Ask ten people what a beach holiday means to them, and you’ll probably get ten different answers. For some it’s about romantic walks on the water’s edge, while for others it’s about hippies and hedonism, and still for others it’s about death-defying water sports.
Whatever your definition of a ‘beach holiday’ is, we’ve found you a stretch of sand that’s sure to satisfy. After resting in hammocks all day long, swimming with sharks, partying at the tall-ship fest…we managed to bring you a list of the best beaches on planet Earth.
For those who don’t want to swim
The Dead Sea, Jordan
Can’t swim? The super-salty water in the Dead Sea won’t let you drown! Located in the heart of the Jordan Valley, the Dead Sea is a convenient 30-minute drive from Amman city. The valley is 400 metres below sea level, making this the lowest point on Earth.
But that’s not all. The mineral and salt content in the Dead Sea is extremely high which in turn makes this water body incredibly buoyant. The unusual content also makes the Dead Sea an unrivalled natural spa.
Instead of investing in anti-ageing potions, we’d recommend saving up for a trip here. After all, even the ravishing Queen Cleopatra was a regular here…
For The Eco-friendly Beach Bum
Club Med Cherating Beach Resort, Malaysia
As you enter the resort, the first to greet you might very well be a chameleon lazing in the garden. Next on the scene can be a monkey walking the open alleyway leading to your room.
Set in the midst of hectares of tropical forests, overlooking the South China Sea, this is the very first eco-resort in Asia. It has also obtained a Green Globe certificate for sustainable tourism. Every little detail, from the architecture itself, to the waste-disposal, takes into consideration the environment. Accommodation is a cosy room, set on the water’s edge, held up by stilts made entirely of salvaged wood. From afar, it feels like the room was simply floating above the calm water. The food consisted of eight different types of cuisines, cooked up in an eco-friendly kitchen where endangered varieties are replaced with organic versions.
The resort also offers a variety of activities from mountain climbing, to archery, to pool-side parties. But the best activity is to simply walk the pristine sands where you can spot spotted turtles and other delightful sea creatures. If you’re looking for a beach get-away without leaving behind a carbon-footprint, the Club Med Cherating Beach Resort is just the place for you.
Prefer your Malaysia holiday planned the way you travel? Explore the place at your own pace with thoughtfully curated tailor-made Malaysia holidays.
For Goa Lovers
Arpora, Goa, India
Until a little over a decade ago, the ultimate beach holiday, for teens and tweens in India, was the Baga Calungute stretch. It had a beautiful feel, and commercialism seemed miles away. But as you enter the same stretch, you might not so much as find a spot to spread out your beach-chair!
Yet, you will not be quite ready to give up on Goa and still might chance upon a beach that still has that feel of yore; like the Arpora. It’s where the hippies still rule, and where it’s still cool to sport a yellow polka-dot bikini.
But make your way to Arpora soon, before the 60’s come to an end.
From laid-back shores to lively coastal towns, discover India’s stunning destinations through holidays across India designed around how you like to travel.
For The Hedonist
Trinidad and Tobago
Carnivals, music, exotic food, flowing bubbly, and gorgeous beaches. The party never ends in this two-island nation of Trinidad and Tobago. After all, one would expect no less of the Caribbean. Whether you want to simply lay back and work on your tan, or take a dip in the mesmerising waters that hold colourful corals, these islands offer all this and then some.
For The Arty, Who Like To Party
Sitges, Spain
Beach holidays needn’t always be about excess and indulgence. And this time around, this isn't a beach that could serve as a sanctuary; but a place to renew the tired spirits. The recommendations of artists of the 19th century seemed reliable enough for you to head to Sitges, off Barcelona.
History has it that the famed Spanish painter Santiago Rusinol took up residence in Sitges. In later years, even Salvador Dali is believed to have walked these sands. And the tradition still continues. As you make your way to the beach, you’ll surely be greeted by several budding artists with paint and palette in hand.
Whether it’s sun-soaked islands or relaxed seaside towns, experience our Spain holidays with itineraries crafted to perfection!
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For Record Lovers
Sopot, Poland
Google Poland and the first thing that comes up is the World War and the immense destruction. Yet when you visit, you’ll find that Poland was far from drab and dreary, with a happening night life and picturesque towns and cities. One such town was Sopot, set on the southern coast of the Baltic Sea.
Sopot is a tourist resort with a unique buzz. You could walk along the sea front that’s dotted with funky restaurants, quaint cafes, and lively pubs and clubs. But what separates this town from other beach towns in Europe is that it boasts of the longest wooden pier in Europe. At 511.5 metres it seems to stretch all the way into the sea, making this one of the some of the best beaches in the world for couples whose idea of romance is ‘long’ walks in the sand.
For Ship Lovers
Waterford, Republic of Ireland
People competing for the ‘best pirate costume’ walking the shore, with tall-ships parked on the waters. To me, it was like being on the sets of Pirates of the Caribbean, minus the scary sea creatures. This was the scene that will greet you in Waterford, Ireland during the Tall Ships Festival which showcases some of the tallest ships in the world. Waterford serves as one of the many ports of call of this international hippie fest. Add to the celebration the gabby locals of Ireland, and the party is in full swing.
For Those Seeking A Bit Of Nature
Giant’s Causeway, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
Legend has it that a giant named Fin McCool created the causeway simply by walking across the water. Science however claims that this UNESCO world heritage structure site was created by a volcanic eruption. We’d go with legends. But whichever side you steer towards, you cannot deny that the Giant’s Causeway is a magnificent creation.
As you look at the 40,000 interlocking basalt columns, you’ll know without a doubt that nature is an unrivalled artist. Over years of weathering, some of the naturally formed structures now resemble objects; like a gigantic shoe shaped structure, aptly termed the Giant’s Boot.
Even though these waters don’t allow for a swim, this is by far one of the most fascinating coastlines you’ll ever lay eyes on. And the many myths that abound only add to its charm.
For Snorkellers
Great Barrier Reef, Australia
The Great Barrier Reef, the world’s largest coral reef, is the only living organism visible from space, with thousands of different types of organisms living within these waters. Even if you can barely swim, you’ll manage to go snorkelling and even try your hand at scuba-diving. All you need is to muster up some courage, and get yourself a guide. It is well worth it to fight your fears because within this deep blue, you’ll spot the brightest hues; psychedelic orange, pink and green corals with fish to match, easily making one of the best beaches in the world.
From iconic beaches to hidden coastal gems, experience Australia with Cox and Kings with travel plans shaped around your pace and preferences.
For Those Who Want Beaches (A Whole Lot of Them)
Kerala, India
By now, you’ve probably realised that the idea of a beach isn’t the same for everyone. For some, it’s about sunsets and sandcastles. For others, it’s about parties, music, and fun. But when you arrive in the southernmost state of India under the cover of darkness, maybe exhausted, unplanned, holding nothing but a worn piece of paper and a dot on a map, it challenges the idea that the best beach vacations have to look a certain way.
Somewhere between the fading city lights and your first scent of salt in the air, you’ll see that your world slows down. The road turns to dirt, the stars take over, and the sea begins to make itself known with crashing waves and shimmering water. Life drops down a gear or two and days become about hammocks in coconut groves, cocktails in hand, and slow walks along palm-fringed shores as fishermen move through their day alongside.
For Bird Lovers
Phillip Island, Victoria, Australia
Few waterfronts in the world allow you this thrill, to get within a few feet of parading penguins. Make your way to the Phillip Island Nature Park at sun-set and watch penguins waddle their way out of the water, onto the beach and into their little burrows.
You’ll be awe-struck as you watch these tiny creatures emerge from the water, and warily make their way home after a long day at sea. You could spend several sunsets here, doing nothing but penguin watching, and still not get tired.
For Those Who Don’t Like to Shoulder Through
Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam
Floating off the country’s southern coast, this is an island that feels refreshingly removed from the chaos most travellers expect from Southeast Asia. Long, empty stretches of sand, calm waters, and sunsets that bring you peace are what you get here.
Life here is still very slow. Fishermen still head out at dawn, pepper farms dot the interior, and the beaches, especially on the western side, remain blissfully empty. You can snorkel in clear waters, take boat rides to smaller surrounding islands, or simply do nothing at all.
Unwind along Vietnam’s stunning coastline with journeys that bring together beaches, culture and comfort with our tailor-made holidays to Vietnam.
In the end, the truth is, the best beach vacations don’t belong to one country or coastline, they change with the traveller. Looking for more such stunning experiences across the world? Explore expertly crafted travel experiences with Cox & Kings.
