I spend a lot of my time searching ‘worlds best beaches,’ fantasizing over my next island visit or re-living the memory of my favourite beach vacations. To discover that postcard-perfect white sand and sparkling clear waters is my idea of heaven.

Are you looking for a gorgeous beach destination and can’t decide where to go? Let me help. Here’s my guide to the Top 7 Beaches to Discover, the last two of which I can only continue to ideate.  I hope one day I’ll make it to all.

1. Leela Beach – Koh Phangan, Thailand

Discovering this beach was probably one of the happiest days of my life. Situated on Koh Phangan island, destination of the legendary Full Moon Party (a must for the party animals out there), it is a true piece of paradise.  This beach is secluded and private yet only a 5-minute walk away from the famous Haad Rin beach where travellers will be dancing until sunrise every full moon. It’s the perfect place to stay if you want to be near the action, but far enough to hear nothing but the gentle breaking of waves and swaying palm trees. The atmosphere is relaxing and the water incredibly clear. Cocohut Resort is a wonderful place to stay, only meters from the shoreline. I dream to go back and stay here again.

2. Playa Pilar, Cuba

Let all your thoughts disappear as soon as you arrive on this blissful, untouched beach – one of Cuba’s best. Walk across squeeky white sand, swim in warm, turqouise waters and all with barely a person in sight. Playa Pilar is located 7km west of the popular island Cayo Guillermo, which is linked by a long road crossing the sea. The island has four all-inclusive resorts to choose from, a good choice being Melia Cayo Guillermo. This is a glorious get-a-way beach resort for some peace and relaxation right by the waters edge. For the adventure-seekers out there, also offered are diving and snorkelling excursions with their dive shop conveniently located within the resort grounds.

3. Nungwi, Zanzibar

Zanzibar is an archipelago gem off the coast of Tanzania. As well as offering unique spice markets, trekking through forests and exploring the vibrant Old Town, this island has no shortage of spectacular beaches. North of Zanzibar is Nungwi. Come here to simply soak in the dazzling white sand and warm turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, take a trip on the majestic wooden dhow boats in to the sunset, read, relax or go diving. This is the place for your ideal sea-view beach bungalow accommodation. Think authentic thatched roof, wooden beams and simple decor while listening to the gentle lapping of waves at night.

4. Whitehaven Beach-Whitsundays, Australia

You can’t go to the Whitsunday islands and not visit this 7km stretch of mesmerising white sand and aqua waters. This beach is famous for having some of the purest silica sand in the world, 98% to be exact, producing the whitest sand you may ever see. The sand is so fine it’s been said you can polish your jewellery with it as well as even brush you teeth! (Might give that one a miss). The only way to access this beach is by boat, with an overwhelming selection of overnight sailing tours leaving from Airlie beach or Shute Harbour. A great company to go with is the Atlantic Clipper, which include snorkelling or diving trips to the fantastic great barrier reef if you wish. To witness the beauty of Whitehaven beach, you will be dropped off to begin a short bush walk up to the look out for breathtaking scenery. Experience a truly dream-like, timeless air.

6. Maldives

About 400km south-west of India lies this archipelago of 1,192 coral islands in the Indian Ocean. Imagine a place with no hotels, only high-end luxury resorts (each almost occupying there own private island), stylish water-bungalows and private secluded beaches.  With an abundance of underwater life, it’s no surprise that diving is the main activity to do here in these warm, clear waters. Save up for this trip as the Maldives is definitely not cheap. It’s a honeymooners paradise.

7. Bora Bora

Again this is another luxury holiday destination for those who are searching for the ultimate relaxation and beauty – and are willing to pay the extremely expensive price for it. The pictures say it all. This French Polynesian island is famous for its “aqua-centric luxury resorts” – a piece of pure paradise solely driven by tourism. Bora Bora is the origin of water-bungalows on stilts, therefore the majority of the resorts accommodation is of this wonderful design. Surrounded by a lagoon and barrier reef, come here to soak in the islands majestic scenery, get completely pampered and spoil yourself senseless. Everyone deserves that little bit of luxury.

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• Best beach hotels in the Caribbean: Hotel Meliá Cayo Guillermo (caribbeantraveloffers.wordpress.com)
• Five of the Best Family Beach Vacations (epicatravel.com)