Life's a Beach
To escape and sit quietly on the beach – that’s my idea of paradise.
You smell the ocean before you’ve even seen the sand. You hear gulls squawking overhead, the crashing of calm waves creating swash on the shore and then you take off your sandals (or crocs or flip-flops) and sink your feet into thousands of grains of sand. Beaches have been there for us since our tiny little toes can remember. And that first-time feeling never goes away. Whichever and wherever, beaches never fail to put your mind at ease for a couple of hours – or a day – in the realm of another world. So, that’s why we've put together some of our favourite beach locations for your next holiday escape. Beach is life, life’s a beach.
Da Nang, Vietnam
The temperatures of Vietnam’s dry season (March-September) are hot, humid and an excellent excuse to lounge on Da Nang’s finest beaches. With a long stretch of soft sand and pristine clear waters, the best beaches are closest to the centre of the city. We stay at the luxurious Furama resort during our Vietnam and Ha Long Bay holiday, which has its own, pristine, private beach, but if you’d like to see what else is out there for a change of scenery, there’s the popular My Khe Beach. Feel like you’ve walked onto the set of a Hollywood beach film as you surround yourself in white sand, glistening blue waters and spend your day shading under arching palm trees – though watch out for falling coconuts. Seafood restaurants are situated along the beach so, when your stomachs are rumbling, there’s no need to worry about losing your spot. And once you’re done beaching for the day, how about exploring the city streets where ancient culture is still very much alive. Shops, markets and restaurants – who knows what hidden gems you’ll find on a Vietnamese tour.
South Goa, India
South Goa in India is a tropical haven for locals and tourists alike, boasting charming beaches, mouth-watering seafood and unique history. The Portuguese occupied the region for over 400 years, resulting in a blend of Portuguese and Indian culture. Whether it’s historical locations like the Basilica of Bom Jesus or a Portuguese restaurant you’re after, there’s plenty to discover.
Of course, you won’t want to miss the opportunity for some beach time. Take Cavelossim, our comfortable serene beach escape. Set by a cosy coastal village with but a few attractions, the unhurried nature of the area is what attracts people the most. Stretches of sand are lightly populated with refreshing eateries, shaded spots and beached fishing boats.
The sea, once it casts its spell, holds one in its net of wonder forever.
Bol Island Brac, Croatia
The island of Brac is best known for the famous Zlanti Rat beach – or the ‘Golden Horn’ as it’s sometimes referred – is a symbol of Bol town and Croatia itself. A spit of land with an unusual shape, it is surrounded by a crystal-clear sea that changes from a turquoise to a deep blue the further out it goes, as well as being bordered by pine trees providing shade for beachgoers. But the most extraordinary thing is that the beach changes its shape, depending on the weather conditions, the tip occasionally rotating to form a small natural pool. And don’t worry about overcrowding, the beach can hold up to 10,000 people. Nearby you can find an assortment of smaller beaches, the medieval town of Bol and valleys full of vines, orange and olive trees.
Sand, leads me to the shores of new discoveries.
Boulders Beach, Cape Town
Now for something a little different, what about greeting penguins on a beach? African penguins to be precise. On a South Africa tour, a part of your itinerary will take you to Boulders Beach in Cape Town, where you’ll come face to face with these adorable birds. Walk across boardwalks and observe the penguins in their inhabited home, which has been protected by foundations in the area to protect the endangered species. Not exactly your typical beach visit, but it’s not every day you see penguins out in the wild. Surf’s up!
Sydney beaches, Australia
When you think of Sydney you probably think of the Sydney Opera House or the Harbour Bridge, but have you considered visiting one of its vibrant beaches? With over 100 different beaches – Bondi, Manly and Palm to name a few – ranging from sheltered bays to surf beaches and tourist spots, there’s no better way to spend your days than relaxing on the sun-soaked sands and swimming in the cyanic Aussie waters.
And once you’re ready to leave the beach behind, discover the mighty Australian metropolis. Sit down to fine cuisine in a bistro, sip cocktails on the harbour front, browse in an assortment of shopping outlets and as the sun goes down, stand on the Harbour Bridge and watch city lights replace the setting sun.
Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Get a load of this: although Guanacaste gets a rainy season, it’s still the driest part of Costa Rica. You know what that means – more time to lather up the glorious weather. With a dry tropical climate and 400 miles of spectacular coastline, there’s no better reason to enjoy the sunshine. On a Costa Rica tour you’ll have several free days to take advantage of the hotel facilities and activities along the coast. You might choose horseback riding, finding a good spot on the beach or hiking through the forests – what wildlife will you discover? There's no wonder Guanacaste is the highest rated place in all of Costa Rica’s provinces.
Passikudah, Sri Lanka
Just off the South-East of India lies the small nation of Sri Lanka (previously known as Ceylon, pre-1972). Home to some sublime beaches, one place that isn’t mentioned often is Passikudah – a quiet coastal village famous for its golden beaches and clear shallow waters. The coastline is protected due to its schools of fish living in the coral reefs. So, the next time you go snorkelling, the odds are good that you’ll see an extraordinary amount of marine life beneath the tropical hue of the Indian Ocean’s calm waves.
And on our Sri Lankan beach stay, you’ll have the luxury of free beach days with leisurely time at the hotel. There's nothing better than soaking in the sun and then going back for a dip in the pool or rejuvenating at the spa, especially when it’s at the end of a thrilling tour around Sri Lanka.
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