Sexiness, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. But with surf, sand, sun and swimsuits, beaches are universally hot — and we’re not just talking about the summer temperatures. We’ve scoured the globe to find the best beaches that offer sexiness in all its forms (including, yes, eye candy+Hot chicks). Read on and enjoy.
Oahu’s North Shore, Hawaii: Honolulu’s Waikiki Beach gets the limelight, but it also draws the tourists — seemingly all of them. Ditch the crowds by doing as the locals do: Head to the north side of the island (and if you’re into people-watching at beaches, you’ll definitely want to see these locals). The North Shore is surf central, where the huge waves attract throngs of boarders … and bikinis. If you’re still hot to hit Waikiki, no worries: Oahu’s small enough that you can do them both in a day.
Eleuthera, Bahamas: The name of this island gem means “free” in Greek, and that’s exactly the way you’ll feel here. Fronting the North Atlantic 50 miles east of Nassau, Eleuthera is a string bean of an island: 110 miles long and only a mile wide at some points. That means much of Eleuthera consists of beach, beach and more beach, all calling for you and your fellow sunbathers to lie back and relax on the sand.
Saint-Tropez, France: If it’s beautiful people you seek, jet-set your way to the French Riviera. It’s appropriate that Saint-Tropez will be forever associated with Brigitte Bardot, the glamorous French actress and sex symbol, because this is the ultimate sexy European beach. The Saint-Tropez atmosphere is distinctly a moneyed one: The rich, powerful and famous flock here in droves, and French newspaper Le Figaro once claimed that Saint-Tropez boasts “the greatest number of famous faces per square meter.”
Venice Beach, Calif.: Saint-Tropez hardly has a monopoly on celebrities, though; Venice Beach in Los Angeles is full of them, particularly actors (plenty of them live right here) taking a break from film shoots. With its sunny weather, warm ocean and abundant sports activities, Venice Beach practically embodies the term “California dreaming.” On the way to the beach, be sure to take a stroll through the bustling scene of Ocean Front Walk.
Lhaviani Atoll, Maldives: This glorified piece of coral surrounded by the Indian Ocean has in recent years seen a rise in tourism and several new resorts, but it’s still one of the best places to get away from it all. Strewn with white sands and colorful flowers, this lush paradise is unparalleled for sun-seeking as well as scuba diving and snorkeling. Think thatched roofs on stilt-borne villas rising out of tropical lagoon waters: If that’s not a recipe for sexiness, we don’t know what is.
Kolymbithres Beach, Greece: Cue the bacchanalia! Kolymbithres Beach has a reputation for exuberance, replete with topless revelers and copious quantities of ouzo. Making Kolymbithres unique is its sinuous, undulating rock formations that roll gently into the waves — perfect props for sunbathers putting themselves on display. Bring along your sense of fun when you come here, but leave your inhibitions at home.
Lanzarote, Canary Islands: There are 90 beaches on this volcanic Spanish island off the coast of Africa, offering something for nearly every traveler. You’ll find surfing splendor in the north, and more secluded fare in the south. The sands even come in three different colors: white, golden and black. Nude beachgoing is a favorite pursuit in some parts of Lanzarote, but skimpy swimsuits are popular everywhere.
Copacabana and Ipanema, Rio de Janeiro: Practically right next to each other, Copacabana (so much more than the eponymous Barry Manilow song) and Ipanema (similarly famous from the 1960s bossa nova hit, “The Girl From Ipanema”) offer the quintessential Brazilian experience with heavy, heavenly hedonism. Sun-worshippers gather here daily, and since this is Rio, they’re frequently at the height of fashion and at the top of the charts for eye-pleasing aesthetics.
Lover’s Beach, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico: With a name like Lover’s Beach — or in Spanish, Playa del Amor — how can this place not be sexy? You’ll need a boat to reach this scenic beach at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, where the Pacific Ocean kisses the Sea of Cortés, but it’s well worth the effort. The warm, inviting waters deepen from turquoise to lapis just offshore, and the high rocks of the surrounding cove seal you off from intruding eyes.
Bondi Beach, Australia: Residents of the land Down Under aren’t known for being a high-strung bunch; they’re not shy about flaunting friendly smiles or tiny swimwear. Located near Sydney, Bondi Beach is not the place to go if you like to stay covered up — as evidenced by Bondi’s claim to the world’s largest swimsuit photo shoot in 2007, when more than 1,000 women posed in bikinis. Of course, men like to get into the act too; make sure to watch the races between scantily clad members of local lifesaving clubs.
South Beach, Miami: Looking for the optimal balance of bouncing beach activity and achingly hip nightlife? Search no further than South Beach. The 1980s television series “Miami Vice” helped popularize this barrier-island beach on Biscayne Bay, and South Beach is still just as cool as you thought Don Johnson was then. Just across the street from the beach, Ocean Drive is packed with the trendiest of clubs and nightspots — and its colorful Art Deco buildings are almost as beautiful to behold as the partiers inside.
Crane Beach, Barbados: There may be no better spot on Earth to enjoy a tête-a-tête with your lover. Private, serene and breathtakingly beautiful, Crane Beach has been a honeymoon-destination favorite for decades. Indeed, no less than “Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous” has called Crane Beach one of the world’s 10 best. Right next to the beach, the Crane Resort is lovely and historic, dating back to 1887.
Ka’anapali Beach, Maui, Hawaii: This lovely stretch of western Maui sand was once the preferred beach for Hawaiian royalty — how’s that for sexy? The sunsets here are legendary, and the myriad luxury resorts fronting the beach are some of the best you’ll find. After you finish sunbathing and snorkeling, put on your flowery lei and explore the surrounding area, which includes the historic town of Lahaina and PGA-worthy golf courses.
Punta del Este, Uruguay: Trendy and hopping, Punta del Este is a beach bonanza on the southernmost point of Uruguay. Most or all of its beaches are open to the public, and the most famous section has a highly auspicious, and well-earned, name: Bikini Beach. As a bonus, Punta del Este’s peninsula location means you can choose between the calmer waters on the inland side and the windier action by the ocean.
Patong Beach, Thailand: The good life, thy name is Patong. The Phuket beach is perfect whether you want to relax with an intimate gathering or indulge in body-grinding crowds. Though it’s (rightly) famous for its party-hearty nightlife, Patong Beach’s lesser-known joy lies in lounging on the soft white sands under the beach’s ubiquitous umbrellas, strolling the shore and taking in the sounds of the excellent music scene. Use the lazy day to rest up for what’s sure to be a vibrant evening ahead.
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