The most luxurious beaches and islands around the world

With sculpted volcanic peaks rising above over-the-sea resorts surrounded by an emerald lagoon, Bora Bora is not only the South Pacific’s most fabled isle, but has also been dubbed “most beautiful island in the world” by writer James Michener.

With the purest silica sand in the world, Whitehaven (pictured) is often called the most beautiful beach on the planet. It’s spellbindingly pristine too, being part of Whitsunday Island – the largest isle in north-eastern Queensland’s Whitsunday archipelago.

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You may feel a sense of deja vu while gaping at the turquoise waters here. Advertisers have put the granite boulders and palm trees flanking one of the world’s most photographed strips of sand to good use.

The Land of Smiles doesn’t have too many untrammelled strips of sand left. Koh Kood, on the country’s eastern seaboard near Trat town, is one of the few remaining places where you can chill out and enjoy the spectacular surroundings. The island is blessed with white sand beaches in perfect emerald bays, and the best sea kayaking in the region.

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While the length of the beach is disputed (it’s actually just under six miles long), the beauty of it is not, as Seven Mile Beach is the Cayman Islands’ crown jewel. Sugary sand, all-inclusive luxury resorts, azure water, and some of the region’s best diving at offshore reefs make this emerald and gold spot of tropical paradise one of the world’s finest.

– TEXT BY DAVE STAMBOULIS
PHOTO: 123RF.COM, HAMILTON ISLAND FACEBOOK
This article was originally published by Singapore Press Holdings.