Top get-away beach resorts world-wide

The Maldives archipelago - a chain of twenty six atolls - lies southwest of India and Sri Lanka. You won't find more perfect beaches, with whiter-than-white powder sand and luminous cyan-blue water. This fact alone is brings over a million people a year to this tiny, remote and otherwise little-known Indian Ocean paradise. It's also the best place for scuba diving you could imagine.

Hayman is a private island in the Great Barrier Reef, now open to the public, most famous for its luxury resort which was built in the 1950s by millionaire Reg Ansett, ideal for couples, honeymooners, families and all travellers looking for the perfect island escape.

The Bahamas consist of more than 700 islands, cays, and islets in the Atlantic Ocean off the east coast of Florida. There's so much to explore in this in this quintessential island paradise, including endless coral reefs beneath the surface. The islands are actually the birthplace of the Gulf Stream, a phenomenon that also accounts for their astonishing variety and abundance of marine life.

This 4 km beach is one of the most famous and beautiful in the world. The atmosphere is vibrant and the people are colorful and fun loving. The stunning setting includes the towering Sugar Loaf mountain. Copacabana Beach plays host to millions of revellers during the annual New Year's Eve celebrations.

A secluded barrier island conveniently located just 25 miles from the historic charm of Charleston, Seabrook Island offers peaceful surroundings for beach-goers in a quiet residential community, with two oceanfront community pools, a fitness center, and on-island dining. Seabrook Island Vacation Rentals are the people to arrange your stay.

Bora Bora is a volcanic island in the Society Islands archipelago of French Polynesia. Stay in expensive bungalows that stand over the water using stilts, providing spectacular views of the lagoons and mountains.

A beautiful peninsular next to the resort of Juan-les-Pins. The most fashionable summer destination on the Côte d'Azur coastline, welcoming the international elite from political, high society and artistic circles (Fitzgerald, Picasso, Marlene Dietrich, the Kennedy family, etc.)

The French side, Saint Martin, consists of the Northern two-thirds of the island, popularly known for clothing-optional Orient Beach. It is less developed than the Dutch side, but contains more of the island's natural wonders. The towns of Marigot and Grand Case provide some of the best gourmet meals anywhere and plenty of interesting shops. Beauty abounds on the island, with bluffs overlooking pretty harbours, sandy-cliffed beaches and tranquil rocky coves.

Goa is a small state on India's West coast, quite different from the rest of India owing to previous Portuguese rule, and the people have a reputation for being friendly easy going. Goa is famous for its beaches, ancient temples and churches, and the Goan carnival.

Jimbaran is just south of the airport in south Bali, home to several world class 5 star beach resorts. Jimbaran Bay is fringed by one of the best beaches in Bali. The sand is fine and white, and the calm waters make it very suitable for swimming, children and adults alike. The three clusters of grilled seafood restaurants on the beach are a major tourist draw in the evenings, as is the romantic sunset.

Portofino is lovely Mediterranean port and popular yachting destination in the Liguria region of Italy, not far from Genoa airport. The view from the harbor or any of the beaches is unforgettable. Plus you can easily visit the nearby Cinque Terre and drive 2 hours to the leaning tower of Pisa.

This archipelago of 99 islands is 30 km by ferry from the mainland coast of northwestern Malaysia. Surrounded by turquoise sea, this tropical jem is predominantly popular with couples and families. According to the CTN News, the Langkawi shorelines are fringed by powder-fine sand and swaying coconut trees, and there are excellent diving opportunities.

Grand-Baie is a seaside village and large tourist beach in Mauritius - a small, multi-cultural island in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar. Grand Bie owes its popularity to the enchanting quality of its emerald waters and to its liveliness by day and by night. It offers facilities for safe swimming, sailing, windsurfing, and water skiing.

Maui is the second largest of the eight major islands making up Hawaii. From shimmering beaches and the sacred Iao Valley to migrating humpback whales and sunset on Haleakala, it’s not surprising Maui was voted the “Best Island” by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler for 19 years.

Negril is famous for its 7 miles of cool, white sand beaches. One of the most beautiful towns in Jamaica, it has a laid back atmosphere. When you stay at a beach-side hotel you are literally on the beach - you've probably never seen water this clear or warm.

Pattaya is a seaside resort on the Eastern Gulf Coast of Thailand, about 150 km from Bangkok. Pattaya is most famous for its go-go and beer bars, and sex tourism is a key money earner. Pattaya Sex Guide is an advanced and extensive guide that covers Pattaya sex tourism, where to find bars, nightclubs, massage spa's, guest friendly hotels and so on. Catering for over five million annual visitors, Pattaya is also able to offer an excellent range of eating options and a wide variety of things to entertain families.

Ixtapa is located on the Pacific Coast of Mexico in the state of Guerrero. Rolling mountains and sparkling beaches make for a lovely getaway destination for families and young people alike.

The Isle of Pines is surrounded by the New Caledonia Barrier Reef. It has snorkeling and scuba diving in and around its lagoon. As close as you can get to a "paradise island," species of tropical fish and corals can be seen in the transparent water.

The mountainous island of Phuket lies off the west coast of Thailand, connected by bridge. The popular wide and long Patong Beach is on the central west coast.