Paradise comes in many shapes and sizes, from resort spas to secluded
mountaintop cabins. Yet most people’s idea of paradise includes
some combination of sand, sun and surf, for beaches just happen
to occupy some of the most beautiful property on the planet. Yet
each beach is unique, blending many elements to create a special
atmosphere that appeals to people in different ways.
So whatever type of beach holiday you’re after, whether it’s
family fun, secluded romance, or a long nap under the sun, there’s
a perfect beach somewhere in the world that will blow away your
idea of ideal. To discover that beach, check out these top choices
from the American Society of Travel Agents. Some of the most travel-wise
people in the world, ASTA members know that life’s a beach,
then you lie…in the sun.
Anse Source d'Argent
Beach, La Digue Island, Seychelles
Often mistaken for the Garden of Eden, Seychelles is an archipelago country made up of 115 islands drifting like drops
of heaven in the Indian Ocean. For nowhere else on earth is paradise
more abundantly evident than on these islands that are as relaxed
and hospitable as they are beautiful. And the most striking spot
in all the Seychelles is Anse Source d’Argent Beach on La Digue Island.
Just
one look at the towering granite boulders shooting out of the soft
pink sand to meet the calm ocean waters and you’ll know why
Anse Source D'Argent is among the most photographed beaches in the
world. The boulders are so smooth you can climb them barefoot and
relax on the apex under the shade of a 40-foot palm tree arching
behind. From this ideal vantage point, you can spend many blissful
hours peering down at the tropical fish swimming in the clear waters
or across the channel where Praslin Island sits so peacefully you’ll
wonder if it was created just to enhance your view.
Ihuru Island, Maldives
Northeast of Seychelles off of India’s southern tip, the 1,102
islands that make up the Maldives combine to simply make all your tropical dreams come true. From
four-star resorts to diving 80-feet deep in water so clear you’ll
try to take off your mask and breathe it like air (but please don’t),
the Maldives are perfect to escape from the real world and find
yourself enveloped in a palm-fringed fantasy.
Ihuru Island typifies the tropical ambiance that abounds in the
Maldives. The island is so small you can casually stroll around
it in 10 minutes flat, enjoying the feel of crunchy sand underfoot,
the shade of palm trees hovering close and the play of fish and
coral just a few meters into the calm turquoise sea. However, the
island provides sensational snorkeling and windsurfing, along with
a terrace bar where each evening you can relax in complete tranquility
while watching the twinkling lights on the nearby islands play atop
the waters.
Mykonos Island,
Greece
The Aegean Sea is teeming with paradisiacal islands, yet travelers
and locals alike all end up on the tiny gem of Mykonos, an island
so beautiful the Greek gods come here to dream. Mykonos radiates
with charming shops, quaint windmills and hidden churches, all backdropped
in blue by either the sky above or the sea below.
Photo
by TravelSense
Community member Sparkle!
The only problem with Mykonos is the beaches, for there are far
too many to highlight just one. On the south side of the island
alone are Ornos and Psarou beaches preferred by families, Agrari
for idyllic relaxation, Psarou for windsurfing, water-skiing and
diving, and Paradise and Super Paradise beaches for the young, the
beautiful and everyone in between. Whichever beach consumes your
day, your night should be spent on Paradise, where the entire beach
turns into a dance club that pulses with bodies until the sun comes
up.
Natadola Beach,
Fiji
The Fiji Islands are 1,000 miles of pristine white sand beaches,
spread out over 333 islands, each fringed with coral gardens and
lapped by warm azure waters. It’s the destination that defined
exotic, where manta rays swimming beside you and dolphins leaping
out of the ocean next to your boat are common sights that never
bore the eyes.
Natadola Beach, located on Fiji's main island of Viti Levu, is
the most beautiful white sand beach in Fiji, and that’s saying
something. Quiet and secluded with breathtaking tropical scenery
from every angle, Natadola knows a million secret ways to help you
relax. Include horseback riding, surfing and all-tide swimming,
and the beach takes on it’s own personality—one you
will enjoy getting to know.
Larvotto Beach,
Monte Carlo, Monaco
Larvotto may be the world’s best man-made beach. Fresh white
sand is constantly shipped in to replace that which the tide pilfers,
for the principality that is Monaco would never let something as
pesky as Mother Nature ruin its favorite beach. On top of this fresh
sand lies a scene of such decadence and glamour that the ladies
may go without their bikini tops, but none would be seen without
their jewelry.
Larvotto’s most appealing aspect is its proximity to the
glitz and sparkle of Monte Carlo, where a lot of living is packed
into a little land. The entire city is within walking distance from
the beach, though you’ll want to change out of your bathing
trunks and opt for your best James Bond tuxedo before dodging limos
to get into the swanky restaurants and casinos. And, once you’re
inside, people watching goes into high gear, for these people don’t
just live in the fast lane, they take power-naps there too, right
before hitting the clubs that never turn down the volume.
Who Sells Seashell
Holidays by the Seashore?
In the end, the best beach is one you can get to easily and enjoy
thoroughly. A trusted travel agent can help with the first part
of that equation, finding a beach that matches all your criteria
for ideal and getting you the best deals on air and hotel rates.
In fact, travel agents can help you with the second part of that
equation as well, planning tours and other exciting excursions that
will complement your beach time perfectly while introducing you
to the local culture.
Spin the globe and find your perfect beach. Contact
a travel agent today and start planning where your beach towel
will be unrolled next.
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Just
one look at the towering granite boulders shooting out of the soft
pink sand to meet the calm ocean waters and you’ll know why
Anse Source D'Argent is among the most photographed beaches in the
world. The boulders are so smooth you can climb them barefoot and
relax on the apex under the shade of a 40-foot palm tree arching
behind. From this ideal vantage point, you can spend many blissful
hours peering down at the tropical fish swimming in the clear waters
or across the channel where Praslin Island sits so peacefully you’ll
wonder if it was created just to enhance your view. 
