Maldives
The Maldives is unlike any beach destination you’ll experience. This tropical paradise is made up of approximately 1,200 islands – and each beach is more beautiful than the last. You’ll likely stick to the island where your resort is, but you can expect pearlescent sands, towering palm trees, incredibly blue waters and surreal sunsets wherever you choose to lay down your towel. Most public beaches require covering up, so if you do stray from your resort’s sands, consider checking out the bikini-friendly beaches on Rasdhoo and Maafushi islands.
Whitsunday Islands
Located off the northeastern coast of Australia, the Whitsunday Islands feel like an entirely different world. The archipelago sits adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef and offers an incredibly unique, albeit fragile, ecosystem. Some of the best beaches on this collection of 74 islands include Betty’s Beach, Whitehaven Beach and Chalkies Beach, but there are plenty of stunning spots to choose from. When you’re not sunbathing on pearl-white sand or snorkeling through turquoise water, unwind at one of the bungalows or luxury eco resorts situated on Hamilton Island or Long Island.