The best beaches we have ever seen

The best beaches we have ever seen

The first time I went on vacation, I was 18 and looking for the perfect beach. You know the kind: powder-white sand and clear turquoise water against a bright blue sky. I've seen beautiful beaches in Barbados, Tunisia, Thailand, Mexico and Dubai, but none were quite like the brochures and billboards.

They were either lined with high-rise hotels (Waikiki), packed with tourists (Ko Phi Phi), or not quite as soft and powdery as the pictures would have you believe. At some point I came to the conclusion that all the commercials were photoshopped beyond reality and that there was no such thing as the perfect beach. And then I traveled to the Maldives, Fiji and Samoa and found what I was looking for.

Here's a list of my perfect beaches, accompanied by photos we took ourselves (i.e. no brochure-style retouches). I'm sure there are many more to explore (like Whitehaven Beach in Australia or Cayo Largo in Cuba or the many in the Seychelles), but here's what I have so far.

1. Baros Island, Maldives

old=““>Atlas & Boots

I can't rave about this place enough. Baros is an exclusive private resort that I was privileged to visit in 2012. Located in North Male Atoll, it is a tiny island that takes about eight minutes to cross on foot. The entire island is covered with powder-white sand, near which the warm waters of the Indian Ocean splash. If you are planning a honeymoon, this beach is number one on my list.

2. Motu Tapu, Bora Bora, French Polynesia

old=““>Atlas & Boots

Our first three days in Bora Bora were characterized by bad weather. We were afraid to leave without seeing it in its glory. Luckily the sky cleared on the fourth day and we took some kayaks to Motu Tapu, a small island not far from the capital Vaitape. We had the motu to ourselves and spent a whole day with views like this.

3. Muri Beach, Rarotonga, Cook Islands

old=““>Atlas & Boots

Muri is the only beach on this list that doesn't meet my "secluded" criteria as it unfortunately has a bunch of hotels on one side. Despite this, it still ranks as one of the best beaches I've ever seen due to the stunningly clear waters and views of Rarotonga's stunning hinterland.

4. Small Beach, Vanuatu

alt="Small beach on Tanna Island in Vanuatu">Atlas & Boots

We visited this beach for five days and had it to ourselves every day, apart from one Saturday when we were joined by some cheeky local children who were happily playing in the water. Tucked away on Tanna Island in Vanuatu, Little Beach overlooks volcanic black rocks and the beautiful warm waters of the Pacific Ocean.

5. Honeymoon Island, Fiji

When it comes to Fiji we had plenty of beaches to choose from, the top contenders being Malolo Island, Monuriki Island and Honeymoon Island in the Mamanuca group. The last one won first place, probably because it came with a gourmet picnic basket. Whatever you choose, be sure you'll enjoy views like the ones below.

6. Tortuga Bay, Galápagos Islands

We didn't see any eponymous tortugas (turtles) on this beach, but we did hang out with marine iguanas on its incredible stretch of white sand. The bay is a 40-minute walk from the center of Santa Cruz Island's capital, Puerto Ayora, and is therefore not as populated as it could be–This means that if you are very lucky, you can have it all to yourself.

7. Tafatafa Beach, Samoa

old=““>Atlas & Boots

We walked for an hour and saw not a soul, just clear blue water and warm yellow sand. We spent the morning diving in and out of the water, sunbathing until we got too hot, and then taking a lazy swim. With our base in Vaiula Beach Fales (a few simple beach huts without walls) we weren't exactly in luxury, but we hardly noticed it.

Mission statement: Atlas & Boots

      .