THE HIGHLAND HEAVENS

 Mauritius is famous for its lagoons and volcanoes, but the things you need most for a good trip, if you are a woman travelling alone or with friends, are safety, clear paths, respectful local vibes, and accessible amenities. 1. Trou aux Biches: The Calm Haven for Solo Sunbathers Trou aux Biches, on the north-west coast, is a relaxed beach that doesn’t demand your attention. It’s protected by a barrier reef further out, meaning the lagoon water is flat, shallow and calm. There are no riptides. It’s one of the few beaches in Mauritius that’s not full of tour guides and pushy touts. Instead, there are smart little boutique resorts and restaurants, meaning you can leave your bag on the sand while you snorkel past sea turtles or lie down and read a book for an hour without being bothered. There are public toilet blocks, clean changing rooms, and the beaches are well patrolled, and surrounded by good beachfront cafes. You could spend the whole day here without any fuss. ​2. Le Morne: Em...

 With almost 36,000km of coastline, Australia is home to countless surf breaks, secret coves and gorgeous sandy beaches. But as much as we love our coastlines, there are a few things that female solo and group travellers usually want from a coastal getaway, including good community vibes, great facilities, safe swimming areas and a feeling of absolute safety. Whether you want a women-only ocean pool sanctuary or a laid-back cove surrounded by coastal trails, here are some of our favourite coastal gems. McIver's Ladies Baths, New South Wales McIver’s Ladies Baths is a historic beachside location in Sydney, nestled on the cliff between Coogee Beach and Wylie's Baths. Open since the early twentieth century and legally protected by the NSW Anti-Discrimination Act, this ocean seawater pool is open only to women and children. Filled with the water from the Pacific Ocean, the ocean pool is a safe, calm spot to take a dip in the salt water, away from the ocean’s waves. It is not only t...

 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...

 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...

 There is a quiet magic in the places where the American continent dissolves into the sea. Across thousands of miles of the shores of the United States form a vast, living gallery of light, shadow, texture, and color. From the sugar-white sands to moody Pacific sea stacks. Shrouded in mist, these landscapes offer an ethereal escape from the everyday world. The Tropical Dreamscapes of Hawaii ​Lanikai Beach, Oahu Lanikai Beach, Oahu Nestled along Oahu’s windward coast, Lanikai Beach, which translates to “heavenly ocean” in Hawaiian, is an absolute dream. It’s easy to pretend Lanikai’s shore is an actual postcard as the different shades of blue we’re all jealous of, are tastefully arranged in the perfect stretch of ocean. and the sand is a powdery velvet, a bright and cream-colored distraction to the sun. The bay’s mirror-like water is crystal clear and calm, courtesy of the reef. The Mokulua Islands, two of Hawaii’s jagged yet gem-like islets, add a dramatic touch to the silent horiz...

 Brazil’s 4,600-mile coastline is stacked with everything from dramatic jungle-backed coves to urban sandscapes. If you are mapping out a tropical getaway, here are 5 of the absolute best beaches in Brazil that deserve a top spot on your bucket list. 1. Baía do Sancho Baía do Sancho frequently claims the title of the best beach in the world. Getting here requires descending a series of steep iron ladders squeezed through a rock crevice, but the reward is unmatched: crystalline turquoise water framed by towering emerald cliffs. Because visitor access is strictly capped to protect the ecosystem, you will often swim alongside sea turtles and spinner dolphins without fighting any crowds.   2. Ipanema Beach If you want culture and people-watching, Ipanema is unbeatable. Backed by the iconic Two Brothers mountains. this two-mile stretch of golden sand is divided into numbered postos, each attracting its own subculture—from surfers to artists and sunset spotters. 3. Lopes Mendes...

 If you have ever caught yourself staring out a window, thinking about amazing waves lapping against powdery white sand, chances are you were subconsciously picturing heavenly Indonesia. With thousands of islands scattered across the equator, this tropical archipelago boasts some of the most diverse coastlines on the planet. After spending years crisscrossing this amazing country—from the bustling surf breaks of Bali to quiet, forgotten coves in Maluku—I’ve learned one truth: not all Indonesian beaches are created equal, but every single one has a glow of its own. Whether you are chasing world-class waves, seeking secluded honeymoon vibes, or looking for underwater marine adventures, here is your ultimate guide to the best beaches in Indonesia. Bali ,Indonesia                                                                ...