Our specialists make regular trips to the best beach destinations around the world, returning year after year so they can find the quietest stretch of sand, the best spot for a sunset view and hidden coves for snorkeling. Our travel guides are the result of these visits, written from our specialists’ first-hand experiences. We hope they help you get the most out of your trip, whether you’re looking for a private island where you won’t see another soul or a great location for diving among tropical reefs.
Using our guides to spark your imagination, you could start planning a trip that sees you island-hop in the Caribbean, enjoy a truly private honeymoon in the Maldives or discover a sunny, sandy destination somewhere you didn’t expect.
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our destination specialists
Our beach specialists regularly travel to discover new experiences and explore untried areas. They love nothing more than sharing their ideas and experiences to help you plan your ideal beach vacation. We've written these travel guides based on our own first-hand beach experiences to help inform and inspire your next trip.
Travel Index — best winter sun destinations
Discover the best winter sun destination for your lifestyle. Read the full winter sun travel index here to help you decide your next travel destination.
Head to head: Zanzibar vs Mauritius
Zanzibar and Mauritius are both popular options for those who want time on the beach to unwind after a safari. But there’s more to these destinations than just sun and sand. Discover which one is best for you.
Head to head: Mauritius vs the Seychelles
World renowned as idyllic beach escapes, these two Indian Ocean islands are quite distinct: here's how to choose between them.
Honeymoons in Tanzania
Tanzania offers a variety of private, secluded experiences, which make it a stand-out honeymoon destination. Country specialist, Georgia, explains how you can combine time on safari with relaxation on a palm fringed beach in Zanzibar.
Malaysia family vacations: exploring Peninsular Malaysia
Malaysia specialist Katie explains why she feels Peninsular Malaysia is an ideal destination for a family vacation, recounting her own journeys there. She pinpoints some of the best experiences for children, from jungle quests to inner-city adventures.
Honeymoons in Mexico
Famous for its white sand beaches, turquoise sea and Maya ruins, Mexico makes an ideal destination for your honeymoon. Plan your trip with Audley and we'll recommend the most suitable accommodations to make your stay a memorable one.
Where to go in the Seychelles
Beach specialist Savina explains why you shouldn’t limit yourself to just one base, in this island-by-island guide to the Seychelles. If you extend your reach, there’s trekking on Silhouette, turtle encounters on Denis Island and long walks along Cote D’Or Beach, just for starters.
Best beaches in Indonesia
Indonesia has so much to offer: history, culture, scenery and diverse wildlife. After seeing so much, you might want to end your trip relaxing on an idyllic beach. We look at some of the best beaches in Bali and Lombok.
Summer honeymoon ideas
Summer honeymoon hot spots include Canada, where you can explore the national parks and spot grizzly bears; Tanzania, when the great migration of the herds is at its peak; and Indonesia, home to over 17,000 islands.
Luxury vacations in the Maldives
Opulent hotels, indulgent spas, world-class dining, crystal-blue waters and white sand beaches — Audley’s Ludo explains what makes the Maldives a top luxury destination. As an avid diver and snorkeler, he also discusses the island’s thriving coral reefs and exceptional water sports.
Honeymoons in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a small island, yet for its size it offers a remarkable array of attractions from ancient temples and grand colonial cities to diverse national parks and powder-soft beaches. For honeymooners, that means lots to see and do as well as plenty of time to relax between destinations.
Mumbai and Goa: An Indian trip of contrasts
Goa’s relaxing beaches are a welcome contrast after spending time exploring chaotic Mumbai, according to our India specialists Nick and Louisa. They share their experiences including waking before dawn in Mumbai and delving into south Goa’s secluded beaches.
French Polynesia honeymoons
Country specialist, Lisa, offers her expertise on getting the most out of your honeymoon in French Polynesia. Swim in clear lagoons with manta rays, stay in an overwater bungalow and take a guided walk in a rainforest.
What to do in French Polynesia: our highlights guide
See our recommendations for what to see and do in French Polynesia, from which food you should try to the best hotels to stay in.
Spring honeymoon ideas
Spring is a great time to tour South Africa and its Winelands, combine beach time with activities such as diving and whale watching in French Polynesia, or head to Malaysia for secluded islands, white sand beaches and culture.
What to do in Costa Rica: our highlights guide
One of the most biodiverse countries on the planet, Costa Rica attracts nature lovers and adrenaline seekers alike. Country specialist, Nik, picks out some of the country’s highlights, from white-water rafting to wildlife spotting in the cloudforest.
Honeymoons in Mozambique
A tailor-made honeymoon in Mozambique not only allows you the chance to relax on white-sand beaches, it also offers you the opportunity to snorkel and dive among kaleidoscopic fish, visit timeless fishing villages, and toast the sunset aboard a traditional dhow.
Choosing your ideal South Pacific Island
A cross-island guide to the South Pacific. Drawing on their own experiences, our travel specialists discuss the lure of French Polynesia, the Cook Islands, Fiji and Samoa with the aim of helping you decide which island is right for you.
Honeymoons in Mauritius
Audley Mauritius specialist Lucy explains what makes this the ideal honeymoon destination. White sand beaches and superb hotels make it the perfect place to unwind and relax. You can also combine your honeymoon in Mauritius with a safari.
The Great Barrier Reef: find the right experience for you
The Great Barrier Reef is somewhere we’ve all pictured, but your experience there can vary depending on where you stay. Australia specialist Louise shares her favorite spots to help you find the right option for you.
Beach vacations in Mexico and Central America
Thinking of including some beach time in your Central America trip? We outline the best beaches in each country and why we’re especially drawn to them — whether it’s for their sand, their snorkeling, or their ambiance.
Luxury vacations in Thailand
Our Thailand specialist Harriet has had the tough job of vetting some of Thailand’s most luxurious properties and exclusive experiences. Sharing her expertise, she’s picked out some of the best, including a sojourn in a 100-year-old rice barge and time in an opulent tented jungle camp.
Discover the real French Riviera
Look past the super yachts and movie stars to discover the authentic French Riviera. Stroll through hillside villages that overlook the Mediterranean, tour a century-old perfume factory and discover the paintings that Picasso produced while staying here.
What to do in Indonesia: our highlights guide
Active volcanoes, exotic wildlife and outstanding beaches; the Indonesian archipelago has so much to offer. Spend time with the Taroja people and discover their traditions or explore the many Buddhist temples.
Honeymoons in Thailand
Combine culture, beaches and delicious food on a honeymoon in Thailand. We can advise on the best places to stay and how to make your visit extra special depending on your interests and preferences.
What to do in the Maldives: our highlights guide
Dive with turtles and whale sharks, take a dolphin cruise, and find out where to stay and eat some of the best seafood the Maldives has to offer. Maldives specialist, Francesca picks her favorite things to see and do when visiting this collection of islands in the Indian Ocean.
Cambodia's best beach vacations and island resorts
Lauren from our Cambodia team shares five of her best-loved Cambodian beach and island resorts. From luxurious to eco-friendly, she explains what resonates with her about each beach and suggests the best activities and places to stay on each island.
Luxury vacations in the Seychelles
A tropical idyll known for its luxurious hotels, the Seychelles can leave you wondering where to start. A true sybarite, Hidden Beaches specialist Vicky has hand-picked island retreats where your experiences can range from tailor-made spa treatments to private helipad dining.
Family vacations in the South Pacific
A warm Pacific island welcome and laid-back atmosphere, combined with reefs and lagoons to explore, and traditional bungalow-style accommodation make the South Pacific an ideal location for a family vacation.
The Top End: 3 essential experiences in Australia’s Northern Territory
Explore gorges and canyons that reveal hidden Aboriginal rock art, take a lesson on mustering cattle, journey along a dusty four-wheel-drive track and escape to a coastal retreat on a tailor-made vacation with us in the Kimberley.
What to do in Mauritius: our highlights guide
Mauritius is renowned for its sand-rimmed lagoons and cobalt-blue seas, but head inland and you can trek volcanic mountain ranges, explore painted temples and spot rare wildlife. Mauritius specialist, Natalie Jenkins, shares her knowledge of the island.
Autumn honeymoon ideas
Enjoy a wildlife honeymoon in Borneo, home to orangutan, or travel to Japan as the maple trees turn it gold and red.
Honeymoons in Brazil
Plan your perfect honeymoon to Brazil. Country specialist, Tom, picks some of the country’s highlights, from exploring the Brazilian Amazon and spotting wildlife in the Pantanal to spending time on Brazil’s beaches and experiencing Iguaçu Falls.
Santorini to Nafplio: The best Greek islands, beaches, and coastal towns
Greece’s many islands and seaside towns offer a plethora of options for you to choose from: hiking, sailing, kayaking, exploring ancient excavations or just lolling on a glamorous beach under the Aegean sun. Greece specialist Laura explores five sunny, coastal destinations.
Honeymoons in Malaysia
Southeast Asia specialist Jess shares her suggestions for a honeymoon in Malaysia that balances private-island relaxation with history, wildlife-spotting in the jungle, and the buzz of city life.
Honeymoons in Myanmar
Myanmar is not your archetypal honeymoon destination but that's why you should consider it. An Audley tailor-made Myanmar honeymoon will leave you with lingering memories of stunning temples, smiling faces and a wonderfully laid-back way of life. It also has some beautiful beaches.
Malaysia luxury vacations
If you're planning a luxury vacation to Malaysia we have a wide range of accommodations available, as recommended by our specialists, from luxury beach resorts to top class hotels.
Winter honeymoon ideas
Swap the harshness of winter for long sunny days on a joint honeymoon to the Maldives and Sri Lanka. Thailand's beaches stand out at this time of year but are matched by the culture you'll experience inland.
A seasonal guide to Mauritius
When to sample the sweetest fruits, surf a reef break or swim in the calmest waters. We share our insights into the best times to visit, whether you’re interested in the natural world, seasonal food or water sports.
Family vacations in Mauritius
Plan your family vacation in Mauritius with country specialist Natalie. Her highlights include snorkeling in Blue Bay National Marine Park, trying the activities on offer in Casela Nature and Leisure Park, and spotting wildlife in the Vallée de Ferney.
Palm-fringed paradise: honeymoons in the Maldives
The Maldives might just be the honeymoon destination you’ve been dreaming of. With some of the world’s whitest sands, clearest waters and most extravagant hotels, it’s an obvious choice, but not all islands are created equal. Hidden Beaches specialist Vicki picks her top honeymoon islands.
What to do in Hawaii: our highlights guide
There’s more to Hawaii than just beaches, according to US specialist Gillian. With six main islands to discover, you can spend your days exploring ever-changing volcanic landscapes, snorkeling with manta rays, taking a helicopter flight over cliffs, and soaking up the Polynesian culture.
What to do in Bali: our highlights guide
With beaches accessible only through caves, and Hindu dances at cliff top temples, Bali is characterized by the spirituality of the people and the variety of cultural and environmental experiences it has to offer.
Self-driving in Hawaii
Hawaii is known for its powdery beaches and swaying palms, but the islands of this tropical archipelago have much more to offer. One of the best ways to experience Hawaii away from the crowds is on a fly-drive tour, giving you the flexibility and freedom to immerse yourself in the culture and history of the Aloha state at your own pace.
Luxury vacations in Borneo
Southeast Asia specialist Shannon explains how to thread luxurious experiences through a trip to Borneo. From personally guided wildlife tours to jungle lodges with spas and private plunge pools, she shares her top recommendations.
Family vacations in the Seychelles
Though a popular honeymoon destination, don’t overlook the Seychelles for a family vacation. Our Country Specialist Jack explains why he wants to encourage families to explore these tropical islands.
Thailand's best beach vacations and resorts
The beaches of Thailand have always been alluring to travelers. We highlight some of the best beaches (and where to stay on them), all of which you can incorporate as a relaxing end (or start) to your journey in Southeast Asia.
The best luxury vacations on Mauritius
Mauritius’s pearl-white beaches are backed with luxurious hotels, where the restaurants are world-class and nothing’s too much trouble. Our specialists have come together to suggest the best of the best, from a pampering spa retreat to a laid-back boutique stay, from a destination that’s popular among the Audley team.
What to do in the Seychelles: our highlights guide
Although renowned as a honeymoon destination, the Seychelles offers a wonderful beach break experience for both families or those seeking to unwind with that little bit of extra luxury in mind.
Honeymoons in the Seychelles
White sandy beaches and crystal clear waters where you can snorkel with turtles and tropical fish make the Seychelles an ideal choice for a honeymoon. Seychelles specialist, Hannah, highlights some of her top places to stay, what to see and do, and the possibility of including a safari in Africa.
Asia's best city & beach combinations
Twin a beach stay with time in a city and you’ve got a trip of real contrasts. Asia’s mix of high-rise metropolises and swathes of beach lends itself to some particularly intriguing combinations. Our beach specialists have chosen their top coastal locations to pair with Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong.
Which island? An Indian Ocean comparison guide
Deciding between the Indian Ocean’s Maldives, Seychelles and Mauritius can be a challenge. Our specialists compare the trio in this guide, concentrating on what sets each destination apart, as well as tips for couples, honeymooners, families and those eager to snorkel or dive.
What to do in Thailand: our highlights guide
To travel to Thailand and only see the beaches is to miss a magical and enthralling experience. This guide delves more deeply into what you can see and experience in this diverse country.
Vietnam’s best beach resorts
Bounded by the warm South China Sea, Vietnam can offer the traveler a variety of beautiful sandy beaches which are the equal of any in the region. Add to this sophisticated beach resorts and the scene is set for a quiet break in which to unwind in laid-back, understated comfort. One of our Vietnam specialists explains his favorite beach resorts.
Belize honeymoons: ideas for exploring the rainforest, ruins and reef
Travel specialist Leticia shares her ideas for the best places to honeymoon in Belize, Central America’s only English-speaking country. She suggests focusing on exploring the rainforest, Maya ruins and the barrier reef, before relaxing on the beaches of Ambergris Caye.
