by Vickie Austin
When you hear the word “beach,” do you think of the Santa Monica pier jutting out over the Pacific Ocean? Or does it make you think of the powdery, white sand of Florida? Either way, think bigger and more deluxe, and while you’re at it, pull up a map app. Some of these places are remote and a little hard to find.
Ratings by beach
Input “luxury beaches” into your favorite search engine and you’ll be bombarded with highlights and recommendations for resorts throughout the world, each boasting finer beachfront property than the next. Dorsia Travel posts reviews updated every seven years, according to its website, and some of them are, by their own admission, “brutally honest.”
But you get the feeling that Tom Cahalan, co-founder, knows what he’s talking about. Along with other travel experts, here are some recommendations for the crème de la crème of beaches.
The Maldives
Gorgeous by all accounts, the Maldives are known for exquisite beaches and island resorts. Tourism is the number two industry of the Maldives after fishing. Visitors enjoy water sports like scuba diving, snorkeling and waterskiing, and they may tack on an afternoon of whale-watching.
The culture is a blend of India, the Middle East and Thailand, and this string of islands offers an ideal place to disconnect and recharge. Be prepared to change planes along the way.
Seychelles
According to Tully Luxury Travel, once you’ve been to the Seychelles you’ll be spoiled for anywhere else. The website raves about the 115-island archipelago off the coast of Africa as “pure paradise, with endless beaches and tropical forests” along with resorts that “stun with their soothing, polished glamour.”
An added note for the true beach connoisseur: “Island-hopping is the order of the day” with an emphasis on visiting Mahé, the main island. There you can find upscale shopping, the trendiest restaurants and luxury resorts.
The Mediterranean
Once again, drag out your maps (or apps). For the geographically challenged, this is a reminder that the Mediterranean touches North Africa, Southern Europe and West Asia. That’s a lot of beaches.
Depending on the kind of experience you’re looking for, you can rub shoulders with the elite on the French Riviera, dance in clubs in Mykonos, Greece, or enjoy the relaxed sandy beaches of Sardinia, Italy, or the Balearic Islands in Spain. You may want to follow your nose and go to the beaches with the best restaurants.
Kate McCully, a traveler-cum-blogger who publishes under the name Adventurous Kate, quit her job to travel the world alone. Now living in Prague, she recommends 30 places in the Mediterranean to visit including Mallorca. Known for its resorts, mountains and history, the turquoise beaches are a major draw. Bring your sunscreen — this is an island with 300 days of sunshine.
