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Punaluʻu Beach, Hawaii
Matt Anderson Photography//Getty Images Punaluʻu Beach is located on the southeastern coast of the Big Island in Hawaii. It's renowned for its stunning black sand beaches formed from lava flowing into the ocean. While there aren't luxury hotels directly situated on the awe-inspiring beach, there are a number of beautiful resorts on the other side of the island—trust us, this beach is worth renting a Jeep (or roadster) and road-tripping a couple hours for.
BOOK YOUR STAY NEAR PUNALUʻU BEACH
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Anton Petrus//Getty Images Rio de Janeiro is one of the most popular cities in Brazil and its beach is a must-visit destination. While incredibly crowded during summer, the beach features stunning white sand, crystal clear water, and breathtaking mountains in the distance.
BOOK YOUR STAY IN RIO DE JANEIRO
Monterosso Fegina Beach, Italy
nycshooter//Getty Images Monterosso Fegina Beach is a picturesque slice of sandy beach in Cinque Terre, Italy. The quaint coastal town is known for its love of color and for being the inspiration behind the Disney Pixar film Luca.
BOOK YOUR STAY NEAR MONTEROSSO FEGINA BEACH
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Elafonissi Beach, Greece
Posnov//Getty Images Elafonissi Beach in Greece is known for its stunning turquoise waters and shocking pink sand beaches. It's located on the southwestern corner of Crete and features beach clubs you'll want to lay out at all day long.
BOOK YOUR STAY NEAR ELAFONISSI BEACH
Siesta Key, Florida
Pola Damonte via Getty Images//Getty Images With sunny weather, white sand beaches and crystal-clear water, it's easy to see why this barrier island on the Gulf of Mexico is a desirable destination all year long. Hang at Crescent Beach for the powdery sand and spectacular sunsets, or head to nearby Turtle Beach for a quieter vibe and excellent beachcombing.
BOOK YOUR STAY NEAR SIESTA KEY
Le Morne Brabant, Mauritius
Myroslava//Getty Images Located at the far southwest tip of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean, Le Morne Brabant is nothing short of breathtaking. From above, it looks like there's an underwater waterfall—but that's just one alluring factor of the peninsula. The beach is frequented by hikers, paragliders and fishermen, thanks to its unique mountain terrain and surrounding blue lagoon.
BOOK YOUR STAY IN LE MORNE BRABANT
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Railay Beach, Thailand
Prasit photo//Getty Images Railay Beach in Thailand is pretty much the epitome of a paradise screensaver with its towering cliffs, white sand beaches, and turquoise waters. See those boats? It's because Railay Beach is only accessible via water. The airport-bus-boat journey is well worth the views, though.
BOOK YOUR STAY IN RAILAY BEACH
Matira Beach, Bora Bora
Marco Prosch//Getty Images Bora Bora, located in French Polynesia, is said to be not only one of the most beautiful beaches in the world but one of the most stunning places on the planet overall. That's why it's called "The Pearl of the Pacific." It's characterized by abundant coral reefs, sparkling, crystal clear waters, and verdant tropical forests. For the most memorable Bora Bora experience, do yourself a favor and book an over-water villa. You won't regret it.
BOOK YOUR STAY IN BORA BORA
Natadola Beach, Fiji
@ Didier Marti//Getty Images Located to the East of Australia, Fiji is a string of islands in the South Pacific, known for its white sand beaches, calm, crystal clear waters, and extensive coral reefs. With over 1,000 species of fish among the islands, Fiji is a snorkeler and diver's dream.
BOOK YOUR STAY IN FIJI
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Praia da Marinha, Portugal
Elena Pueyo//Getty Images Between the coastal towns of Lagoa and Carvoeiro sits the "Golden Beach" of Portugal. Praia da Marinha is regarded as one of the most breathtaking beaches in Europe for its orange limestone cliffs and sparkling blue waters. While the beach is rather small, there's plenty of fun to be had hiking the cliffs of the coast and snorkeling in the Mediterranean Sea
BOOK YOUR STAY NEAR THE MARINHA
Placencia Beach, Belize
Getty Images Placencia Beach is located off the tip of the Placencia Peninsula along the southeastern tip of Belize. Nestled between the Caribbean Sea and ripe rainforests, Placencia has so much more to offer than just sand and the sun. The palm tree-dotted paradise is home to a quaint fishing village, waterfalls, and Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, which is the world's only jaguar preserve.
BOOK YOUR STAY IN PLACENCIA
Navagio Bay, Zakynthos, Greece
Getty Images Also known as Shipwreck Cove, Navagio Bay, Zakynthos, Greece touts brilliant blue waters surrounded by towering cliffs. It's reportedly one of the most photographed places in Greece—and it's clear to see why. One thing to note: It's most easily accessed by water.
BOOK YOUR STAY NEAR NAVAGIO BAY
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St. Lucia
Getty Images St. Lucia may have world-class beaches, but the beach itself is best known for the massive pitons (mountainous volcanic plugs that are dormant) looming in the background. Talk about a beautiful backdrop.
BOOK YOUR STAY IN ST. LUCIA
Ko Phi Phi, Thailand
Getty Images Looking for crystal-clear waters ripe with snorkeling adventures surrounded by palm trees and mountains just waiting to be explored? Long Beach in Ko Phi Phi is calling your name.
BOOK YOUR STAY IN KO PHI PHI
Anse Source d'Argent in Seychelles
Getty Images Granite boulders surround this picturesque pink sand beach. Covered in lush greenery and surrounded by pristine turquoise waters, Anse Source d'Argent in Seychelles is a sight to behold.
BOOK YOUR STAY NEAR ANSE SOURCE D'ARGENT
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Huruvalhi Island, Maldives
Getty Images Chances are, you've had pictures of The Maldives floating around your computer as a screensaver at least once in your life. The beach paradise is renowned for its vivid blue waters and winding oceanfront boardwalks.
BOOK YOUR STAY IN THE MALDIVES
Hanalei Bay, Kauai, Hawaii
Getty Images You don't have to venture outside of the United States to discover one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Instead, head to Hanalei Bay in Kauai, Hawaii to surround yourself with lush green mountains, turquoise waters, and white sands.
BOOK YOUR STAY IN HANALEI BAY
Virgin Gorda, British Virgin Islands
Getty Images Virgin Gorda is a Caribbean beach that's unique for its boulder-rimmed pools, which make for incredibly refreshing wading pools. If white sand is your goal, head to nearby Spring Bay or Devil's Bay.
BOOK YOUR STAY IN VIRGIN GORDA
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Ora Beach, Moluccas, Seram Island, Indonesia
Getty Images Hoping to explore the forest and coral reefs while on your next beach vacation? Consider a trip to Ora Beach, Moluccas, Seram Island, Indonesia. The water cottages alone will make you want to go back time and time again.
BOOK YOUR STAY IN ORA BEACH
Whitsunday Islands, Australia
Getty Images This white-sand masterpiece is known as Whitsunday Islands, and it's located in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef in northeastern Australia. Although the water is the first thing to capture the eye, the surrounding mountains are studded with hiking trails, so all sorts of adventure await.
BOOK YOUR STAY IN THE WHITSUNDAY ISLANDS
Rebecca R. Norris is a full-time freelance writer living in the DC metro area. She writes for a variety of publications, primarily covering women’s interest topics. When she's not writing, she can be found out and about with her Jack-Chi, Cash, sweating her way through an Orangetheory class, or taking it easy with family and friends
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