Travel: 5 HOT BEACH ESCAPES

5 HOT BEACH ESCAPES

Where to go and what to pack

One of the treasures of the South Pacific, Niue beach has been nicknamed the “rock of Polynesia” as it’s surrounded by a ringed coral reef and the coast is dotted with limestone caves. Niue is absolutely perfect if you’re a purist and like your beaches tourist free, just as as nature intended them.

In the suitcase: Vivienne Westwood Accessories for UNAIDS

What do you take to a pebbly beach where you can snorkel, visit limestone caves and is so untouched that there are no creature comforts around? A bag to carry everything in, of course.

When to go: May – October

2. FOR WATER LOVERS: ULUWATU, BALI

A favourite for surfers and water bunnies, Uluwatu offers the perfect mix of sand and surf. When you’re not hitting the waves or snorkelling along the shores there is plenty of space to lay back and soak up the rays. From monkeys in trees, refreshing rock pools and the Uluwatu Temple, you’ll never be bored at Uluwatu.

In the suitcase: Nixon “Small Lodown” Surf Watch

Best visit one of the world’s favourite surfing destinations with the right gear. This surf watch has pre-programmed tide charts for 200 beaches for the next 15 years, future tide, dual time, alarm, countdown timer, wave counter, chrono, and light. More importantly, you can make sure you haven’t been out for hours and burnt to a crisp.

When to go: April – October

3. FOR EXPLORERS: SANTA MARÍA DEL MAR, CÁDIZ

For history buffs and explorers, Santa María del Mar is an intimate, ideal location. Fringing on the medieval city wall of Cádiz, this is the perfect place to explore, and to go for long strolls on the shore in the city’s oldest district. The perfect combination of history, sun and sea, Santa María del Mar is a History Channel lover’s paradise.

In the suitcase: Lomo Diana F+ Camera

This beach town is not short of photo opportunities, from breath-taking sites, to the sunset across the city ruins. Your holiday snaps are sure to impress with this vintage-style Lomo camera.

When to go: June – October

Photograph: Jorge Lizana.

4. FOR WINE LOVERS: PISMO BEACH

If the idea of a beach in the middle of wine country excites your inner sommelier, you’ll love Pismo Beach on the coast of California. Pismo Beach features 23 miles of beautiful, broad-stretching beaches. From shopping to dune buggies to wine tasting, Pismo Beach will have you California Dreamin’ for the rest of the year.

In the suitcase: Shu Uemura Liquid Fabric

We do love the California surfer girl inspired hair, but if you can’t get it naturally, this a texture spray will get you there.

When to Go: June – September

5: FOR A ROMANTIC GETAWAY: LA SAGESSE, GRENADA, CARIBBEAN

From turquoise seas and peach-coloured sand, La Sagesse is as picturesque as it is romantic. A quiet stretch of beach on the south-east coast of Grenada, this cove is crescent shaped and lined with wild flowers and plenty of palm trees. Most visitors head for the busier, bigger beaches like Grand Anse, so you and your honey will have plenty of space to get romantic on your beach-soaked getaway.

In the suitcase: A Floppy Straw Hat

Whether you are on the boat or simply waist deep in turquoise blue waters, a floppy, 70s style straw hat is the perfect way to keep the Caribbean rays at bay and look oh-so-chic.

When to go: December – March

Picture credit: Tom Willett