THE HIGHLAND HEAVENS

 There are few places on Earth where the beach is as much a part of daily life as in Spain. From the rugged coastlines of the north to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean, there is little in Spain more revered than time spent in the waves. The Spaniards have perfected the seaside holiday. To go to the beach in Spain is to indulge in a day-long celebration of life, beginning with a quick morning dip, followed by two-hour lunches of seafood, and finished with a refreshing glass of sangria as the sun sets below the horizon. Whether you seek crystal-clear swimming lagoons, swanky beach clubs with deep house music playing, or secluded beaches where you can lie out alone in the sun, here are the best beaches in Spain. Platja de Ses Illetes Has your eye been caught by a photograph of a beach that seems too beautiful to exist? It’s probably Platja de Ses Illetes. Situated on a sandbar within the Ses Salines Natural Park, in the north of Formentera, it has been voted one of the bes...

 The Maldives to many is an exotic, high-end over water bungalow floating on top of bright, turquoise water. But when your feet touch the sand, you’ll realize that each island in the Maldives has its own unique atmosphere. Some islands are more primitive and untouched than others, while others are more geared towards people watching and marine life. Veligandu Island Beach This is also the spot where you can come face-to-face with sea turtles, which swim around the coral just a few steps away from the beach. Imagine how wonderful it would be to stroll out onto the sandbank (it does feel like you’re in the middle of the sea, but the water is wonderfully calm and still warm), look into the water and watch as turtles swim gracefully past. It’s a very peaceful, quiet beach, perfect for couples seeking somewhere relaxing. Fulhadhoo Beach I highly recommend the beach on this little local island to anyone who really wants a quiet spot. You can stroll along the beach for half an hour and no...

 Roughly 60 percent of all the natural lakes on our planet are found within Canada's borders. Standing on the edge of one of these glacial-fed basins in the Canadian Rockies, you can easily experience the feeling that you have stumbled upon a completely unreal place. ​It’s not Photoshop, those impossibly bright teal hues are actually caused by glacial flour, incredibly tiny rock particles left behind from glaciers grinding against bedrock as they move along the landscape, which are held in suspension within the lake itself, refracting light into various shades of blue and green. ​Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks Moraine Lake sits in Banff National Park surrounded by ten mountains which are completely exposed from the edge of the lake. The best view is reached with a short hike on the Rockpile Trail. From the top of the Rockpile Trail, you have a complete view of the whole scene. Canoe rentals are a must while you are here! As you paddle towards the end of the lake, you ...

 There’s something almost magical about packing a tote bag, putting on a pair of sandals and walking down to the ocean with no worries in sight. Whether you’re a solo traveler, planning a long-overdue girls’ trip with your besties or just want to unwind by the sea, not every beach is made equal. A woman-friendly beach isn’t only one where the sand is soft and the water is turquoise; it’s one where you can feel comfortable, safe and surrounded by like-minded people and no funny business. Here are five amazing beaches around the world that every woman should have on her travel bucket list. 1. Praia da Dona Ana — Lagos, Portugal Set below golden limestone cliffs on the Algarve coast, Praia da Dona Ana seems like a scene from a postcard. Portugal is one of the safest countries in the world and Lagos is a haven for women travellers. Sheltered from the Atlantic, the waters here are calm and clear, perfect for a paddleboard or a swim. Easy wooden stairs lead down to the beach, which is st...

  The names El Oro or Arenillas, when mentioned in connection with southern Ecuador, usually bring to mind coastal beaches or busy border towns. Few people realize that, as you leave Arenillas' concrete jungle behind and begin to ascend from the coastal plains into the verdant foothills of the Cordillera Dumarí, you will find a hidden natural paradise within the Province of El Oro. The river’s highlight is Cascada El Blanco, a spectacular waterfall powered by mountain springs that run from higher in the region. As the river flows over rocky channels, it drops 15 meters down a steep stone wall into a lush green basin. The pool beneath is large, clean, and incredibly cool, a perfect respite from the hot coastal temperatures. These springs have a reputation among locals for being healing waters, and I can’t blame them. If you’ve ever relaxed along the river rocks, warmed by the sun, and watched parrots flit between palm fronds, then you know that such water must be magic! Cascada El B...

  If your vision of the perfect beach includes turquoise water, sand between your toes, and wearing your favorite bikini from morning to night, then read on. Here are 5 of the world’s best beaches that should be high on your travel wish list, whether you want to party all day at a beach club or seek out pristine, untouched bays far from the masses. ​1. Baía do Sancho — Fernando de Noronha, Brazil It’s no surprise that this spot is constantly voted one of the best beaches on the planet. The journey to Baía do Sancho is half the fun. You have to descend steep iron ladders wedged into a narrow crevice to reach the golden sand of this hidden paradise on a remote volcanic archipelago 220 miles from Brazil’s northeastern coast. Then, when you’re wading in the blue-green water, framed by lush cliffs, you feel as though you’re the only person in the world. Access to the beach is strictly controlled by the Brazilian national park, so it’s never too busy. ​2. Whitehaven Beach — Whitsunday Is...