Whitehaven beach on the Whitsunday Islands is pure paradise

2. Jumby Bay, Antigua
The epitome of discernment and luxury, this private 300 acre island, accessible only by boat from the mainland of Antigua, provides a stunning natural landscape decorated with stately palm trees and three white sand beaches. Jumby Bay acquired its name in the late 1980s and is named after folklore apparitions called ‘Jumbies’ (friendly ghosts) which, per Antiguan and Caribbean legend, are said to enter the soul and inspire you to dance and celebrate. Jumby Bay is also a worthy site for wildlife exploration with endangered hawksbill turtles, an array of exotic birds and fascinating reptiles. Marked by a refined, genteel air, Jumby’s high level of seclusion and exclusivity makes it ideal for honeymooners, and their luxury mansions are a magnet for high-profile figures.

3. Whitehaven, Whisunday Islands, Australia
The largest island of the 74 in the Whitsundays, Whitehaven beach is seven kilometres of pristine sand, whose 98 per cent silica content leaves it practically squeaking underfoot, with a kaleidoscope of vibrant blue sea. Whitehaven can be reached in several ways, from boat trips which depart from the nearby gateway to the islands, Airlie Beach, sailing, or for the more adventurous, by ocean rafting, sea-kayaking or jet boat. The beach is mostly to be appreciated for its stunning views and location. At the northern end is Hill Inlet, a beautiful cove where the tide shifts the sand and water, and a walk to the lookout is also unmissable, where you can take advantage of the best views of both Whitehaven Beach and Hill Inlet. Visitors can also indulge in swimming in the clear waters, but wearing stinger suits is strongly recommended, as there are a number of toxic jellyfish.

4. Ihuru Islands, Maldives
The very small Ihuru Island in the Maldives typifies the Maldives’ tropical allure, with access to stunning beaches, a shallow lagoon and a tranquil reef, which is home to plenty of fish and coral. The island ensures its appeal by maintaining an award-winning environmentally friendly approach by using biodegradable materials, solar heating and environmentally friendly methods for reactivating corals. As well as a chance for relaxation, Ihuru also offers a range of water sports, including snorkelling and scuba diving in the reef, and canoeing and catamaran sailing on the pristine waters. 

5. Barafundle Bay, Gower Peninsula, Wales
Proving that you don’t need to go abroad to find spectacular coastlines, Barafundle Bay on the Pembrokeshire coast of Wales has regularly been voted as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Backed by dunes and pine trees and only accessible via a cliff path followed by a steep descent through woodlands and dunes, Barafundle is remote and isolated with no facilities except the golden sand and the sea. Now owned by the National Trust, the beach adjoins the trust’s Stackpole Estate, which was once home to the Earls of Cawdor. For visitors looking to spend longer than the day at Barafundle there is also a National Trust cottage that can be rented nearby at Stackpole Quay.