Beaches

From Ipanema to Copacabana, Brazil has some of the most famous beaches in the world. But with more than 4,600 miles of Atlantic coastline - 3,000 miles of which is beach -- you won’t have to go far to find a stretch of sand which is completely quiet.

Costa Rica’s Central American location is an enviable one, sandwiched as it is between the Caribbean and Pacific coasts. The country has almost 1,300 km of coastline, and in many places the mountain peaks and rainforest run right down to the sandy shore.

Did you know that Peru has 2,250 miles of Pacific coastline and dozens of glorious beaches along that shore? The sands stretch inland, too, to the dunes and mysterious ancient geoglyphs in the Sechura Desert at the foot of the Andes.

Miavana is a luxurious island eco-resort set in an important Madagascan marine park. Come here for diving, snorkeling and whale watching, sleep out under the stars, or hire a helicopter to take to you on a day trip to a nearby island.

Ellerman House is the quintessential private retreat for a family or group of friends, and the spa is truly world class. Be sure to dine in at least one night as the cellars are stocked with 17,000 bottles of wine.