Lonely Planet - 50 Beaches to Blow Your Mind

JUSTIN FOULKES LONELY PLANET IMAGES

Introduction

Lets face it; the beach that will next blow your mind is more than likely the next one you can get to, regardless of where it is.

We love beaches, despite their many inconveniences. The impolite, pushy and un-shy sand. The temperamental surf. The wind that whips hair, sand and surf into a frenzy. The sun that burns that spot the sun block cream didnt reach. The sharks that stalk us (thankfully, usually, in our minds alone).

Yes, we love them. A beach always feels like the ultimate escape. Why? Is it an evolutionary hangover? Are we returning to our ancient origins as creatures-crawled-out-of-the-ocean? Or did we develop our desire for the beach alongside our need for the food that the ocean provides? Is it the sound of the waves, which science says has a calming effect on our brain activity? Maybe its the guaranteed hit of vitamin D our exposed skin absorbs.

We could speculate all day. Except that brings us no closer to the beach. And at the beach, therell be no speculation; well be in the moment. So go! Find a beach. Go now. Dont wonder why. You know its the right thing to do.

MIGUEL NARANJO

Bliss // Tropical desert island paradises

Cabbage Beach / Nassau, Bahamas

THE NAME OF THIS BEACH ISNT CONJURING UP AN IMAGE OF PARADISE.

Ignore the somewhat ignoble name and focus on the impossibly white and soft sand, the nearly 3km of aquamarine waves gently lapping at the shoreline, the tropical tiki huts providing shade along the length of the seashore, and the palms swaying in the warm breeze.

WELL IT SOUNDS LIKE ITS A TEXTBOOK EXAMPLE OF PARADISE.

Theres no denying the Bahamas know how to do beaches. The only off-putting thing about a holiday here is that everyone else wants to holiday here. Cabbage Beach is very, very popular so expect to share your sunshine.

CAN I AVOID THE CROWDS?

There are a few options. You can see the land from the sea by renting a jet ski or a more sedate floating lounge from one of the multitude of operators. You could retreat to one of the luxury resorts that ring the coastline and order yourself a cocktail. Or tune out the masses with a pair of giant sunglasses and your own beachside sun lounger. If all this fails to get you the solitude you crave, try heading to the eastern end of the beach where its slightly less populated.

IAN CUMMING GETTY IMAGES

Crane Beach / Barbados

WILL I SEE A CRANE? THEYRE SO BEAUTIFUL.

Um, I think you might have the wrong crane in mind. The winching kind gave its name to this beach, though thankfully its no longer a feature. It wouldnt really suit the scene: this destination is another beach that rarely misses out at the best beaches in the world awards. In place of the crane you do have the Crane, a 100-plus-year-old hotel resort that sits elegantly high up on the cliff with a glass elevator that takes its guests down to the perfect pink-hued sands and the blissful blue water below.

I JUST WANT TO JUMP INTO THAT WATER!

Go crazy. With the fair waves that keep rolling in, its a great beach for boogie boarding and body surfing.

I BELONG THERE, I THINK.

You and everyone else. But there are other ways to enjoy the beach. To blaze your own trail, follow the road to the beach another 500m east and youll come to a cow pasture where a path leads you to a long, quiet strip of sand. Picnic? Check. Sunbathing? Check. Best day of your life? Got to be a chance.

DE AGOSTINI GETTY IMAGES

Flamenco Beach / Culebra, Puerto Rico

I FEEL LIKE DANCING ACROSS THE SAND.

With a mile of sheltered beachline, you can dance all you like. And youll be doing it in style: Playa Flamenco is generally regarded as the finest in Puerto Rico. Best in the Caribbean even, according to some. Either way, people dont talk that way for no reason.

IM NOT GOING TO ARGUE.

If you go on a weekday, youre sure to come away with a sense of its beauty. Weekends can get very busy, but its well serviced and even the crowds are unlikely to dim your view. You can camp here too see the stars reflected in the clear, mirror-like bay. If the mood takes you, have a pia colada at one of the kiosks. Doesnt that feel right?

SURE. BUT WHY IS THERE A TANK AT THE END OF THE BEACH?

Dont worry, its not loaded! It is a remnant from the days of war games practised here, but now its a work of art. Or unconventional camouflage, to say the least!

CDLUTEZ LONELY PLANET IMAGES

Green Island Beach / Green Island, Antigua & Barbuda

THIS IS JUST WHAT A DESERT ISLAND LOOKS LIKE IN MY MIND.

The place is practically deserted, with turquoise water as far as the eye can see and lush greenery flanking the white sand. Green Island Beach comes straight out of tropical island central casting.

ITS HARD TO BELIEVE WELL GET THIS SLICE OF PARADISE ALL TO OURSELVES.

Of the Antiguan islands, Green Island is your best bet for some privacy: its out of the way and can only be reached by charter boat. Once youre on the island there are a number of secluded beaches to explore with Green Island Beach being on the even-more out-of-the-way west coast.

WHATS ON THE ITINERARY?

Its a packed schedule of sunbathing, snoozing and snorkelling. Not necessarily in that order.

GOOD SNORKELLING TO BE HAD?

Calm and clear, the water stays relatively shallow for a way out to sea so its perfect for gently bobbing around with your head immersed. The rock formations around the edges of the cove make for some interesting exploring too.

JANE SWEENEY GETTY IMAGES

Hanalei Bay Beach / Hawaii, USA

ITS A PRETTY NAME FOR A BEACH.

Pretty name for a stupendously pretty place. Often cited as Hawaiis most beautiful beach (which is kind of gobsmacking considering the competition!), Hanalei has all the trappings: calm, sheltered waters, mountains as the backdrop, boats moored in the bay, white sand and, yep, you guessed it, clear clean water.

IT LOOKS KIND OF FAMILIAR.

Seen one beach seen em all? I dont think so. But maybe you recognise it from its starring role alongside George Clooney in The Descendants or, if youre a little older, in South Pacific . A street back from the beach and you can have a drink (or a meal) at Tahiti Nui the tiki bar is perfectly Hawaii. You might recognise it as well

MOVIE-STAR BEACH!

Natural talent shines through. You can play an active supporting role though. Try your hand at sailing, snorkelling, windsurfing and swimming of course.

AND AFTER ALL THAT?

At the end of the day you can add a sunset walk along the pristine sand. Relaxing, romantic, scene-setting.