Be swept off your feet by these beautiful beaches
The Caribbean Islands are home to pirate legends, bright blooms and rum laced evenings. Come swim with turtles and rays on the white beaches of the Caymans, or turn up the heat in Haiti.
St Lucia's beaches are deservedly famous. Anse Cochon, for instance, is backed by verdant jungle and bordered by a reef. Anse des Pitons is adorned by whispering palm trees. Rent a kayak or snorkel or just linger at the beach bar. Or why not cruise the Halecon? Havana's bright and atmospheric coastal drive is lent a surreal air by the sunlight catching its candy coloured buildings.
Beach holidays for couples find a spiritual home in the ever romantic country of France. A three hundred year old winery, Chateau Le Bouis, looks out on the sea and vine-covered cliffs. The castellated old town of Gruissan gives way to lagoons and marshland. For secluded walks come to the beaches of Serignan and Portiragnes. St Tropez' tans have spawned an industry and many visit the equally glitzy Conche des Baleines, a sweep of golden sand. The breeze at Le Bois Plage is scented by the pine forest nearby, where a secret swimming pool is located.
Indonesia's thirteen thousand tropical islands are home to some of the world's best beaches. Lush rainforests, ruined temples and sultry volcanoes aren't far away. The komodo dragons in Komodo National Park might be scary but diving in the crystal waters off Merah Beach and Batu Bolong couldn't be more serene. Ora Beach is unforgettable. It may be remote, but its verdant forests and white sands are worth a visit.