Plan an Escape to These Gorgeous Beaches

Who is missing a little Vitamin Sea? In no time at all, beaches will be welcoming holiday-goers once again. Now is the time to start planning! In the meantime, let calm consume you as we virtually escape to beautiful beach destinations in the southern Atlantic, eastern Africa, and even a landlocked European city!

 Did you see our guide to safe summer travel? Check it out here!

Eleuthera: Pink-Sand Paradise

A mere 80 kilometers east of Nassau, Bahamas, sits a straw-shaped island called Eleuthera. The 180-kilometer-long, 1.6-kilometer-wide landmass anchors the Bahamian “Out Islands” and boasts 336 kilometers of pink-sand beaches.

Though commonly considered a Caribbean enclave, technically, Eleuthera is in the Atlantic Ocean — so beware of sharks and rays. But don’t let fear stop you from snorkeling! The postcard-perfect Xanadu is wreathed with must-see coral reefs bursting with vibrant marine life.

Eleuthera derives from the Greek word “eleutheros,” meaning “free” — and as far as beach destinations go, vacationing on the isolated island will undoubtedly free you from pent-up stress. There’s a reason why Lenny Kravitz, the sultan of smooth, has a house on Eleuthera.

1. Winding Bay Beach, a windsurfer’s paradise.
2. Ten Bay Beach, whose shallow waters and shade trees make it ideal for kids and seniors alike.
3. Surfer’s Beach, a place to catch killer waves.
4. Harbour Island, a little cay off the island’s coast.

If you want to experience the “real” Eleuthera, book a trip before 2022. Disney bought a 700-acre chunk of the island last year and plan to dust some Disney magic over it.

Diani Beach, Kenya

Only in Kenya is there a palm-lined coast where crystalline waters unfurl into white-sand beaches — on which camel rides are the hot ticket! A favorite of the sunbathing cognoscenti since the 1970s, Diani Beach is a 17-kilometer stretch in eastern Africa that travelers continuously vote as one of the world’s best getaways.

In addition to camels, Diani Beach is hopping with monkeys, and the presence of a nearby wildlife reserve means impressive birds soar above.

During the day, relax, kitesurf, skydive, snorkel, or jet ski; in Diani, choices abound. History fanatics should clear time for Kongo Mosque. Since the 1500s, it’s majestically capped the northern tip of Diani Beach and is a rare example of 16th-century religious architecture.At night, settle in for a meal at Ali Barbour’s Cave Restaurant. The front doesn’t dazzle, but walking through its doors feels like entering a C.S. Lewis wardrobe. Beyond the facade awaits a magical, sparkling restaurant nestled into the curves of a prehistoric cave awash in candlelight.

While in town, environmental enthusiasts should book a swim with Swedish conservationist Voler Bassen, a whale shark advocate who leads weekend water safaris.

Geneva: Believe it or Not, Beach Destinations Galore

Equator, coastal, isolated — these things typically spring to mind at the mention of beautiful beach destinations. So you may be shocked to learn that Geneva, the Swiss city, boasts a robust beach scene.

Take the Bains des Pâquis, a public beach in the middle of the city. With its famously inexpensive-but-delicious snack-and-wine bar, a travel writer once described it as “an eccentric cross between a Parisian cafe and American summer camp.”

And Bains des Pâquis isn’t the only beach in Geneva!

Imagine yourself on a pristine beach. As warm sand gently glides through your toes, you look out onto an aquamarine lake sprinkled with water-defying aqua bikers and paddle boarders. Then, you shift your gaze skyward, and there, cutting through the azure sky, are the snow-capped Swiss Alps. In other words, unbridled magnificence is on tap at Lac de Passy.

We won’t stay grounded forever! Use this time to research and book your next sun-soaked escape.