Top Island and Beach Holidays Destinations
Looking for relaxation of the best possible kind? If your idea of a blissful escape is blue seas and soft, sandy beaches – with maybe an island or two, or some shopping to enjoy – the hardest part is choosing the one destination in the world that’s just right for you. To make things simpler, we’ve taken a shot at picking five of the best beach and island vacation destinations, and they’re destinations that offer something for everyone’s taste and budget.
1Maldives Island and Beach Holidays
Spend your next vacation in the marvelous Maldives, islands located in the Indian Ocean. This rich tropical island country offers tourists dozens of fun and relaxing activities, where some of the thousands of islands that make up this republic are dedicated completely to tourism. You can travel to Bandos Island to experience one of the first resorts opened in this tiny country, or enjoy the white sand beaches - nominated as one of the new Natural Wonders of the World.
A country where differences in race and religion are celebrated, Maldives resorts offer a tropical climate with few variations in seasonal weather, clear skies - outside of monsoon season, June through July - and bright sunlight. Find great surfing experiences and white coral beaches if you like the outdoors, and relish the modern conveniences at all of this island nation’s resorts. Like to fish? The Maldivian tourism board is eager for tourists to try the “out of this world” fishing offered here.
Enjoy a fun holiday on the beach, soaking up the sun and letting you unwind from the hectic pace of everyday life. Check out the Maldives for a hot time on your next vacation!
2Phuket Island and Beach Holidays
If beaches and islands are where you want to spend your holiday, travel to the Thai Island of Phuket and you won't be disappointed. Tranquility and serenity infuse each of the island’s bays, from Kata Noi to Bang Tao, while more vibrant and vivacious times can be had after dark in the exciting area of Patong. Nai Thon and Mao Khao offer plenty of opportunity to explore some of Phuket’s more remote locations.
Budget travelers will enjoy the range of hostels and low-budget accommodations across Phuket, while families may decide they would rather stay in one of the resorts at Kamala Bay – particularly families with small children. No matter which area you wish to stay in, traditional Thai friendliness and hospitality will enhance your experience of the warm temperatures, gorgeous sand beaches, and palm trees of this tropical paradise. For those looking for high-end accommodations, the resort hotels on Phuket provide a comfortable and luxurious base from which everything Phuket has to offer can be experienced. Enjoy exploring Kata and Karon for activities and enjoyable pursuits in locations that are off the beaten track.
Enjoy the pace of life in Phuket from the beach at your resort, night spots around the island, or the breathtaking outdoors.
3Bali Island and Beach Holidays
As the tourism capital of Indonesia, Bali is host to millions of international travelers every year who are seeking an exotic island getaway. Surrounded by amazing coral reefs and home to the towering volcano of Mount Agung, opportunities for discovering something magical are around every corner. Bali is home to an impressive array of rare flora and fauna, including the local crab-eating macaques, python snakes or the famous birds of the Pacific Islands. The white sand beaches in the north of Bali are home to the most popular tourist resorts, but many travelers seek the black sand beaches of the south for more secluded accommodations.
While most visitors come to Bali to enjoy its pristine beaches and unparalleled wildlife, Bali is also the cultural epicenter of Indonesia when it comes to the arts. From local music and religious ceremonies to contemporary art and metalworking, the cultural center of Bali in Ubud offers such a wide variety of cultural attractions that everybody is sure to find something to suit their tastes. For an exciting night out on the town in Bali, be sure to hit up the night clubs in Kuta, while more mellow evenings are best spent at the idyllic venues in Lovina and Nusa Lembongan.
For travelers who prefer to get off the beaten track, no trip to Bali is complete without a visit to the temple of Tirta Empul and the Elephant Cave, a home for religious hermits used since the 11th Century.
4Goa Island and Beach Holidays
Goa's beaches, turquoise waters, near year-round sun and the Goan people make this coast the sparkling jewel of India. Offering a wide variety in nearby restaurants where you can partake in traditional Goan dishes or International cuisine, Goa's accommodations range from cottages to lush resorts.
From the moment you arrive, you will understand why Calangute is one of the most heavily visited beaches on the Goan coast. White sands and tranquil waters greet you here. Food is plentiful, even on the beach itself. Strike out for some shopping among the many shops which carry everything from local trinkets, souvenirs and books to upscale clothing. Seeking adventure? Calangute has the water sport for you. Need to regroup? Take a revitalizing yoga class. Or get a relaxing massage at one of the hotel spas.
Looking to get away from the crowd? Head south to the powder soft sands of Southern Goa’s Colva. Accessible via bus, rail, or auto, this beauty lies along the mysterious Arabian Sea. After your day on the beach, stop at one of the many restaurants or hotels for a delectable meal. Choose from traditional Goan or International cuisine at very affordable prices.
5Mauritius Island and Beach Holidays
The tranquil and pristine beaches on the island of Mauritius are a draw for sunbathers as well as water sports enthusiasts. In the buzzing tourist area of Grand Bay, beach-goers can relax onboard a sailing or power catamaran in this beach renowned for boating. A great weekend and holiday beach, Pereybere is in the north part of Mauritius and is popular with the younger crowd. Enjoy the white, clean sand and shady coconut palm trees of Belle Mare beach. Wade in the calm waters at this coastline that features a lagoon that is situated between the shoreline and the beach.
Remember your camera when you head to Blue Bay beach. With breathtaking clear blue water, this beach attracts photographers and is a great place for snorkeling and diving. Soft sand and romantic sunsets make Le Morne & Tamarin beaches a draw for locals and those on a Mauritius holiday. Surfers flock to Tamarin beach and onlookers may even catch sight of a dolphin. A great beach for swimming and frequented mainly by tourists, Flic-en Flac beach offers many condo and apartment rentals on the wide expanse of gorgeous sand.