It’s finally SUMMER, and nothing screams “Summer” like “Sun, Sea, and Sand”. So, we just can’t stop daydreaming about the perfect Beach holiday! 

You are on a verdant island lying on a hammock swinging between two palm trees, sipping on an ice-cold coconut with a colourful cocktail umbrella sticking out of it. You are soaking up your annual dose of vitamin D to repair all the damage left behind by the sunless winter days. You are gazing at palm-fringed golden sands stretching to infinity, embraced by aquamarine waters.

A gentle sea breeze is tickling your hair and senses. The salty smell in the air is so strong; you can taste it. You decide to walk towards the sea. The soft sand caresses your toes. The waves applaud, roll towards you, brace the shore, and tickle your toes. Then you feel the water current retreating and the sand being pulled out from between your toes, hiding back into the sea. How about leaping into the sea?

When seeking an ambience to rejuvenate our weary souls and somewhere to unwind from the humdrum of life, nothing beats a beach holiday, especially if it is luxurious enough to measure up to our fantasy. So, we have scoured the globe and rounded up 5 of the best beach holidays, each with unique charm and allure, ensuring an unparalleled, unforgettable experience.

1. Bora Bora, French Polynesia

Oh, Bora Bora, the name is so musical and dreamy; it makes you smile. 

Welcome to a slice of paradise! Nestled in the heart of French Polynesia, in the heart of the mighty South Pacific Ocean, Bora Bora emerges as a jewel that captivates the senses with its unrivalled beauty and embraces visitors in its enchanting embrace. 

But what makes Bora Bora stand out from all other island destinations? Bora Bora has it ALL. With its idyllic secluded beaches, soft talcum-like white sand, crystal-clear turquoise lagoons, lush rainforests, resorts that are literally on top of the water, and the vanilla scents that follow you wherever you go, Bora Bora embodies the epitome of tropical luxury.  

Landing in the Jewel of the South Seas

Are the colours there even real? Your eyes will need some time to adjust to the overflowing beauty and colours. 

You will immediately understand what the hype was all about from the plane’s window before even landing. Have your camera ready, and don’t miss the Instagram-worthy shots bombarding you from all angles. As you set foot on the island, you’ll get greeted by the warm smiles of the locals, traditional music, and their famous welcoming fragrant Tiare flower necklaces placed around your neck.

Unrivalled Natural Beauty: A Blue and Green-Hued Canvas

Bora Bora island is drop-dead gorgeous! 

The beaches, with their powdery white sands, stretch out as far as the eye can see, gently kissed by the lagoon’s translucent waters glimmering in 50 shades of blue. With its postcard-perfect beauty, the iconic Matira Beach, Bora Bora’s biggest public beach, invites you to bask in the warm embrace of the tropical sun while sinking your toes into the soft sand. You can stay in one of the island’s luxurious resorts, dreamy floating villas, or over-water bungalows perched on stilts over the picture-perfect lagoon with the view of the iconic Mount Otemanu in the backdrop!

Beyond its captivating sapphire and indigo-hued waters, Bora Bora showcases mesmerising shades of greens. Lush, emerald-hued mountains rise dramatically from the island’s centre, creating a stunning backdrop against the crystal-clear azure waters. 

Fancy a world-epic sunset view? Travel+Leisure, a NYC-based travel magazine, voted Bora Bora as one of the most stunning places on Earth to watch the sunset.

What to Do in Bora Bora?

Bora Bora is not a place where you can get bored! There is every kind of adventure that caters to everyone’s desires. 

Beyond the striking scenery above the ocean, the scenes below the ocean are even more majestic. Get acquainted with the aquatic life beneath the blues by snorkelling or diving amidst the vibrant coral reefs, encountering 500 different species of marine life. French Polynesia actually makes it to the world’s best diving spots list, so diving there is extraordinary. 

Anau is a diving spot in Bora Bora that stands out above the rest, for it is home to manta rays. Prepare for a manta saying “Hello” by fluttering its fin against you! You can join a ray feeding excursion, observing these magnificent creatures up close and petting them. You can also hop on a helicopter to Rangiroa Island to dive and play with some bottlenose dolphins. Life underwater is so captivating that it will require significant effort to remember your way out.

Transport options on Bora Bora are water activities themselves and perfect for sightseeing. You can hop between islands using the jet-ski, sailboat, catamaran, paddleboard, or glass submarine. You can set sail on a traditional Polynesian outrigger canoe, gliding across the lagoon’s shimmering surface. 

Shores on Bora Bora are a tranquil sanctuary for relaxation, meditation, picnics, and leisurely walks along the water’s edge. In addition to all the water activities, Mount Otemanu’s majestic peak, dominating the skyline, invites adventurous souls to embark on scenic hikes. Explore the island’s breathtaking wilderness and rainforest with buggies or bicycles. There’s also waterfall climbing, cliff jumping, and lava tube spelunking on Tahiti Island.

For a bird’s-eye view, embark on a thrilling helicopter tour, soaring above Bora Bora’s turquoise lagoons and taking in the panoramic views of the island’s breathtaking beauty. If you had your satisfying share of adrenaline, ease into the slow-paced life of Bora Bora by strolling down Vaitape’s city streets, where Bora Bora citizens reside.

What to Eat in Bora Bora?

Seafood, seafood and more seafood! The staple dish in French Polynesia. 

Bora Bora’s cuisine combines traditional Polynesian flavours infused with a French touch. Each bite reflects the island’s rich cultural heritage and abundant surrounding waters. Indulge in sumptuous seafood delicacies, from succulent grilled mahi-mahi to delectable poisson cru, a traditional dish of raw fish marinated in coconut milk and lime. 

What to have for dessert? The island’s famous banana or papaya purees. They are usually baked and covered with sugar and coconut milk.

When to Visit Bora Bora?

Anytime

Bora Bora enjoys a tropical climate that ensures warmth and sunshine throughout the year. With average temperatures ranging between 25°C-30°C, the island provides the perfect climate for beach activities, water sports, and sun-drenched relaxation. The gentle breeze from the Pacific Ocean brings a refreshing touch, making every moment spent outdoors a pure delight.

Embrace Bora Bora’s Polynesian Culture

Unsurprisingly, an island so remote will have its own unspoilt, unique way of life and still preserve its traditions and rich culture. The locals embody the spirit of “mana,” a concept of spiritual energy that infuses every aspect of life on the island. Their mantra is “aita pea pea,” which means “not to worry.” Honestly, how can someone worry in such a dreamy place?

Engage in traditional ceremonies, dance the classic tenure to the rhythmic beats of pahu drums and ukuleles and witness the mesmerising fire dances illuminating the night sky. Bora Bora’s rich cultural heritage adds a whole new layer of enchantment to the already mesmerising destination.

Bora Bora is Not Just for Your Honeymoon

Bora Bora has a reputation that it is just a honeymoon destination. Yes, it is what the dreams of lovers and newlyweds are made up of. What is more romantic than jumping together in the turquoise waters and then privately watching the blazing sunsets from their over-water bungalow to spice up their moments?

However, Bora Bora isn’t just for newlyweds. You can travel with family, friends or solo and still have the time of your life! The allure of Bora Bora is as timeless as the ebb and flow of its turquoise tides. It is one of the few places on Earth that will make you feel blessed to have witnessed in your lifetime, an experience that will exceed even your highest expectations —and once you live it, you are forever spellbound.

2. Maldives

Maldives is a beach holiday show-off destination where beauty will take your breath away.

In the heart of the Indian Ocean lies the Maldives, a collection of picture-perfect islands that defy imagination, where time slows down and tranquillity reigns supreme. Imagine being whisked away to a luxury resort or private villa perched atop cobalt waters. Each day, you awaken to the gentle symphony of the ocean waves. You are greeted by an infinite palette of blues embracing stretches of icing sugar-white sands as far as the eye can see. 

The islands are blessed with the world’s most amazing coral reefs and incredible marine life and, as expected, definitely have some of the world’s best diving spots. The Maldives is all about the ocean and aquatic activities, so if you are a diving or snorkelling enthusiast, you will have the time of your life in the Maldives! Maldives is also the perfect choice for those seeking the comfort of resort beach holidays with all onsite perks and activities.

3. Seychelles

Another slice of paradise that promises seclusion and serenity.

Nestled in the azure embrace of the Indian Ocean, the Seychelles archipelago, comprised of 115 scenic islands, awaits those searching for an idyllic beach getaway. With its pristine coastline, freckled by towering granite boulders and verdant palm trees, Seychelles presents a visual symphony that captures the soul. 

What makes Seychelles so unique? Apart from its flawless unspoilt beauty, it comprises the world’s most ancient and sole mid-ocean granite islands and some of the largest raised coralline islands.

A Glimpse into the Seychellois Jaw-dropping Beauty

Seychelles is home to the most photographed beach in the world, the Anse Source d’Argent Beach on La Digue Island. So, what type of beauty shall we expect?

Picture yourself standing on the soft, ivory pink-hued sands of Anse Source d’Argent. The sands are caressed by shallow waters in gleaming shades of teal and turquoise, backed by some hulking granite boulders and shaded by masses of coconut palm trees and lush hills. The ocean is sheltered by snorkel-worthy reefs, making the waters calm and shallow and safe for splashing around, especially for young kids.

What to do in Seychelles?

Since Seychelles is home to some of the best beaches in Africa and the world, give yourself enough time to soak in their unmatched beauty. Sail to neighbouring islands, such as Praslin and Mahe, and enjoy their beaches, Anse Lazio and Anse Intendance. They all boast utterly spellbinding shores melding harmoniously with intensely green nature reserves. Lounge on the coasts, swim, snorkel, and dive between their exquisite coral reefs. 

When you’ve had your share of the water’s beauty, explore the verdant jungles teeming with endemic flora and fauna. Get ready to meet some surprising wildlife; the world’s smallest frog and some of the most enormous tortoises. Explore the Vallée de Mai Nature Reserve on Praslin Island. The legendary Coco de Mer palm trees flourish alongside rare bird species on this UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore hidden coves and secluded bays, where serenity reigns, and the world feels like a distant memory. Unlike the Maldives, Seychelles is known for a more authentic, off-the-beaten-path island vibe with many activities to venture into and more areas to explore.

What to Eat in Seychelles?

The Seychellois cuisine is a harmonious blend of African, European, and Asian flavours, reflecting the archipelago’s diverse cultural heritage. Savour the succulent flavours of freshly caught seafood, such as octopus curry and grilled fish infused with aromatic spices and coconut milk. Indulge in tropical fruits bursting with flavour, like juicy mangoes and creamy starfruits. 

When to Visit Seychelles?

It has been nicknamed “the land of perpetual summer.”

The Seychelles is blessed with a tropical climate, with temperatures that hover between 24°C and 30°C throughout the year. Thus, it is a fantastic beach holiday destination throughout the year. The gentle trade winds bring relief from the sun’s warmth, creating an idyllic environment for beach activities and outdoor adventures. 

The Seychellois Way of Life

The Seychelles is a melting pot of cultures shaped by centuries of influences from Africa, Europe, and Asia. To mingle with the locals and embrace their hospitality, visit Mahe, the largest island, where 90% of the population resides. Their vibrant spirit shines through their music, dance, and cuisine. Explore the colourful markets of Victoria, the capital city of Seychelles situated on Mahe Island, where you can witness the lively fusion of cultures through traditional crafts, spices, and fresh produce. Engage in the Seychellois way of life, where time slows down, and the harmony of nature and culture prevails.

4. Hawaii, USA

Another destination with the ingredients of the perfect beach holiday. Postcard-perfect shores: check; scenic landscapes: check; lush rainforests: check; thrilling activities: check; Aloha spirit: Double check.

Venture to the Pacific and discover the captivating Hawaiian archipelago. For a serene beach holiday, relaxation seekers will find solace in the idyllic islands of Kauai and Maui. Sink into the laid-back rhythm of island life as you sunbathe in the warm Hawaiian sun. The islands feature jaw-droppingly beautiful beaches that rank among the finest worldwide. 

Kā‘anapali Beach, on Maui Island, is voted as the crème de la crème of Hawaiian beaches this year. The translucent waters will allow you to peek into the playful marine life during snorkelling and spot Hawaiian green sea turtles. Don’t miss the exciting lele kawa (cliff jumping) ceremony that occurs daily at sunset on Puʻu Kekaʻa (Black Rock). You also can’t miss Maui’s Black Sand Beach on the journey along the Road to Hana, a scenic coastal drive revealing hidden waterfalls amidst dense jungles. Some beaches are so secluded that they are accessible only by helicopter or landing watercraft; their beauty and secrets are carefully guarded by those lucky enough to discover them.

5. The Caribbean

The Caribbean is undoubtedly one of the best beach holiday destinations, consistently ranking among the world’s finest. From the Bahamas to Jamaica, Barbados to the Dominican Republic, the Caribbean offers a paradise of sun, powdery sands, and gently swaying palm trees lapped by turquoise waters that have captivated travellers for decades. 

The Bahamas, known for its luxury beach escapes, features stunning sandy beaches, incredible sea life, modern amenities, and delicious cuisine. It has the famous Pink Sands Beach, which was the honeymoon destination of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile Beach offers a wide range of water-based activities, from jet-skiing and kayaking to paragliding and windsurfing and is complemented by luxurious amenities and vibrant nightlife.

Eagle Beach in Aruba stands out as the cleanest and wildest beach fringed with iconic divi trees. At the same time, Shoal Bay in Anguilla captivates with its flawless shoreline and breathtaking blue waters. Morris Bay in Antigua offers a low-key, deserted beach experience with soft sands and gentle waters, perfect for snorkelling and enjoying picturesque sunsets. 

The Caribbean beaches embody the essence of a tropical paradise and provide the perfect setting for relaxation, water sports, and unforgettable sun-soaked experiences. Check out our guides into the Caribbean and start planning your next beach holiday!

As our journey through some of the world’s best beach holidays ends, it becomes evident that these destinations offer much more than sun, sand, and sea. From the tropical utopia of Bora Bora to the tranquillity in the Maldives and the untamed beauty of Seychelles, each beach holiday destination possesses a unique charm, captivating visitors with its awe-inspiring beauty, thrilling adventures, and rich culture. So, pack your beach essentials and embark on a journey that will ignite your wanderlust and leave you forever captivated by the magic of these coastal paradises.