Best Beaches in the World

Tikehau Island, French Polynesia
Can’t decide whether you want white- or pink-sand beaches? You don’t have to at this postcard-worthy stretch of beach—and that may actually be all you see, because the island is so small. The pristine shore’s beauty is only matched by the bright blue waters, which are prime for snorkeling and scuba diving. In fact, Jacques Cousteau's research group asserts that this remote spot—about a 55-minute flight from Tahiti Island—contained the highest concentration of fish among any other atolls in the world

Dreamland Beach, Bali
This once-hidden cove located on the Bukit peninsula was first “discovered” around the 1970s and has since become a top destination for surfers thanks to its great shore breaks. Though it has grown in popularity in the last 40 years and new resorts have cropped up, it still retains its hang-ten vibe with small shops and beach shack cafes like Kelly's Warung, known for its fresh juices, wraps, and smoothies.
Where to stay: Top rated in our annual Readers' Choice Awards Survey was The Mulia & Mulia Villas in Nusa Dua

Bathsheba Beach, Barbados
Rugged, wild, and untouched are just some of the words used to describe this shoreline, where both photographers and surfers flock to catch the best waves and watch the “Soup Bowl,” a name for when the waves crash into the white sand and huge boulders to create a scenic (and foamy) natural phenomenon. It's less of a swimming locale, but you'll have plenty of shots to post on Instagram

Seven Mile Beach, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Located on the western shore of the 75-square-mile island, the whole stretch of this 5.5 mile-long beach is public property, making it easy to stroll from hotel to hotel regardless of where you book an overnight. All in one afternoon, you can grab lunch at an ocean-side restaurant, stumble into a volleyball game with locals, take Jet Skis out further down the beach, and top it off with some snorkeling in Cemetery Reef, known for its rocky formations prime for sea life habitat.
Where to stay: The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman is a perennial winner in our annual Readers' Choice Awards Survey.

Horseshoe Bay, Bermuda
Although one of the most popular beaches on the island, Horseshoe Bay has a hidden secret: Port Royal Cove (pictured), which has shallow water perfect for young kids and dramatic rock formations that complement wonderfully soft, pink sand. Nearby Spicelands Equestrian Centre even offers trail rides down to the private cove, which is located in part of South Shore Park in Southampton Parish.
Where to stay: The Reefs Resort & Club, ranked the No. 1 resort in the Atlantic in our latest Readers' Choice Awards survey.

Harbour Island, Bahamas
Located off the northeast coast of Eleuthera Island and away from the buzz of other Bahamian beaches, families and couples alike can spend the day on pink sands only seeing a handful of other people. After basking in the sun and getting serenaded by the breeze rustling through the palm trees, visitors can pop into the town to roam down quaint Dunmore Street, dine on the fresh catch of the day at The Landing, and grab a sunset cocktail at Beyond the Reef.
Where to stay: Pink Sands is rated highly in our annual Readers' Choice Awards Survey

Blue Beach (La Chiva), Vieques, Puerto Rico
A long, thin stretch of perfect sand and clear water in a thousand shades of blue make this one of the Caribbean's top beaches. Since it's accessed only by parking in one of 21 tiny turn-offs along a bumpy, unpaved road in the middle of the island's western National Wildlife Refuge (formerly off-limits as a U.S. Navy training base), getting there is part of the adventure. Snorkel on your own around a small cay, or book a trip with one of the island's operators for a trip to its secret underwater spots

Trunk Bay, St. John, USVI
Undeniably one of the most photographed beaches in the Caribbean, if not the world, Trunk Bay sits in the northwestern corner of the Virgin Islands National Park (it was donated to the park service by Laurence S. Rockefeller more than 50 years ago). Calm, clear water, and a 225-yard-long Underwater Trail for superb snorkeling are big draws, as are hiking trails up and into the surrounding greenery filled with the ruins of historic sugar cane plantations.
Where to stay: Caneel Bay, which boasts six of its own nearly-completely private beaches

Waipio Valley Beach, Big Island, Hawaii
This beach in Waipio Valley is one of the hardest to get to in Hawaii—you must hike or drive down a treacherously narrow, steep road to reach your destination. But it's well worth the trek: At the bottom, you’re rewarded with a mile-long black volcanic sand beach bordered by 2,000-foot cliff walls and backed by thick rainforest. If that weren’t scenic enough, the Kaluahine and Waiulili waterfalls cut into the cliffs at the south end of the beach, and are accessible via a boulder-strewn trail along the surf.
Where to stay: Mauna Kea Beach Hotel – the #20 ranked resort in the latest Readers' Choice Awards survey

Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos
There’s a reason stars like Bruce Willis and Donna Karan built their vacation homes here: This 1,000-acre private island is only accessible by a 35-minute boat ride from Providenciales, and is home to one luxury resort—see below—and a few private villas. Yes, your entire vacation could be spent without seeing another soul.
Where to stay: COMO Parrot Cay has consistently rated highly in our annual Readers' Choice Awards Survey