BBC Names the World’s Best Beach Escapes — and It’s Full of Surprises

You’ve probably seen many lists of the top destinations for a beach escape, but the BBC’s latest ranking of the world’s best is different from the rest. As someone who likes to venture off the well-beaten path, I couldn’t help but notice it didn’t feature places like Grace Bay in Turks and Caicos, Australia’s Whitsunday Islands, or famous Shipwreck Beach in Greece. 

Among the top beach escapes that the BBC listed are some true gems that often aren’t on many tourists’ radar, including these. 

An ideal destination for avid snorkelers, divers, and romance-seeking couples, the Andaman Islands are renowned for their unspoiled white sandy beaches. In fact, Radhanagar in Havelock is often ranked among the best in Asia. BBC’s travel expert Anna Bressanin notes her favorite as the beach at Govind Nagar by the Full Moon Cafe. But there are a variety of outstanding options, including secluded stretches like Kala Pathar. 

The islands are also home to premier dive sites with strikingly clear turquoise water, vibrant coral reefs, and rich marine life. The areas with shallow waters are perfect for snorkeling, particularly at Rutland Island and Elephant Beach.

You can’t stay overnight on the uninhabited island of Icacos, but it is possible to include it on a yacht charter, with large, sandy-bottom anchorage. Or, stay in Fajardo and enjoy day trips by water taxi. It’s much closer to the mainland than popular islands like Vieques and Culebra, while providing the opportunity to “play Swiss Family Robinson,” as expert Laura Norkin notes.

It’s the quintessential beach escape with endless sunshine and white sand lapped by cobalt waters. Just be sure you bring all you need to enjoy it, including an umbrella for shade, as there are no facilities of any kind. 

Expert Geoffrey Rogow’s favorite beach escape is Grand Case on St. Maarten, checking off the essential ingredients like warm, crystal-clear turquoise water, soft sand, and idyllic scenery. But what makes this one extra-special is that it’s just a short walk to some of the world’s best French-Caribbean fare. 

Scotland boasts some surprisingly stunning destinations for a beach escape. Having visited the country numerous times, I’ve stumbled upon many of them and was happy to see that expert Richard Gray has too. Located in the northwest corner of the Highlands, hidden among the coves, the brilliant aquamarine water and chalk-white sands might make you think you’ve somehow been transported to the Mediterranean or Caribbean.

While many find the water a bit too chilly for a swim, locals often come to enjoy a dip in the summer. If you visit in the off-season, you might just have it all to yourself, perfect for a picnic, which includes a sweet or savory pie from the famous Lochinver Larder pie shop nearby.