Lazy beach days

Mykonos is an eclectic place–pristine beaches, elegant boutiques, fine dining, and rowdy bars are all packed onto one tiny piece of land, a mere 15km long at its widest point. Partying is a round-the-clock affair here, against a scenic backdrop of whitewashed houses and Little Venice, Mykonos Town's most charming neighbourhood.

MoBay, the nickname Montego Bay goes by locally, rose to prominence once a certain Sir Herbert Barker deemed swimming in a particular spot along its coastline to have exceptional health benefits. And while the curative effects of Doctor’s Cave waters remain up for debate, its striking aesthetic and promise of frolic certainly do not – MoBay remains a potent crowd-pleaser, accepting incomers on the daily, by the shipload.

Dinard, set on the dramatic coastline of Brittany in northern France, has long been a fashionable destination for holidaying French urbanites. Characterised by its long and wide, tree-lined boulevards that converge on elegant squares full of chic restaurants and creperies, the city juts out seawards and is, therefore, surrounded on three sides by beaches and the sea. For sailing, water sport and beach enthusiasts, it means that the coast is always within easy walking distance.

Ocean City in Maryland, is an Atlantic resort town pulsating with energy. Featured often on the Travel Channel and Discovery Channel, it offers a mix of beach fun, local eateries, and captivating attractions. The bustling boardwalk provides a constant stream of entertainment for all ages, from movies on the beach to waterfront concerts. At its southern end, Trimper's Rides has been a beloved amusement park for decades. Explore the surrounding waters with kayak adventures or boat tours, including trips to the popular Assateague Island.

Often called the 21st arrondissement of Paris, Deauville has been the go-to destination for the upper crust of French society for decades. Today, it is a spectacular seaside resort town sporting grand promenades, glamorous casinos, a pair of thoroughbred horse race tracks, golf courses, the American Film Festival, and plenty of chic visitors.

The island of Mauritius lies about 2,000 kilometres off the southeast coast of Africa in the Indian Ocean. As part of the Republic of Mauritius, which also includes the nearby islands of Rodrigues, Agaléga and St. Brandon, Mauritius has a long history of colonial conquests, disputed by the Netherlands, France and Great Britain. Having gained independence in 1968, the Republic of Mauritius retains its colourful diversity, remaining multi-ethnic, multi-religious, multicultural and multilingual, giving shape to a very own, unique environment.

The ancient city of Murcia is located in the mountains, about 25 km away from the Mediterranean Sea. The region is known for agriculture and tourism but also for its charming mountain villages, traditional fishing stations, a green countryside, and unspoiled beaches.

European explorers took what today is Praslin Island's nature reserve to be the original Garden of Eden, and no wonder — the primeval forest of Vallee de Mai has changed little over millions of years, and giant Aldabra tortoises still roam the archipelago populated by an incredible diversity of endemic plant and animal species. Out of the 115 islands that make up the Seychelles, only 12 are inhabited by humans, making for splendidly pure natural landscapes, unspoilt beaches, and some of the world's most fantastic diving spots.