Mauritius
This scenic African island, which sits east of Madagascar, offers a multitude of beaches worth prioritizing. Visitors say the island’s west coast is where you’ll find the best strips of shoreline, including Flic en Flac and Le Morne beaches, which feature beautiful white sand and superb vantage points for sunsets. Those who appreciate beaches near amenities will prefer north coast shores like Grand Baie, while those seeking a more remote beach experience will enjoy visiting spots like Île aux Cerfs and Blue Bay.
Tahiti
Tahiti should be high on your list if you like your beaches paired with gourmet French cuisine. The largest of French Polynesian’s islands is known for offering top-notch fare, verdant jungles, lavish resorts and sandy shores. The smaller section of Tahiti (known as Tahiti Iti) is more secluded than the larger Tahiti Nui, but both are worth seeing. Tahiti Iti’s famous beach, La Plage de Maui, is highly regarded for a reason (think: sparkling sand and crystal-clear water), but the popularity comes with crowds. Check out Papenoo Beach on Tahiti Nui for excellent surfing conditions and more breathing room.