Bruce Kluger
In pursuit of beauty
Selecting the 25 sexiest beaches in the world is a lot harder than it sounds (though, by any measure, the assignment is not onerous).
Whether carved into the earth by a volcanic cataclysm, formed by an ancient glacial migration, or simply stamped onto the planet by some prehistoric shifting of tectonic plates, the world's most alluring beaches are more than just the sum of their topographical parts. They are also about the people who routinely swarm to their aquamarine waters and pristine shores in search of beauty...
In pursuit of beauty
Selecting the 25 sexiest beaches in the world is a lot harder than it sounds (though, by any measure, the assignment is not onerous).
Whether carved into the earth by a volcanic cataclysm, formed by an ancient glacial migration, or simply stamped onto the planet by some prehistoric shifting of tectonic plates, the world's most alluring beaches are more than just the sum of their topographical parts. They are also about the people who routinely swarm to their aquamarine waters and pristine shores in search of beauty...
Bruce Kluger In pursuit of beauty Selecting the 25 sexiest beaches in the world is a lot harder than it sounds (though, by any measure, the assignment ... more
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1
Byron Bay
New South Wales, Australia
Chalk-white sands, deliciously temperate weather and occasional visits from dolphins and migrating whales make this picturesque strip of shoreline, just south of Australia's Gold Coast, a magnet for nearly two million visitors a year. Regular visitors range from the artsy to the backpacking to the well-heeled, and attractions include local festivals, aboriginal craft shops and a nearby beach hideaway where the mode of dress is decidedly optional.
2
Eleuthera
The Bahamas
A few clicks east of the Bahamian capital of Nassau floats Eleuthera, a 100-mile ribbon of land adorned by tony cabana communities, lush pineapple plantations and naturally graceful beaches--from the legendary pink sands of Harbour Island to the vegetation-rich shores of Spanish Wells. "Eleuthera" is Greek for "freedom," and the enthusiastic throng of visitors here live up to the word.
3
Pinney's Beach
Nevis
Nevis, the sister isle of St. Kitts, is home to some of the Caribbean's most tranquil and unspoiled shorelines, among them Pinney's Beach, a four-mile stretch of volcanic sand along the west coast of the egg-shaped island. Lined by swaying coconut trees, the calm waters of Pinney's are popular with avid swimmers, rum-sipping loungers and sun-worshippers.
4
Punta Cana
Dominican Republic
Rapidly shedding its former reputation as an inexpensive getaway destination, the Dominican Republic is going seriously upscale, as luxury resorts continue to spring up and A-list celebrities flock to its shores. Center stage in this transformation is Punta Cana which, cozily situated on the easternmost tip of the island, is quickly earning itself the nickname "the new Cancun."
5
Saline Beach
Saint-Barthélemy
Nearly two dozen beaches dot the French-Caribbean settlement of St. Bart's, lending a bright white glimmer to an elegant island known for its lavish villas and world-class restaurants. Audaciously sprawled along the island's south shore is the celebrated Saline Beach (La Grande Saline), where free-spirited beachcombers flaunt their glitz and glamour.
6
Shoal Bay
Anguilla
Placid waters and pristine beaches are hallmarks of Anguilla, the glittering sand and coral jewel atop the arc of the Lesser Antilles. Graced by gentle breezes and blessed with an average monthly temperature of 80 degrees, the crescent-shaped shorelines host a dazzling assortment of regulars, from the romantic strollers along Rendezvous Bay to the afternoon cocktail contingent of Little Harbour. But the real magic happens among the colorful umbrellas and reclining lounge chairs on Shoal Bay.
7
Copacabana
Rio de Janeiro
With its breathtaking views of Sugarloaf Mountain, seven-foot swells and endless sea of barely-there bikinis, Copacabana still reigns as Rio's most proudly hedonistic haven.
8
Ipanema Beach
Rio de Janeiro
Just around the Brazilian bend from Copacabana, the exquisite and electrifying Ipanema continues to stand tall as a tireless sand and surf playground, with its bustling beaches, fashionable shops and non-stop nightlife.
9
Placencia
Belize
For natural diversity, it doesn't get much better than the crystal cays and lush mangroves of Placencia, on the water's edge of Belize. Wedged between sea and lagoon, the 11-mile peninsula is an ecological eyeful, where tropical birds and iguanas share space with diehard scuba divers and mellow hammock-swingers.
10
Lover's Beach
Cabo San Lucas, Baja Peninsula
Located on the pencil-point of the Baja peninsula, Cabo San Lucas is famed for its sportsfishing, spas and "Golden Corridor" of immaculate beaches. Tucked among the giant white rock formations of Land's End is the elusive but spellbinding Lover's Beach (Playa del Amor).
[source: https://www.forbestraveler.com/islands-beaches/sexiest-beaches-story.html ]
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