Alain St.Ange, CEO of the Seychelles Tourism Board, said that he was happy with the findings published by the National Geographic book, which lists Anse Source d’Argent on the island of La Digue as one of the World’s Best Beaches.
The clean white sandy beaches of the Seychelles have again pulled an international recognition as being the best. This time it is the National Geographic book that has listed Anse Source d’Argent beach as one of the most sought beaches in the world. Second after the Seychelles was the Maldives, which was followed by Tahiti.
“Our beaches are one of our unique selling points, alongside our clean and clear turquoise blue seas, our unspoiled nature, the diversity of our islands as Seychelles remains unique as a group of islands to have both granitic and coral islands, the diversity of our people among others. We are happy that a respected publication such as the National Geographic book has taken notice of the best of the best. Seychelles today has over 50% of its land area dedicated to natural reserves, because we care about our environment, and our government is clearly demonstrating that they are serious custodians of our environment and unique treasures for our future generations and for the world to see as they visit this last paradise on Earth,” said Alain St.Ange when contacted by the press following this listing by National Geographic.
Below is the listing as published by the National Geographic book – The 10 Best of Everything:
1. SEYCHELLES http://www.seychelles.com
One of the most photographed beaches in the world, the pale pink sands of Anse Source dโArgent unfurls across the island of La Digue, one of the 115 components of this archipelago in the Indian Ocean. The sands sparkle against a backdrop of towering granite boulders, worn by time and weather. The turquoise water is relatively shallow and protected from the oceanโs waves by a reef.
2. MALDIVES http://www.visitmaldives.com
Whether your dream beach trip consists of spending a few pampered nights in a four-star resort or swimming among tropical fish some 80 feet (24 meters) underwater, the Maldives are the sort of islands where either or both can come true. Straddling the equator southwest of Sri Lanka, the 1,102 islands that make up the Maldives form 26 atolls. The soft air enveloping the archipelago blends into a beautiful palm-fringed haze.
3. BORA BORA, TAHITI http://www.boraboraisland.com
This is one of the magical islands that make up French Polynesia in the South Pacific. Just 18 miles (29 kilometers) long, this lush little slip of land lies in a protected lagoon edged by white sandy shores, the best being at Matira Point. Bora Bora boasts the nickname the โRomantic Island,โ a moniker easy to appreciate with its isolated beaches, intimate hotels, and quiet atmosphere.
4. THE HAMPTONS, NEW YORK http://www.hamptons.com
One of the hip spots for the air-kissing, well-heeled set, the Hamptons boast some of the prettiest beaches on Long Island. The unspoiled shoreline begins around Southampton and runs east to the end of the island at Montauk. Windswept dunes and waving grasses border the Atlantic Ocean.
5. LANIKAI BEACH, HAWAII http://www.hawaii.com
Half a mile of sparkling sand, palm trees swaying over a white beach, lush tropical plants, and endless sunshine make Lanikai one of Hawaiiโs most scenic beaches. The shore is protected by a nearby coral reef, which keeps the surf relatively calm. The water is always deep green and postcard-perfect.
6. NANTUCKET ISLAND, MASSACHUSETTS http://www.nantucket.net
The most popular beaches on this island in the North Atlantic are Surfside and Childrenโs. The waters here are relatively calm, and thereโs plenty of sand to use for sunbathing or castle-building. Madaket Beach is known for its rougher surf and not-to-be-missed sunsets. Quidnet Beach provides great views of Sankaty Head lighthouse.
7. FRASER ISLAND, AUSTRALIA http://www.seefraserisland.com
Perched on the sunny Queensland coast 161 miles (259 kilometers) northeast of Brisbane, Fraser Island is the worldโs largest sand island and home to a wonderful beach. This World Heritage Site is an ecologistโs dream, with 640 square miles (1,664 square kilometers) of unspoiled natural paradise. Rain forests with 1,000-year-old trees sprout from the sand. Lodgings here accommodate a wide range of tourists, from the backpacking ecology lover to pampered resort fans.
8. ST. BART’S http://www.st-barths.com
One of many islands in the Caribbean Sea, St. Bartโs stands out with its blend of French chic and island relaxation. With beautiful secluded beaches, fine French cuisine, and gracious hotels, this tropical playground is popular with the Jet Set. The 8-mile-long (13-kilometer-long) island is edged by 20 beaches and small coves for swimmers and sunbathers, with sparkling water and white sand.
9. LANGKAWI, MALAYSIA http://www.langkawi.com.my
The name โLangkawiโ translates into โthe land of oneโs wishes,โ a welcoming concept that somewhat belies the islandโs historic origins as a reputed refuge for pirates. Langkawi has since become a modern hideaway for the traveler seeking an escape. If your vacation wishes extend from uncrowded white sands and clear waters to lush green forests, you will find yourself content here. Datai Bay, located on Pulau Langkawi, is a heavenly retreat on the Andaman Sea.
10. KAUNA’OA BAY, HAWAII
Located on the Kohala Coast of the Aloha Stateโs Big Island, Kaunaโoa Bay is the quintessential Hawaiian spot. The 0.25-mile-long (0.4-kilometer-long), crescent-shaped beach has plenty of white sand, palm trees, and calm, clear, blue water. In addition to swimming and sunbathing, beachgoers here can snorkel or ride boogie boards. (Be careful swimming, however, because there are no lifeguards on this public beach.) At night, nestle into the sands and peer out into the water to see if you can catch a glimpse of manta rays swimming.