Ask the ETW Agents: What is Your Favorite Beach?
Written on August 28, 2025
Summer is winding down, but you can enjoy a beach day year-round in many of the team’s favorite travel destinations. To celebrate National Beach Day on August 30, here are a few of our favorite beaches around the world.
Sanibel Island, Florida – chosen by Lois
Captiva and Sanibel are located about three miles off the coast of Fort Myers, Florida and evoke very low-key island vibes perfect for a relaxing escape. Combined, Sanibel and Captiva boast 15 miles of beach, 25 miles of bike paths, 50 types of fish, 230 types of birds, and 250 varieties of shells. Sanibel Island is ranked as the number one shelling spot in North America, and some hotels feature rooms with worktables and special sinks to assist those partaking in the hobby.
Take your pick from a variety of beaches, from relaxing at pristine and quiet Bowman’s Beach to windsurfing at Causeway Beach, to shelling at Blind Pass Beach.
Why Lois loves Sanibel Island: Collecting seashells!
Grace Bay Beach, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos – chosen by Roberta and Nichola
Roberta and Nichola are in good company with their pick for favorite beach in the world, as Grace Bay Beach consistently earns top honors as “Best Beach in the World” from TripAdvisor and “World’s Leading Beach Destination” from the World Travel Awards. The clear turquoise water gently lapping soft white sandy shores is picture-perfect here, and a barrier reef offshore even protects the beach from the large swells of the Atlantic. The direction of the trade winds at Grace Bay also prevents the sargassum that can accumulate on the beaches of other Caribbean destinations.
Why Roberta loves Grace Bay: The water is crystal clear and feels like bath water…it’s just so beautiful!
Why Nichola loves Grace Bay: The sand is soft and white, and the water is turquoise and clear! I’ve haven’t been to any other beach like it.
Cassis, France – chosen by Melanie
Cassis, a former fishing village-turned beloved seaside resort town, is located on the coast of the Mediterranean at the gates of Calanques. Unique beaches with interesting land features, streets lined with shops, and the lure of watersports appeal to beachgoers of all varieties. To be in the heart of Cassis, people opt for Plage de la Grande Mer at the foot of a medieval castle for its nice amenities and proximity to delightful restaurants. For the charm of a pebble beach with stunning views of the cliffs of Cap Canaille, Bestouan Beach caters to accessibility needs and also offers refreshments on site.
Why Melanie loves Cassis: I was in Europe during a heatwave and our plans for Marseille changed so we went to Cassis. We enjoyed cooling off in the water, and the beachside restaurant we ate at had the absolute best mussels!
Kāʻanapali Beach, Maui, Hawaii – Chosen by Bill
Choosing a favorite beach among the many contenders of the Hawaiian Islands can be a challenge, but Kāʻanapali Beach on Maui’s western shore really shines. Three miles of white sand and clear water are perfect for relaxing by day, but when the sun sets, a special evening ceremony really captivates visitors. To reenact a feat by the revered King Kahekili, a diver lights the torches along the cliffs of Black Rock and gracefully plunges to the Pacific waters below. Whale watching, experiencing a bird’s eye view of the shore via zipline, or simply relaxing on the balcony of one of the beach’s five oceanfront resorts are all ways to enjoy this dreamy coastline.
Why Bill loves Kāʻanapali Beach: It’s wide, long, and free of grass and rocks.
Honorable Mentions
With so many amazing trips taken over the years by the team members at Encompass the World, it’s no surprise that a few other beach destinations were mentioned. Here are some additional notes from the team:
- Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman, one of the top-rated beaches in the world.
- Antigua boasts 365 beaches, one for every day of the year, and all are stunning.
- The beaches of Bermuda with their pink sand are truly special.
Planning a beach vacation is always a good idea, but planning a beach vacation during a cold dreary winter is a great idea! Contact our team to discuss our favorite beaches and we’ll help you discover yours.
