If you’ve already seen what Jamaica and the Riviera Maya have to offer on a western Caribbean cruise to remember, why not check out these gorgeous spots a little further south.
Where should you go for the best beach holiday in the world? While the beaches of Hawaii, Mexico and the Caribbean tend to take the headlines, the southern hemisphere has some pretty spectacular spots to be taken into consideration. Places like Bali, Australia and South Africa offer simply stunning stretches of sand, while more under-the-radar locations like New Caledonia, Tonga and Chile are also worth exploring. If you’ve already seen what Jamaica and the Riviera Maya have to offer on a western Caribbean cruise to remember, why not check out these gorgeous spots a little further south.
Bahia Inglesa, Chile
White sand, crystal clear water and almost no-one else around, the tiny village of Bahia Inglesa is blessed with some of the most pristine beaches in South America. A haven for water sports lovers, it is the perfect place to visit year-round, given the delightful climate of northern Chile.
Fraser Island, Australia
Less well known than the Whitsundays, this World Heritage-listed spot is arguably a finer destination for beach lovers. It is the largest sand island in the world, and the beaches on the west side of the island are powder-white and beautifully sheltered, making for a fantastic beach experience.
Uoleva, Tonga
Often overlooked in favor of its more glamorous northern neighbor Fiji, Tonga offers a slightly more rugged, undiscovered experience. What this does mean is that its stunningly beautiful locations like Uoleva Island are essentially untouched, and it is not unusual for travellers to have this awesome sandy cay all to themselves! The vibe is distinctly alternative, with yoga lovers and surfers well catered for, and the lagoon on the northwest of the atoll offers beautifully calm waters for ultimate relaxation.
Clifton Beach, South Africa
A wonderfully well-kept and picturesque stretch of sand in one of the fancier parts of Cape Town, Clifton Beach is a little out of the way (accessible only by taxi or car), which makes it all the more special. A great option to get away from the tourist crowds, and enjoy a day of elegant relaxation and quiet reflection, with only the waves and the wind to distract you.
Nokanhui Atoll, New Caledonia
A genuinely breathtaking cluster of tiny, tropical islands in the almost unknown French territory of New Caledonia in the South Pacific, Nokanhui Atoll is what Haiti was decades ago. Calm, turquoise waters, incredible beaches and shallow lagoons full of a dazzling array of marine life, this little slice of paradise will leave you lost for words.
Padang Padang, Bali
Made famous by its appearance in the Julia Roberts film Eat, Pray, Love, Padang Padang beach in Bali retains a delightful charm, and definitely lives up to its hype. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs and rocky coral reefs, you feel cut off from the real world, and the view is about as picture-perfect as you can get. The surf can get quite intense, and this is definitely a spot for wave riders, but there is plenty to love here for everyone, whether you want to grab a board and hit the waves, or just soak up the sun.
