That said, some are just a bit more memorable and much more photogenic than others. A few are world-famous (featured in songs, movies and even a diet) while other are unsung gems. What unites them? That feeling of awe you get when you kick off your flip-flops, throw down your beach towel and think, “Now this is paradise.”

Here is our list of the 20 best and most famous beaches around the world.

Camps Bay Beach – Cape Town, South Africa

For sheer drama, it’s hard to beat this wide arc of sand located on the Atlantic just seven minutes from Cape Town. Backed by the craggy Twelve Apostles mountain range, Camps Bay is popular with the young, beautiful and successful who swim, surf, sip and shop (there’s also a palm-lined promenade), especially on weekends and throughout the peak season from November to January.

Enjoying a sundowner cocktail here is a must, as west-facing restaurants and bars offer superb views.

Horseshoe Bay Beach – Bermuda

Walking along Bermuda’s famous crescent-shaped Horseshoe Bay Beach, or even on the clifftop trails above it, is a sightseeing must. Named for the shape of its inviting bay, this scenic beach in Southampton parish is perfect for lazy sunning or playful splashing (you can rent towels, boogie boards and snorkel gear).

During Bermuda’s cooler months (November to March), Horseshoe Bay remains popular, as visitors snap photos of its pale-pink sand and grab a cocktail and snacks at the on-site café. One caveat: Expect crowds when cruise ships are in port.

Makena Beach – Maui, Hawaii

Sometimes driving a bit further down the road is worth it. And, on Maui, that means passing by Kihei and Wailea Beaches, where resort developments are abundant, and heading to Makena State Park, instead.

Nicknamed Big Beach, this super-photogenic, 1½-mile stretch of golden sand is South Maui’s largest and offers great views of Kahoolawe Island and the Molokini Crater. The unpredictable shore break can be dangerous, however, so you’ll need to heed the posted warnings at the lifeguard stations before deciding to swim. And when the surf is way up, pack a picnic, sit back, and watch the expert boogie boarders at play.

Ipanema Beach – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro boasts a pair of famous beaches, Ipanema and Copacabana, but it’s the former — celebrated in the sexy 1960s Bossa nova hit, The Girl from Ipanema — that captivates visitors with its breathtaking views. The sand is pale gold, and the landmark, emerald peaks you’ll find yourself gazing at for hours are known as “Two Brothers.”

Brazilians love to show off their toned bodies, so expect skimpy swimwear and lot of tanned lines. Be sure to leave wallets and valuables safely in your hotel: Despite their beauty, Rio’s beaches are known to be frequented by petty thieves.

Pampelonne Beach – Saint-Tropez, France

Beach clubs, big yachts and beautiful bodies (from Brigitte Bardot to David Beckham) are all synonymous with Saint-Tropez’s most famous beach. The beach was put on the map by Bardot and her director husband Roger Vadim in the 1955 film And God Created Woman.

Everything you’d expect to find on the French Riviera, from striped umbrellas and chaises to skimpy bikinis (tops are optional), are here in abundance, as are odes to excess, such as convertible sports cars, designer sunglasses and champagne on ice. If your wallet can handle it, go ahead and soak up some “joie de vivre.”

Trunk Bay Beach – St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands

Being able to wade into blissfully warm water, pull on your mask and find, and snorkel — really snorkel amid abundant coral and technicolor fish — is a big draw for any beach. The fact that this coconut palm-lined strand on low-key St. John ranks among the most beautiful (and most photographed) island beaches in the Caribbean is a bonus.

As part of Virgin Islands National Park, Trunk Bay Beach offers access to a 225-yard underwater snorkeling trail (gear rentals are available), but plan for an early-morning visit, if you’re seeking tranquility. This beach is popular with cruise-ship passengers from neighboring St. Thomas.

Whitehaven Beach – Queensland, Australia

When Oprah Winfrey and Aussie chef Curtis Stone threw a beach barbecue during her 2011 Ultimate Australian Adventure, they did so on this sweeping, 4½-mile stretch of white silica sand in Queensland’s Whitsunday islands. It’s accessible solely by boat, seaplane or helicopter, so the approach is part of the experience.

The sight of this slender, jungle-backed beach, along with Hill Inlet to the north, where tidal shifts create gargantuan sand art, is the definition of breathtaking.

Maya Bay Beach – Koh Phi Phi leh, Thailand

If Maya Bay looks familiar, that’s because it had a starring role in the 2000 Leonardo DiCaprio movie The Beach. Sheltered at the end of a dramatic bay and cradled by 300-foot cliffs on the southern Thailand island of Koh Phi Phi Leh, it’s accessed via a day trip (often in a long, traditional, wooden tail boat) from neighboring Koh Phi Phi Don that includes a stop for snorkeling in surreally pale water at one of the most exotic beaches in the world.

Everyone wants to see it, so Maya Bay does get crowded. For the best photo opportunities (sans the multitudes), visit in the early morning.

South Beach – Miami, Florida

The sand is soft and white — an ideal complement to the dazzling Art Deco skyline of Miami Beach — and the aquamarine water is warm and inviting. But what truly makes South Beach special is the never-ending parade of people: models and wannabes, athletes and artists, locals and tourists.

As brilliant sunshine saturates the beach’s quirky and colorful lifeguard stands, put on a pair of dark sunglasses, and ogle the sky. You’ll spy barely-there bikinis and Speedos, brazen tattoos and more than a few bare breasts (all perfectly legal).

Shoal Bay East – Anguilla

Almost any of Anguilla’s 33 sugar-white beaches could be on this list, but Shoal Bay East tops them all because of its ability to feel both social and secluded. At its heart, this strand is lined with locally owned bars and restaurants that create a lively ambience, especially on weekends, as visitors enjoy upbeat Anguillan music, rum-laced libations, tasty seafood and barbecue and impromptu dips in the irresistibly clear-turquoise sea.

Walk the entire two miles, and you’ll round “the bend,” a wide expanse of sand that offers splendid views of boh Upper Shoal Bay and Lower Shoal Bay.

Beach Below the Ruins – Tulum, Mexico

How many beaches can claim to have a postcard-perfect view of 13th-century Mayan ruins? This one, located about 80 miles south of Cancun, can, and it’s the ideal spot to cool off after exploring the preserved structures of this ancient coastal city, among them the hulking cliff-top Castillo fortress.

There are no facilities, so wear your bathing suit under your clothes, and your reward will be gentle surf, vibrant, blue-green sea and a memorable perspective on how the Mayans relaxed more than 700 years ago.

Elafonissi Beach – Crete, Greece

What do you get when you mix a Greek island dotted with ancient, windswept cedar trees and tides that create hundreds of rippled white and pink sand islets surrounded by shallow aquamarine lagoons? A true natural wonder.

Set on a peninsula about 45 miles from the port of Chania on the southwestern coast of Crete, Elafonissi is accessed by wading through the sea. Visitors enjoy swimming and strolling, sunning and snacking (there are umbrellas, showers, food vendors and lifeguards on the eastern end). It’s just one of those places that’s so beyond ordinary that it almost seems like a dream.

Bondi Beach – Sydney, Australia

Before or after work, when Sydneysiders make time to play, many head to this picturesque, urban oasis just six miles from the downtown business district to swim, surf, soak up some sun and grab a flat white (like a latter but with less milk and more espresso).

The beach, which curves for more than a half mile and is backed by boutique and café-lined Campbell Parade, is also home to the famed Bondi Icebergs pool and the starting point for a scenic, coastal walk along sandstone cliffs to Bronte.

Grace Bay Beach – Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

The pure-white sand and clear-turquoise water of the best-known bay on Providenciales are so sublime that dozens of resorts have opened her over the past two decades. And while that has made this curving, three-mile ribbon of sand a popular destination for travelers in search of upscale relaxation, there’s plenty of room for everyone.

Add in calm waters (thanks to a barrier reef about a mile offshore), ample watersports and chic, sea-view bars and restaurants and Grace Bay Beach — named for Grace Jane Hutchings, the wife of a Turks and Caicos commissioner in the 1930s — is just about perfect.

Anse Source d’Argent – The Seychelles

Some beaches have an aura that uniquely their own. Anse Source d’Argent, one of the most famous beaches in the Seychelles, grabs your full attention the moment you set eyes on it. Granite boulders, in swirling shapes Dr. Seuss might have imagined, and gently swaying palms jut up from soft, white sand.

Located on La Digue Island and lapped by the crystalline waters of the Indian Ocean, it faces west for immaculate sunsets, making this one of the best island beaches.

Santa Monica Beach – Santa Monica, California

California’s surf culture extends along its entire coastline, but nowhere does it co-mingle with land-based activities so enjoyably as on this vibrant stretch of sand due west of Los Angeles.

With its circa-1909 pier — restored in the 1980s and now home to Pacific Park (with its solar-powered Ferris wheel) and a trapeze school — and beachfront hotels, abundant dining options and 8½-mile jogging and biking path connecting to Venice Beach, Santa Monica ranks among the country’s most entertaining urban beaches. And the sunsets are magical: searing displays of orange and magenta that seem to go on forever.

Tortuga Bay Beach – Galapagos, Ecuador

Some beaches are just perfect for sunning, and you don’t have to be a human to know that. Dozens of marine iguanas and small clusters of sea lions swim ashore to stretch out and catch some rays on this pristine act of talcum-soft sand located on the southern coast of Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos.

People can enjoy it, too, but we must walk a 1½-mile path to mingle (and pose) with these fearless creatures. You’re also likely to spy sea turtles and bright-red Sally lightfoot crabs in the surf and blue-footed boobies and frigate birds on land at one of the most exotic beaches in the world.

Lido Beach – Venice, Italy

Yes, Venice has a beach — a pretty amazing one, at that. The Lido di Venezia, open to the public and stretched out along a seven-mile sandbar facing the Adriatic Sea, is home in season (May to September) to regiments of umbrella-topped beach loungers, neat rows of wooden cabanas and the historic Hotel Excelsior dating to 1908.

Lido also hosts the annual Venice Film Festival (in early September), when A-listers arrive via sleek Riva motorboats. Anyone can cross the lagoon via local “vaporetto” (water busses) to spy on the glamorous action.

Matira Beach – Bora Bora, French Polynesia

The idyllic islands of French Polynesia — of which Bora Bora is the most storied — are home to thousands of beautiful beaches. But many are located on remote motus and atolls or are part of upscale resorts without public access.

Not Matira Beach, a curve of champagne-hued sand centrally located at Matira Point and offering access to the blue mosaic of Bora Bora lagoon. Sun and swim here, or take a spin on a circle-island Jet Ski tour. Then, enjoy lunch at one of Matira’s locally owned snack shacks or at the InterContinental Le Moana Resort adjacent to the beach.

Pink Sands Beach – Harbour Island, Bahamas

This Bahamian beach’s name doesn’t bend the truth one bit: The spot really boasts an amazing shade of pink sand, thanks to the rosy-hued shells of tiny sea creatures called Foraminifera. The color is amplified by a backdrop of vivid, teal water.

Flat, wide and ideal for swimming, sunning or strolling, this three-mile-long beach embodies the natural beauty of tiny Harbour Island, where bikes and golf carts are the main modes of transportation (neighboring Eleuthera is the gateway). When you’re hungry, head for a seafront eatery (Sip Sip is a fave), and order the local specialty: conch fritters.

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The Main Island

Every Fiji getaway begins on the biggest island, Viti Levu, home of the international airport at Nadi, and for travelers equally in search of action as relaxation, it’s also the final destination. On Viti Levu’s southern “Coral Coast”, white-sand beaches lead to colorful, fish filled reefs making it a perfect destination for families. Adventure abounds along the Coral Coast, offering everything from Eco Parks to Zip Lining. At the eastern edge of the Coral Coast lies Pacific Harbor, the jumping-off point for divers headed to see Fiji’s famous bull shark Nearby, the upper Navua River flows over steep, rainforested terrain to create a thrill ride for white-water rafters. Along the Sigatoka River, visitors can thrill to a river jet-boat tour of this verdant countryside including visits to remote inland villages.

Vanua Levu and Taveuni

To the north lies Fiji’s second and third largest islands, Vanua Levu and Taveuni, accessible by small plane. Vanua Levu is roughly the same size as Maui and enjoys a similar tropical climate — think rainforest hiking and waterfalls galore. That lush landscape and the area’s remoteness are reasons it’s a favorite among honeymooners, with a number of romance-focused resorts dotting the beaches near the small township of Savusavu, including the boutique Namale Resort & Spa.

Taveuni, also called the Garden Isle, is known for that same flavor of rainforest-meets-white-sand paradise. From Taveuni, a handful of small-luxury private-island resorts can be reached, among them the romantic favorites of Matangi Private Island Resort and Qamea Resort and Spa.

Divers flock to Vanua Levu and Taveuni for quick access to Rainbow Reef, one of the most famous underwater destinations, and one of the best examples of why Fiji is known as the soft coral capital of the world. Here, find forests of these pink, red, purple and orange tiny trees that sway with the current and provide sanctuary for schools of fish in hues as vivid as the reefs themselves.

Western Islands

Off the West coast of Viti Levu, extending to the north like the tail of a kite is a string of 50 or so islands known as the Mamanuca and the Yasawa group of islands. They offer that ultra-remote escapism that travelers have come to expect from the South Pacific. In addition to a scattering of private-island resorts, many of the islands are uninhabited, allowing for afternoons of picnicking and relaxing on a private white sand beach. Travelers can spend hours with just each other, a lobster lunch and a bottle of Champagne, not seeing another soul until they summon the resort for another bottle.

The Mamanuca Islands are home to the island nation’s most famous surf spot, Cloud Break, as well as Likuliku Lagoon Resort, Fiji’s only resort with overwater accommodation. The Yasawa Islands, the northernmost islands in the line, are as remote as it gets. Reachable by ferry, heli or seaplane, these islands recharge the soul with their calm waters, seaside caves and empty white beaches.

Visit www.fiji.travel for more info or click here for exclusive getaway packages.

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1. Closer Than You Think

Nonstop flights aboard Fiji Airways leave every evening from Los Angeles and seasonally from San Francisco, arriving at Nadi International Airport on Fiji’s main island of Viti Levu.

2. A Natural and Unspoiled South Pacific Escape

Fiji’s 333 breathtaking isles are allow you to disconnect and rejuvenate, with shallow lagoons ideal for snorkeling among colorful tropical fish and jungle hikes leading to waterfall-fed natural pools. Many of the islands remain largely uninhabited, allowing travelers to spend the day on secluded beaches, enjoying the solitude with a picnic, paddle board session or swim. Each island has its own must-see natural wonders, from Fiji’s premiere coral reef of Cloudbreak off Namotu Island to the manta rays that congregate around the Yasawa Islands March through September.

3. A Culture of Song

Most evenings end with song, anchored by the guitar and ukulele. A bowl of kava— a local root-sourced drink consumed during social gatherings — is shared among the group, easing everyone into the easy rhythms of song and storytelling. It’s a tradition that is brought to most resorts, and still occurs nightly at most local homes.

4. Truly Welcoming People

For most Westerners, one of the most memorable and striking cultural differences is how welcoming the Fijian people are. Checking into a resort feels more like arriving at a family reunion. Travelers are welcomed with song, followed by friendly conversation. In most resort areas, travelers can visit schools and villages to meet the local schoolchildren and, of course, be treated to more music and dancing.

5. Retreat to romantic island escapes

From overwater bungalows and boutique resorts to villas and stand-alone beachside bures (traditional Fijian-style houses), Fiji offers everyone from honeymooners to families an authentic island experience. A handful of private-island resorts also exist throughout the islands, where guests can spend their days soaking in the sun and natural splendor in the most peaceful setting imaginable.

For more information, visit www.fiji.travel or click here for exclusive getaway packages.

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Best Swim-Up Bar: Moon Palace Cancun

A cocktail is instantly improved when you get to breast-stroke over to the bar and order it. While there’s more than one swim-up bar at Moon Palace Cancun, the Nizuc pool is where you want to be at sunset, clutching a fruity drink and listening to the lapping waves at the shoreline. Bonus: the property is in the throes of a $450 million transformation, set to wrap up in March 2017. When complete, there will be five swim-up bars and nine pools total.

Best Swim-Up Suite: Azul Beach Resort The Fives

Book a one-bedroom Essence Swim-Up Suites at Karisma Hotels’ Azul Beach Resort The Fives and there are very few reasons to leave. The 700-square-foot space is decked out in mahogany and marble, with shades of lavender, gold and fuschia, but its super-easy pool access is the real gem. Just walk off the patio if you want to get wet.

Spa Treatments Included: Banyan Tree Mayakoba

Imagine a day filled with unlimited spa treatments. Banyan Tree Mayakoba‘s Spa Sanctuary Villas programs means you pay nothing extra for food or pampering — all with a healthy bent, including mini-bar contents, afternoon tea and turndown service. Wake up to either a Thai Yoga Massage or Neck and Shoulder Massage followed by breakfast (organic juices and fresh fruit) in your villa. Spa treatments — from a foot massage to Ayurvedic offerings — are at your leisure all day long, serviced on an outdoor deck above your private pool.

Best In-Room Liquor Dispenser: Hard Rock Hotel Cancun and Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya

Naturally, a Cancun all-inclusive resort linked to a rock-and-roll-venue brand will make sure guests get top-shelf drinks. Included in rates for four room categories at Hard Rock Hotel Cancun and Hard Rock Hotel Riviera Maya are full-sized liquor bottles in the room — all replenished daily. From James Alexander Red Label whisky in the Standard room to Justerini & Brooks whisky in the Concierge suite, there’s no room for a dry vacation. Also, each stay comes with the $1,800 Limitless Resort Credit, to be used on pricier spirits throughout the property.

Best Off-Site Excursions: Karisma Hotels & Resorts

Stray from typical Riviera Maya excursions and opt for the offbeat at Karisma properties (El Dorado Royale, for adults only; the family-friendly Generations Riviera Maya; and clothing-optional Hidden Beach Resort by Karisma). Lomas Tours takes you to places you might not otherwise go, whether it’s the new Xenses eco park, a Mayan spiritual ceremony, or a four-course lobster meal on a catamaran at sunset. Tours can be booked at the Lomas Tours desk at each property.

Best Pool: JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa

Spring for the all-inclusive package at JW Marriott Cancun Resort & Spa and you can enjoy the gorgeous infinity pool even more because you don’t have to whip out your wallet when you want another tequila shot. Post-swim, dry off in a Bali-style daybed on the beach. Swank it up even more during your stay with the hotel-in-a hotel concept and VIP services through Club 91.

Cool Spa: SE Spa at Grand Velas Riviera Maya

As Latin America’s largest spa, no luxury was lost in creating this 40,000-square-foot sanctuary at Grand Velas Riviera Maya in Playa del Carmen. Each treatment at SE SPA by Grand Velas begins with an 80-minute “water journey” coaxing you through seven rituals designed to purify your skin. Inspired by the local culture are three new treatments: a Mayan corn massage using corncob essential oil and a honey exfoliation, Uumbal Shawl Massage that stretches muscles using Mexican shawls, and the Aloe Vera massage to cure sun-damaged skin. Relax post-treatment in the Clay Room or Ice Room, or book another treatment for tomorrow at one of three new Oceanfront Spa Cabanas, offering exclusive treatments exclusive and Instagram-worthy views of the Caribbean Sea.

Best Tasting Menu: White Box at The Pyramid at Grand Oasis

Scoring a beachfront table for dinner in Riviera Maya isn’t too difficult (there are many) but what gives White Box at The Pyramid at Grand Oasis glam status is its wine list, paired with 18 molecular-gastronomy courses from a choose-your-own menu. Wines are then artfully matched at the whimsy of the vino-educated wait staff. Whether you opt for cured foie terrine with tiny apples and a “cotton cloud” or end on a sweet note with marinated strawberries and nitro cream, wine selections aren’t run-of-the-mill California labels: instead they’re sourced from Spain, Argentina and, yes, even Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe.

Best Rock-Star Chef: UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya

As the region’s most highly anticipated hotel opening (due to open in March), UNICO 20°87° Hotel Riviera Maya tapped Christian Bravo to orchestrate all things culinary at Cueva Siete. With a resume that includes cooking for former French president Nicolas Sarkozy, three Michelin-starred restaurants in Spain, and appearing on Top Chef Mexico, the food is anything but bland. Expect dinner twists like duck l’orange with Xtabentun liquor reduction and pureed plantains.

Best Entertainment: Grand Palladium Riviera Maya’s Riviera Theater

Accessible to guests staying at any of the four Grand Palladium Riviera Maya resorts, you’ll find a show for all interests, so don’t worry about being serenaded by the same mariachi band each night. The variety is especially welcome if you’re staying for a week and want to mix it up. From fire performances to sexy cabaret shows, these are not the kinds of shows you can easily see elsewhere. Take a deep dive into global music and dance with “Colors of the World,” a glimpse at culture around the world.

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Tahiti

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the invention of the overwater bungalow, invented in this South Pacific haven. The first new luxury resort on the island in nearly 10 years, Conrad Bora Bora Nui debuts in March 2017 and ups the overwater bungalow ante with the only two-story designs in the destination.

USVI

U.S. citizens don’t need a passport to explore this trio of Caribbean islands (St. Thomas, St. John and St. Croix). While the 133-square-mile chain has history in spades — Christopher Columbus touched down in 1493 — 2017 marks a banner year as the USVI celebrates its Centennial, with special events (festivals, parades and presumably lots of rum cake) continuing throughout the year. Also historic, Caneel Bay, the 60-year-old, 170-acre escape in St. John’s Virgin Islands National Park founded by environmentalist and preservationist Laurance Rockefeller, just celebrated its diamond anniversary. The property is bringing back the original beauty of its pared-down, 1950s-inspired Scandinavian style.

Anguilla

This quiet island is waking up. Luxe boutique Zemi Beach House recently opened with classic details and a laid-back vibe that call to the local natural beauty of Shoal Bay East beach. On Merrywing Bay next to sister property CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa, The Reef by CuisinArt recently unveiled 80 new suites. Here, farm-to-table fare means local fish and fresh produce from the on-site Hydroponic Farm. The Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla took over the former Viceroy Anguilla with villas that overlook white-sand beaches and the rugged coral coastline.

Oahu, Hawaii

Kate Hudson, Goldie Hawn and Amy Schumer were among the first guests at Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina, a 642-acre that opened in May 2016 on the island’s west coast 17 miles from Honolulu. Closer to the action of Waikiki, the Surfjack Hotel opened in May with a dose of vintage 1960s Hawaii, down to its painted murals and birds of paradise wallpaper by local artists that are just begging to be Instagramed. Pacific Beach Hotel re-emerges in the fall as Alohilani Resort Waikiki Beach, whose $115 million upgrades include two new restaurants by celebrity chef Masaharu Morimoto.

Cayman Islands

Travel here is now easier than ever thanks to recent renovations at both international airports. One of Grand Cayman’s first hotel openings in years, Kimpton Seafire Resort + Spa opened in November, with 266 design-centric guest rooms along a 500-foot coral sand stretch of Seven Mile Beach. At the grass-and-teak filled, flip-flop friendly Margaritaville Beach Resort, which will open in early 2017 with 286 guest rooms, kids can cruise down the two-story waterslide and you’ve got a License to Chill at the bar with the same name.

Fiji

Fiji is poised for a comeback after 2016’s Tropical Cyclone Winston, the most severe on record. The quintessential Fijian Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort on Savusavu Bay reopened in September with 25 newly thatched houses known as bures. For total seclusion, guests are ferried via seaplane to the remote Kokomo Island, a new collection of 21 bures and five villas on uninhabited Yaukuve Island.

Bermuda

Hey, sailors: In May, the 35th annual America’s Cup heads to the pink-sand beaches of the Great Sound, a prime time for racing enthusiasts. The event’s official hotel partner, The Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, transformed its “pink palace” with new guests suites, exhale spa, a state-of-the-art marina and three new restaurants including celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson’s new venue, Marcus’. The upcoming Ritz-Carlton Reserve hotel and branded residences plan to open a mega-yacht marina in time for the race, but keep this island on your long-term radar: Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta Jones break ground on the redevelopment of the famed Ariel Sands resort in 2017.

Florida Keys

Private jet is the best new way for VIPs to travel south: Casa Marina, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, now offers direct seaplane air service with Key West Seaplanes from Florida airports to the property’s private beach pier. Slightly farther north on Key Largo, Playa Largo Resort & Spa debuted last summer with signature Sunshine State coral reefs and sea glass, plus 144 rooms and suites, 10 secluded bungalows and a standalone luxury guesthouse.

Sea Island, Georgia

The state appears on many travel hot lists for 2017, especially thanks to Georgia’s quirky, craggy coast that threads throughout a chain of barrier islands — the most idyllic of which may be at the private resort community of Sea Island, with its five-mile stretch of coastline. Historic Mediterranean-style hotel The Cloister recently added 63 rooms, making it the perfect home base for spa-going, golf and even seeing the sea turtles nest.

Turks and Caicos

The island’s next hotspot may be The Shore Club, the only development on Providenciales’ Long Bay Beach with 106 ocean view suites and six luxury villas on a nine-acre stretch. On popular, pristine Grace Bay Beach, Grace Bay Club‘s tropical-chic redesign led by interior designer Thom Filicia includes redesigned lobby and guest rooms, the new Infiniti Restaurant and Raw Bar and The Residences, a trio of freestanding, beachfront villas. To get off the radar, the eco-conscious Sailrock Resort debuts this year on untouched South Caicos Island — secluded beaches are the buzz.

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Laamu Atoll, Maldives

Planet Scarif, introduced in Rogue One would be a tropical paradise, if not for the Imperial forces that have taken it over. If you’ve seen the giant AT-ACT walkers stomping palm trees in the trailer, this is the place. In real life, you can stay in an overwater bungalow at Six Senses Laamu, the only resort on the atoll.

Lake Como, Italy

Whether you love or hate the prequels, it’s hard to deny the beauty of Anakin and Padmé’s Naboo wedding location in Attack of the Clones. The scene was filmed at Villa del Balbianello which dates back to the 12th century. You can tour the property or even host your own destination wedding there.

Phang Nga Bay, Thailand

Through the power of CGI, the iconic limestone karst cliffs in Phang Nga Bay were transformed into Wookie planet Kashyyyk. This is where the epic Battle of Kashyyyk took place in Revenge of the Sith.

Tikal, Guatemala

The Mayan ruins in Tikal, Guatemala, make brief cameo in A New Hope, when the Millennium Falcon lands at the rebel base on the jungle-covered moon of Yavin. (More scenes were filmed here for Rogue One.) The national park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest excavated site on the American continent.

Skellig Michael, County Kerry, Ireland

The final scene between Rey and Luke in The Force Awakens was a cliffhanger in more ways than one. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is only accessible by boat (weather permitting), with a 714-foot summit and steep drop-offs. (The actors were advised not to look down.) Adventurous types can hike the 600 stone steps to see the village that was once inhabited by monks. The Star Wars crew was spotted filming here in May, so we’re guessing we’ll be seeing more in Episode VIII.

Tunisia

This Middle Eastern country served as the backdrop for many of the scenes on Tatooine in A New Hope and The Phantom Menace. (The fictional planet was named and inspired by the real Tunisian city, Tataouine.) Many of the sets used in the film can still be visited today, including Mos Espa and the homes of Luke Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Hardangerjøkulen Glacier, Norway

What better home for a secret rebel alliance base than an icy glacier? Norway’s sixth largest glacier appears in The Empire Strikes Back as Hoth, one of the most infamous planets in the Star Wars universe, thanks to a tauntaun, a wampa and an awesome battle in the snow.

Del Norte County, California

Just like the prequels, there are mixed feelings about Ewoks and their weird celebration song in Return of the Jedi. But the general consensus is that the Ewok village was definitely cool. The setting for the forest moon of Endor was Del Norte County, California, home to the giant redwoods.

Seville, Spain

In Attack of the Clones, Anakin and Padmé stroll through Theed, the capital city of Naboo, talking about waterfalls and politics. Bad acting aside, the regal setting is actually the Plaza de España (with some computer enhancements), which was built in 1929 for the World’s Fair.

Death Valley National Park, California

When A New Hope exceeded the filming budget, the producers found a closer-to-Hollywood home for Tatooine. Death Valley is where the scenes were filmed when R2-D2 took a long, lonely stroll and was captured by Bantha-riding Jawas. A brief scene for Return of the Jedi, where R2-D2 and C-3PO walk the road to Jabba’s Place, was also shot here.

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Airplane over Island beach | best Nonstop flights

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Mount Desert Island, Maine

Over 50 miles of this island is covered by Acadia National Park, one of the country’s most loved. Thick woodlands and rugged mountains hug miles of the Atlantic coastline surrounding an island studded with picturesque harbors like bustling Bar Harbor, quaint towns and country lanes lined by swaths of pastel colored lupines. Drive up to the summit of the famed Cadillac Mountain to watch the sunrise before anyone else in the country. Hike the Bubble Rock Trail and relax afterward with tea on the lawn at Jordan Pond. In Southwest Harbor, grab a picnic table at Beal’s Lobster Pier where just-pulled-from-the-trap lobsters are boiled to succulent perfection in seawater.

Santa Catalina, California

For those looking to escape the buzz and sprawl of the Southern California mainland, head to the craggy, jasmine-scented island of Santa Catalina, just an hour’s ferry ride from Long Beach. The bulk of the island, which is part of the Channel Islands archipelago, is owned by the Catalina Island Conservancy, a nonprofit that has worked to preserve Santa Catalina’s natural beauty. Tiny Avalon is the island’s main town and serves as the hub for visitors and locals alike with its charming, Mediterranean vibe and easy walking. Beach lovers can indulge in a day spent relaxing at the Descanso Beach Club, where both lounge chairs and cabanas are available to rent. To explore the mostly car-free island, rent a golf cart in Avalon for a fun jaunt and spectacular views.

Mackinac Island, Michigan

This tiny slice of turn-of-the-century life is nestled within Lake Huron, where cars have been outlawed since 1898. A favorite summer resort since the Victorian era, Mackinac Island is just 4 square miles and was a national park until 1895 when it became a Michigan State Park. In 1966, the island found it’s way onto the country’s National Register of Historic Places and the island is home to numerous elegant cottages and hotels encompassing myriad architectural styles. Visitors to the island are known fondly as “fudgies,” since no one leaves Mackinac without a taste of the local confectionary, and bicycles and horse-drawn carriages are the primary means of transportation.

Block Island, Rhode Island

Block Island’s quaint, laid-back character and natural beauty transports visitors to a simpler time. Located 13 miles south of mainland Rhode Island, much of the island is managed by conservation groups and remains largely undeveloped. Hop the ferry in Port Judith and step off an hour later onto charming Water Street with its down-home vibe and historic ambience. Rent a bike from one of the many shops in town and pedal away from the Old Harbor along country lanes, past peaceful ponds and farmland, to one of the island’s many isolated beaches, all of which are free.

Longboat Key, Florida

This secluded Florida island is a peaceful alternative to Sarasota County’s more popular destinations like Siesta Key and Anna Maria Island. The crystalline waters of the Gulf of Mexico lap gently along the shore of 10 miles of pristine, white sandy beach. Since much of the beach is private and only accessible via the condos and hotels that line the shore, book a stay at The Resort at Longboat Key Club to enjoy it. Bonus: the vibrant hub of Sarasota’s famed St. Armands Circle is less than two-miles away as are all the rich cultural experiences of the county, like The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art.

Nantucket, Massachusetts

Cedar shingled homes, widows’ walks and a whaling museum give visitors to this New England island a hefty dose of seafaring history. Part of what makes this storybook-perfect island so special is its remoteness in comparison to other islands in the region. Still, despite being located 25 miles off the mainland of Cape Cod, Nantucket is relatively easy to reach by ferry from Hyannis. Cobblestone streets and chic shops fill the downtown area and the only Starbucks reference you’ll find is the name of one of Nantucket’s original whaling families. With the highest point on the island only 110 feet, leave your car on the mainland and spend your time coasting along the island’s extensive network of paved paths between the harbor and beautiful beaches.

Little St. Simons Island, Georgia

Accommodating just 32 visitors per night and accessible only by boat, Little St. Simons is a privately owned, 11,000-acre barrier island with an intriguing history. Purchased in the early 1900s by a company intending to turn the island’s proliferation of red cedar trees into pencils, the company’s owner instead established a personal hunting retreat. Opened to the public in 1979, the island is a nature-lover’s paradise, with a staff of talented on-site naturalists who lead a variety of activities, from kayaking through untouched tidal marshlands to creek fishing and wildlife hikes. Grab one of the beach cruisers propped up along the fence and pedal out to the island’s 7-mile long private beach where you’ll find chairs and towels waiting. Share your adventures with the other guests at a late afternoon cocktail hour while watching the sunset over the river.

San Juan Islands, Washington

This verdant archipelago is clustered throughout the waters of Puget Sound between Washington and British Columbia. The number of islands in the San Juan cluster depends upon the tides, with a smattering over 700 peeking above the surface when the sea at its lowest. Of these, 172 are named, a few dozen are inhabited, and just four — San Juan, Orcas, Lopez, and Shaw — are accessible by public transport aboard the Washington State Ferry from Anacortes. On Lopez, gentle slopes are ideal for biking and you’ll lose count of the number of locals who give you a friendly wave. Orcas’ calm waters invite even beginning paddlers to explore the spectacular coastline from a kayak. In San Juan, Friday Harbor is where the action is, if you can call it action, with the largest collection of galleries, hotels, and restaurants. Lime Kiln State Park is considered one of the best spots to view the islands’ three resident pods of orca whales.

Sanibel Island, Florida

Just 3 miles along the causeway from Fort Myers in southwest Florida, you’ll find this sleepy Florida island boating more than 250 different varieties of shells — and only one traffic light. Development is prohibited on two-thirds of the unspoiled barrier island, which has no roads wider than two lanes and 25-miles of bike paths. Kayak through secluded estuaries, visit the J.N. Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge to spy over 245 species of birds, bask on the white sands of Bowman’s Beach, or watch dolphins playfully jumping through the waves on a sunset cocktail cruise.

Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Immerse yourself in low-country bliss on this private island just an hour south of Charleston. Though many visitors come to enjoy Kiawah’s five championship golf courses, the island is also home to 10 miles of stunning Atlantic coastline bordered by windswept dunes, 30 miles of bicycle paths that wind beneath moss-laden live oaks, plentiful wildlife, and The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Resort. The sublime hotel offers a mecca of recreational activities, villa rentals and a luxe spa. During the summer months, don’t miss the Monday night oyster roast and barbecue at Mingo Point, nestled on the banks of the Kiawah River.

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If you want to avoid the hustle and bustle and escape into a world of uninterrupted relaxation, the newly renovated Pineapple Beach Club Antigua is the place for you. Sitting on nearly 30 scenic acres with a quarter-mile of white sand beach, it’s no surprise that this Adults-only All-Inclusive has been named Antigua’s “Most Laidback Resort.”

Famous for its friendly staff and outstanding location, the Pineapple Beach Club has accommodations perfect for any type of traveler. Want to get in touch with nature? Try a Garden View Room and be transported into a tropical paradise. If you’re looking for a more romantic setting, try a Waterfront Room and watch the sun set over the crystal clear waves. Each room includes a balcony or terrace allowing you to cool off inside in the air-conditioning, or sip cocktails in the warm sun whenever you please.

If your ideal vacation goes beyond sun worshiping and rum sipping, this resort offers a wide variety of activities, including kayaking, windsurfing and snorkeling the reef just offshore. If you’re in need of pampering, visit the Tranquility Body & Soul Spa. The resort also features four tennis courts, a fitness center and much more. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, dine in one of the five on-property restaurants and enjoy a diverse menu of Caribbean specialties.

With its pristine beach, laidback atmosphere and incomparable natural beauty, the Pineapple Beach Club Antigua is the perfect place to escape and rejuvenate.

Take advantage of 50% savings with All-Inclusive rates starting at just $149 per person, per night. Book here now Nov 15, 2016 and travel through January 2, 2018.

For more information, visit: pineapplebeachclub.com

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One of the most distinctive and beautiful places on earth, the five square-mile island of Saba, the smallest in the Dutch Caribbean, soars 5,000 feet from the sea floor of which 3,000 feet are above water. Known as The Unspoiled Queen, the lush tropical landscape is punctuated by extraordinary views of the surrounding sea from every vantage point. The island’s natural beauty is enhanced by the unique architecture, with clusters of cottages all designed in variations of the Saban vernacular: white wash or stone exteriors, red zinc roofs, charming Caribbean gingerbread trim and green shutters. Visitors can stay in one of these charming cottages, some have been luxuriously renovated, or choose an intimate boutique hotel, guesthouse or eco-lodge.

Saba is low key, but never boring, and a true paradise for nature lovers. Today, the old stone “roads” established by early settlers are the perfect way to explore the island’s rain forest and mountainsides filled with lush, and often rare, tropical foliage. Considered one of the top dive spots in the world, the views below sea level are equally spectacular. Conservation and preservation are very much part of the island’s ethos and this is evident in the magnificent Marine Park, one of the most prolific underwater spawning grounds for brilliantly colored fish, lobster, turtles, corals and more.

And while Saba has so much to offer, visitors can also do absolutely nothing. Saba is a perfect place for those seeking spiritual beauty, inspiration and relaxation. It’s off the grid, yet civilized. There is a gorgeous simplicity to this remarkable island that is as satisfying as any adventure. Life here is gentle, peaceful, friendly and safe, a place of authentic Old World Caribbean charm and unspoiled natural beauty.

For more information, visit www.sabatourism.com.

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