What makes the world's most beautiful beach? Turquoise bays and palm trees, or perhaps you'd prefer a beach featuring unique sites such as a nature reserve or shipwreck?
For those looking to enjoy one of the world's best
luxury beach holidays, in this article, we share our five picks for the most beautiful beaches on Earth. From the dramatic coasts of Iceland to the remote white-sand beaches of the Whitsundays, read on to find out more.
The Most Beautiful Beaches on Earth
Manuel Antonio National Park, Costa Rica
Rather than a single beach, we're starting off with Manuel Antonio National Park, home to a range of sandy beaches often touted as some of the world's most spectacular. Combining the very best of
a luxury Costa Rica holiday - rich wildlife and paradisiacal landscapes - Manuel Antonio National Park is a gem.
![Palm trees on Manuel Antonio Beach, Costa Rica]()
Palm trees on Manuel Antonio Beach, Costa Rica
As highlighted on the
park's official website: "Nestled within this compact yet extraordinary park is a mesmerising mix of rainforest, pristine beaches, and coral reefs, creating a sanctuary of natural beauty. The beaches, considered among the most picturesque in Costa Rica, are fringed by dense, green forests, offering outstanding snorkelling opportunities in their clear, inviting waters."
The biodiversity here is one of the main attractions, with beachgoers able to spot Two and Three-Toed Sloths, White-Faced Capuchin Monkeys, Mantled Howler Monkeys and Black Spiny-tailed Iguanas as the rainforest grows right up to the beach's golden sands
Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach), Zakynthos, Greece
This picture-perfect beach is one you might have seen before, as it's one of
Greece's most photographed locations. Known as Shipwreck Beach or Smugglers Cove, Navagio Beach could not be more idyllic, with towering limestone cliffs, turquoise waters and white pebbles and sands. The beach is only accessible by boat, adding to its mystique.
![A speedboat in the bay of Navagio Beach, Zakynthos, Greece]()
A speedboat in the bay of Navagio Beach, Zakynthos, Greece
The highlight of this beach is the iconic shipwreck. In 1980, the MV Panagiotis ran aground while smuggling cigarettes, and now the vessel makes an instantly recognisable centrepiece of the beach.
We have some brilliant resorts and villa options for your
luxury holiday to Zakynthos that can help you make the most of this stunning island.
Torrent de Pareis, Mallorca, Spain
A unique beach on the Spanish island of Mallorca, Torrente de Pareis is a slice of paradise. An endpoint of a massive limestone gorge formed over millions of years, this natural harbour is both intimidating and awe-inspiring.
![Aerial view of Torrente de Pareis, Mallorca, Spain, including boats in the water and people on the beach]()
Aerial view of Torrente de Pareis, Mallorca, Spain, including boats in the water and people on the beach
Accessed either by boat or by the Sa Calobra Road, featuring 12 hairpin turns and a 270-degree spiral bridge, even the trip to the beach is memorable. Along with deep blue water and a small, pebbled beach, the gorge itself is a popular hiking route for adventurers.
Discussing the Torrent de Pareis,
Mallorca Beaches shares: "Few places on Mallorca are as complete as Torrent de Pareis. Big mountains, a beautiful bay, nice little beach, and an incredible canyon with up to 300-meter-tall mountain walls. Torrent de Pareis is an attraction that has it all!
For those who'd like to visit, we can help you find the perfect
luxury villa in Mallorca for your trip. Whether you want to stay in Palma or somewhere more remote, we can find accommodation that you'll adore.
Reynisfjara, Iceland
Reynisfjara proves that the most beautiful beaches don't have to be tropical. Located on
the South Shore of Iceland, the North Atlantic Ocean churns up powerful waves that crash against the rich, black sands, creating a powerful and commanding landscape.
One of the most popular reasons to visit this beach is to see Reynisdrangar. These dominant sea stacks sit out to sea and have plenty of legends about them and their creation, from sunken ships turned to stone to frozen trolls. The beach is also framed by towering hexagonal basalt columns that just add to the brutal terrain.
If you want to visit Reynisfjara, our
Icelandic Winter Adventure itinerary explores the South Shore as well as the Golden Circle, Thorsmork and the iconic Blue Lagoon, giving you an enchanting itinerary through Iceland's most iconic highlights.
Whitehaven Beach, Australia
If you're heading on a
luxury holiday to Australia, then a trip to Whitehaven Beach will make for an unforgettable day. With pure silica sand, the bright white powdery sand here is picture-perfect and stays cool, even in the hot weather. And being located within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and the Whitsunday Islands National Park, you know the beach and its water are carefully protected and maintained.
![Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays, Queensland, Australia]()
Whitehaven Beach in the Whitsundays, Queensland, Australia
The beach is only accessible by boat, seaplane or helicopter, meaning you never have to worry about large crowds. Plus, with 7 kilometres of beautiful white sand to enjoy, you'll never feel as though it's crowded or busy.
Discussing another highlight of Whitehaven, the
Queensland Tourist Board said: "No matter which end of Whitehaven Beach you find yourself on, there is a stunning lookout to enjoy. At the northern end of Whitehaven, visitors can explore the iconic Hill Inlet. For the best view, take the short stroll up to the lookout, to see the breathtaking view of swirling white sands and the turquoise waters melting together.
For those who want to enjoy everything that Whitehaven Beach and the Whitsundays have to offer, Qualia is ideally situated. The 5-star hotel unlocks this beautiful part of the world, with the option of helicopter or seaplane journeys to Whitehaven Beach, Heart Reef and more for diving and snorkelling.
Whether you dream of wiggling your toes in the pure silica sands of Whitehaven Beach, seeing Howler Monkeys swing through the rainforest in Costa Rica or photographic the dramatic shipwreck at Navagio, these extraordinary beaches offer more than just beautiful coastlines - they promise unforgettable moments that define truly luxurious travel.
While their natural beauty is accessible to all, you can elevate these locations again with stays in five-star resorts, private villas and hand-crafted itineraries. From being able to organise a seaplane from your hotel to the beach to enjoying private tours, the world's most beautiful beaches become even more magnificent when experienced through the lens of
luxury travel. The only question that remains is: which of these spectacular shores will be the backdrop to your next
luxury beach holiday?
Are you looking for more travel inspiration? Filled with first-hand travel tales, expert destination guides and more, our
luxury online travel blog can help.