Beach Holidays

If you opt for a beach holiday in the Caribbean, you’ll have a generous amount of palm-fringed, white shores to choose from. The Caribbean is an ever-popular choice for a romantic honeymoon, but families and groups of friends will also appreciate the glorious scenery, turquoise waters and colourful towns. Larger islands like Jamaica and the Dominican Republic are wonderful places for a beach break. You can chill by the ocean, sip fruity punch, and soak up the laidback atmosphere.

Temperatures are remarkably consistent, with the average floating between 24 and 29 degrees Celsius all year round. Meanwhile, smaller Caribbean islands, such as the Bahamas, Barbados and Antigua, have some of the world’s best beaches, and various holiday options ranging from the simple to the opulent and super-chic. 

For a beach holiday with a difference, check out Dubai. This extravagant city isn’t just the queen of luxury city breaks – it’s also has great beaches. Jumeirah Beach, Kite Beach and Rixos Beach are just some of the sandy swathes you can sunbath on. Contrary to popular belief, it’s perfectly fine to wear your swim stuff on the beach, in the sea or in the pool – so get ready to top up your tan.

Whether you want family-friendly activities, water sports, or sleek beach clubs, Dubai ticks all the boxes. Indulge in the five-star facilities, lounge under glamorous beach cabanas, and expect top-notch service at your own private retreat. Plus, you can enjoy a beach holiday here any time of year.

It might be slightly further afield, but Southeast Asia has some fantastic beaches – and a lot more besides. Beach holidays here are all about chilled-out boat trips, snorkelling in clear seas, and drinking a cold beer on the sands at sunset. But there’s also plenty to do. In Thailand, for example, you can hike through tropical rainforests, meet gentle elephants, tuck into mouth-watering cuisine – and unwind on beautiful beaches.

Bali is another great option for a beach holiday. You can curl up with a book in your hammock, before visiting tranquil temples and seeing the famous coral-stone buildings. Thanks to their proximity to the equator, Thailand and Bali have steady, tropical temperatures all year round, so there’s never a bad time to come here for a beach holiday. 

Last, but certainly not least, there’s the Indian Ocean. Whether you’re attracted by Mauritius’ pristine beaches or the Maldives’ picture-perfect paradise, these exotic islands take beach holiday to a whole new level. The Maldives is widely thought to be the most stunning place on the planet, and it’s easy to see why. Whether you’re relaxing in your overwater villa or snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a postcard.

The Maldives have a surprising variety of accommodation too, ranging from five-star, luxury resorts to great options for families. If you’d like to be a little more active in paradise, Mauritius could be for you. The sugar-white beaches are just as impressive here, and you’ll find that there’s more going on. Mauritius is surrounded by numerous coral reefs and, inland, you’ll find activities like zip-lining, hiking and horse-riding.