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We’ve journeyed across the world’s shores to bring you our top 12 destinations for a beach holiday, including tropical winter escapes, fall glamour in Arabia and spring splendour in Cyprus. Delve into our month-by-month guide for a year’s round-up of beach bliss.
Kuramathi Maldives
Best beach holiday in January
January is peak time in the Maldives, when the lagoons are calm and crystal clear, providing high-definition views of the marine-rich reefs. Each idyllic island resort is edged by a beach of dreams, with unbelievable restaurants and unique beach and water villas for added measure. Unforgettable moments include Champagne sandbank picnics, spotting dolphins on a sunset cruise and savouring boat-fresh seafood with your toes buried in the sand.
Top stay for couples: Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort
Top stay for families: Kuramathi Maldives
Keyonna Beach Resort, Antigua
Best beach holiday in February
The Caribbean’s sparkling beaches and vibrant culture are a startling contrast to the chilly February scenes back home. Lap up the luxury of world-class resorts in sought-after islands like Antigua and St Lucia or venture a little off-the-track to wild, rugged jewels like Dominica, The Grenadines and Grenada. And we highly recommend Aruba, where the beaches steal the scene with their dazzlingly white sands. For a taste of two sides of the Caribbean, here are some exceptional island duos.
Top stay for couples: Keyonna Beach Resort, Antigua
Top stay for families: Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort, St Lucia
Best beach holiday in March
Thailand takes the crown when it comes to Asia’s best beaches. During the high season (November to April), both humidity and rainfall are low, making it the ideal time to relax by the water, set off on jungle hikes and sample mouthwatering street food in the city markets. From the knockout islands of the Andaman Sea to the gold coves on Koh Samui, we’ve showcased the top Thai islands.
Top stay for couples: Rocky’s Boutique Resort
Top stay for families: The Sands Khao Lak by Katathani
Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort
Best beach holiday in April
On Aphrodite’s Island, Cyprus, rich history harmonises with relaxation on honey-hued bays. April has temperatures of around 21 degrees, as well as a daily average of eight hours of sunshine, perfect for exploring mythical tombs and lounging on those Blue Flag beaches. Our favourite stretches of sand include Lara Beach, known for its turtle nesting sites, and Fig Tree Bay, renowned for its stunning setting and waters flaunting every shade of blue.
Top stay for couples: Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort
Top stay for families: Mediterranean Beach Hotel
Mango House Seychelles
Best beach holiday in May
The Seychelles has consistent temperatures of around 30 degrees but May is considered one of the best months to visit. The archipelago is home to those iconic, boulder-backed beaches that have graced many a magazine cover, such as Anse Source d’Argent, often securing a top spot on the world’s best beaches lists. Beyond the postcard-worthy coves and glamorous resorts, nature lovers will love exploring the Eden-esque interior, holding rare wildlife species and forested peaks.
Top stay for couples: Mango House Seychelles
Top stay for families: Constance Ephelia Seychelles
Daios Cove Luxury Resort & Villas
Best beach holiday in June
The romantic sunsets of Santorini, lively harbours of Mykonos and Bronze-age ruins in Crete – Greece’s charm knows no bounds. Visit in June, embracing the warmth just before the summer tourists arrive. Of course, it’s a place synonymous with incredible food. One day you could be tucking into freshly grilled octopus in a sleepy waterfront taverna, the next dining on Michelin-starred menus in an upscale resort. Don’t leave without trying Baklava, a delectable dessert layered with the sweet, crunchy goodness of nuts and honey.
Top stay for couples: Domes Noruz Chania, Autograph Collection, Crete
Top stay for families: Ikos Odisia, Corfu
Sunset at Tanah Lot temple
Best beach holiday in July
July brings dry and sunny weather to the exotic shores of Indonesia, so it’s no wonder Bali is a popular pick for couples honeymooning after a summer wedding. Spend days away from the beach relaxing in one of the private pool villas the island is famous for, sightsee in a Vintage VW Jeep or soak up the spiritual vibes at one of the many temples – Tanah Lot is breathtaking at sunset.
Top stay for couples: Spa Village Resort, Tembok, Bali
Top stay for families: Melia Bali
Hemingways Watamu
Best beach holiday in August
Kenya's palm-framed coastline is often seen as the perfect extension to an exhilarating wildlife safari. August is a great time to enjoy both worlds: remarkable game viewing in famed national parks and soft ocean breezes and sun-drenched days on beautiful beaches – Lamu and Watamu are lesser-known gems. For a seamless adventure, opt for a fly-in safari. Our Laikipia Fly-in Safari and Kenya Fly-in Family Safari combine wild encounters and the ivory sands of the Indian Ocean.
Top stay for couples: Peponi, Lamu
Top stay for families: Hemingways Watamu
Secrets Lanzarote Resort & Spa
Best beach holiday in September
Enjoy the tail-end of Spain's summer in September. The Balearic Islands, scattered with citrus groves, turquoise bays and charming villages, are just a two-hour flight from the UK. Further south, off the coast of Africa, the Canary Islands have an allure all year, but there’s a deliciously laid-back atmosphere in late summer. Lanzarote, part of the trio of most-visited islands, is called the ‘Island of Fire’ due to its dramatic topography of lava fields, craters and volcanic cones. Inland, the moon-like landscapes are a hiker’s dream, and by the coast, luxe hotels with fabulous pools offer a different vibe.
Top stay for couples: Secrets Lanzarote Resort & Spa
Top stay for families: Ikos Porto Petro, Mallorca
Best beach holiday in October
October sees the arrival of spring in Mauritius, which brings late-twenties heat, clear skies and reprieve from the trade winds. The chic resorts sprinkled along the island’s sugar sands have some of the best value all-inclusive packages in the Indian Ocean. Take a day trip to Île aux Cerfs, an offshore isle with pristine beaches and an elite golf course, swim above coral reefs in Blue Bay or unwind with cocktails in the shadow of Le Morne Mountain.
Top stay for couples: Paradise Cove Boutique Hotel
Top stay for families: Zilwa Attitude
Best beach holiday in November
Dubai, a dashing desert metropolis, has gloriously warm days in November averaging around 26 degrees. It’s a place to revel in next-level luxury, whether that’s taking in mind-blowing views from the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa or dining in celebrity-studded restaurants. To experience a more authentic side to Emirati culture, wander through the spice-filled souks or discover desert life on a 4x4 safari. Whether you’re a family looking for rollercoaster thrills and water parks or a couple seeking a glitzy grown-up escape, Dubai is the ultimate choose-your-own-adventure city.
Top stay for couples: W Dubai - Mina Seyahi
Top stay for families: Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai
Tulum
Best beach holiday in December
December in Mexico offers a mix of festive celebrations, warm weather and top-notch all-inclusive experiences. Along the Yucatan Coast, you’ll find lively Playa Del Carmen, the cliff-perched ruins of Tulum and amazing ecological parks. For somewhere a little out of the spotlight, head to the peaceful islands of Cozumel, Isla Mujeres and car-free Isla Holbox. These paradises offer superb snorkelling and more of a mellow mood than the all-singing, all-dancing resorts that Mexico is known for – think intimate glamping, adult-only retreats and hammock-dozing hotels.
Top stay for couples: Paradisus La Perla – Adults Only – All Inclusive
Top stay for families: Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa
Inspired?
We’ve focused on places that have plenty of sun-blessed days, but keep in mind that many spots have appeal year-round, as seasonal offers and fewer crowds make these locales enticing at different times. For more ideas on where to explore on your next holiday, chat with a Personal Travel Expert who’ll share their personalised advice. You can also browse our where to go when guide which highlights more of our favourite destinations month by month.
Inspired?
We’ve focused on places that have plenty of sun-blessed days, but keep in mind that many spots have appeal year-round, as seasonal offers and fewer crowds make these locales enticing at different times. For more ideas on where to explore on your next holiday, chat with a Personal Travel Expert who’ll share their personalised advice. You can also browse our where to go when guide which highlights more of our favourite destinations month by month.
This feature was updated on 8th May 2024. The information within this feature is correct to the best of our knowledge. Feature by Heather Flanagan.
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