Last Updated on: Apr 15, 2025
Summer in the Northern Hemisphere may be coming towards its close, but that doesn’t mean you can’t dream about your next beach destination – especially when it’s a tropical paradise with high temperatures all year round.
What We'll Cover
Whether you prefer white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, unique coastal landscapes and hidden coves, or simply love to marvel at the underwater world, we’ve got the destination for you.
Check out our top four beachside stays every sea lover will want to add to their bucket list.
Maldives
Known by many as the ultimate dream honeymoon location, Maldives is an archipelago of hundreds of tiny tropical islands located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of Sri Lanka and India.
Picture this: You wake up to a light sea breeze coming through the drapes, with the sound of gently lapping waves. You step out onto the balcony of your modern villa and look down to see beautiful, turquoise waters and rainbow-colored fish directly beneath you. This is part of what makes a trip to the Maldives unique – its amazing overwater villas allow you to wake up literally steps away from your morning swim, and eat your breakfast with nothing but the vast, blue ocean surrounding you.
Sea lovers seeking a relaxing break in world-class hotels with exceptional service should look no further than the Maldives. And while you’ll have plenty of time to laze on white sandy beaches, cocktail in hand, if you start to get itchy feet, the islands offer an incredible diversity of marine life to discover with a snorkel or even scuba tank.
If you’re eager to explore coral reefs, we recommend Baros Island, North Male Atoll, while beach lovers will marvel and the endless stretches of white sand at Six Senses Kanuhura, Lhaviyani Atoll.
Although the Maldives is popular with honeymooners looking to splurge, it’s also a great destination for families, or even those looking for a more authentic, rustic experience. Meeru Island, for example, is a child-friendly option, while the local island Dharavandhoo will let you experience island life among Maldive natives – and save some money compared to the luxury resorts.
Mallorca, Spain
The stunning Spanish island of Mallorca is ripe with beautiful beaches and cozy coves, perfect for vacationers looking for unique coastal landscapes and to sample some local culture. However, Mallorca is teeming with tourists in the summer months, so a few insider tips on the less-trampled beaches go a long way.
Whether you’re after chilled, white sandy beaches, diving into water sports, or for the perfect family getaway – there’s something here for everyone. On the island’s North coast, discover rustic, rocky coastline and a secluded bay at Platja de Formentor, perfect for children and kayakers thanks to its shallow waters.
Those looking for a bigger beach and family-friendly resorts will want to check out Playa del Alcúdia, which offers a long stretch of sand that helps diffuse the crowds, as well as the medieval Old Town to explore if you tire of the beach.
Elsewhere on the Southeast coast, Caló des Moro is the ultimate Instagrammable spot, with its dreamy white sand and crystal clear waters, perfect for snorkeling and those all-important holiday snaps. And if you’re after a truly virgin beach, head to Ed Trenc on the South Coast. Enjoy shallow, turquoise waters and untouched coastline – though remember that no development means no installations, so you’ll need to bring your own sunshade and manage without bathrooms or showers.
Los Cabos, Mexico
Offering stunning coastal beauty, gorgeous beachfront hotels, a vibrant nightlife and that unmistakable Mexican sazón, Los Cabos is the perfect destination for vacationers looking to have a good time – and a margarita or two.
The Mexican municipality is located in the southernmost tip of Baja California, encompassing the towns of Cabo San Lucas and San José del Cabo, and the resort-filled 20-mile stretch in between. Those in the mood to explore pristine beaches by day, and party in stylish bars and clubs by night, will want to opt for Cabo San Lucas.
Checking out Land’s End arch – the famous rock formation where the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Cortéz meet – is essential for any Cabo visitor, and make sure to stop off at Lover’s Beach on the way for a few hours playing in the turquoise blue waves.
Sea-sport lovers won’t be disappointed by Cabo, with great snorkeling at Santa Maria Bay and parasailing and jetskiing on offer at Medano Beach. Culture seekers won’t want to miss the town of San José del Cabo, the perfect spot to shop for artisanal souvenirs and grab some hole-in-the-wall tacos (the best kind!).
Bahamas
Last up on our bucket list of beach destinations is the Bahamas – the ultimate Caribbean paradise. While you may know these 700 islands for their straight-out-of-a-postcard white sand beaches, they also offer visitors the chance to experience a vibrant local culture and marine adventures fit for any wildlife explorer.
The Bahamas’ main hub for tourists, New Providence island in its capital Nassau, is perfect for travelers seeking ease and families looking to keep the kids entertained. Expect to find a range of restaurants, endless shopping streets, and activities galore in this bustling hotspot.
However, those looking for a more captivating Bahamian experience should look further afield, and head to the Out Islands. Here, you’ll find picture-perfect turquoise waters, coral reefs teeming with underwater life, stunning boutique hotels, and photogenic towns just waiting to be explored.
So, what makes the Bahamas unique from other Caribbean destinations? If you’re willing to part with your sun lounger for a few days, there’s so much to discover. Explore one of the world’s largest underwater cave systems in Lucayan National Park, and marvel at the preserved remains of the Lucayan Indians. Experience truly unique marine landscapes at the Exumas islands, where the luminous waters are so bright that they’re visible from space. And you might even be lucky enough to catch sight of a swimming pig or two!
Nothing quite beats a dreamy beach holiday – and these destinations are so gorgeous, they should have a firm spot at the top of your bucket list. Want to earn air miles and access discounts at selected stores, just by booking your next vacation? Download the Top-Best Travel extension now.
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