The Best Beach Holiday Destinations Around the World

Discover the best beach destinations for the ultimate escape to paradise.

Whether you’re seeking tropical island bliss, coastal ruins, immersive cultures, exhilarating adventure or just simply somewhere to enjoy some well-earned R&R, we have the best beach holidays for you. Browse our handy guide to see what makes the Mediterranean so special, the Caribbean so inviting, Thailand so exciting, the Indian Ocean so alluring and the United Arab Emirates so luxurious. From summertime getaways to winter sun holidays, we’ve covered it all.

Mediterranean

Jet off on a short-haul flight to the Mediterranean for some of the world’s most sun-soaked and picturesque beaches. Serene islands and rugged coastlines promise sublime weather, an insight into ancient histories and cultures, delicious cuisine and a host of medieval towns to explore alongside unparalleled beach bliss. You’ll find soft white sand, idyllic bays and turquoise waters across Greek islands such as Crete, Rhodes, Corfu and Zante, while the Blue Flag beaches of Ayia Napa and Paphos in Cyprus are some of the best in Europe. Visit Antalya, located on the Turkish Riviera and Turquoise Coast, on a holiday to Turkey to enjoy sun-kissed moments in beach resorts like Side, Lara and Manavgat. For a blend of family-friendly hotels and an excellent nightlife hub along the beachfront, visit Spain’s Costa del Sol or the island destinations of Ibiza and Majorca.

Best time for a Mediterranean beach holiday: June to September as this is when conditions on land and in the sea are delightfully warm. On average, temperatures will remain around the high-20s to 30s during the day. Perfect for topping up your tan.

Caribbean

Synonymous with paradise, a beach holiday to the Caribbean will leave you feeling rested and rejuvenated. Explore this tropical destination that boasts soft sandy expanses and aquamarine waters that are teeming with marine life. Culture also oozes here, with many local attractions only a stone’s throw away from a beautiful beach. Perfect for romantic escapes and unrivalled honeymoons, St Lucia offers a myriad of spellbinding beaches, with many framed by the towering Piton Mountains, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their outstanding natural beauty. Choose Barbados as your holiday destination for luxury resorts and powdery white sands along its Platinum Coast on the west. To the east, you’ll find amazing opportunities for surfing. Jamaica holidays combine beach relaxation and swaying palm trees with vibrant parties, reggae music and flowing beverages. Hotspots include Montego Bay and Negril, where you’ll find the iconic Seven Mile Beach.

Best time for a Caribbean beach holiday: Visit during the Caribbean’s dry season, which approximately occurs between December and April. During this time there will be minimal rainfall, glorious sunshine and daytime temperatures ranging from 25 to 30℃.

Thailand

Regarded as the premier destination for beach holidays in Asia, Thailand is brimming with stunning shorelines. Experience luxury without breaking the bank in this affordable haven, where adventure activities, culture, nightlife and relaxation can be enjoyed in bundles. A Phuket holiday is perfect for discovering some of the best beaches in Thailand – visit stretches such as Bang Tao, Patong, Kata and Kamala. More beach fun can be found across areas in Koh Samui, Krabi, Khao Lak and Hua Hin, while the likes of Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta and Koh Phangan are great for island hopping and discovering even more spectacular beaches. If you’re struggling to pick just one destination, combine multiple together on a one-of-a-kind multicentre getaway. Wherever you visit, you’ll be wowed by the soft sands, crystal-clear waters, water sports activities, exotic marine life and bobbing longtail boats.

Best time for a Thailand beach holiday: Overall, the best time to visit and get the most out of your Thailand beach holiday is November to April. It’s important to take note of the weather in the destination you are visiting. If it’s on the Andaman Coast, book your getaway for sometime between December and March, while January to August is best for the Gulf of Thailand on the east coast.

Indian Ocean

Once-in-a-lifetime escapes and paradisiacal beach holidays await in the Indian Ocean, where you’ll find sublime weather, picture-perfect scenery, cerulean-coloured lagoons and unmissable attractions. With the divine waters of the Indian Ocean home to a plethora of endemic marine life such as whale sharks, turtles and rays, this is a great destination for scuba diving and snorkelling, as well as kayaking, paddleboarding and glass-bottomed boat rides. The Maldives boasts idyllic overwater villas for a unique experience on your beach holiday, which you’ll find on your private island resort. Each hotel is bordering a white-sand beach and promises unlimited access to the scintillating shores. Another exceptional archipelago to include on your beach holiday bucket list is the Seychelles. Visit this eco-friendly location for the perfect blend of luxury and sustainability, with many beaches across these verdant islands boasting a nature reserve. A family-friendly destination offering adventure, excitement and relaxation unlike any other is Mauritius. Numerous world-class resorts are only a stone’s throw from a blissful stretch of beach.

Best time for an Indian Ocean beach holiday: Jet off on your Indian Ocean beach holiday from September to December, this region’s spring and early summertime, for the best weather conditions. Escape the drearyness of home for some winter sun, with temperatures reaching an average of 30℃ in December – perfect for a tropical Christmas getaway.

UAE

The stunning beaches of the UAE border the Arabian Gulf, creating a destination that’s superb for relaxation, adventure, culture and connection. With outstanding luxury hotels all over this Middle Eastern holiday hotspot, you’ll be spoilt for choice as to where you stay. Visit Dubai to admire the iconic skyline from a comfortable spot on the beach and enjoy access to high-end beach clubs. With a mix of private and public stretches on offer across areas such as Jumeirah Beach and The Palm Jumeirah, you’re sure to find the perfect stretch. An Abu Dhabi holiday will wow you with a selection of immaculate beaches. Alongside the spots conveniently located near the city centre and luxury resorts, you’ll also be able to soak up the sun on one-of-a-kind beaches like Saadiyat Beach, close to the cultural district, and Yas Beach, next door to some of the best theme parks in the world. For pure tranquillity, Ras Al Khaimah is an emerging beach destination that also promises exciting adventure activities and mountain scenery.

Best time for a UAE beach holiday: The shoulder months of March to April and October to November are the best time as the weather is ideal for relaxing on a sun lounger and playing in the Arabian Gulf. Highs at this time of year can reach 32℃ so make sure you pack your sun cream.

Discover the ultimate beach hotspots on your next luxury holiday. Book online today or call our dedicated travel experts.