Where to find the best beaches in the world
Sun, sand, sea. It's a combination that never goes out of fashion, and one that can be dressed up or down to suit your mood.
Ready to take it slow? A deserted beach, where waves gently wash the shore while the wind whispers through the palm fronds, fits the bill. Looking for something a bit more lively? Then head for a stretch of sand where beach bars dish up tropical cocktails to the accompaniment of a reggae soundtrack.
But how do you find a beach that fits the bill? We turned to 10 experts, asking hotel and resort professionals who work right next door to some of the planet's most celebrated beaches as well as experts for whom the beach plays an integral part of the working lives, to provide their picks. Their choices are surprisingly diverse – ranging from Rio to the Red Sea, Spain to Hawaii – and offer plenty of holiday inspiration.
Just don't forget to pack the sunscreen.
Best beach for a romantic getaway: Yasawa Island, Fiji
"Relocating to the Fiji Islands last year gave my wife and I the opportunity to explore its 333 islands. From the main island of Viti Levu, many outer island beaches are within easy reach by boat, seaplane or helicopter. We found one of the most secluded and breathtaking beaches on Yasawa Island. We arrived with picnic and books in hand to find not a single man-made noise, just the gentle lapping of waves and palm fronds in the breeze." - Martin Rogers
Best beach for nature-lovers: Caves Beach, New South Wales
“My family have gone to Caves Beach, near Lake Macquarie in NSW, for holidays for years. It's like a second home and I love to stay there when I have time off and just relax. The beach is named after all the caves on the coastline and at low tide you are able to walk through and explore all the caves.” - Phoebe O
Best beach for sunsets: Arpoador, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
"Arpoador in Rio is one of the first beaches I ever put my feet on as a young child. What I like is the different "tribes" co-existing and sharing the same piece of land, from fit senior citizens practising tai-chi-chuan to a crowd of surfers patiently waiting for the perfect wave that will make their day. Summer evenings in this spot are special, featuring nocturnal swimming, jam sessions and picnics. Locals come here to wait for the sunset, and when the sun sets behind the mountain in orange skies, it's time to applaud." - Cristina Kastrup
Best beach for getting active: Ala Mana Park Beach, O'ahu
"While living and working on Hawaii's beautiful island of O'ahu, I've found that one of my all-time favourite beaches to visit is Ala Moana Park Beach. Often frequented by locals, Ala Moana Park Beach is just a quick walk or bike ride from Prince Waikiki and offers everything that I love when it comes to beaches. It's clean, well protected by the reef making the water ideal for swimming and it's an amazing place for a sunset stroll on the sand." - Charles Abbott
Best beach for getting away from it all: Makena Beach, Maui
"Some of the best beaches in Maui are found on its south-western shores, and Makena is my favourite. It's a long, secluded beach – I have been told it has more than 900 metres of sand – and it has huge surf and great snorkelling. I love to walk this beach and simply take in the beauty. In fact, I love it so much, I named my dog after it." - Ilse Harley
Best after-hours beach: Seminyak, Bali
"While you need to be a strong swimmer to brave the water, there are plenty of stylish shops, bars and restaurants that line its street. Sometimes what's around the beach is just as important as what's on it! For a nice dinner near Seminyak Beach or for late-night drinks, I personally enjoy Starfish Bloo or 1 Below conveniently located at the nearby W Bali." - CB
Best beach for an exotic family holiday: Red Sea Coast, Egypt
"Egypt wouldn't be top of mind for many people as a beach destination, but its marine and coastal environments are incredibly beautiful. On our first visit we were awestruck by the whitest of sands and crystal clear aqua water. The diving and snorkelling is among the best in the world. You only need to wade in the shallow waters to see a rainbow of coral and fish species. It inspired two of the children became certified divers." - MR
Best beach for people watching: South Beach, Miami, US
"Miami's social scene revolves around the water, and South Beach is the centre of it all. It's worth the visit just to soak up the lively atmosphere from the bustling crowds, from rollerbladers and cyclists zooming along Ocean Drive to people plunging in for a swim. On a perfect day you can float and see straight to the bottom. But South Beach is as much about the action out of the water as in it. The art deco buildings lining Ocean Drive are home to lots of stylish bars and restaurants, which are busy all day and into the night." - Robert Lowe
Best beach for crystal-clear water: Vivonne Bay on Kangaroo Island, South Australia
"Vivonne Bay [on the south coast of Kangaroo Island overlooking the Southern Ocean] has natural clear water that is that a wonderful turquoise colour, and the long sandy beach curves around the bay. It's a beautiful place." - Shane Daw
Best beach for keeping it simple: Playa de Ses Illetes, Formentera, Spain
"Unlike its sister-island Ibiza, tranquillity is the name of the game in Formentera. Cars are rarely seen, people commute on bicycles and scooters. There is not a lot of tourism infrastructure, but the laid-back hippie vibe gives this beach a special place in my heart. The landscape is stunning, with velvet white sand and clear water; people are never in a hurry; and the scent of salt permeates the island. A beachside dinner of pescado al sal – salt-baked fish – is divine." - CK
Best beach for whiter-than-white sand: Lucky Bay, WA
"The sand at Lucky Bay, which is located in Cape Le Grande National Park [631 kilometres south-east of Perth] in Western Australia is the whitest in Australia and the turquoise water is crystal clear. The kangaroos on the beach also make for that picture-perfect image." - Sean Scott
Written by Ute Junker. First appeared on Stuff.co.nz.