1. Ecopousada Teju-açu, Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
Topping TripAdvisor’s best beach list for 2014 is the breath-taking Baia do Sancho on South America’s pristine Fernando de Noronha archipelago. This UNESCO-protected chain of islands – dubbed the “Emerald of the Atlantic Ocean” – sits off the east coast of Brazil and is famed for its diverse marine life, incredible mountain vistas and tropical climate.
Amidst all this abundant natural beauty, there is no better place to spend the night than Ecopousada Teju-açu. This luxury, eco-sensitive bungalow complex is built from reforested wood raised above the tropical canopy, offering stunning views from a choice of 12 apartments. A short drive from the complex will see you paddling in the warm waters of Baia do Sancho before you can say “best beach in the world”.
2. Grace Bay Club, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
Surrounded by clean turquoise waters and bordered with fine white sand, the northern shore of Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos houses one of the most spectacular beaches in the world. Secluded and idyllic, Grace Bay boasts 12 miles of pristine bliss, interrupted only by its native bottlenose dolphins and nesting sea turtles.
If you are looking for a prime oceanfront experience, then a stay at the Turks and Caicos’ first ever all-suite resort is a must. Grace Bay Club delivers an authentic Caribbean flavour across its 11-acre Providenciales resort, offering a broad selection of villas, residences and hotel suites – each looking out across the white sandbanks of Grace Bay. If you are seeking unrivalled relaxation, you can even opt for a beachfront massage at the resort’s Anani Spa.
www.gracebayresorts.com
3. Qualia, Whitsunday Island, Australia
Claiming the number five spot on TripAdvisor’s list, Whitehaven Beach on Australia’s remote, untouched Whitsunday Island boasts pure-white sands and lush greenery spread over a sweeping seven-kilometre stretch. Accessible only by boat or seaplane, the secluded paradise offers the perfect escape off the coast of Queensland and lays claim to some of the world’s most idyllic turquoise vistas.
The best location from which to explore this chain of pristine islets is Hamilton Island, the only island in the Great Barrier Reef with its own commercial airport. If you opt to stay at the ultra-luxury boutique resort Qualia, you are gifted uninterrupted sea views from your spacious pavilion accommodation, which is surrounded by untamed tropical bush land. With personal beach drop offs and gourmet services on offer, you’ll find yourself picnicking on the white sands of Whitehaven before you know it.
www.qualia.com.au
4. Dhevatara Beach Hotel & Spa, Praslin Island, Seychelles
When it comes to beautiful beach escapes, the Seychelles is a location that will immediately spring to mind. The Indian Ocean archipelago has long been the destination of choice for relaxation seekers and its “no shoes” mantra has been attracting hardworking holiday-goers for decades. It will be no surprise, then, that the country features on TripAdvisor’s top ten list.
The beach in question is Anse Lazio on Praslin Island – a stretch of alabaster coast surrounded by granite boulders, tropical greenery and towering palm trees. In order to experience this destination in luxurious style, we advise checking into one of ten personalised suites at Dhevatara Beach Hotel, where relaxation is compulsory. A short drive through the island’s National Park will see you at Anse Lazio, pulling on your snorkel and jumping into the crystal clear waters.
5. The Kahala Hotel & Resort, Honolulu, Hawaii
If you are asked to think of Hawaii, you probably picture longhaired surfers, flowing grass skirts and picturesque beaches. And that’s exactly what you’ll get with a visit to Lanikai Beach at Hawaii’s Kailua Bay. The short half-mile coastal stretch is famed for its unspoiled beauty, attracting tourists from across the globe. A visit by night comes particularly recommended, when the moon can be seen rising over the dual islets of Nā Mokulua.
No visit to Kailua is complete without a stay at The Kahala Hotel & Resort; a five-star accommodation offering the best that Hawaii has to offer. With activities ranging from up-close dolphin experiences to sea kayaking, the whole family is encouraged to get involved. There’s even an award-winning team of dedicated spa therapists on hand to chase away the stress of the big city.
www.kahalaresort.com
