World’s top 20 most 'paradise-like' beaches (according to a new global ranking)

Escape to paradise: The world’s 20 most stunning beaches, from hidden tropical gems to iconic coastal escapes, perfect for your 2026 travel bucket list.

If a picture-perfect escape is what you’re craving, the world has just delivered your next travel checklist. This year, U.K.-based family travel specialists Kuoni analysed thousands of traveller reviews to uncover the Top 20 Most “Paradise-Like” Beaches on Earth — and the results are as dreamy as they sound.

Their team began with a curated list of over 180 world-famous beaches, then scanned review platforms for one powerful word: “paradise.” Wherever travellers used it most, Kuoni took note — and the final ranking reveals the shores that truly feel otherworldly.

What Makes a Beach Feel Like Paradise?

The study found that travellers look for three key ingredients beyond the usual turquoise waters and white sands: abundant wildlife, a sense of privacy or remoteness, and surprisingly convenient facilities nearby. In short, the most “paradise-like” beaches offer nature at its purest, with just enough comfort to fully enjoy the experience.

Here are the Top 20 Most Paradise-Like Beaches in the World — perfect additions to your 2026 travel bucket list.

1. Port Olry Beach – Vanuatu

Port Olry is a tranquil, palm-lined beach with powdery white sand, azure waters, and playful sea turtles. Rustic eateries and remote charm create an intimate, barefoot-luxury escape far from crowds.

2. Parque Nacional de Bazaruto – Mozambique

This protected coastal paradise features sweeping dunes, crystal-clear shallows, and vibrant marine life. Dugongs, dolphins, and pristine coral reefs make Bazaruto one of Africa’s most untouched and mesmerising beaches.

3. One Foot Island – Cook Islands

A tiny island with neon-blue lagoons, palm-fringed shores, and world-class snorkelling. One Foot Island feels like a castaway paradise, offering both solitude and the thrill of discovering a remote tropical treasure.

4. Ao Thong Yee – Thailand

Hidden along Thailand’s Andaman coast, Ao Thong Yee mesmerises with calm turquoise waters, towering limestone cliffs, and golden sunsets. Its secluded beauty makes it one of the country’s most tranquil, off-the-beaten-path destinations.

5. Veligandu Island Beach – Maldives

Long sandbanks and overwater villas surround Veligandu’s clear waters. Coral gardens, abundant marine life, and romantic seclusion create the quintessential Maldivian escape, perfect for honeymooners and travellers seeking idyllic luxury.

6. Champagne Beach – Vanuatu

Named for naturally fizzing shoreline bubbles, Champagne Beach features soft sand, turquoise waters, and dramatic South Pacific scenery. Its photogenic charm and serene atmosphere make it a repeat favourite among adventurous travellers.

7. Lalomanu Beach – Samoa

Surrounded by colourful coral reefs and lush mountains, Lalomanu Beach offers snorkelling, authentic Samoan culture, and sunrise vistas. Time seems to slow here, creating a serene, spiritual experience unlike any other.

8. Navagio Beach – Greece

Also known as Shipwreck Beach, Navagio is a dramatic cove framed by towering cliffs and electric-blue waters. Accessible only by boat, it’s one of Europe’s most photographed and unforgettable coastal landscapes.

9. Ora Beach – Indonesia

Hidden and pristine, Ora Beach features overwater bungalows, emerald mountains, and untouched coral reefs. Its tranquil waters and natural scenery make it Indonesia’s perfect off-the-grid tropical paradise.

10. Surin Islands (Mu Koh Surin National Park) – Thailand

A remote archipelago with kaleidoscopic coral reefs, crystal-clear waters, and quiet coves. The Surin Islands are ideal for diving, snorkelling with sea turtles, and experiencing Thailand’s most untouched tropical beauty.

11. Bon Bon Beach – Philippines

Bon Bon Beach boasts soft white sand, turquoise waters, and swaying palms. Its peaceful vibe, crystal-clear shallows, and vibrant marine life make it a dreamy tropical retreat in the Philippines.

12. Ko Lipe – Thailand

Ko Lipe is a small island paradise with powdery beaches, calm aquamarine waters, and colourful coral reefs. Its relaxed atmosphere and stunning sunsets make it a perfect Thai getaway.

13. Pentle Bay – United Kingdom

A hidden gem with soft sands, dramatic cliffs, and serene waters. Pentle Bay offers a quiet coastal escape in the U.K., ideal for nature lovers seeking peaceful beauty away from crowds.

14. Sok San Beach – Cambodia

A secluded Cambodian beach with golden sands, palm-lined shores, and calm tropical waters. Sok San Beach combines tranquillity with authentic island charm, perfect for travellers seeking offbeat experiences.

15. Whitehaven Beach – Australia

Famed for its silica-white sand and turquoise waters, Whitehaven Beach in Australia is a stunning stretch of coastline. Its natural purity, wide vistas, and secluded bays make it a must-visit paradise.

16. Palm Cove Beach – Australia

Palm Cove Beach features soft sands, calm waters, and iconic palm-lined shores. Its tropical climate, nearby coral reefs, and relaxed vibe make it an ideal Australian coastal retreat.

17. Entalula Beach – Philippines

Entalula Beach offers pristine white sand, crystal-clear waters, and stunning sunsets. Its quiet, untouched environment provides a perfect island escape far from busy tourist destinations.

18. Secret Beach, Ambergris Caye – Belize

A hidden Caribbean gem, Secret Beach features turquoise waters, powdery sand, and tranquil vibes. Its remoteness and natural beauty create a perfect paradise for relaxation and snorkelling adventures.

19. Huvadhu Atoll – Maldives

Huvadhu Atoll is an expansive Maldivian paradise with pristine beaches, coral reefs, and clear turquoise waters. Its unspoiled scenery and abundant marine life offer travellers an authentic tropical escape.

20. Hidden Beach – Palawan, Philippines

Tucked away in Palawan, Hidden Beach is a secluded paradise with white sand, emerald waters, and dramatic limestone cliffs. Its exclusivity and raw beauty make it a dream destination for adventurous travellers.

Why These Beaches Stand Out

The ranking makes one thing clear: the most “paradise-like” beaches aren’t just beautiful — they’re immersive. They offer wildlife encounters, seclusion, raw natural beauty, and the feeling of discovering a place that still belongs to nature.

Whether you're planning a long-haul escape or curating your dream 2026 bucket list, these destinations are proof that paradise exists — and it’s more breathtaking than ever.