Paradises on Earth

Feb 9, 2012 5:19:33 AM

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Gin-clear water at bath temperature, a breeze ruffling the coconut palms, and sand as fine and white as sugar – some places really do seem to have it all. Here’s our pick of picture-postcard honeymoon spots that fit the bill.

1. Atiu, Cook Islands

This particular Cook Island has got all the tropical gear: deserted beaches, bluest water, whiter-than-white sands. But it’s also got that little bit extra, with a clutch of famous, multi-chambered limestone caves tucked away in thick jungle on the coral coastal plains surrounding the island. Some of the caves were used for burials, which means there are human bones about, but relax: Atiu’s vicious warrior history is long gone. Nowadays, Atiu is also a mecca for ecotourists, with more flora and fauna than you can shake a pair of binoculars at.

Refer to www.atiutourism.com when planning your adventure; worldwide flights can now be booked via Rarotonga.

2. Rangiroa, French Polynesia

A coral atoll beyond compare, Rangiroa (the world’s second-largest coral atoll) is about as languorous and remote a place as you’d care to find. Most come here for diving, but what on earth is wrong with just lazing around on the beach and sipping a cocktail or three? There’s also a huge lagoon that’s more like a massive inland sea, sure to add to your expanded consciousness and sense of perspective – even the name ‘Rangiroa’ means ‘vast sky’.

Visit around the time of the Moorea Tere Fa’ati festival on 15 February for song, dance and the soothing sounds of the ukulele.

3. Kuna Yala, Panama

Look up ‘tropical paradise’: there will probably be a picture of the Kuna Yala archipelago. These small islands (also known as the San Blas Islands) are part of the semi-autonomous territory of the Kuna people and feature palm trees, gorgeous beaches, thatched huts and timeless charm. Big business hasn’t gained a foothold because the Kuna rule the roost, with a series of laws to preserve the natural environment. So no ugly hotels spoiling the view and no package tourism polluting the vibe, just plenty of uninhabited islands to explore.

Almiza Tours offers three-day tours to San Blas, departing from Panama. The total cost is around US$300.

4. Cape Tribulation, Australia

This World Heritage–listed, biodiverse region in Queensland deserves to be on your radar for so many reasons. Gorgeous beaches and ancient rainforest that extends right to the water, fringing reefs, wild and beautiful animal and plant life, rock pools, mangrove boardwalks and a backdrop of breathtakingly rugged mountains are the main ingredients. Then there’s the Great Barrier Reef, just 40 minutes off shore. Now you understand – it’s a unique part of the world.

Check out www.capetribulation.com.au for self-drive and guided tour options that leave from Cairns or Port Douglas.

5. Gili Islands, Indonesia

This collection of three beloved islands, northwest of Lombok, have all the island-holiday essentials: coral reefs, stunning beaches, pristine water, superb fishing and snorkelling opportunities, and friendly locals. According to legend, there’s also a magical ring around the island that makes it impossible for people to leave. Go on – test it out. If you can resist the ring’s power, the tuna steaks, plentiful local beer and the complete lack of motor vehicles of any kind might still accomplish what magic failed to achieve.

Catch an outrigger to Gili Air (the nearest of the three Gili islands to the mainland) from Perinenang village; it’s easy to hire bicycles to tour the islands.

6. Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

This sparsely populated archipelago off Brazil’s northeastern coast is famous as a diving destination, with dolphins, shipwrecks and psychedelic coral all available for underwater viewing. Not only that, but the islands play host to the Western Atlantic’s largest colony of tropical seabirds, a fact that’s sure to raise the pulse of twitchers everywhere. There aren’t that many facilities here, but the trade-off is that you have the islands pretty much as they have been for the last 500 years, with only some ex-Portuguese ruins providing clues to past life.

For daily flight information, accommodation and food options visit www.noronha.com.br, which also includes swell updates for surfers looking to score tubes in paradise.

7. Lalomanu, Samoa

Mmm, thank God for the South Pacific, keeper of more sea, sand and sun than any person can cram into a lifetime. This time round it’s Samoa’s turn, with Lalomanu beach on ‘Upolu turning out to be the perfect spot for first-class swimming and snorkelling. From the beach, you can spy the uninhabited island of Namua. If you want to stay, sleeping in open beach fales (huts) can impart the sense that you’re doing it in some kind of authentic, beachy, tropical island style. A kind of paradisiacal virtual reality for jaded Westerners, perhaps? If you like, locals will argue the toss. Lalomanu is what it is, and the sunsets just have to be seen to be believed.

Get in on the action and hang free in a beach-side traditional-style fale; book at www.samoabeachfales.com.

8. San Andrés & Providencia, Colombia

If you like your tropical paradises ‘Caribbean’ flavoured, then you should probably visit this little-known haven, with its swashbuckling English, Jamaican and pirate history. There’s a big Rastafarian influence around these parts; we’re sure you don’t need us to tell you the attendant treasures of such a culture. What we will tell you, though, is that beautiful beaches, coves, caves and swimming holes combine with native architecture and lots of reggae, rum and cocktails to provide sensual delights.

A trip to the ‘perfect islet’ of Johnny Cay is a must; boats leave from the dock near the Decameron Aquarium.

9. Tulum, Mexico

Make no mistake, Tulum, on the Yucatán Peninsula in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, is one of the world’s premier beaches. It features 7km of the finest powder sand, perfect blue water ripped straight out of your dreams, and the beach’s famous, unpowered, cabana-style accommodation right along the coastline. Not enough for you? (Some people are hard to please.)

For added value, backing onto Tulum is something amazing: the ruins of a 6th-century Maya walled city (tulum is the Maya word for wall), possibly the most majestic backdrop of any beach in the world. Rent cheap cabanas along the beachfront; follow the beach south to get to the ruins.

10. Cape Verde

This archipelago of 10 volcanic islands off the coast of Senegal has long been a byword for ‘mystery’. A strange amalgam of West African rhythms and Portuguese colonialism, Cape Verde is now finally succumbing to tourism, with the government planning to aggressively market all that sun-kissed splendour. But tread carefully: with its unspoiled coastlines and uninhabited beaches, the archipelago may sound inviting, but it also shields a fragile ecosystem; you’ll be sharing space with many species of animal unique to the cape.

Be prepared to experience flight cancellations from December to late March, when it’s ‘dusty season’. Luggage delays are common so pack essentials in hand luggage.

This article was updated in February 2012.

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Comments

23 November 2010 4:07PM sheltielover Report this comment
Beautiful Rangiroa, I wrote of it in my book "An Amateur's Guide to the Planet."
23 November 2010 7:58PM mustaphaakbarally Report this comment
To those of you looking to get away to beaches better than whats shown here visit Trincomalee in Sri Lanka during May to October. You will not be disappointed.
23 November 2010 9:25PM bmh Report this comment
I could add Zanzibar & Mafia Island to the list.
23 November 2010 10:38PM jyeat Report this comment
And I would add the Masoala Peninsula, Madagascar.
23 November 2010 10:58PM raimaster Report this comment
how about Raja Ampat - Papua?? i think its more more beautiful than Gili islands in Lombok.. can check it out.
23 November 2010 10:59PM raimaster Report this comment
how about Raja Ampat - Papua?? i think its more more beautiful than Gili islands in Lombok.. can check it out.
23 November 2010 11:44PM taliaw Report this comment
Why isn't Fiji featuring? It's beyond stunningly gorgeous and the beaches make you feel as though you are in a postcard!
24 November 2010 12:06AM theresewestin72 Report this comment
I'd like to add Sipadan just off the coast of Sabah, north Borneo. One of the most beautiful beaches and best diving spots on the planet!
24 November 2010 1:19AM nowornever Report this comment
luckily my tropical paradise is NOT on the list, and thank god nobody mentioned it yet, agree with cape tribulation and french polynesia, but for my taste the gilis are to crowded already, there are lots of better places in SE Asia....
24 November 2010 6:39AM lisabee076 Report this comment
MMM Seychelles- has to be added to this list- especially Anse Forbans beach.
24 November 2010 8:00AM pozzo Report this comment
You should add Boipeba Island in Bahia, Brazil! http://www.boipeba.tur.br/portugues/boipeba.htm
26 November 2010 4:18AM mairsown Report this comment
One place that should be added is Playa las Tortugas, in Nayarit, Mexico. It's about an hour and a half from Puerto Vallarta and is as private as you can get. An "eco" resort, with a sea turtle sanctuary. You have to drive several miles off the main road to reach this paradise. Private beaches, beautiful villas, not "touristy" at all. Check it out, www.playalastortugas.com Just got back and it was about the best vacation we've ever taken!
15 December 2010 3:22PM nadj Report this comment
What about Mauritius????
3 January 2011 3:46PM amaso Report this comment
Liked the listing done for the best tropical places in the world. Though there should be one two changes in my opinion, it is good to see the other beautiful places in the world. Thanks for the post and really appreciate your work. <a href="http://www.travelcostarica360.com/jaco-costa-rica-tours-and-jaco-costa-rica-activities.html"> Jaco Beach </a>
4 January 2011 11:11AM deltacharlymike Report this comment
We would definitely take Cape Verde of this list. My girlfriend and I went there for hiking last April. We had a very good time until we got brutally mugged in broad daylight on an excursion to Monte Verde. Afterwards, we experienced all the challenges of going to an underdeveloped country: a feckless police force, the lack of health infrastructure and incompetent doctors. Cape Verde might be a safe place for tourists if they stay in their hotels but it is definitely not a safe place for backpackers who want to discover the country on their own. Most guidebooks mention that Mindelo and Praia do have problems with violent crime. They tend to forget, however, that it does not stop there. Violent crime is not confined to these two cities, you can also get attacked in the mountains. We only learned about the size of the crime problem after the assault and we do not recommend to go to Cape Verde for holidays.
9 February 2011 6:39AM amoracchius19 Report this comment
@Delta: Are you serious? Holy crud, and I was planning on going there for this summer's vacation, too. Thanks for letting us know. I guess I'll be changing my plans to one of those <a href="http://bestinjaco.com">Jaco vacation rentals</a> after all.
12 February 2012 5:45AM offie1 Report this comment
I've been fortunate enough vist 7 out of 10 of these places, I havnt been to the giilis for 25 years but It was the most beautiful place' I'd ever seen back then. Kuanidup in the San blas is off the scale and fernanda de noronha is absolutely spectacular but very expensive. I would add the lakshadweep and the and
12 February 2012 5:48AM offie1 Report this comment
....ooops.. And the andaman islands. Were heading to the mergui archipelago next month and I'm hoping that will be a contender too.