The Happiness Function

What’s your favorite part about a tropical getaway? For me, it’s got to be being close to the ocean. The combination of sun, powdery sand, and sparkling sea is hard to beat.

The world is full of stunning shorelines. As travelers, we’re pretty blessed and spoiled for choice. If you’re having a hard time narrowing down your next coastal adventure, this list of the 14 most beautiful beaches on the planet should help get you started.

1. Costa Rica

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Costa Rica has no shortage of breathtaking beaches. We spent a month in Jaco at an apartment just 5 minutes from the shore. The sand stretch here is long and majestic, with a mirror effect reflecting the sky when the tide is low. It’s also great for surfing and a prime spot to watch the sun set into the water.

Beyond this, other tropical treasures include Playa Hermosa, Uvita, and Cahuita on the Caribbean coast. 

2. Zanzibar Island, Tanzania

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Zanzibar is colorful and vibrant but also a wonderful place to unwind. All over the island, there are dreamy beaches to explore, such as Bwejuu, Nungwi, and Kizimkazi. The latter also offers dolphin safaris, though one should try to book this with a responsible company.

3. San Blas Islands, Panama

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Remember that small idyllic island in Money Heist, where Rio and Tokyo are hiding away? The San Blas Islands are the very same place. A cluster of 365 tiny islands, it is the native home of the Kuna Yala tribe.

Local boats drop visitors to the various islands, where one can lounge the day away or choose to spend a few nights on the islands. Just picture it: rustic huts, hammocks and volleyball on the sand, mixed with fresh seafood and a sparkling turquoise coastline.

4. Tortuga Bay, The Galapagos

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This long and lovely white sand beach is what tropical dreams are made of. Bordered by the exotic flora and fauna of The Galapagos, it’s a 45-minute walk to get here. Keep an eye out for little lizards and ancient cacti along the path.

Endless marine iguanas also roam the shoreline. Once you’ve had your fill of wildlife spotting, continue onto Playa Mansa for snorkeling – it’s just around the corner at the far right end of Tortuga Bay.

5. Bali, Indonesia

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Bali is a magical island paradise in the Indonesian archipelago. Its tropical beaches are known for their sparkling waters, soft sand, and lush greenery. The best beaches on the island include Kuta Beach, Seminyak Beach, and Nusa Dua Beach.

Kuta Beach is perfect for surfing and offers great nightlife, while Seminyak Beach is a bit more upscale, with luxury resorts and trendy restaurants. Nusa Dua Beach, with its calm waters and shallow areas, is ideal for families with young children.

6. Seychelles

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Off the east coast of Africa, Seychelles is a group of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean. The beaches here are pristine, with clear turquoise waters, white sand, and towering granite boulders. Anse Source d’Argent, Beau Vallon Beach, and Anse Lazio are among the best beaches on the island.

Anse Source d’Argent is famous for its unique rock formations, while Beau Vallon Beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and watersports. Anse Lazio is located on the island of Praslin and is known for its stunning views and crystal-clear waters.

7. Whitsunday Islands, Australia

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The Whitsunday Islands are a cluster of 74 islands located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, off the coast of Queensland, Australia.

The beaches here are picture-perfect, with white sand, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs. Some of the best beaches on the islands include Whitehaven Beach, Catseye Beach, and Langford Island Beach.

Whitehaven Beach is famous for its swirling silica sands and crystal-clear waters, while Catseye Beach is a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and sailing. Langford Island Beach is a secluded spot with crystal-clear waters and excellent snorkeling opportunities.

8. Bora Bora, French Polynesia

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Located northwest of Tahiti, Bora Bora is a small island situated in the Pacific Ocean. The beaches here are breathtakingly beautiful, with soft white sand, crystal-clear waters, and stunning coral reefs. The best beaches include Matira Beach, Bora Bora Lagoonarium, and Coral Gardens. 

Matira Beach is the most popular beach on the island and is known for its clear waters, soft sand, and stunning sunsets. Bora Bora Lagoonarium and Coral Gardens are excellent spots for snorkeling and scuba diving, with abundant marine life.

9. Phuket, Thailand

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Phuket is a popular island destination in southern Thailand. Its beaches are some of the most stunning in the world, with turquoise waters, soft sand, and lush greenery. Some of the best tropical beaches on the island include Patong Beach, Kata Beach, and Karon Beach.

Patong Beach is the most popular beach on the island and is known for its vibrant nightlife, while Kata Beach is a quieter spot with excellent snorkeling and swimming opportunities. Karon Beach is family-friendly, with plenty of restaurants, shops, and activities.

10. Tulum, Mexico

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Tulum is a tiny coastal town located on the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. Its beaches are famous for their crystal-clear waters, soft sand, and stunning Mayan ruins. Some of the best beaches in Tulum include Playa Paraiso, Tulum Beach, and Las Palmas Public Beach.

Playa Paraiso is a secluded beach with excellent snorkeling opportunities, while Tulum Beach is a bit more crowded but offers excellent swimming and sunbathing. Las Palmas Public Beach is family-friendly, with plenty of amenities, including restaurants, bars, and water sports equipment rentals.

11. The Maldives

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Known for its crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, and stunning coral reefs, the Maldives is a tropical paradise situated in the Indian Ocean. Some of the best beaches on the islands include Veligandu Island Beach, Hulhumale Beach, and Biyadhoo Island Beach.

Veligandu Island Beach is a secluded spot with soft sand and turquoise waters, perfect for couples and honeymooners. Hulhumale Beach is a great family option, with plenty of activities, restaurants, and water sports. Biyadhoo Island Beach is a must-visit spot for snorkeling and diving, with vibrant marine life and coral reefs.

12. Maui, Hawaii

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Maui is one of the most stunning islands in Hawaii, known for its breathtaking beaches, rugged landscapes, and excellent surfing. Must-see beaches include Kaanapali Beach, Wailea Beach, and Napili Bay.

Kaanapali Beach is a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling, while Wailea Beach is a quieter spot with luxury resorts and excellent restaurants. Napili Bay is a stunning crescent-shaped beach with calm waters, perfect for families and beach lovers.

13. The Bahamas

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The Bahamas is a tropical paradise in the Caribbean, known for its crystal-clear waters, pink sand beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. Some of the best beaches on the islands include Cable Beach, Gold Rock Beach, and Pink Sands Beach.

Cable Beach is a popular spot for water sports and beach activities, while Gold Rock Beach is a secluded spot with crystal-clear waters and excellent snorkeling. Pink Sands Beach is located on Harbour Island and is known for its pink sand, clear waters, and stunning sunsets.

14. Santorini, Greece

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World-famous Santorini is a stunning island in the Aegean Sea, known for its whitewashed buildings, blue domes, and breathtaking sunsets. Red Beach, Perissa Beach, and Kamari Beach should be on your beach destination lists.

Red Beach is a unique spot with red volcanic sand and towering cliffs, while Perissa Beach is a black sand beach with plenty of beach bars and restaurants. Kamari Beach is family-friendly, with shallow waters and plenty of amenities, including sun beds, umbrellas, and water sports equipment rentals.

Have you been to any of these famous tropical beaches around the world?

Perfect Winter Escapes: 10 Dreamy All-Inclusive Resorts Near Playa del Carmen

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With so many options, choosing where to stay in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, takes a lot of work. Each hotel and resort looks better than the last, and sometimes you’re unsure how to choose. 

Here are ten tried and tested, all-inclusive resorts and hotels in and around Playa del Carmen to help make your decision a little easier and your next vacation unforgettable.

Perfect Winter Escapes: 10 Dreamy All-Inclusive Resorts Near Playa del Carmen

Discover The 5 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in The Caribbean for Vacation Bliss

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Many of the best all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean are doing a better job than ever of offering both seclusion and personalized travel experiences that appeal to even the newest generations of travelers.

Discover The 5 Best All-Inclusive Resorts in The Caribbean for Vacation Bliss

The Ultimate Hawaii Bucket List: 14 Epic Things to Do in Hawaii From a Local

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There are so many incredible spots in Hawaii that it can be hard to narrow things down to the best of the best. But luckily for you, as a Hawaii local, I’ve weeded out the tourist traps and highlighted the gems. So, without further ado, here are 14 epic things to do in Hawaii.

The Ultimate Hawaii Bucket List: 14 Epic Things to Do in Hawaii From a Local

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