Natural beauty at its best. Some say that Varadero Beach is one of the planet’s greatest and we agree in saying that it’s certainly up there. The shimmering white sands, cool tropical air and crystal-clear Atlantic waters create an absorbing environment.

Bathe in its relaxing atmosphere, try your hand at one of the many available water sports or take a memorable dip with dolphins. Once experienced, it’s never forgotten.

Unique and rare. Lake McKenzie is a perched freshwater lake that is fed via rain water. Its water is a vivid shade of blue and so clear that you can see the pure silica sand that you step foot on.

The fineness of the sand is perfect for skin exfoliation and due to its somewhat acidic water; it’s an uncommon sight to see any aquatic life, which makes it perfect for an unperturbed swim. Serene and picturesque, Lake McKenzie is a jewel on Queensland’s coast.

Located near Ka Lae (South Point), Papakolea Beach isn’t one for swimming, but it is unique and quite bizarre, therefore a must-see! Hidden away, it’s quite a trek to reach the sands, but it’s one worth making.

It is geologically unusual, as it is one of only a handful of green sand beaches in the world. It is also very remote with a great stuff and filled with few people.

By Gary Arndt | Blog: Everything-Everywhere

Hailed by many as the most stunning beach on Barbados territory, it’s easy to see why. With limestone cliffs and many a palm tree, its backdrop is quite something. The colour combination of the white and pink sand truly adds to its distinctive outlook.

Crane Beach is spectacularly contrasting. You can either soak up the Caribbean sun in serenity or hit the playful waves for a surf. This award-winning beach has notched up a number of accolades over the years, so it’s definitely worth a visit if you get the chance.

Unbelievably unique, Hidden Beach, one of the planets finest was created when the Mexican government used the uninhabited island as military target practice back in the 90’s. What lies beneath is something of a surprising marvel.

Golden sand and warm crystal-clear waters make it an idyllic choice for those who’re searching for tranquillity and complete isolation.

A surfer’s paradise, Bondi Beach is one of, if not the most iconic in Australia. Often crowded with sun-seekers, it is definitely worth a visit if you want to soak up some of that famous Aussie beach culture.

With a number of restaurants, shops and facilities available, a day at Bondi Beach will be remembered for a long time.

If the Galapagos Islands received the attention of Charles Darwin all those years ago, they most certainly deserve ours. Espanola Island is one of the largest of the Galapagos Islands and Gardner Bay can be found on its northeast coast. Defined by two beaches, they are home to an incredible range of wildlife, which give explorer’s an opportunity they will never forget.

Share the sand and sea with the famous Waved Albatrosses, Blue-footed Boobies (your favourite kind) and sea lions.

Magens Bay is a charming inlet on the island of St. Thomas. Surrounded by a breathtaking mountainous landscape which is covered in beautiful vegetation, this scenic retreat is something of relaxing secluded haven.

With its mile-long sandy white beach and clean transparent waters, Magens Bay is a big hit with families and it’s easy to see why. Experience snorkelling or enjoy a calming sail on one of the many small yachts.

Travel approximately 4 kilometres south of Koh Rong Island by boat and you'll come across one of Cambodia's finest tropical retreats. The unblemished Koh Rong Samloem boasts of white sands, turquoise waters and an un-inhabited beach called Saracen Bay.

Breathtakingly beautiful, the clear waters glow in a range blue hues, while swirling across the sands, forming tiny circular sand islands and warm water pools. Pure perfection and a haven of relaxation, the only noise you'll hear is that of the calm waves lapping against the shore.

By Becki Enright | Blog: Borders Of Adventure

Picture the British Virgin Islands. What do you imagine? We consider White Bay Beach to be a perfect representation of this Caribbean island. It is romantic, welcoming and undeniably stunning. You can sunbathe in the glorious sunshine peacefully or snorkel the best reefs around.

There are many Tiki Huts available that you can privately use by booking through the resorts concierge. But that’s not all, as they will also arrange for a picnic to be delivered to you personally. Sounds like seventh heaven, doesn’t it.

One word; extraordinary. The Maho Beach on the Caribbean Island of Saint Martin has made headlines for its very close proximity to the neighbouring Princess Juliana International Airport. Popular with plane spotters for obvious reasons, there’s nothing like witnessing it firsthand.

Just be sure to snap a picture of an aeroplane flying overhead and add it to your selfie collection.

If you have the opportunity to visit the small island off the east coast of Puerto Rico; Isla de Culebra, grab it, as here lies Flamenco Beach, one of the Caribbean’s finest.

It’s virtually summer everyday of the year and with its pale blue waters, golden sands and countless amounts of kiosks, you are able to enjoy a tropical cocktail whilst gazing at the striking surroundings.

Although popular, it still remains relatively uncrowded, which means you can sunbathe undisturbed. Perfect.

The blissful Vanuatu is a south pacific island near to Australia and you will find Champagne Beach on its North East coast. It has become vastly popular over the past 5 years, with tourists flocking there to experience its famous shoreline.

An unexpected fizz sensation occurs in shallow tides and this is how its name came to be. It’s as if you are bathing in bubbly (Champagne) when in the water and this takes place due to the gasses that are released from volcanic rocks on the seabed.

If you ever visit Lampedusa, a stop at the charming Rabbit Beach is an absolute must! Aquamarine colours, clarity and tranquillity take over, while the soft sand and shallow waters are perfect for sunbathing and snorkelling.

It’s a lengthy walk down to the beach, but it’s one worth making. At times it can get crowded, so may be worth visiting earlier in the morning or later in the evening.

You’ll find Rarotonga sitting in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean. It is something of a paradise and dream for those who love to escape to a distant, tropical island. The largest of the Cook Islands, it consists of forestry, bone-white beaches, cobalt waters and diverse mountains.

Its blossoming green centre is enclosed within a 20 mile-long scenic coastline, which looks magnificent from above.

The beach at Jökulsárlón Lagoon, Iceland, is by far one of the most beautiful and unique in the world. Not your average beach, and probably not one which attracts swimmers necessarily, Jökulsárlón is a glacial lake in Southeast Iceland which features a black sand beach with stunning crystal ice-bergs washed on shore.

Travelers can walk onto the beach and walk amongst the ice-bergs, most of which are a brilliant shimmering blue which makes for the most stunning photography.

By Megan Claire | Blog: Mapping Megan

A hidden English treasure set amongst rocks, Barricane Beach is a tiny inlet on the North Devon coast that possesses a secluded appeal. Offering scenic views and composed waves, it’s popular with surfers and perfect for rock pooling.

Famous for its home to many interesting cowries and mysterious sea shells, this is how its name came to be. These shells have travelled thousands of miles from the Caribbean and the reason to why it is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Although the North Coast of Northern Ireland is not without its selling points - the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Giant's Casueway, the medieval Dunluce Castle and the famous Carrich-a-Rede Rope Bridge to name three tourist favourites - Whiterocks Beach is the true vote winner. Towering sand dunes spill from the Royal Portrush Golf Club down to a vast expanse of sand which meets a sea as much loved for surfing and sea kayaking as it is the deep blue view.

A favourite with walkers, joggers and four-legged friends, the destination gains its name from its famous white chalk cliffs which offer a landmark that's both magical and all at once grounding on this most mythical of coastlines.

By Kirstie McCrum | Blog: Kirstie McCrum Journalist

Barafundle Bay Beach has to be one of the most beautiful beaches in the UK. The small bay is surrounded by dunes and hills so even on a windy British day (we get a lot of these!) you won’t be getting blown away.

The beach is isolated so don’t expect any facilities but do expect pure, unspoilt beauty. It is reached by walking across the cliff tops but don’t let this put you off. The extra effort required to reach Barafundle Bay means it is often quiet, even on a beautiful sunny day. Pack your trunks and a picnic for the perfect day at the seaside.

By Monica Scott | Blog: TheTravelHack

Rhossili Bay in Swansea deservedly makes our list with its postcard-esque scenery. Unmistakably distinctive, it spectacularly combines coastline with countryside, making it a wonderful beach to visit, although the unpredictable British weather can more often than not be a burden.

Officially ranked as one of the top 10 beaches in the world, we are proud.

Amazingly wide and featuring some of the finest sand around, Falassarna Beach can be found on Crete’s west coast. Even in the midst of summer, when thousands of sun-seeking tourists flock to the beach, it still feels uncrowded, due to its size.

A holder of many prestigious awards, it’s easy to see why Falassarna Beach is highly regarded as one of the top 10 in Europe.

By Svetla Markova | Blog: Travel Abouts

Sitting elegantly in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsunday Islands off the coast of Queensland, Australia are truly something special, particularly Whitehaven Beach.

It boasts of transparent aqua waters and pure silica sands, which simply put means that it’s exceedingly white. We consider Whitehaven Beach to be something of a natural wonder, with its air of serenity and captivating panorama. We just love it.

Surrounded by soaring rocky cliffs that are covered in blossoming vegetation, Praia do Sancho is a bay on the small island of Fernando de Noronha. In the distance, you can see spectacular views of Brazil’s northeast coast.

It’s naturally created crescent of sand is backed by the stunning precipice that is a welcomed sanctuary for wildlife. You can reach the beach via boat or a steep walk down the rungs in the cliff-face.

An unblemished crescent on Tasmania’s Freycinet Peninsula, Wineglass Bay is renowned for its stunning natural environment. The surrounding grey granite mountains overlook the contrasting white sand and turquoise waters, providing hikers with a memorable panoramic view.

An unspoiled destination, Wineglass Bay welcomes sightseers from all corners of the globe, as they come witness this phenomenon. Regarded as one of the top 10 beaches in the world, it’s easy to see why.

At first glance, this spectacular scenery looks akin to that of Tracy Island from Thunderbirds. With its towering granite cliffs, tropical surroundings and pink sand, it’s no wonder that Anse Source d’Argent is one of the most photographed beaches on the planet.

With the year-round hot climate and its unique appeal, it’s hard to believe that La Digue is only Seychelles third most populated island.

A private island (part of &Beyond), features a white sand beach that encircles the island. Being white, it reflects the sun and is comfortable and actually quite cooling to walk on.

Guests on the island take off their shoes before boarding the boat for the short journey from Zanzibar, and don't put them on again until they return... a true, barefoot paradise!

When we were there we were privileged to see turtles hatching and making their way to the sea early one morning.

By Paul Johnson | Blog: A Luxury Travel Blog

There are some beaches that stretch on for miles, making you wonder if they ever end; Then there are beaches that tuck you away into your own little corner and block of the rest of the world. Those are the beaches I like.

The ones that seem small, secluded, and intimate but if you swim out just past the bay the world opens up to you with its endless sky and waves. Hvar beaches are generally rocky with pebbles instead of soft sand. If you're looking forward to swimming more than laying in the sun, then these beaches will suit you just fine. The pebbly beaches, clear waters, and endless blue skies are just a few of the many reasons why Hvar has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

By Michael Hodson | Blog: Go See Write

A neighbour to ‘The Baths’, Spring Bay is a magnificent alternative to the well-known National Park. Smaller and quieter, but it is just as beautiful with its intense white sand, warm turquoise water and giant boulders. It is something of a movie set with its unspoilt scenery.

The boulders (or batholiths) surfaced 100’s of years ago as a result of volcanic eruptions. Overtime they have formed to produce a staggering array of grottos and caves which can be explored, so get your camera at the ready.

Bora Bora maybe small, but its popularity is gargantuan. Aptly nicknamed the Romantic Island due to its intimate feel and charming atmosphere, one of its highlight is of course, the famous Matira Beach.

A favourite destination amongst honeymooners, Matira Beach and the surrounding areas are peppered with an array of eateries, shops and resorts. Situated in a protected lagoon, its shore boasts of fine white sand and clear blue waters.

Part of Tanzania, Zanzibar is situated just off the coast of the mainland with Nungwi Beach located at its northern point. Once a busy fishing town, Zanzibar is now recognised for its shorelines, which happen to be some of the most striking in Africa.

Once a popular fishing village and renowned for the production of Dhows, in an evening you can watch these sail off in to the sunset.

It’s easy to see why Maya Bay, with its impeccable tropical vista was selected as the filming destination for ‘The Beach’, starring Hollywood movie star Leonardo DiCaprio. Its dramatic landscape features mangroves and eye-catching coral reefs, while the untainted white sand borders the limestone cliffs.

A tourist hotspot as you can imagine, a visit to Maya Bay to take a peek at its rare beauty and walk the same footsteps as Leonardo is a must.

Siesta Key Beach is as soft and as white as sugar. It has been voted as the ‘Best Beach in America’ and at approximately 8km long, it is considered to contain the world’s finest white sand.

It is 99% pure quartz and so soft it feels like velvet. Even on a hot of summer’s day it stays cool under foot, so you needn’t worry about the possibility of burning the soles of your feet! If you have the opportunity, stay until sunset, because it is here that you’ll witness startling panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico.

The mansions and houses peppered in the cliffs behind creates a backdrop like no other and a striking blend of nature and man. Some may think that the overlooking structures may be a burden on its beauty, but we disagree.

If you’d love to wake up to this panorama every morning, you can, as there are a number of villas available to hire.