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The
Best Beaches, Sand and Seas from Around
the Globe
by Beth Garcia
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Beautiful
Maui Beach |
Though
the cold of winter has set in for some
parts of the world, islands across the
globe continue to celebrate their beaches
and sand in a leisurely fashion. Islands
have always been popular vacation destinations
for travelers across the world.
However,
these strips of land, surrounded by the
bluest seas and the deepest oceans, are
no longer only for quick vacation jaunts.
Island travel is now a great choice not
only for spring breakers and college students,
but also families, honeymooners, vacationers
and even potential residents. Here's a
look at some of the best island getaways
for 2008.
Ibiza,
Spain
One of Spain's Balearic Islands, Ibiza
is considered the hottest island nightspot
in the Mediterranean. Known for its festive,
and often times, wild summer parties,
Ibiza attracts thousands every year to
its hip nightclubs and sunny beaches.
Though a popular summer tourist destination,
Ibiza is also rich in cultural heritage
and history with the majority of the island
preserved as a U.N. Heritage Site. This
un-commercialized portion of Ibiza gives
visitors a picturesque look at historical
Spanish villages and seaports. The well-preserved
coasts of Ibiza makes it a great place
for water sports including snorkeling,
scuba diving and surfing.
Phuket,
Thailand
Thailand's largest island in the Andaman
Sea, Phuket offers travelers a taste of
country's culture and natural beauty.
Covered nearly 70 percent by forest, the
island is home to one of Asia's most respected
nature preserves, the Gibbon
Rehabilitation Project Site located
in the Kaho Pra Theaw Non-Hunting Area
at Bang Pae Waterfall. The nonprofit organization
offers travelers a look at Thailand's
rainforest and wildlife. In addition to
visiting the preserve, island visitors
can soak up the sun on Phuket's white
sandy beaches including Nai Yang Beach,
located inside the Sirinat National Park
where sea turtles are known to come ashore
and lay eggs. Ride the island's domesticated
elephants or visit some of its energetic nightspots for an island vacation
that is truly worldly.
Saint
Vincent & the Grenadines
The 150-square-foot collection of island
land in the Caribbean is a portion of
the Lesser Antilles chain and includes
Saint Vincent and the northern portion
of the Grenadines. The Caribbean location
is a popular annual destination for beach
lovers everywhere. The stark variety of
beaches and island activities available
make it a must visit location on any island-hoppers
list. With its deep bays perfect for boating
and yachting to the luxuriously white
sandy beaches and secluded black sand
coasts, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
is perfect for any water lover. Travelers
who take time away from the sea can travel
to the Kingston Market and pick up the
freshest in fruits, vegetables and fish,
or sightsee at the Botanical Gardens,
the oldest in the Western Hemisphere.
Capri,
Italy
Once considered the hottest jet set island
destination in the world; the island of
Capri remains the seaside destination
for travelers searching for the best in
luxury and ancient beauty. Located just
off the Sorrentine Peninsula in the Gulf
of Naples, Capri is popular for its high-end
shopping and dinning options tucked secretly
inside ancient village architecture. Visitors
to Capri can soak up the Mediterranean
sun along the island's rocky coast and
pebbled beaches. A must-have for sun lovers
is bathing at the exclusive La Fontelina,
where they can get a clear view of the
famous Faraglioni rock structure jutting
out of the nearby sea. Also, travelers
can enjoy swimming in the Grotta Azzura,
or Blue Grotto, a sea cave once used by
Roman emperors as a private bath.
Seychelles
The 115-island Indian Ocean archipelago
off the east coast of Africa is the perfect
destination for island hoppers. With more
than 65 beaches on the principal island
of Maché alone, Seychelles offers
large strings of granite and coral islands
for swimming, fishing, boating and more.
After spending water time cruising the
coasts in catamarans and sailboats, travelers
can venture inland on the Seychelles islands
and experience their popular art galleries,
five-star restaurants and the Maché
casino. Resting south of the equator,
Seychelles offers the perfect island weather
all year long.
Maui,
Hawaii
As the second largest Hawaiian island,
Maui attracts an average of 2.2 million
travelers every year. The more than 700-square-mile
island offers visitors access to 81 beaches
of white, gold, black and mixed sands.
Visitors across the globe come to Maui
for its highly-groomed golf courses, attractive
resorts and natural beauty. With more
swimable miles of beach than any other
Hawaiian island, Maui inspires visitors
with its breathtaking whale watching activities
and the Haleakala
National Park, home of the world's
largest dormant volcano.
Florida's
Gulf Islands
Prepare for an old fashion family beach
vacation when touring Florida's
Gulf Islands — Anna Maria
Island, Longboat Key and the Greater Bradenton
Area. Located just south of Tampa Bay,
these island locations remained relatively
undeveloped while most of Florida looms
with skyscrapers and hopping nightlife.
On the beaches of Anna Maria guests can
view some of Florida's most famous residents
— manatees, pelicans and sea turtles.
A quick tour of the South
Florida Museum will let travelers
meet Snooty, the oldest captive manatee.
Also, the Mote
Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
gives children a wonderful opportunity
to view mystic sea creatures up close.
While visiting the islands, travelers
can enjoy its variety of restaurants,
shops and beachside bars. Grab a refreshing
drink on the beach and make the island
trip an old fashion adventure.
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