Start planning that tropical getaway – travelers and experts at Conde Nast, TripAdvisor, Fodor’s and Dr. Beach have done the research to present you this year’s Best Beaches of the World. Here, we bring you the top six, together with some of the best hotels and resorts they have to offer.
El Nido, Palawan, Philippines
For the second year running, Philippine’s El Nido beach claims the top spot, thanks to its 50 white sand beaches and dramatic limestone formations. Its crystal clear waters, hidden lagoons and mysterious underwater caverns make this a dream beach destination.
El Nido Resorts, Pangulasian Island
The eco-luxury resort sits between a pristine beach and tropical forest on Pangulasian Island. Inspired by contemporary Filipino architecture, the resort’s Canopy Villas are perched on stilts above the forest while the Beach and Pool Villas provide you with a breathtaking view of the sea. Highlights of your trip would also include romantic dinner by the beach, or a private sunset cruise.
Tossa de Mar, Costa Brava, Spain
Located 103 kilometers north of Barcelona, Tossa de Mar is synonymous with jagged cliffs, pinewoods and coves, giving it a coastal profile unrivaled by many. The 380-meter long beach is also complemented by its diverse history, art and stellar gastronomy, including one of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants, El Celler de Can Roca.
Gran Hotel Reymar
Located a few minutes from Tossa de Mar, the upscale hotel overlooks the private Mar Menuda beach. The resort is separated from the main beach by a rocky outcrop, so you can expect exclusivity and privacy.
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Hawaii
As both a nature preserve and marine life conservation district, this pristine Hawaiian beach – once a volcanic crater – is now habitat to a host of native corals and marine life. The beach went through major restoration to re-establish its delicate eco-system and has since made it to Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman’s (aka Dr. Beach) Top 10 Beaches list recently for its white sand coral beach and responsible management.
Kahala Hotel & Resort
A stone’s throw from Hanauma Bay and just 10 minutes from Waikiki, the resort features 338 rooms with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Ko’olau Mountain Range and Dolphin Lagoon. The Dolphin Lagoon is home to Atlantic Bottlenose dolphins, sea turtles and exotic tropical fish. Originally built by Conrad Hilton, the secluded retreat is known for its emphasis on luxury and is a favorite amongst the rich and famous.
Grace Bay, Turks & Caicos
The crown jewel of the Providenciales Island, Grace Bay is also known as the Oscars of the travel industry for its long coral reef, immaculate sand beaches and azure waters. After being crowned Caribbean’s Leading Beach Destination at last year’s World Travel Awards, the picturesque location was once again voted world’s top beach in 2016 by TripAdvisor users.
The Tuscany on Grace Bay
This oceanfront resort boasts an accolade as high as its location. Ranked top out of the 41 properties on Providenciales, The Tuscany is possibly the most indulgent way to experience island life. Some of the activities include diving in the world’s third largest barrier reef and going fly fishing for bone fish in warm turquoise waters. However, it is the panoramic views that engulf the 2,000 sq ft property that makes this resort one that’s going on our bucket list.
Riviera Nayarit, Mexico
Nestled on the grandiose Western Sierra Madre, and flanked by the Pacific Ocean, the Riviera Nayarit’s jungle mountains and palm-tree lined beaches have earned it the title of Fodor’s Top 10 Best Beach Getaways in 2016. Still relatively under-the-radar, its charming coastal towns, natural sanctuaries and jungle mountains make this exotic location one to consider if you’re looking for some peace and quiet.
St. Regis Punta Mita Resort
With its graceful Mediterranean-inspired architecture, the St. Regis Punta Mita Resort is an enclave of luxury. Its strategic location – between the cerulean Pacific Ocean and mountainous landscape – means that you can expect unparalleled views of the ocean and neighboring Marietas Islands. The property’s three infinity pools, private beach and two Jack Nicklaus championship golf courses stretch across the 22-acre grounds. As expected of St. Regis, the St. Regis Butler Service will be at your disposal.
Maldives
Yes, this would probably come as no surprise to you, but Maldives has made the list once again. Comprising of 26 atolls, the destination is wildly popular with honeymooners for its ludicrously blue skies and sparkling blue waters and with professional divers for its boundless coral reefs.
COMO Cocoa Islands, Maldives
Encircled by Maldive’s trademark turquoise lagoon, COMO Cocoa Island is an intimate private island resort situated in Makunufushi on the South Male Atoll. The resort has 33 overwater suites which means that the vast crystal clear waters are always at your disposal. Coupled with COMO Shambhala Retreat’s holistic wellness treatments, the resort is a sanctuary for weary travellers.
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