The World’s 17 Best Beaches

From remote stretches of sand in far-flung locales to the ever-popular Caribbean getaways, there is a bounty of spectacular places for travellers to soak up the sun, whether they seek white, pink or even black  sand. So, where should you plan your beach escape for next winter? Why not try one of the top 17 beaches in the world as voted by the experts, Canadian travel agents.

1. VARADERO BEACH, CUBA Overwhelmingly popular, Cuba’s Varadero Beach is ranked one of the absolute best. With its icing sugar sand, Varadero Beach is often described as the softest, whitest, cleanest beach.
2. GRACE BAY BEACH, TURKS AND CAICOS Photo Courtesy of Turks & Caicos Tourist Board
3. SEVEN MILE BEACH, NEGRIL, JAMAICA While it may actually only measure 6.3 miles, Negril's Seven Mile Beach still measures up as one of the top beaches in the world. With world-class sunsets, white sands, and warm waters, it's no wonder this stretch of beach is nicknamed “seven miles of heaven.” Photo Courtesy of Couples Resorts Jamaica
4. BLACK SAND BEACH (PA’ILOA), WAI’ANAPANAPA STATE PARK AND KAANAPALI BEACH, HAWAII
5. PUNTA MAROMA, MEXICO
6. Bavaro Beach DOMINICAN Courtesy of Barcelo Hotel & Resorts
7. CABLE BEACH, BAHAMAS Photo Courtesy of Bahamas Ministry of Tourism Located in Nassau, Bahamas, travellers love the Cable Beach area for its beautiful beaches and snorkelling. Many resorts and intimate hideaways are beachfront or just a short stroll away, but no matter where you’re staying in Nassau Paradise Island, you're mere minutes from wiggling your toes in the sand and frolicking in warm, multi-hued azure waters stretching as far as the eye can see.
8. MATIRA BEACH, BORA BORA, FRENCH POLYNESIA Photo by Marc Gérard
9. SIESTA KEY AND ST. PETE BEACH
10. PATONG BEACH, PHUKET AND RAILAY BEACH, KRABI, THAILAND Photo Courtesy of Tourism Authority of Thailand
11. SEVEN MILE BEACH, GRAND CAYMAN The Cayman Islands, a peaceful British Overseas Territory, is packed with endless activities, the ultimate culinary scene, and, of course, the renowned Seven Mile Beach. It's the perfect spot to stroll miles of warm powdery white sand, relax under a swaying palm tree, or dive into calm crystal-clear waters. This is paradise.
12. EAGLE BEACH, ARUBA Photo Courtesy of Aruba Tourism Authority
13. WHITEHAVEN BEACH, AUSTRALIA Photo Courtesy of Day Dream Island
14. MAGENS BAY AND TRUNK BAY, USVI
15. THE BEACHES OF AITUTAKI AND RAROTONGA, COOK ISLANDS Photo Courtesy of Paul Gauguin Cruises
16. CRANE BEACH, BARBADOS A perennial favourite of “best beaches” lists, Crane Beach, Barbados feels secluded, with towering cliffs to one side, and protected by natural coral reef. Picture-perfect pink sand, close proximity to the airport, and amenities of the nearby The Crane Resort, make this beach a stand-out.
17. HORSESHOE BAY, BERMUDA

Have Family, Will Travel

Behind the scenes with Workin’ Moms Star Catherine Reitman

Catherine Reitman is both literally and figuratively a workin’ mom. Known on-screen for her starring role as Kate Foster, the real life mother of two sons is also the creator, executive producer and writer of the acclaimed original comedy series Workin’ Moms, which is filmed in Toronto. As season three of the International Emmy–nominated show gears up to hit the air Tuesday nights on CBC starting Jan. 8, the Toronto transplant shares some memorable family travel experiences, like hiking New Zealand with her husband, producing partner and Workin’ Moms co-star, Philip Sternberg, and getting covered in vomit
while touching down in Costa Rica.

What do you never leave home without?
My phone and my kindle.

Carry-on or checked bag?
Anything under 10 days, I attempt a carry-on.

Favourite city or country to travel to?
Tokyo, Japan.

What’s still on your bucket list?
I’m very curious about exploring more of Asia. That’s next on my to-do list.

Where did you go for your honeymoon?
The Amalfi Coast. My digestive tract is still healing.

Best tip for surviving family travel?
Don’t bring them.

Best meal you’ve had on the road?
I ate pizza in a basement in Rome that I still fantasize about.

Do you have a travel ritual?
I never over-caffeinate before a flight.

What’s a memorable thing that’s happened to you while travelling?
My son managed to vomit on every private part I have while we were landing in Costa Rica. Silver lining,
they felt so sorry for me, they allowed me to skip the line at customs.

What’s your most adventurous/challenging travel experience to date?
My husband and I travelled to New Zealand and hiked mountains we were sure would kill us.

How often do you travel? Has that changed with kids and a busy work schedule?
We’re fortunate enough to still be able to travel frequently, both with and without children. However,
with has been more memorable.

By Ann Ruppenstein