When somebody thinks of traveling or unwinding, one of the first things that come to his mind is beach. Undeniably, beaches are among the favorite destinations of many people because such destinations do not just offer a sense of tranquility and inner peace but also majestic views of God’s creations, from blue seas, mountains to shores. Because people find going to beaches as one of the best ways to get away from the chaos of the city, beach resorts are among the most in-demand tourist attractions in the world especially during summer. Hundreds of beaches across the globe offer plenty of activities and picturesque views to travelers, but only a few of them can offer experiences that leave a mark on the minds and hearts of their guests. Here is a list of ten must-see beaches this 2014:
10. Kauna’oa Bay, Hawaii
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A heavenly spot in Hawaii, Kauna’oa Bay is a crescent-shaped beach that is notable for its clear, blue water, white sand and palm trees along its shores. This beach is best for travelers who love sunbathing and swimming as well as for beach bummers who love snorkeling or riding boogie boards. Located on this island is a historical hotel which gave the beach “Mauna Kea Beach” as its nickname.
9. Langkawi, Malaysia
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Also known as “the land of one’s wishes,” the island of Langkawi is one of the best in Malaysia. Its features several white sand beaches with sandy bays that are best for beach bummers. Its most developed stretch, the Pantai Cenang, is among the most favorites because of its trendy bars and restaurants at night. The beaches are also surrounded with limestone caves and mountains of lush green forests. Two sections of Langkawi, the Tanjung Rhu and Datai Bay, are known for their clear waters and less crowded white sands.
8. St. Barts
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Nestled in the Caribbean Sea, St. Barts is a world-class beach destination that boasts of its pristine strips of sand and turquoise waters. Shallow reefs surround and protect the island as well as provide one of the best snorkeling and diving opportunities to tourists. The beaches of St. Barts are very rarely overcrowded so it is very ideal for travelers. It is one of the territories making up the Leeward Islands and is one of the most visited spots by wealthy travelers because of its elegant appeal. Its coastlines are lined with beachfront resorts.
7. Fraser Island, Australia
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This heritage island in Queensland, Australia is a World Heritage site that is known to be the largest sand island in the world. It is also popular for its sand dunes, forests and plant communities near its shores. These dunes are colonized by grass and coastal plants, adding beauty to the beach. This sand island is home to one of the most wonderful beaches in the world and is considered an unsullied paradise by tourists. There is a certain section of this island near the Eli Creek that is widely visited by because of its colored sands, which feature 72 different colors of natural sand.
6. Nantucket Island, Massachusetts
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Located 30 miles south of Cape Cod in Massachusetts, the Nantucket Island is a popular tourist destination during summer. Its population shoots up to around 50,000 during this season because of the influx of tourists from different parts of the world. Two of the most world-renowned beaches located on this island are the Surfside and Children’s Beaches, which both feature waters that are calm and sand that is best for building castles. One of its beach resorts in Quidnet also offers the best view of the Sankaty Head Lighthouse, another famous and historical tourist destination in the place.
5. Lanikai Beach, Hawaii
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Lanikai Beach in Hawaii is famous for its sparkling sand and tropical plants. Considered one of the most picturesque beaches in the world, Lanikai features palm trees that sway over pristine, white shorelines protected by coral reefs. Its name means “heavenly sea” in Hawaiian language because of its miles-long beach filled with fine white sand as well as its turquoise water. This popular tourist destination is one of the most favorite summer getaways not just of Kailuans but also of tourists from different parts of the world.
4. The Hamptons, New York
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Located in New York City, The Hamptons is a group of hamlets that form one of the world’s most famous seaside resorts. Lying along its shores are some of the costliest properties in the United States. This part of the United States boasts of its unspoiled shoreline as well as their windswept dunes bordering the Atlantic Ocean. Among its popular beach resorts are the Flying Point Beach, Sagg Beach, Long Beach, Two Mile Hollow, Main Beach, and Indian Wells Beach.
3. Bora Bora, Tahiti
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The island of Bora Bora is one of the Society Islands of French Polynesia and is surrounded by a barrier reef and lagoon. It is a major international tourist destination and is best known for its aqua-centric luxury resorts, as well as the remnants of an extinct volcano that lie at its center. Bora-Bora features 18 miles of long and lush sandy shores filled with towering coconut trees and boasts of its serene atmosphere. Because of its beauty that is very ideal for lovers, it has been dubbed as “The Romantic Island.”
2. Maldives
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An island nation in the Indian Ocean, Maldives lies between Minicoy Island and the Chagos Archipelago and is one of the most popular destinations for people who love beaches. It is in the island of Maldives that one can find some of the most picturesque beaches in the world, with pure, talcum powder sand and exquisite shorelines. Most of its beaches are virgin and do not have sea walls. One of its beach resorts, Angsana Ihuru, was once recognized as the second most beautiful beach resorts on the planet.
1. Seychelles
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Seychelles lies about 1,500 kilometers east of mainland Africa. This archipelago nation is considered among the most photographed beaches in the world because of its beauty. This archipelago is composed of 155 scenic islands, the most famous of which are the Mahe Island, Praslin Island, La Digue Island, Bird Island, and Fregate Island. Seychalles is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations in the world because of its affordable guest houses and beach retreats that are best not just for lovers but also families. Among the most notable features of Seychelles beaches are their turquoise and shallow waters and granite boulders.