BackThrill-seeker, sun-soaker or foodie, beaches offer the chance for carefree moments in the world's best luxury destinations.
Aspiring scuba-diver or someone craving a laid-back break, our planet's most stunning beaches are your key to the perfect getaway. Spotlighting the world's most breathtaking coastal landscapes, inviting holiday-makers and locals to lap up this exceptional natural beauty, beaches are a gift best embraced.
What are the best beaches in the world?
The diversities and contrasts of our natural world are what we love so much about it. As you embark on your beach vacation, traversing the facades of each sun-kissed city and rugged coastline sparks your imagination with endless ideas. To decide on just one feels impossible.
Each beach, from the tucked-away havens of Polynesia to the urban sands of Rio de Janeiro, is washed with its own microculture, offering a slightly different experience during your sea-bound escapade. Find freshly-mixed cocktails, live music and beachfront bars, or head to a spot where local tradition is preserved and glimpses of an ancient past are found in quiet corners or misty caves.
Some beach lovers picture waterskiing across choppy waves and intrepid speedboat journeys between secluded islands. Others envision taste explosions in beachfront eateries and dance performances bursting with the colour of local culture. For each and every luxury or eco-conscious traveller we speak to, we find the perfect corner of the planet. So, let's take a look at some of the best beaches in the world.
6 Most Breathtaking Beach Destinations
1. Playa Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Best For: Wildlife, Rainforests
Capturing what is loved most about Costa Rica, where the refreshing 'pura vida' lifestyle remains very much alive, Playa Manuel Antonio is a spell-binding beach destination. Situated in the famous park of the same name, this spot is ideal for those who love beaches as much as they love wildlife. For those spending time in Costa Rica's most legendary national park, this heavenly and unique beach is a blissful reward to follow a rainforest hike dotted with animal sightings.
Perhaps you're staying in one of Manuel Antonio's secluded eco-luxury resorts, just a stone's throw from this oasis, or if not, the beach lays just 30-minutes from the park's main entrance. Upon arrival, notice the beach's distinctive crescent shape, as it protrudes into the Pacific Ocean, widening at its tip into a rocky peninsula draped in emerald vegetation. The beach's incredible location offers views of the park as it edges towards the diamond blue, where sloths, monkeys, toucans, and macaws form a small part of a magical ecosystem.
Things to do on Playa Manuel Antonio
The spectacular views from Playa Manuel Antonio are enough to justify an exciting visit. For wildlife lovers, this is one of the best beaches on the world for animal sightings, as its surrounding rainforest homes a breathtaking array of flora and fauna. Meanwhile, its conditions are perfect for surfers during winter, the best month being November. For those craving an off-the-beaten-track experience in Costa Rica, other, smaller beaches lay close to this iconic spot, like Playa Gemelas and Playa Biesanz.
2. Diani Beach, Kenya
Best For: Eco-Luxury Relaxation, Safari & Beach.
Picture this: you have traced the bumpy tracks of Kenya's dynamic open plains, spotting the big 5 animals, engaging in cultural exchange with local tribes, and watching the sun setting each evening over the savannah. A mind overflowing with thrilling animal encounters and eye-opening safari moments, the next step is a week in the heart of Kenya's gorgeous south coast. Utter relaxation is within reach, as the powdery, white sands of Diani Beach invite you to unravel a whole new side to this wonderful East African country.
Fringed by radiant green jungle, facing boundless ocean, Diani Beach remains beautiful throughout the year, with a lively character and ambience which oozes from the nearby town of Mombasa. The tropical paradise is enriched by its array of luxury resorts, like the eco-friendly Kinondo Kwetu, making your escape especially relaxed, punctuated by soothing spa treatments and tropical cuisine spotlighting Mediterranean and Swahili flavours.
Things to do on Diani Beach
Beginning in your opulent, eco-conscious retreat, there is plenty to do around the golden shores of Diani. Unwind in a spa, sunbathe, or engage in cultural exchange, experiencing the heart-warming cultural melting pot of the nearby town. The highlight of your escape is the crystal-clear waters of the Kenyan coast, perfect for snorkelling and other watersports. Dip your head beneath the surface and observe sea turtles, rays, and coral reefs teeming with life, making sure to listen to your guide to ensure a non-invasive underwater journey. For an "off-the-beaten-track" tour, Kaya Kinondo Sacred Forest is Diani's most well-kept secret, a forest with walking trails and intriguing indigenous relics.
Diani Beach invites safari goers to unwind on the gorgeous south coast of Kenya.
3. Cham Islands' Beaches, Vietnam
Best For: Watersports, Remote Beauty, Marine Park.
Offshore from the Quang Nam Province of Vietnam, accessed from the widely visited city of Hoi An, the Cham Islands is an archipelago of eight idyllic islands framed by sandy shores. The Central Vietnam escape makes a fantastic extension to any luxury tour of the country, perhaps following a hiking adventure in the northern mountains and lush rice fields.
The most renowned beaches on the island, Bai Ong, Bai Chong, and Bai Xep, are perfect for relaxing and soaking up the hot Vietnamese sun while enjoying the cool breezes of the ocean. With clear skies, clear waters, and clean sands ideal for sunbathing, this is where one finds utter peace, the type ushered by being among such pure, natural beauty. With a backdrop of verdant hills which tower over blissful villages like Bai Lang, and coastal waters brimming with biodiversity and colourful coral reefs, your beach escape in Vietnam is a guaranteed adventure.
Things to do on the beaches of Cham Islands
On Bai Chong or Bai Ong, experience the islands' best snorkelling, swimming among a UNESCO-protected underwater ecosystem. Tours can even take you to the incredible Cu Lao Cham Marine Park for insightful sea tours and thrilling aquatic adventures spotlighting rare marine species. Back on the beaches, watersports like jet-skiing, paddleboarding, and banana boating are a popular draw, while nearby coastal villages lend the scene a distinct charm. The deep-rooted passion for marine conservation found in local areas enriches your beach vacation with meaning and connection.
The Cham Islands encompass a selection of enchanting beaches, from remote to lively.
4. Whitehaven Beach, Australia
Best For: Unique Scenery, Family Friendly.
For holiday-makers from Europe and the Americas, a trip to Australia requires lots of planning and time to spare, so why not make it the journey of a lifetime? The country's six states embrace our planet's polarities, with everything from sweeping desert to dynamic cities representing an equally diverse heritage. Just a stride from Australia's Northeastern corner, where Queensland's tropical beauty is in full flourish, the otherworldly landscapes of the Whitsunday Islands offer a coastal escape like no other.
For those who envy deep-sea divers and ocean explorers, Australia's Great Barrier Reef is an unmissable vacation destination. Amid this far-reaching underwater wonderland, home to a fascinating spectrum of marine species, lies Whitehaven Beach, the perfect starting point for a snorkelling or scuba adventure. Renowned a one of the most photographed beaches in the world, Whitehaven Beach's turquoise waters and shimmering white sands swirl together is a mesmerising, marble pattern, creating one of the most magical natural scenes on Earth.
Things to do on Whitehaven Beach
In the heart of the Whitsunday Islands, Whitehaven Beach is the best place to visit for those most enamoured by nature. Couples, families and solo travellers find a rare level of serenity on the beach, where the natural world is at its purest and relaxation feels easy. While shallow waters and a lack of coral means the beach isn't a top pick for snorkelling, its warm waters and soft sands make swimming safe and relaxing, with sightings of stingrays, lemon sharks, and more within reach. Meanwhile, those seeking a thrill can head on boat tours to other nearby beaches, where coral reefs are abundant and exciting encounters are plentiful.
5. Utende, Mafia Island
Best For: Romantic Escapes, Cultural Immersion, Snorkelling.
Perfectly placed for a safari and beach escape, Mafia Island is a year-round sunny paradise and gateway to Tanzania's rich marine biodiversity. Following two weeks of bumpy game drives and eye-opening guided tours, time to unwind on one of East Africa's most picturesque island feels like a genie's granted wish. Meanwhile, couples seeking a secluded break discover a tranquil form of romance on Mafia Island, as it provides a slightly quieter honeymoon experience than its Zanzibarian neighbour.
With a strong Swahili character that remains very much alive, the town of Utende homes many of the island's most beautiful hotels, restaurants and shops, on top of an enchanting beach. Fringed by swaying palm trees and thatched-roof huts, the beach's velvet sands are an ideal place to relax during your beach escape, with plenty of opportunity to soak up the local culture. Nearby, the phenomenal Mafia Island Marine Park invites a whirlwind adventure stamped by thrilling wildlife encounters and lessons in conservation.
Things to do in Utende & Mafia Island Marine Park
While savouring the island's tranquil ambience, a trip to Utende is a great opportunity to engage with Swahili heritage, dipping into its unique cuisine and learning about fishing culture. If you don't know where to start, many of the island's eco-luxury resorts organise ethical cultural experiences. Meanwhile, a stay in Utende welcomes you to dive into the treasures of the coastal Indian Ocean. At the Mafia Island Marine Park, guided diving and snorkelling tours unveil a world of bright coral reefs and lagoons packed with life, while kayaking and sunset sailing tours combine romance with excitement.
Boating is a widespread tradition on Mafia Island, rooting in Swahili culture and offering a ticket to the deep blue.
5. Thulusdhoo, The Maldives
Best For: Surfing, Luxury Resorts, Quiet Romance.
How could we possibly get through a beach list without a mention of the Maldives? South of India and Sri Lanka, completely encased by the ocean, choosing the right Maldivian spot for your relaxing escape is like choosing the right diamond for a ring. With much to say about all the country's dazzling beaches, the inhabited island of Thulusdhoo came to mind for its versatility, with lots to offer for all types of holiday makers, particularly couples seeking quietude.
With scenes characterised by the quintessential sugary sands and turquoise waters of the Maldives, you can't go wrong with a day on Thulusdhoo's bikini beach (where the stricter Maldivian dress code doesn't apply). Stretched along its eastern coast, the beach is near the island's best luxury resorts and offers a satisfying level of peace and quiet paired with a cultural glow that you won't find on a private island. With everything from thrilling boat trips to immersive dining experiences, this is one of the best islands to visit in the Maldives.
Things to do in Thulusdhoo
Thulusdhoo is renowned for its incredible surfing, with its best spot "Cokes" offering playful and challenging surf for high-end intermediate surfers and upwards. A boat transfer just a few minutes away takes you to another famous longboard spot named "Chickens", which on smaller days is more fitting for beginner surfers. If you are interested in surfing on your Maldives tour, speak to a travel specialist for advice rather than jumping straight into the deep end!
The bikini beach is an "all you can dream of" beach spot, with picture-perfect scenes, while fantastic snorkelling experiences are offered in other parts of the island's turquoise lagoon. Crystal-clear visibility levels reveal the best of the Maldivian marine world.
Thulusdhoo is one of the best places for surfing in the Maldives.
Explore Beach Luxury Vacations with Wayfairer Travel
When it comes to our selection of magical beach destinations, this is just the beginning. You can explore some more of these exquisite spots via our destination list, or, to begin a conversation with a Luxury Travel Specialist, Enquire Now through our no-obligation form.
