Larvotto Beach, Monaco

One of the most glamorous beaches in the world, Larvotto is renowned the world over for its topless sunbathing amongst the who’s who of the European elite. It is in the center of everything that Morocco is known for.

Grace Bay Turks and Caicos

Revered as one of the last frontiers of the Caribbean, Turks and Caicos is an oasis for those seeking to do little more than lounge on the beach, as there are few diversions other than surf, sun, and sand. And when the sand in question is as superb as gorgeous Grace Bay, it’s no wonder the focus is on the beach. Edging 12 miles along the northern coast of Providenciales (the chain’s main island), the fine white sand here is easily one of the finest swaths of beach we’ve ever seen in the Caribbean.

Lanikai Beach, Hawaii

That Lanikai is considered the best swimming beach even by local Hawaiians should come as no surprise – after all, its name does mean “heavenly sea.” An offshore coral reef protects the deep turquoise lagoon, making the surf relatively mild and ideal for splashing around as well as kayaking, sailing, canoeing, and windsurfing. The mile-long beach itself, on Oahu’s windward side, is also quite scenic and has served as a backdrop in countless fashion shoots; imagine a wide swath dotted by tall swaying palms that cast shadows on the soft, sugary sand.

Clifton Beach, South Africa

The highlight of Cape Town's glamour spots, Clifton lies between Sea Point and Camps Bay. Clifton's famous four beaches are the ideal hangout for beach lovers.

The four small and beautiful beaches of Clifton are interlinked, with giant granite boulders dividing one from the next. Each individual sandy enclave has its own peculiar identity.

4th Beach is the busiest, with the young and the beautiful playing volleyball, throwing frisbees and sunbathing - but mostly trying to look cool. 3rd Beach is frequented by the gay population of Cape Town, while 2nd Beach is the sunning spot of the young bohemians and university students of the city. 1st Beach is the least popular (but no less beautiful) than the other three.

Clifton is wonderfully sheltered from summer's south-easterly wind, but not many people actually brave the cold water. Yachts, speed boats and jet skis come and play in the bay and it has the atmosphere, if not the warm water, of a Mediterranean resort. Some of the most expensive property in South Africa and some of the finest beaches to be found anywhere, are right here at Clifton.

The Clifton Beaches are great for a day with the kids, and superb for sundowners and evening picnics. But go prepared. Take warm clothes, candles for after sunset and lots of goodies to snack on. Alcohol is not allowed on the beaches so stock up on the cold-drinks and fruit juices.

Anse Source Beach, Seychelles

Anse Source D'Argent is located on La Digue, one of the principal islands. La Digue manages to be tropical, homey, understated and classy all at once, without sprawling resort hotels, grand casinos and bustling sport activity centers.

If you find it hard to tear yourself away, don't say we didn't warn you. However, you can explore the coastline for hours and hours.

In fact, we believe the food here in the Seychelles is the best of any Indian Ocean destination. Though most islanders here eat basic meals of fish and rice, several dishes incorporate fruit, exotic herbs and spices from several regions of the world. The two-mile stretch of golden sand is no slouch either, as it's edged by a walk and anchored by twin mountain peaks at its western end.

La Digue island represents the quintessential Seychelles postcard images - turquoise seas laced with pink-hued beaches and the occasional giant granite boulders adding an artistic contrast to the powder-soft sand and crystal-clear waters. Turtles nest on various islands e.g. Cousin, Aldabra, Silhouette, as do large colonies of birds. Some islanders went back to Mauritius it was mostly the families of the original deportees that migrated north to this island that is paradise. Until recently working with copra and vanilla extraction were the mainstays of the local economy, nowadays it is firmly geared to looking after its visitors.

The Seychelles was once thought to be the location of the Garden of Eden, and Anse Source D'Argent almost leaves no doubt — you just may be tempted to cancel your return home.

Biarritz, France

Biarritz is a large town with several quartiers and is one of the principal resorts on the Côte Basque, and probably the most famous part of the Pays Basque. Biarritz came to fame in the mid 19th Century, when Empress Eugenie (the wife of Napoleon III) fell in love with this part of the Basque country and built a Palace on the beach at Biarritz (which is now the world class Hotel du Palais) and a centre with natural springs at Eugenie les Bains in the Landes. Eugenie invited foreign royalty to stay with their entourages and courtiers; Queen Victoria of Britain, who came regularly over a period of 30 years, and sundry Spanish, Swedish, Dutch, German, Russian nobility. The Russians built their own magnificent Orthodox Church next to the Palace.
The principle architecture in Biarritz was not typically Basque, but rather a blend of 19th century city residences, large and expansive, made of local stone bricks. If you bought one of these houses now, you would probably find titles such as the Prince, Duke, Baron, Marquee etc. on the title deeds.

Biarritz has a lot more than beautiful buildings to offer today. It's a vibrant cosmopolitan town with magnificent beaches, golf courses and numerous sporting facilities, not forgetting the surf. Surfing started in France here in Biarritz and surfers come from all over the world to ride the waves. The Biarritz Surf Festival brought together surfers from Hawaii, California and Australia every year to celebrate the birth of surfing in Biarritz.

Pink Sands Beach, Bahamas

It's located on Harbour Island in the Bahamas, just 50 miles east of Nassau. So close to mainland USA that to miss this beauty would be unforgivable. So, we didn't. And others make it a point to visit this wonder of nature as well. This is Pink Sands Beach.

Harbour Island is a tiny speck, only 3 1/2 miles long and so narrow, you can easily see the other "coast". Whoever first set foot here truly found paradise. It has one of the oldest Bahamian communities. Know the pictures of pastel colored houses? They're here! From the 1800's right on the shoreline, what a memory. If you're here for the beaches, make sure you take in the culture. Walking is best, followed by a nice ride on a golf cart. We were thinking that stocks in the local golf cart mechanic might be a winner. A real treat and "winner" as well is the food here. Don't let "conch" scare you. Yes, it's related to the snail, but tastes totally different. Especially if you've never tried snail. OK, you're in for nice meal and they make it with everything - just like Bubba on Forest Gump and his shrimp that goes with everything.

The people here are special, too. Everyone we ran into was super-hospitable. They seem to go out of their way to make you feel welcome. And somehow that translates to the whole tip of Harbour Island. You come by air or water-taxi from North Eleuthera.

Here's what we found:

Pink Sands is a resort. The resort was named after the beautiful pink sandy beach. The resort is an 18 acre hideaway of luxury, natural beauty, and most importantly - privacy. 21 cottages around 1000 sq ft and four two-bedroom cottages around 2000 sq ft line the beach. Make your reservation in advance because this wonderful place fills up and you don't want to stay anywhere else. One thing we liked about Pink Sands and the whole deal about staying on Harbour Island is that we felt close to the U.S. People here are downright friendly and accommodating and not just because they are employees. We found locals just as nice and open.
The beach is pink because of the red coral in the area. Mixed with the white sand it appears pink. What was striking to us is the contrast with the deep blue sky and the green vegetation. Opportunities for pictures abound. Best times are early morning before you get too many harsh shadows messing up your shot, and late in the afternoon. Don't worry about not having enough light. The sun is almost always shining here. Rain showers occur mid afternoon.

The shore slopes slowly and the sandy bottom goes for quite a ways out. Some coral remnants and rocks are clustered about, but no need for shoes. Try walking as far as you can on the beach. If you're not thinking of going in the water, take a set of good walkie-talkies from home and keep in touch as you both explore this side of the island.

Poipu Beach, Hawaii

The Hawaiian royalty spent lots of time at Poipu. The furthest south point on the Garden island of Kauai, Poipu is comprised of private homes, condos and a few larger resorts like Sheraton and Hyatt. It is a family kind of place. But there is activity too as new resorts are built and many multi-million homes are under construction.

BEACHPARK:
Poipu Beach park has been regularly named the top beach in America and one of the top in the world. If you want all night entertainment and lot of tourist hubbub you may be disappointed at Poipu. It is, first of all, a community park that surrounds a series of small crescent shaped beaches. There are green fields, sheltered pavilions for free use, keiki (kid) play areas and a daytime life guard. It can be busy and fun place.

In recent years Poipu Beach has become a frequent stopping ground for one or more of the highly endangered Monk seals who haul ashore among bathers and sleep away the day. In the water you'll find humhumnukanukaapuaa fish (Hawaiian Queen Trigger fish) as well as hundreds of other varieties in waters from two to six feet in depth. Its easy snorkeling even for beginner. Experts can venture further out to find huge green sea turtles.

December through March giant humpback whales parade back and forth just off shore. Binoculars are a help but you'll be able to see the spouts with the naked eye.

POIPU WEATHER:
Temperatures at the beach hover around 80 degrees year round. The weather is so sublime it’s difficult to tell the time of year by the temperature. Constant easy trade windows blow most of the time keeping the air balmy and fragrant. Many accommodations are within a block or two from the park. For others there is easy free parking.

Visit Nukumoi surf shop to buy or rent surf boards and other essential gear. Or book your sunset cruise, whale watching boat trip or dinner reservations.

Poipu Beach is about fun and sun and an easy going atmosphere that most guests fall in love with.

Maroma Beach, Mexico

Quite possibly the most exquisite secret in Mexico, Maroma Beach is a resort hideaway intent on preserving the ecology of its 500-plus acres of beach and rain forest, all the while bringing individual service and luxury to unprecedented heights. Maroma is nestled into the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula and lies a mere 30 miles south of Cancun, but thankfully, remains worlds away from this spring break hot spot's pace and lifestyle. Maroma's guests are immersed in a quiet world of warm azure waters, pure white sands and rich tropical foliage. This miniature Eden of stucco huts and thatched roofs, beachside serenades and sunset cruises, will rejuvenate both body and spirit.

"Handmade Hospitality" is the philosophy the resort operates under, referring both to the passion to meet guests' every need and the machine-free method of construction used in creating the resort. Eco-travelers will delight in learning that every building on the property was made by hand, without any machinery or electricity, and only one-tenth of Maroma's property will be developed in order to preserve the ecological balance.

Entering the world of Maroma is like wandering into the warmth and pleasure of your best friend's "casa." Whether indulging in a private four-hand massage by the ocean, or dinner by torchlight on the beach, this extraordinary retreat will make dreams you never knew existed come true.

Ipanema, Rio De Janeiro

Ipanema is a neighborhood that summarizes the best Rio de Janeiro has to offer. There's a legendary beach, a bustling nightlife, restaurants to write home about, the most sophisticated street shopping in town, cultural centers, museums, excellent hotels in all price ranges...

Better yet, everything is in a walking distance, and it's easy to find your way around. Streets are lined up in a grid, and you have the beach and Lagoa as your references. If you had only one day in Rio, and you want to experience the city like a local instead of a tourist, this is the place you would be heading to.

Most of what is known as Ipanema today belonged to aristocrat José Antonio Moreira Filho, the Barão de Ipanema. Ipanema means bad water in Brazilian Indian dialect, but since the name was inherited from the baron, it has nothing to do with our beautiful blue sea. Once the tunnel connecting Copacabana to Botafogo was opened, Ipanema was finally integrated to the rest of the city.

In 1894 Vila Ipanema was founded, with 19 streets and 2 parks. The neighborhood started to grow faster with the arrival of streetcars in 1902. Ipanema became a household name in the 1950's and 60's - it is the birthplace of Bossa Nova. The whole world learned about it with hit song The Girl from Ipanema by Antonio Carlos Jobim and Vinícius de Morais, both Ipanema residents.

Since then Ipanema is always setting new trends, and what happens here reverberates throughout the country. Take Banda de Ipanema, for instance. What started as a celebration among a few dozen friends ended up bringing a new life to Rio de Janeiro's Street Carnival festivities. Today the parades attract as many as fifteen thousand, and many other neighborhoods have street bands of their own.

The first pregnant woman in a bikini was actress Leila Diniz in the 70's, she lived on Rua Aníbal de Mendonça. The first men sunbathing in a bikini bottom was Fernando Gabeira at Posto 9 in the early 80's. The first topless woman (who bothered asking? - 80's), and the dental floss bikini (late 80's) are among fashion statements that were made here first.

Ipanema has played an important cultural role in the city since its early days. There are major art galleries, universities, several schools, avant-garde theaters, art movie theaters, cyber-cafés... Do not be surprised to discover a cozy café with a web connection inside a bookshop or clothing store.

Fitness is also a big thing. Expect to run into juice shops every other block. People going into and coming out of the many state-of-the-art gyms. Activities offered sometimes include capoeira, you could well walk in and give it a shot. Keep your sunglasses on to better watch the sun-kissed girls and boys of Ipanema go by.