating suite or two…
Vancouver Island, Canada
We often herald Canada for its snowscapes and ski seasons, but what about the beaches and coastlines? Long Beach really is a long beach, stretching across 10 miles and offering incredible views out into the ocean filled with whales and other sea life which is just waiting for you and your camera. On a calm day, the waters are still and peaceful – on a windier day, the beach becomes a surfer’s paradise. Not necessarily the best location for holidaymakers enjoying their own private floating suites, though certainly somewhere with spectacular views which cannot be overlooked.
Krabi, Thailand
Railay beach isn’t big enough to draw crowds away from the infamous beaches of Phuket, meaning that for the most part this sandy paradise is undisturbed by masses of tourists. With a shallow bay ideal for paddling, swimming and enjoying lazy afternoon a paddleboard or long boat, this is a beach designed for locals – and it really gives off a very community vibe for its few visitors.
Shoal Bay, Anguilla
It’s a Caribbean paradise, and so everything it delivers is exactly what you would expect. It’s picture perfect with white sand, cocktails in hand and a delightful turquoise seascape at the end of the beach.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
There are many reasons to visit Rio de Janeiro – the vibrance, the culture, the lifestyle and the delicacies. But one of the little known reasons to visit this spectacular city is the Ipanema beach – a place where lifestyle divides and where different tribes and communities come together in a harmonious existence amid the sandy shores on the edge of the city.
Majorca, Spain
A holiday favourite in Europe, the island of Majorca is surrounded on all sides with beautiful beaches and vibrant beach life. The Cala Llombards beach is one such paradise, mainly enjoyed by locals, which offers a rocky plateau popular with sea jumpers and fans of coasteering, and calm blue waters for families and swimmers.
La Digue, Seychelles
One of our favourite spots, this is the island in the Seychelles with the lowest population – and thus the most amount of isolation and quiet paradise to enjoy. Capture the perfect shot across the hills and over the beaches, gazing down upon the clearest water on earth as you enjoy the natural view with not another human in site.
New South Wales, Australia
Another spot which is famed for beaches, Australia is often regarded around the world as a spot for tourists – and yet very few know about the Hyams beach just south of Sydney. Spot dolphins, grab a coffee, and simply soak in the views across the white sands and blue waters. An old favourite – but a real good one!
Essaouira, Morocco
The Essaouira beach is the namesake of this city – and no wonder, with its stunningly vibrant sands and the sun covered marketplace beyond. This beach belongs to a city where colour and culture is everything, with the beach simply serving to build on the atmosphere and vibe created by local businesses and marketplaces.
Weligama, Sri Lanka
Our final beach is the Weligama beach, offering incredible swimming experiences for the whole family in clear and shallow waters; passing local delicacies and Sri Lankan tastes on to passers-by; even inviting visitors to enjoy the sunset from a hanging chair at the back of the beach.
These beaches may not be wonders of the world, but to the world they will always be wonders to behold – earning their place on the ultimate beach bucket list.