Beach
Nothing feels more relaxing than sand between your toes and laying under sun-soaked skies caressed by the ocean breeze. Find your own oasis — beach and drink umbrella included.
Picturesque Paradise
Set on the Dominican Republic’s north coast, Puerto Plata offers 500 years of history reflected in the 16th-century Fortaleza San Felipe and 62 miles of Atlantic beaches that include Cabarete, a magnet for kitesurfing. Additionally, the open arms of the statue of Christ the Redeemer overlooking the city beckon exploration of the coffee plantations and…
Top 10 Beaches for Your Next Sandy Vacation
Life is better at the beach, they say, and we couldn’t agree more. Something very calming and blissful envelops on a beach: it’s feeling the warmth of the sun, inhaling the refreshing sea air, and listening to the sounds of the waves gently lap against the shore. Or maybe you prefer to be sea bound,…
The Dreamiest of Beaches on Kaua‘i
Laid-back Kaua‘i is renowned for its jaw-dropping scenery, lush jungle interior, and sleepy surf towns, but a visit would be incomplete without serious beach time. Powdery white and southerly Po‘ipū Beach Park offers plenty of amenities — lifeguards, restrooms, and picnic tables — and something for everyone: a natural wading pool for young swimmers, bodyboarding…
On Point Stays
Often overlooked in favor of its more well-known neighbors, Uruguay is a South American country of rolling plains, modest hill ranges, and mostly undisturbed coastline. Tucked between Argentina to the west and southwest and Brazil to the north and northeast, Uruguay is a quieter part of South America offering a multitude of experiences for culture…
An Iconic Island Escape
Ibiza may be known for its beautiful beaches, legendary parties, and majestic sunsets at the iconic Café del Mar, but the island is also known for its natural beauty and mystical energy that has been drawing spiritual seekers for decades. Es Vedrà, the uninhabited rocky islet along the southwest coast, is said to be the…
Seaside Serenity
Just south of the Delaware-Maryland state line, Ocean City is a beach town on the Eastern Shore that’s perfect for families, couples, and travel with friends. Renowned for 10 miles (16 kilometers) of wide coastline, it features an array of outdoor recreational pursuits and exciting attractions, many of which are situated along its acclaimed wooden…
Your Escape on the Cape
A popular television series recently spotlighted the long chain of thin barrier islands arching out into the Atlantic Ocean, but North Carolina residents and visitors alike have long treasured the stunning 125-mile (201 kilometers) stretch and Cape Hatteras, where Ocracoke and Hatteras Island meet. Situated in the center of the roughly 70-mile-long (113 kilometers) Cape…
A Brazilian Reasons Why
There are numerous beachside cities around the globe — but none like Rio de Janeiro. For starters, the main stretches of sand that border this metropolis are two of the most famous strands in the world: Copacabana and Ipanema. But the beaches are just the beginning of this city’s alluring landscape. Rio is backed by…
Family Time on Kaua‘i
The oldest and considered the quietest of the Hawaiian Islands, Kaua’i offers an appealing mix of history, accessible beaches, and family-friendly outdoor activities. Here are some fun day-trips and excursions in this picturesque slice of paradise. Hanalei Bay Head to the North Shore for a day of family fun. The peach-sandy beach and blue-green waters…
St. Maarten and St. Martin’s Sandy Shores
Half Dutch and half French, the Caribbean island of St. Maarten/St. Martin has two distinct vibes with one shared attraction: beautiful beaches that offer something for everyone. The island boasts more than three dozen sandy strands, so you will likely never run out of new places to explore during your vacation. Here’s a look at…
Four Art-Forward Days in Fort Lauderdale — With an Assist From VIP Concierge
Some of the most renowned paintings by the art world’s greatest creators have a fascinating connection to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Yes, you read that right. From Vincent Van Gogh’s pale violet–walled “The Bedroom” to Georges Seurat’s pastel pointillist strokes that form “Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte” and Pablo Picasso’s blue-tinged “The…
Bali Beckons: Serenity Now
Carefree beach days are what vacation dreams are made of. And where better to indulge in waterfront relaxation than Bali. With the spiritual essence at its core blended with an element of fun, this Indonesian archipelago has a strand of coastline suitable for everyone. Salty souls can surf the waves at Nusa Dua, in southern…
Find Your Beach on Aruba
With 40 miles (64 kilometers) of coastline, and 40 paradise-like beaches to match, this is the place to be beach bound for pretty much the entire duration of your trip. Make your first stop Arashi Beach, on the northern tip of the island, where you can ease into coastal life listening to the ocean waves…
Colombia’s Culture Will Charm You
Skip the typical horse-drawn carriage ride and instead take an early evening sunset stroll atop the famous Walls of Cartagena. There are nearly 7 miles (11 kilometers) of defensive fortifications to explore. No matter how far you walk beforehand, though, be sure to end up at Café del Mar. The vibe at the wall-top bar…
Unwind in Style
Ideally located on South Carolina’s Atlantic coast, families flock to this fun-loving hub of activity for its 60 miles (97 kilometers) of magnificent shoreline, oodles of entertainment options — WonderWorks, a water park, and Broadway Grand Prix to name a few — and state parks showcasing the area’s seaside beauty. Must-Do: After getting your beach…
Fairytale Stays
Anaheim may be home to all things Disney at Walt’s famous theme park on the West Coast, but this is merely an introduction to the real OC. With an evolving craft beer scene, SoCal sports, and street-food eats to please the whole crowd, this Orange County community is fast becoming the epitome of California cool….
Sun, Sea, and Seafood
Vibrant beaches dotted with golden limestone cliffs. Antiquated streets pulsating with excitement. An amalgamation of fresh seafood served in a big bronze bowl. This is Algarve. With almost 125 miles (200 kilometers) of coastline, this southern region specializes in all kinds of vacation offerings, from buzzing nightlife to sun-drenched beach days. Must-Do: Known for its…
Relax, Rejuvenate, Repeat
Stretching along almost 100 miles (160 kilometers) of coastline, and home to part of the world’s second-largest barrier reef, the paradise-like beaches and beautiful underwater world are reason enough to visit Mexico’s Riviera Maya. But then there are the inland gems to discover, too. From ancient Maya cities to swimmable cenotes (sinkholes) and fun water…
Street-Food Paradise
From idyllic beaches and lush mountain interiors to spicy-hot flavorful food and a mesmerizing underwater world, Thailand’s largest island, Phuket, has so much to offer. Whether you’re looking to relax, be active, or indulge your foodie self — or a mixture of all three — Phuket is an island crowd-pleaser for the whole family. Must-Do:…
Best Beach Vacations
Picture this: your feet in the sand, the sun overhead shining rays of warmth that are reflected in the glistening waves. If you dream of surf and seashores, peruse our top beach destinations and start packing your beach bag today.
Picturesque Pastures, Classic Castles
With long stretches of wild coastline, soaring skies, and expansive salt marshes waiting to be discovered, Norfolk is very much a British seaside haven for outdoorsy folk. This is a place where you’ll want to bring along your best outdoor apparel so you can get out and explore, whatever the weather. Inhale the cool, sea-salty…
Nourish Your Soul
An easy-going coastal essence emanates along New South Wales’ North Coast. After all, this is the country that epitomizes the laid-back lifestyle. Along Coffs Coast, surf culture is pretty much the city’s backbone, and surfers are forever in search of the perfect wave along Sawtell’s golden beaches. Adventurous spirits will love the abundance of outdoor…
Mediterranean Magic
Honey-colored coastlines trace the outline of Malta, a small island that’s home to welcoming people, resplendent natural wonders, and rich history. Positioned at the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, and being at the crossroads between Europe and Africa, it’s a heady mix of cultural influences. Take Maltese cuisine: a harmonious blend of flavors from Sicily…
A brilliant beach escape.
Once called Little England because of its distinction as the first overseas British colony, Barbados is a newly independent republic and eternally alluring. Barbados is a quintessential Caribbean paradise with crystal-clear waters lapping more than 70 miles of beaches, including pink sand Crane Beach. It’s also rich with culture and history, which is showcased in…
Costa Blanca and Costa de Almería, Spain
Believed to have gotten its name because of its talcum-colored beaches (although, some contend it’s derived from the white blossoms on the almond trees), Costa Blanca, or “White Coast,” is one of the most renowned of Spain’s seaboards. Popular year-round, it stretches for more than 120 miles and features sheer cliffs, charming Moorish villages, pristine…
Explore the Beaches and Bliss of Phuket
Interestingly, most of Phuket is mountainous. But the shoreline around Thailand’s largest island does boast more than 30 beautiful beaches — Patong, Kata Noi, and Freedom among them. And there’s no better time to be there than February through late April, when temperatures are cooler, the waters of the Andaman Sea are their calmest, and…
The Bahamas’ Beach Life
Beat the winter blues with a beach vacation to Grand Bahama Island’s largest city, where soft sand, crystal-clear waters, and warm sun are bountiful. In fact, you could choose a different beach around Freeport for each day of your weeklong itinerary and still miss a handful. Try Taino or Lucaya strands for various water activities….
Fill Your Days With Fun in Santa Catarina, Brazil
This five-day itinerary will get you started: One day you’re hanging 10 at Praia Mole’s popular surf break and the next you’re sitting in the courtyard of a Fachwerk-style building, wearing a green felt Bavarian hat, and saying “prost!” while raising a stein of hefeweizen. That alluring juxtaposition sums up a trip to Santa Catarina,…