Wilderness Beach on the Garden Route in the Western Cape is Africa’s second most relaxing beach. Picture: Supplied
As part of efforts to find the most relaxing beaches for travellers, SpaSeekers.com conducted research and analysed online travel reviews to uncover the most relaxing beaches to visit around the world.
The research looked at the number of times the word “relaxing” was mentioned in online travel reviews. So if you’re keen on knowing where travellers feel most at ease, here are the top 5 most relaxing beaches.
Little French Key – Honduras
The research reveals that the world’s most relaxing beach can be found on the private island of Little French Key, which offers visitors pristine beaches and clear turquoise waters to enjoy.
Visitors to the beach clearly feel that it is the perfect spot to escape the stresses of everyday life, with almost 17% of more than 4 250 reviews referring to the hot spot as “relaxing”.
Palm Cove – Australia
Following in second spot is Palm Cove Beach in North Queensland, Australia, with 15.3% of its 2 228 reviews referring to the spot as the perfect place to relax and unwind.
Lined with tropical palm trees, the beach offers travellers the opportunity to unwind with a swim, with ocean water temperatures on the beach staying warm all year, ranging from 23–29ºC.
Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach – Iceland
A unique type of beach is the world’s third-most relaxing beach, according to online travel reviews.
Reykjavik’s Nauthólsvík Geothermal Beach is a beach where the cold waters of the North Atlantic are warmed by geothermal energy.
The sandy beach provides visitors a spot to relax and recharge, while its warm lagoon with a streaming hot tub allows locals and tourists to relax all year round.
Just over 15% of online reviews refer to this one-of-a-kind beach as “relaxing”, providing the perfect beach at which to recharge in an unlikely climate.
Yas Beach – United Arab Emirates
The fourth most serene beach in the world can be found on the vibrant Yas Island in Abu Dhabi.
Yas Beach is a popular destination for adventure-lovers and relaxation-seekers alike. With 14.9% of its 1 096 reviews referring to the spot as “relaxing”, it outperforms many neighbouring beaches as an idyllic tranquil escape for beach-goers around the world.
Saud Beach – Philippines
Saud Beach is located in Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte, Philippines. This beach, also called North Boracay, is famous for its stunning white sand and crystal-blue waters.
This place is perfect as a tourist destination for those of you looking for peace and escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. The beach received 14.5% of reviews saying that it is “relaxing”.
The site also said its data showed that North America is the continent which is home to the most relaxing beaches, with 42% (21) of the top 50, and three of the top 10 relaxing beaches being scattered across the region.
They also noted that Asia follows with 16 relaxing destinations in the top 50, and nine of those ranking in the top 25 alone, including Cambodia’s Otres Beach and Vietnam’s popular An Bang Beach.
“In Africa, Dalia Beach in Morocco takes the top spot (6.8%), with South Africa’s Wilderness Beach placing in second,” said the site.
Commenting on the findings, Jason Goldberg, director at SpaSeekers.com, said when the stress of everyday life gets on top of you, booking a beach holiday to a country far away can be the perfect way to unwind and relax.
“Regardless of the beach you’re relaxing on, being close to the sea provides a peaceful escape for many people, away from the hustle and bustle of our busy lives.
“The calming crashing of waves against the shore, feeling the sand beneath your feet and the breeze on your skin, can ground you back in the present moment and offer a soothing connection to the world’s most beautiful natural coastlines,” said Goldberg.