A beach, a beach, my kingdom for a beach. From remote tropical islands in the South Pacific to remote tropical islands in the Caribbean, bays to peninsulas, atolls to seashores, we just love a naked strip of sand.

A top beach destination, however, has to go the extra mile to deliver the goods. With that, discover ten peerless places to base your next beach holiday.

Hanalei Bay Beach, Kauai, Hawaii – Photo credit

Bali, Indonesia

No other island that we know of envelops a formidable combo of provocative culture, luxe and economy resorts and top-shelf beach allure like Bali. The keystone tourism star of Indonesia is accessible yet offers lavish privacy to those who can afford it.

Where to stay: Alila Villas Uluwatu Bali

Bali City Guide

Maldives

The necklace of coral atolls that make up the Maldives epitomise tropical ecstasy. For ivory sand and some of the most spectacular resorts in the world, the island state a whisper north of the equator is divine.

Where to stay: Anantara Dhigu Resort Spa South Male Atoll

South Male Atoll Guide

Fiji

The Mamanucas and Yasawas alone make Fiji one of the best beach sanctums on the planet. But then you consider the likes of Vatulele Island, Kadavu and Viti Levi and realise just how singular this archipelago is.

Where to stay: Navutu Stars Resort Yasawa Islands

Yasawa Islands Guide

Hawaii

The birthplace of surfer culture and the shaka is a foremost beach capital, from Hanalei Bay, Kauai to Big Beach, Maui.

Where to stay: Koa Kea Hotel Resort Koloa

Koloa Hawaii Guide

Bahia, Brazil

From Rio to Florianópolis, the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago to Alagoas, the vast oceanic coastline of Brazil is beach bum Shangri-La. Pound for pound, however, the state of Bahia is supreme. Top spots include Taipus de Fora on the Maraú peninsula and Caraiva.

Where to stay: Pousada Vila Dos Passaros Inn Itacare

Salvador City Guide

Palawan, Philippines

You can have Boracay and Panglao. The sugary sand of Palawan is where we like to play when we visit the Philippines.

Where to stay: El Nido Resort Miniloc Island Palawan

Palawan Island Guide

Anguilla

From Trinidad and Tobago to Turks and Caicos, the Caribbean is beach bliss. Anguilla, however, is the zenith. A short ferry ride from Sint Maarten, the island resists the term “Lesser” Antilles.

Where to stay: Radisson Blu Resort Marina and Spa St. Martin

Sint Maarten Guide

Turquoise Coast, Turkey

The Turkoise Coast, the bona fide Riviera of Anatolia, engulfs a bevy of desirable spots, from Wonders of the Ancient World to swish resorts. A surefire beach bet, from Ölüdeniz to Antalya, Fethiye to Kas.

Where to stay: Swissotel Gocek Marina Resort

Akama Resort Hervey Bay

Hervey Bay Guide

Kent, England

The South East county of Kent has more Blue Flags than some tropical islands. Ten, to be exact. The best of the best unfurl in Thanet, where beach huts sell for a mint.

Where to stay: The Royal Albion Hotel Kent

Kent County Guide