The summer holidays are looming ahead, beckoning with a gentle balmy breeze, turquoise waters with white sand and exotic drinks with little umbrellas. Sounds idyllic, doesn’t it?

These four coastal escapes offer just the right mix of natural beauty and local charm to make your next beach break one to remember!

BALI, INDONESIA

If it’s diversity you’re looking, Bali’s beaches have bucket loads of it. Whether you’re after stylish beachfront bars in Seminyak, reef breaks in Uluwatu or black-sand shores near Canggu, Bali caters to all kinds of travellers. Kuta Beach is one of the better-known spots, with soft sand, gentle waves and stunning sunsets – ideal for beginner surfers. For a quieter vibe, head to Jimbaran for white sand, turquoise water and romantic seafood dinners right on the beach. Over in Uluwatu, it’s all about the surf – Balangan Beach is a picturesque hidden gem with green cliffs and strong waves, while Padang Padang (yep, the one from Eat, Pray, Love) is another pretty surf spot and great for swimming. Over on Nusa Dua Beach, you’ll find clear waters and white sand that’s perfect for snorkelling, kayaking or just floating about. And if you’re chasing that perfect Instagram shot, Kelingking Beach on Nusa Penida – one of the most photographed beaches in the world, with its T-Rex-shaped cliff and turquoise cove – pretty much nails it. If you’re after peace and quiet, head east where Amed and Sidemen feel a world away from the tourist crush, with black volcanic beaches, traditional fishing villages and family-run warungs (traditional cafés) serving nasi goreng, curries and sambals. Up north, Lovina’s dark-sand beaches are known for early-morning dolphin sightings, while further west, Medewi is great for long, crowd-free waves and sleepy village charm. Beyond the beaches, what sets Bali apart is its culture – daily offerings (canang sari), temple ceremonies and the scent of incense and frangipani in the air. Despite its popularity, Bali still holds onto its soul. For every busy beach club, there’s always a quiet stretch of sand just waiting to be found.

BARBADOS, CARIBBEAN

Barbados is one of those places that feels instantly familiar but still manages to surprise you. With its picture-perfect beaches and easy-going vibe, it’s no wonder it’s one of the Caribbean’s most-loved islands. The west coast – often called the Platinum Coast – is where you’ll find the calm waters, soft white sands and fancy resorts. It’s all very polished. Head east, though, and the mood changes: think crashing Atlantic waves, rugged cliffs and empty stretches of coast made for long walks and scenic drives. Paynes Bay is a go-to for its golden sands, gentle surf, swimming, snorkelling and the chance to spot sea turtles, while Miami Beach in the south feels more local – a laid-back picnic spot with food trucks and stunning sunsets. If surfing’s your thing, the Soup Bowl at Bathsheba is where the action is – steady waves and space for both newbies and seasoned wave riders. For something quieter, Mullins Beach is a good shout or Bottom Bay, with its pinktinged sand and palm trees. Barbados isn’t all about the beaches, though. Inland, you’ll see sugarcane fields and colourful chattel houses dotted around the countryside. The food’s a big part of island life – don’t miss the national dish of cou-cou (similar to polenta) and flying fish with spicy gravy or try fresh seafood served straight off the grill with a side of fiery pepper sauce. A must-do on Friday nights is Oistins Fish Fry – a lively street market filled with music and food stalls serving delicious local seafood – the ideal place to take in the island spirit. With friendly locals, year-round sunshine and a rhythm all its own, Barbados leaves you sun-soaked and satisfied, ready to plan your return.

MAHÉ, SEYCHELLES

If you like your beach holidays with just a little bit of adventure on the side, Mahé is the perfect choice. It’s the biggest island in the Seychelles and home to the capital, Victoria, but it still feels laid-back and unspoilt in many spots. Surrounded by lush green mountains, turquoise shallows and coral reefs, there are more than 60 beaches to pick from! Beau Vallon is one of the most popular and lively – a long crescent of soft sand and calm waters that’s great for everything from lazy swims and diving to kayaking, Jet Skiing and parasailing. Dotted with bars and restaurants, it’s ideal for sunset drinks. For snorkelling, head to Port Launay – the water’s packed with colourful fish. Down south, Anse Soleil is a gorgeous wide sandy bay and Anse Takamaka is picture-perfect (though swimmers should beware of strong currents and rocky reefs). Away from the shore, Morne Seychellois National Park is great for a hike – there are jungle trails, panoramic views and the chance to see some of the rarest species of flora and fauna in the world up close. Despite the high-end resorts, Mahé still feels refreshingly untouristy in many areas – you’ll often find small Creole houses, family-run eateries and colourful roadside markets. The local cuisine is a tasty mix of African, French and Indian flavours, with fragrant curries, grilled fish and coconut chutneys. Whether you’re hiking through the hills, floating in a quiet bay or just doing absolutely nothing under a palm tree, Mahé has a way of slowing everything down – in the best possible way.

SARDINIA, ITALY

Italy’s cities might get all the attention, but Sardinia is where you go to slow down – an island escape with beaches that could easily be mistaken for the Caribbean. Sure, there’s the glitzy Costa Smeralda up in the northeast, with its clear water, soft sand and designer shops attracting yachts and influencers. But the real charm is off the beaten path. Sardinia’s beaches are mostly untouched, often reached by dusty tracks or old shepherd trails. Along the Gulf of Orosei, you’ll find gems like Cala Luna and Cala Mariolu hidden in limestone cliffs – only reachable by boat or hike, and worth every step for the peace and beauty. Over on the west coast, Spiaggia di Piscinas stands out with its golden dunes and wild open feel, great for walking, snorkelling or just doing nothing. Cala Domestica, once a mining cove, now has calm water and dramatic cliffs – perfect for a relaxed swim. Down south, beaches like Tuerredda and Porto Pino are quiet and clear, backed by pine forests and totally postcard-worthy. From the golden sands of Chia to the pink-tinged Spiaggia Rosa on Budelli Island, there’s a beach for every mood. Windsurfers love the breezy northwest but if you head inland, you’ll find colourful hill towns like Bosa and Orgosolo, where life moves slowly and lunch can last all afternoon. The food is rustic and rich – think slow-cooked meat, fresh seafood, pecorino and bold local grapes. Stay in an agriturismo for a proper Sardinian experience – cosy stone cottages, homemade pasta and olive trees everywhere. Sardinia’s the kind of place where you can unplug, unwind and enjoy the good stuff without any fuss ✤