10 Top Beach Vacations

HK Magazine Archive

HK Magazine

Published: 4:00pm, 16 Jul 2015

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From far-flung shores to easy-breezy escapes, these 10 exotic plots of sand will make for the perfect lazy summer holiday.

1) Laze Around Langkawi

Malaysia’s prime plot of sand is a great place to learn how to scuba dive. It’s also home to a handful of kickass shores—like the popular Pantai Cenang or more rustic
Tanjung Rhu, where mangroves and limestone caves abound.

2) Neato El Nido

If you’re looking for beautiful beaches with more luxury surrounds, then Palawan’s El Nido in the Philippines should tick your high-maintenance boxes. The eco-friendly resort chain has four locations scattered across the serene archipelago—visit them all on an extra indulgent vacay.

3) Crushin’ on Croatia

Forget Italy, Croatia has all the makings of a Mediterranean fantasy. Choose an island—any island!—and you’re in for a treat.

A pure Croatian blue. Photo: Ahenobarbus via Flickr

4) Get to New Guinea

It’s all about beaches, vast stretches of untouched coral, jungles, WWII history and the tribespeople of Papua New Guinea. Exploring PNG is not for the lazy traveler though—good luck locating tourist centers or gleaning any information from TripAdvisor. But if you’re up for a challenge, you’ll love the island’s charm.

5) Bummin’ in Boracay

No matter how many beaches we explore, we’re always swimming back to Boracay in the Philippines. When it comes to clear seas, powdery sand, great food and friendly faces, the famous island paradise has it all.

Take an outrigger to Boracay. Photo: Elmar Bajora via Flickr

6) Pretty in Pink

The Komodo Islands in Indonesia are home to the romantic Pink Beach—and yes, it’s actually pink thanks to a mix of red and white sand. It’s in a fairly remote location that’s most accessible by boat, but travelers can opt for a homestay with simple accommodations.

The Komodo Islands' pink beach. Photo: Schristia via Flickr

7) Hola Cuba

We’d like to meet any wanderluster who hasn’t put Cuba on their bucket list now that the borders are slowly opening up to tourists. Latin flavors and Cuban beats combined with world class beaches: We’re there.

8) You Better Belize it

Who wouldn’t want to be surrounded by coconut groves and beautiful lush greenery while catching rays on one of Belize’s pristine island beaches? If you’re not the type who can doze for days on a beach, there’s plenty to do nearby—think conch fishing, snorkeling around the 300-kilometer-long Belize Barrier Reef or making the trip to Tikal National Park, just across the Guatemalan border.

9) Sea Shells

Topaz water and powdery beaches? We’re in! Get to Seychelles to enjoy the diving, snorkeling and idyllic beaches before the rest of the world discovers it. Won’t be long now…

She sells Seychelles. Photo: Samet Kilic via Flickr

10) Ceylon Away

Thanks to the completion of the Colombo-Galle highway, Sri Lanka’s southern beaches are more accessible than ever. Head to popular Mirissa or quaint Tangalla and let the low-key vibes sweep you away. Visit in January or February for a chance to spot some blue whales… or just settle in for the day with a fresh coconut.

A Sri Lankan sunset

Where are you heading on your next adventure. I want to know! Email me at [email protected] or tweet @KateSpringer, #hktravels.

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