When you’re in the grip of an icy cold winter, there’s nothing better than picturing yourself on a tropical beach. Add to the dream cocktails, fabulous accommodation, dining and exciting activities and, chances are, the Caribbean comes to mind. Fair enough, we love it too, but here’s a look at some of the world’s most amazing beach getaways, with everything you love about the Caribbean…and more!
Langkawi Island, Malaysia
An archipelago made up of 99 islands on Malaysia’s west coast, Langkawi is a retreat from the world among turquoise seas, dramatic mountains, waterfalls, rainforests, coconut trees and powder-fine sands. Pulau Langkawi is the most developed and it’s famous for excellent diving and spectacular beaches. If you just want to laze by the pool, you can do that also, with a wide range of accommodation, dining and shopping opportunities.
Gold Coast, Australia
Australia’s ‘glitter strip’, the Gold Coast, offers much more than the infamous Surfers Paradise, with its shops, restaurants and nightclubs. The coastline of pristine, white sand stretches for as far as the eye can see, the Pacific Ocean twinkles under sunny skies, the hinterland rainforest beckons in the distance and the city water-ways provide endless options for boating, jet skiing, windsurfing, paddle-boarding and all manner of water-born activities. The most stunning beaches include Burleigh Beach and Currumbin Beach.
The Maldives
A tropical nation in the Indian Ocean, the islands of the Maldives are almost incomparable, when it comes to white sand and near- fluorescent, aqua water. Resorts encompass whole islands and, once you get there, all you need to do is check into your beach hut or over-water bungalow, stroll to the sandy-floored restaurants for your meals and float in the incredibly calm lagoons. If you feel energetic, it’s also a mecca for diving, snorkelling and water sports.
Boracay, Philippines
You might never want to leave Boracay’s 4-kilometre, palm-fringed beach with sand as fine as sugar and glittering waters. The island is accessible via Manila and, apart from relaxing on the sand, you can have a cocktail at a floating bar, play beach volleyball, go on a sailing trip, dive and party all night long as the sun sets on vibrant restaurants and bars.
Phuket, Thailand
Submerge yourself in the Andaman Sea as you discover Thailand’s most popular beach playground. You’ll find blue lagoons, the limestone cliffs of Phang Nga Bay, diving, surfing, snorkelling and wind surfing, all set within a backdrop of lush, forested hills. Patong Beach is the party hotspot, with shops, restaurants, resorts and the infamous Bangla Road.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Most famous for Ipanema and Copacabana beaches, Rio has long seduced holiday-makers with its exotic blend of tropical vistas, adrenalin-inducing adventure activities, football, people-watching and the constant rhythm of Samba. Though Carnival is the city’s star attraction, no matter when you go, you’ll find parties, festivals and spectacles.
Bora Bora, Tahiti
Perhaps one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in the world, Bora Bora literally oozes romance, with a turquoise, reef-encircled lagoon, soaring mountains covered in lush forest and the iconic, over-water bungalows. If you’re looking for a luxury holiday for a special occasion, this might just be your paradise island.
Fiji
Are you looking for an extra dose of happiness on your next beach escape? You’ll find it in Fiji, in the heart of the South Pacific. The locals will make sure your smile is firmly plastered on your face, while you explore pristine islands, inland jungles, adventure activities and all-inclusive resorts with packages for every type of traveller.
The post Think You Need To Go To The Caribbean To Find Amazing Beach Getaways? Think Again! appeared first on UK Travel & Holiday Blog.