The Best White Sand Beaches in the World
From the Maldives to Panama City Beach, there's something for everyone.
For beach lovers, there is nothing like that soft, grainy white sand. And chances are if you follow the white sand road, you'll find a tantalizing body of water splashing up against its shores. Here are eight incredible stretches of seashore—from Panama City, Florida to Tahiti to the Bahamas—that won't disappoint even the most discerning sand chasers. Plus, we'll tell you where to stay to get the best access to these pristine coastlines.
Carillon Beach, Miami
Located in the more low-key area of North Beach Miami is Carillon Beach. It ticks a lot of beach boxes: wide, white sand, and located right in of front of the largest spa on the East Coast (the Carillon Miami Beach Hotel). Plus, the water in Miami can feel downright tropical at certain times of the year
Kapalua Bay, Maui
There's a reason people travel so far and so long to get to Hawaii: the beaches. But don't just take our word for it. Kapalua Bay was named one of "America's Beach Beaches" in 2018 for its gentle breaking waves and vibrant marine life. For a front row seat, stay the Montage Kapalua Bay.
The Maldives
The visual here should speak for itself, but Baros Maldives is a tropical island in the Maldives consisting of 75 individual villas. The clarity of the water makes the white sand look even whiter. Extra bonus: this sand paradise is located only 25 minutes from the Maldives International Airport.
Grand Exuma, Bahamas
Exuma is famous for its incredibly beautiful beaches, particularly those with powdery-white sand and striking turquoise waters. Emerald Bay--named after the color of the water--is the place to be and Grand Ise Resort & Spa is the place to stay to enjoy one of the best beaches in the Bahamas, where the competition is quite stiff. We are looking at you Habour Island!
Tahiti
There's a beach for everyone in Tahiti--whether you want a calm lagoon, excellent snorkeling, or for those seeking that elusive pink sand. To really get out off the beaten path, head to Maupiti—one of the smallest and most secluded of The Islands of Tahiti. Book at a Tahitian Guesthouse, which are so integrated into the landscape that you'll feel like you are practically living on the beach.
Panama City Beach, Florida
Panama City Beach is situated on 27 miles of sugar-white sand beaches bordering clear, emerald-green waters where the Gulf of Mexico and St. Andrew Bay converge. Moreover, there are 320 days of sunshine annually, championship golf courses, and award-winning dining.
Bequia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
As the Caribbean goes, Bequia is one of the more undiscovered islands, but that is not for lack of amazing beaches. The water is translucent and the beaches are almost a bleached white. Get there before Bequia goes full throttle on the the jet-set circuit. The Liming, which in the Carribean means the "art of doing nothing, is an all-suite boutique hotel, situated on Adam Cay, one of the best beaches on the island.
St. Lucia
While not all the beaches in St. Lucia are for swimming or lounging, the ones that are really rise to the occasion—namely Calabash Cove. The resort is located on the northwest coast of Saint Lucia, conveniently positioned midway between Castries and Rodney Bay. The 26-suite hotel has rooms that are literally on this picture perfect stretch of white sand, giving new meaning to ocean view.
Hannah Seligson is New York City-based writer who covers gender, culture, and social media trends whose work has appeared in The New York Times, The Daily Beast, and Rolling Stone, among other publications.
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