Beach Butter

Archive for August, 2009

For those who’ve tried them, Mexican beach resorts are among the most relaxing vacations or getaways one can imagine long stretches of beach, palm trees, a cerveza or margarita never far from one’s grasp. It’s easy to drift along like some white fluffy cloud with your only worry being when the next drink server will come along.

But not many folks can afford to do this very often.Today’s air fare is a little higher than in past years so these aren’t exactly cheap vacations. And it’s hardly worth going to Mexico unless you can stay a week — who has a week anymore to just sit and do nothing?

The answer is to find a similar resort that’s a little closer and, when you eliminate your airfare, a little cheaper. You need to find someplace where you can just hop in your car and drive a few hours, stay two or three days, and get back home just as refreshed as if you’d been to the Mexican Riviera.

You need to check out the Embassy Suites Hotel Mandalay Beach Resort in, of all places, Oxnard, California. This is a California vacation that feels like you’re in the heart of Mexico.

Before we visited the Mandalay Beach Resort, my only recollection of Oxnard was a time when I was 19 years old driving through California with a buddy, eating cans of tuna fish to save money and looking for a place to crash that was just as cheap as cheap could get. We found just such a place in Oxnard, but were too scared of our surroundings to get to sleep.

Fast forward to Oxnard of the New Millennium and, while its tourism infrastructure is not quite complete, the area is fast becoming a popular destination for people who enjoy California beach vacations. About an hour’s drive northwest of Los Angeles, the area is close enough to major population areas to be accessible, yet undeveloped enough to feel like you’re really getting away from the rat race.

Positioned on some of the best real estate in the Oxnard area, the Mandalay Beach Resort is everything that the Oxnard visitor industry wants to be  it’s a waterfront playground that has style, lots of amenities, plenty of wide-open spaces and a wide beach that stretches for miles. And, yes, it has plenty of Mexican beer and margaritas.

Traveling Highway 101 northwest from Los Angeles, you’d never imagine that this resort area was just a few miles off the freeway. The urban sprawl along the freeway is not particularly attractive and most people headed north know that an especially spectacular beachside city of Santa Barbara is just another half hour ahead. So it’s no wonder that people just don’t think of Oxnard when they think vacation paradise.

But if you take the Victoria Avenue exit and travel across several miles of agricultural fields, you will come to the Mandalay Beach area, one of many beaches along this part of the coast. The Mandalay Bay Resort with its attractive early California Spanish design, is a large complex of several buildings that include 248 suites in all. Tropical plants, giant palm trees of every variety and a series of waterfalls give the resort a feeling similar to many beachside resorts we have visited in places like Puerto Vallarta, Cancun and Cozumel. An inviting pool is the centerpiece for the courtyard while the resort’s restaurant and bar areas are nearby.

We immediately explored the grounds and found our way out to the many paved walking and bike paths that traverse the beach. Parked near the resort’s beach entrance were several peddle-cars and bicycles that, as far as we could tell, were getting rented quite frequently by the many families who were staying at the resort.

The beach itself was one of the most inviting we’ve seenin Southern California. The resort looks out onto an area of sand dunes and, beyond that, the broad beach. Off in the distance we saw the Channel Islands, an easy boat trip from nearby Channel Islands Harbor. Once out to the beach, we noticed that there was plenty of walking — both north and south — and, even though this was a warm summer Sunday, not a lot of people compared with other Southern California beaches.

A little bit north of the resort is the Mandalay Beach at Oxnard Park with its sweeping lawns and outdoor facilities. Further south is Hollywood Beach, which was the location for a movie called The Sheik starring Rudolph Valentino. Filmed in 1924, the movie needed a location with an Arabian feel and this part of the coast was deemed to have it.

Back at the resort, we settled in for some serious poolside sun tanning and could see that the guests were a mixture of couples and families who seemed typical of the crowd you would find at any Mexican beach resort. For all intents and purposes this was Mexico  just a kinder, gentler version in which you have no worries about the water, the food or the airfare.

The suites at the Mandalay are spacious and comfortable. Our “king suite” had a king bed in one room and sofa-bed in the other room. The unit was apartment-like with a refrigerator, coffee maker, microwave and wet bar  although you won’t need a kitchen for breakfast because a big one is offered free for all guests. Our suite opened out to the beach and had a separate table and chairs on the patio with a nearby lawn area.

California beach vacations can include much more than sitting on the beach, and the Mandalay is no exception. There is plenty todo in the Oxnard area including many beach and ocean activities. You can take a trip out to the Channel Islands National Park  either half or full day excursions are offered. Kayaks, paddle boats and motor boats are available for rent. Or, if you just enjoy being around boats, visit the spectacular Channel Islands Harbor, home to 2,600 boat slips, a maritime museum, three shopping centers and some waterside restaurants.

Not far from Oxnard, Ventura and Santa Barbara are great day trips that are quick and easy to reach by car. About a half-hour drive east from the resort is the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, which we made a point to visit in Simi Valley. The death of Reagan and the resulting publicity apparently has created even more interest in Reagan and this fascinating collection of artifacts, photos and records help us to learn more about our former president.

Located on a magnificent piece of land overlooking the Simi Valley, the Reagan Library is well organized and includes interesting bits of memorabilia at every turn. Outside the library is a piece of the Berlin Wall, as well as Reagan’s final resting place. Inside are clothing, jewelry, desks, private papers  just about anything you can imagine  taken from various points of Reagan’s life. Photos help us to remember how it was  for example, when you see a dress worn by Nancy Reagan, you also will see a photo of her wearing that dress. Especially interesting was the full-scale replica of the Oval Office  which gives you a real sense of what that room feels like, and how large it is.

So, as it turned out, our trip to a Mexican-like resort actually was much more than cerveza and margaritas  it turned out to be a history lesson as well.

AT A GLANCE

WHERE: Oxnard is 65 miles northwest of Los Angeles and about 30 miles southeast of Santa Barbara.

WHAT: The Embassy Suites Hotel Mandalay Beach is a one-of-a-kind resort in Oxnard, clearly the crown jewel of the local tourism industry. While the beach is public, the resort is the only major hotel taking advantage of that particular stretch of sand. Hence, the beach is beautiful, but uncrowded. As California beach vacations go, this is in the top tier.

WHEN: Any time of the year. Weather in this part of Southern California is pleasant year-round, although nights will be chilly  and the ocean will be much colder — in winter. Be sure to check for travel deals and vacation packages that may be available certain times of the year. This resort does not fall under the heading of “cheap vacations” but prices are reasonable.

WHY: The Mandalay Beach Resort is an easy-to-reach, full service resort that is off-the-beaten path but still close to many beach services and activities. It’s a great drive-to substitute for a Mexican beach vacation.

HOW: To make a reservation or get more information, phone 1-805-984-2500 or 1-800-EMBASSY, or go to www.mandalaybeach.embsuites.com. Prices per night for a king suite are about $265 and include free breakfast and a free evening reception. For more information on the Reagan Presidential Library, call (800) 410-8354

India enjoys a long coastline of 6000 km dotted with some of the most exquisite beaches of South Asia. These inviting beaches beckon thousands of tourists from all over the world. Thanks to these beaches and their paradisaical ambience, India is emerging as one of the top destination for theme holidays. In fact, Beach Holidays in India in combination with its culture, traditions and heritage present heady cocktail which is seen nowhere in the world. Choosing your beach destination could be a perplexing task as India is replete with hundreds of good beaches which are unique in their own right.

Goa – the beach capital of India – is dotted with numerous beaches with a host of tourist facilities and hotels around them. No wonder then, Goa is thronged by tourists all the year round. Thanks to the beautiful beaches in Goa, the state is popularly called the pearl of the east.

Based on geography, Goan beaches can be divided in two parts – Northern Goa beaches and Southern Goa beaches. While north Goa beaches like Anjuna, Calangute, Baga, Miramar and Mobor are highly commercial and thronged by large number of vacationers, the south Goa beaches like Colva, Utorda, Varca, Betalbatim and Palolem offer more calm and quiet corners to hang around on the Beach Vacations in India.

Goan beaches are perfect for hiking, swimming, sun-bathing and water sports. Anjuna beach is famous for its rave parties and shopping facilities while Calangute and Baga are known for their water sports facilities like wind surfing, snorkeling, speed boating, water skiing, parasailing and deep sea fishing. The silvery beaches of Colva and Palolem are top draw amongst the tourists for their pristine beauty. They are more or less untouched by commercial activity.

If you are looking for more quieter beaches for your beach vacations, then some beaches in Gujarat such as Diu and Karnataka such as Gokarna (situated near Goa) will offer exactly what you are in search of. Tamil Nadu’s Mamallapuram beach and Orissa’s Gopalpur are also some of the finest beaches with tiny hamlets and colonial ruins in quiet ambience.

Kerala is famous for its lush greenery and natural beauty. There are numerous beach destinations in this God’s own country: Kovalam, Varakala, Fort Kochi, Kappad, Cherai, Alleppey, Bekal, Beypore, Marai and many more. All these beaches have their own individuality and charm. No matter where you go in Kerala, you will surely experience a memorable beach holidays in India.

Kerala Beaches also offer a range of water sports and adventure sports. If adrenaline rush is your thing then catamaran sailing, speed boating and scuba diving are for you. Those who don’t want to indulge in these sports can relax and unwind on the beach having sun bath, angling or just hiking around.

Beach holidays in India will surely offer an experience of a lifetime during your visit to the country. Just make sure you make the most of your time and have fun on offer at your destination of your choice.

Visitors to a Southern California beach usually head straight to the patch of sand they consider “perfect:” Malibu’s wide Zuma Beach; McGrath State Beach’s untouched dunes; or the cobbles and surf breaks of Ventura’s Emma Wood State Beach.

While vastly different, these beaches have one thing in common. They’re all about as natural as a “natural” blonde. Each beach is maintained by careful beach grooming, a complicated and sometimes controversial activity that keeps a beach in a specific condition.

Like a Natural Blonde

Beach grooming is rated in a “hierarchy,” each level a compromise between the needs of humans who visit that beach and the plants and animals that call it home.

Flawless Beaches

Wes Chapin is an  interpretive specialist for the California State Parks Channel Coast District, which operates state beaches from Oxnard to north of Santa Barbara. He says Zuma Beach in Malibu is probably the most highly groomed beach in Southern California. It gets raked to flawlessly smooth sand twice a day in season. But Zuma aside, most busy urban beaches are raked about once daily, by large raking machines or tractor-pulled rakes that  remove debris and large objects.

Natural Beaches

The next level down is grooming that partially removes debris and objects, followed by grooming that only removes minimal debris, trash or non-native plants, and finally no grooming at all, for a truly “natural” beach.

Each level enables that beach’s custodians, be it the state parks system or local cities and counties, to balance their mandates for public use and protecting the environment. Grooming, especially the more intense levels, can remove habitat and for native animals, even if it’s just the tiny bits of seaweed and dead marine animals (called “wrack”) left in the sand. So state agencies and beach advocates must weigh carefully what meets the needs of humans and wildlife at each beach.

Emma Wood State Beach

Those mandates vary by location. Emma Wood State Beach, just north of Ventura, California, is prone to flooding. Its beach remains largely untouched, with natural cobbles instead of sand, which would be impossible to rake anyway. Surfers love the breaks at Emma Wood, RVers love the primitive camping, and wild animals can live and hunt in the brush that grows around the rocky area.

San Buenaventura State Beach, just to the south has some highly groomed stretches, some that get only a light grooming and one area left almost wild, near the mouth of a small stream.

Go Natural

For a completely natural landscape, McGrath State Beach, a few miles farther south of Ventura, is a prime nesting area for two endangered birds: the California least tern and western snowy plover.

The birds nest right in the sand and lay eggs the same color as sand. They’re so well camouflaged that visitors can easily walk through, destroying nests, and not realize it.

To keep the habitat desirable for the terns and plovers, McGrath gets no grooming except to pull out non-native plants such as giant arundo grass, which makes hiding places for predatory foxes. To protect them from humans, visitors are guided away from nesting areas by what Chapin calls, “symbolic” fencing: stakes with lines strung between them to motivate visitors to walk elsewhere.

What’s Best

Whatever the grooming level, Chapin points out that it’s ultimately a matter of preference. One person’s idea of the “perfect” beach might be unblemished sand, but someone else might consider tide pools, seaweed and driftwood the perfect setting.

The best option, Chapin says, is to call ahead, do some research on the Internet, to find the beach that’s right for you.

If you are planning a trip to the shore, one of the most important things to bring is your beach towel. Beach towels give you a comfortable place to sun bathe, a sand-free place to picnic, and a way to dry yourself off after a dip in the water. Whether you’re enjoying a roasted pig on Hawaii’s beautiful shoreline or you’re getting a bronze tan along the beaches of Mexico, you can bet that your beach towel will always come in handy when outdoors.  Beach towels come in many sizes, styles, and designs, including nice big beach towels for the whole family, cute hooded towels ones for the kids, and trendy towels for teens. If you have a big family or spend a lot of time at the pool, buying wholesale beach towels in bulk will save you a lot of money.  Read on to learn more about discount beach towels and how you can get cheap wholesale beach towels.

What are wholesale beach towels?

You can buy wholesale beach towels in bulk a discounted price.  Wholesale vendors usually sell large batches of goods at a lower price.  Retail stores then markup these bulk towels to make a profit.  Thanks to the ease of Internet shopping, you can buy wholesale towels online in bulk or search for closeout deals in the off season.  Consider quality when purchasing wholesale beach towels.  How soft and absorbent is the beach towel? Higher thread count towels tend to feel more luxurious.  Most towels are made from cotton or a blend of cotton and other synthetic fibers.  Egyptian cotton is one of the finest towel textiles and Turkish cotton is also gaining prestige. Many environmentally-conscious consumers are also searching for eco-friendly fabrics like organic cotton.  Textiles made from bamboo are both earth-friendly and naturally anti-bacterial.

Why buy wholesale beach towels?

Perhaps the most obvious benefit of buying wholesale beach towels is the discounted price.  The money that you save from buying cheap beach towels can go into your savings account and cover your little extra vacation expenses, like a decadent dessert or a special souvenir. Buying beach towels in bulk is also more convenient.  Buy beach towels in bulk from a wholesale shop and you’ll be stocked up for several seasons.  You can even get beach towels in bunches to supply your entire family with matching towels on your next outing. Summer camps, beach clubs, and swim teams may also need a large volume of identical beach towels. Retail stores may not have enough stock to supply the order and you would have to pay full retail price.  If you purchase wholesale beach towels instead, you will be able to fill your entire order and get the discounted beach towels for a great deal. Companies and organizations can even buy wholesale beach towels and have a logo added.  Personalized wholesale beach towels make a fun giveaway item or party favor at company picnics or beach parties.

How can you buy wholesale beach towels?

You will find a number of vendors that sell wholesale beach towels at discount prices.  Research the Internet to select the right type of beach towel and then search online wholesalers to find the best deal on cheap beach towels.  Comparing prices online is a good money saving strategy.  Many wholesale shops sell directly through the Internet, even offering online product catalogs that you can easily browse through.  You can also find discounted beach towels from online classifieds and e-commerce shops.  No matter what your needs, wholesale stores can supply you with the perfect beach towels at just the right price.

It’s all about beaches and ocean in Puerto Peñasco. Sandy beaches, rocky beaches, beaches for swimming, shelling or just bumming around. There is wind surfing, fishing, sailing, or jet skiing, and tide pools to explore when the tide is out. With miles of beaches available stretching from northwest to southeast of the town, whatever you want from a beach you can find here.

Note that in Mexico all beaches are are, by law, open to the public. Along the beaches of Rocky Point there are rarely any lifeguards available, so although the water is generally very safe for swimming, do take reasonable precautions. The best swimming is from May through October, as it is generally too cold for swimming during the winter months. And remember: all vehicles are prohibited on the beaches of Puerto Penasco.

You will find many references to beaches in the region as being “west” or “east” due to the way the land curves away as you head south. For instance, Playa Encanto and Playa La Jolla might be described as “Eastern beaches” while Sandy Beach is a “Western beach”. I find that somewhat confusing, though, so in case it confuses you, too, I will be describing the beaches as going from north to south, as indeed they ultimately do. To the right is a Google-earth satellite view showing the general lay of the land.

I’ll start this description of Rocky Point’s beaches at the northern end with Pelican Beach and head south as far as Playa San Jorge.

Pelican Beach: Beginning north of town are the beaches fronting the Laguna Shores and Laguna del Mar developments, which are located along the curve of Cholla Bay. These 2 masterplanned developments share a pristine estuary teeming with wildlife– bring your binoculars and camera! (Future plans for this area also include the Laguna del Sol and Marina Real communities.) Part of the larger Estero La Cholla (pictured at the top of this post), you are encouraged to help keep this estuary as clean and pristine as it is today. You know: “Take only pictures and leave only footprints”. Pelican Beach (so called because of the number of brown pelicans that hang out in the area) is located near the bottom edge of Laguna del Mar. It is a good place to go clamming or crabbing. This lovely stretch of beach curves to the southwest until it reaches the little jut of land where the La Cholla community is found. From the main highway north out of town, take the clearly marked turn off going to Laguna Shores/Laguna del Mar.

La Cholla (sometimes spelled La Choya): La Cholla is the oldest established foreigner-dominated enclave in the area. Set at the end of a little peninsula that juts like a finger into the Sea of Cortez at the southern end of Cholla Bay and Laguna del Mar, there is not much in the way of sandy beaches here. Probably the best one is called Tucson Beach. Though small, Tucson Beach offers calm water for wading and swimming when the tide is in. It also affords easy launching and retrieval of watercraft if you happen to be living or renting in the area and have a boat.

This peninsula is often called Pelican Point. Its rocky shores are part of a submerged 15-mile reef, and when the tide goes out it goes waaaay out! This is an advantage, however, for anyone who loves to explore tide pools, and due to the prevailing on-shore winds and shallow water it is excellent for kite sailing. This is also a great fishing spot for red snapper, whitefish, halibut, gold spotted bass and black sea bass! Don’t count it out.

Sandy Beach (Playa Arenosa): At the southern edge of the La Cholla peninsula begins the miles-long sweep of Sandy Beach. The construction along its edges (Sandy Beach Resorts) is the first thing you see when approaching town; you can see the highrise condos from 10 to 15 miles out. There are a lot of activities available at this beautiful beach area, including swimming, snorkeling, SCUBA diving, water skiing, parasailing, jet skiing, surfing, fishing, clamming, or just basking in the sunshine. The crescent-shaped beach has miles of largely undisturbed sand dunes flowing inland. At its southern end it merges into Playa Bonita, and the two areas share many attributes.

Playa Bonita/Playa Hermosa: Playa Bonita/Playa Hermosa sweeps from the bottom of Sandy Beach in a great arc southward to the Peñasco del Sol resort area of downtown and is the main beachfront for that area. Technically an extension of Sandy Beach, this beautiful stretch of beach is loved by both locals and visitors, with easy access throughout most of its length. When the tide is very low the seaweed, rocks and tide pools are exposed. This provides a perfect time to explore the pools for the strange and wonderful variety of marine creatures that live there. Kids of all ages love this, but do be careful what you touch.

At the northern end of this beach you will find the well-established Playa Bonita and Laos Mar hotels. Anchoring its southern end, as already mentioned, is the Peñasco del Sol (formerly Plaza Las Glorias). Within walking distance of the Peñasco del Sol are many shops and restaurants, which makes this a very popular location. On a busy day, parking anywhere near it can be challenging. This is also where the rocky area of the beach that circles most of the town begins.

Mirador Beach: Located right around the corner from Old Port’s Malecon, this is the closest beach to the oldest parts of downtown Rocky Point. Comprised of both sandy and rocky shores, it is only about three blocks south of the Peñasco del Sol. Besides having the advantage of an excellent beach and superior tide pooling when the tide is out, this area is home to many of the town’s favorite night spots such as Manny’s, Pink Cadillac, the Pithaya, and Baja Cantina. Mirador is Spring Break country, the center of action for partying for the young crowd every spring. The process of sprucing up the Mirador area is well underway, with upscale mixed use development planned for the area.

Las Conchas: Las Conchas is a 6-mile-long straight stretch of beautiful, pristine beaches with low bluffs and big sand dunes punctuating its length. Located along the northwestern shores of the Morua Estuary, this beach is mostly sandy and shallow; you can walk way out in many places even when the tide is not out. Excellent for shore fishing and shelling (and star gazing at night).

Playa La Jolla: Located at the East Beach development area, about 15 minutes south of town by car and separated from Las Conchas’ beach by the mouth to the Morua Estuary. Playa La Jolla offers a perfect place to take in the sun, go for a walk, collect shells and enjoy the scenery and serenity. While close to town, it is not uncommon to find yourself almost alone on this beautiful beach. The beach here is wide, sandy, and rock free.

Playa Encanto: Ditto Playa La Jolla, which essentially shares the same beach with La Jolla, and you already know what this beach area is all about. Both are excellent for shelling, so bring along a baggie to save your treasure in.

North Beach: North Beach is a development area that has been very controversial for a decade, and the controversy continues to this day. You can find out more about the real estate debacles there via Google, but for our purposes I will say only that the beaches are outstanding. Playa Dorada and Playa Miramar are two of the beaches/developments in this area.

Playa Dorada: Playa Dorada is almost a 30 minute drive from town. Like most of the beaches in the area it is wide, sandy, and covered in shells– some of them HUGE. If you like deserted beaches and quiet, you can’t go wrong with Playa Dorada.

Playa Miramar: Ditto Playa Miramar, just below Playa Dorada and sharing all of the latter’s attributes.

Mayan Palace: Located in the La Pinta Estuary, at kilometer 24 along the Peñasco – Caborca highway (a 30 to 40 minute drive), this massive resort development has about 2 miles of unspoiled beachfront. Located along the La Pinta Estuary, this place is an ecological haven for marine creatures and birds and has excellent shelling. On the southeastern part of the beach, about a mile from the resort, many sea creatures can be found during low tide, along with huge, hand-sized shells. The sand is also great for building sand castles.

Playa San Jorge: Just across the bay from the new Mayan Palace Resort, where the land curves more toward the south, is the San Jorge Estuary, with beaches that rival those of its neighbor. Though there is some development in the area, if you make it all the way down to Playa San Jorge you can be assured of isolation, if that is what you desire. Bring your own shade, water and plenty of sunscreen. And don’t forget your binoculars (for bird and critter watching) and camera. This is what beaches are all about.

And there you have it. Enjoy the fabulous beaches of Rocky Point, Mexico!

A country home to breathtaking beaches, Thailand attracts beach lovers in droves from all around the world. If all you were looking for was an idyllic beach holiday, Thailand is the best place to be in this summer! The most beautiful beaches of Thailand are found in Pattaya, Phuket, Bangkok and Koh Samui. The ideally located beach resorts in Thailand give you easy access to the exciting beach activities.

Phuket Island in Thailand is home to the finest range of beaches. It is one of the favorite destinations for tourists seeking an ultimate tropical holiday! Beach lovers and adventure enthusiasts visiting Phuket from all across the world will get no dearth of beach resorts. Phuket hotels are available in a variety of categories and prices. Accommodation in Phuket varies from luxury hotels to cheap hotels, guest houses to family hotels. The lovely beaches of Phuket such as the Kata Beach, Patong Beach, Karon Beach, Bangtao Beach and Kamala Beach are some of the quiet retreats for the harried traveler! These serene beaches are also home to some of the finest beach resorts in Thailand. Whether you want to spend a relaxing holiday or want to indulge in a great variety of adventure activities, Thailand beach hotels and resorts are conveniently located for your full satisfaction! Lamai Apartment, Chada Guest House, Blue Sky Residence Patong, Lamai Guesthouse, The Bird Cage Patong Guesthouse Phuket, Phuttasa Residence Patong, Toy Beach Residence Patong and Seven Seas Hotel Patong are some of the finest names amongst beach resorts in Thailand.

You will get the best bargains and discounts on some of the beach hotels and resorts services. You have to consult discount hotel booking services to get the lowest rates on your hotel. You can compare rates of the best Thailand beach resorts from hotel booking worldwide before you reserve your hotel.

Bangkok is not home to beaches. But the neighboring islands of Bangkok have some of the beautiful beaches of Thailand. You can arrive at the Suvarnabhumi Airport at Bangkok and get to the nearest beach spots within a few hours. Jomtien Beach, Pattaya, Bang Saen, Koh samet Island, Cha Am, Pranburi and Hua Hin are some of the most popular beaches close to Bangkok. The nearby beaches of Jomtien, Hua Hin and Cha Am offer you both luxury beach hotels and cheap hotels. You can avail accommodations in and around Bangkok to access your beachfront destination conveniently. You can find out more about Bangkok hotels from online hotel booking sites. If you want to grab the best discounts on the hotel amenities, you can consult discount hotel booking sites.

If you are looking for a relaxing beachfront experience near Bangkok, you can visit the beautiful islands near Bangkok. A beachfront experience on the Koh Chang, Koh Tao and Koh Samet Islands, near Bangkok is a must for beach-lovers visiting Thailand. If you want to have some fun diving, the Koh Tao Island is the best place for you. You will get some of the best beachfront accommodations at the on Koh Chang Island, Koh Samet Island and Koh Tao in Thailand.

India having some of incredibly beautiful beaches is one of the most globally popular tourism destinations. India has some of pristine beaches in the world. Tourists from all over the world visit these beaches every year quite in good number. Beaches offer excellent ambiance with activities, solitude, fun, frolic, and of course enchanting parties. Stunningly picturesque beaches in India are also famous among couple who are planning to celebrate their honeymoon in India. Here is information about top 7 beaches of India which tourists can find in west coast. When you will explore these pristine beaches of India you will forget beaches of other countries.

1. Varkala

Situated near Trivandrum (the capital city) in Kerala, Varkala beach is considered among some of pristine beaches in the world. It is gorgeously picturesque this beach provides serene ambiance for perfect sun & sand vacation in India. It is relatively serene substitute to the commercialized beaches of Kovalam. The setting of Varkala is striking & arresting enough to render you speechless.

2. Kovalam

Kovalam is one of the pristine beaches in the world. Situated on the Malabar Coast along it is a small town, formerly a small fishing village. Today Kovalam grab more and more beach lovers from each corner of the world. Today, it has been commercialized but has treasured its striking features and beauty. It is one of the most popular beach hangouts in India. Truly a worth exploring destination it is!

3. Marari

Mind-boggling Marari Beach is truly one of the most spectacular beaches of Kerala, India. It is little known but much praised. It is situated near Alleppey – one of the most popular backwater destinations of Kerala. It is perfect destination for those tourists who prefer to enjoy backwater tours on their India beach tour. The beach is very neat and clean and ideal for mesmerizing beach vacation. The earth conscious Marari Beach Resort is a big draw-card.

4. Baga

Situated in the north Goa, Baga is a globally famous beach destination of India. It draws large crowd of sun & sand lovers from each corner of the world. It has sights that appeal tourists. It has actions that thrill tourists. Water sports, para-sailing, dolphin sightseeing trips, bars, clubs, night life, beach shacks, and restaurants, etc all to make this beach very famous among vacationers from all over the world.

5. Palolem

Situated in south Goa, picturesque Palolem Beach is undoubtedly among one of the best beaches of India, appealing vacationers from each corner of the world. The beach is enclosed by a thick forest of coconut palms creating delightful and romantic ambiance. This picturesque, shady and semi-circle shaped beach can be perfect destinations for couples who have planned for honeymoon in India.

6. Gokarna

Situated in the North Karnataka, Gokarna is a small and holy town. It is famous for its pristine beaches. It appeals tourists of both kinds – pilgrims as well as vacationers. It is considered one of most beautiful beach destination in India.

7. Mahabalipuram

Mahabalipuram is one of the most popular destinations among tourists coming for beach tours India.It is situated in the state of Tamil Nadu, India. The town of Mahabalipuram is also famous beautiful rock sculptures, temples, etc. One of the most popular attractions of this beach town is the windswept Shore Temple.

Phuket is blessed with several mind-blowing beaches; each has its own peculiarities. Surrounded by beaches, Phuket is the best place for enjoying your vacation. You can see different types of beaches in Phuket from the smallest to the biggest and the most admired to least admired.

The Beaches of Phuket are well-liked by the people around the world and most of the people like to enjoy their vacation in these exotic beaches. The Beaches of Phuket suites every taste and you can enjoy swimming, diving, fishing, surfing, and sailing in the beeches. These make the Beaches of Phuket an amazing place for tourists and native people alike.

You have to follow the Thai rules and regulations while in Thailand. Sunbathe is prohibited there in Thailand because it is considered offensive according to Thai culture.

You have to take certain precautionary measure while in the Beaches of Phuket. You have to avoid the contact with the animals like dogs and cats while in the beaches because they may have rabies.

As Thailand is a tropical country, most of the animals there will be more dangerous than anywhere else. If you come to face any attack from dogs or cats in the beaches, you should visit a hospital directly to consult a specialist for advice on treatment and vaccinations.

The Beaches of Phuket are sandy and have clear water which attracts everyone’s eyes. Unlike other beaches around the world, the Beaches of Phuket consists of crumbly sand, blue-green water and the beaches are filled with Casuarina trees and palm trees. Strutting mynah birds are also seen in the beaches.

These peculiar things make the beaches in Phuket different from other beaches around the world. It is sure that the beaches of Thailand will surely satisfy all kind of tourists. You can rent a jeep or a motorcycle to travel around the beaches in Phuket.

Beautiful beaches, balmy air and warm sea are the main attractions of Phuket. Mai Khao, Nai Yang, Nai Thon, Bang Thao, Pansea, Surin, Kamala, Nakhale, Laem Sing, Kalim, Patong, Emerald Bay, Karon Noi, Karon, Kata Yai, Kata Noi, Nui, Nai Harn, Ya Noi and Rawai are some of the major beaches in Thailand.

With over 8 kilometers of snowy white sand, Mai Khao is the longest beach in Phuket. Its pristine state and crystalline sand makes the beach more attractive to the travelers. A visitor’s center and Sirinat National Park is situated in the adjoining mangrove area. It is the only beach among the Beaches of Phuket where Cicadas are seen.

Nai Yang Beach is filled with tall casuarina trees and in the northern part there is a national park. Ridley Sea Turtles are commonly seen in this beach. Swimming and sunbathing are permitted here, but you have to find your own changing room. Nai Thon Beach is in the north-west part of Phuket.

This small beach has a private beach at the southern end. Most of the tourists visit this beach for sunbathing and several accommodation facilities are also available. Situated in the north-western part of Phuket, Bang Thao Beach is maintained by the Laguna Phuket integrated resort development. Facilities for water sports are also available here.

Patong is a modern, fast-paced, long crescent beach situated 15 km west of Phuket town. Facilities for water sports, shopping, dinning and nightlife are available at cheap price. Karon, lies in the western part of Phuket, is one of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand. The only one negative aspect of this beach is it may be dangerous during the monsoon season. This sandy beach is very clean and mind-blowing one for each and every visitor.

Emerald Bay lies in the western part of Patong and is a quite wonderful place to relax. There are several luxurious hotels nearby and corals are abundant in this beach. It will be an ideal getaway for the visitors who are seeking calmness. Located beyond Leamka Cape, Rawai is in the south-eastern part Phuket.

This beach is filled with coconut trees which permit the visitors to enjoy the beauty of nature and the sea. Sea gypsy village is located nearby and Ko Bon and Ko Hae coral islands are easily reachable from here. Rawai is the first resort for recreations in Phuket. Other beaches are also filled with various attractions. It is sure that the Beaches of Phuket will be an ideal getaway for your next vacation.

Phuket’s beaches are world-renowned and tourists flock from across the globe to visit the famous beaches at Patong, Karon, and Kata. So much so that many people complain these beaches have lost their charm. They say Phuket can no longer claim to be an idyllic tropical island getaway. The beaches are too crowded. Sun loungers line the entire length of the beaches, sometimes in rows three or four deep. Jet skis, banana boats and parasail boats plough through the water while vendors ply their wares up and down the beach. They say Phuket is finished as an island getaway destination and only caters to the party crowd.

These people have not spent enough time exploring Phuket. There are more than 40 beaches around Phuket Island and there is something to suit all tastes. If you want a beach with good holiday facilities but not too crowded then Nai Harn, Kamala, Surin, Bang Tao and Nai Yang all have good hotels and restaurants yet do not draw big crowds. If you really want to get away from the crowds then Nai Thon and Mai Khao beaches in the north of the island are usually very quiet.

Still all these beaches are well known in Phuket and firmly in the tourist travel guides. In this article, we will look at some beaches that still remain undiscovered to most tourists. We will not even include Laem Sing or Yanui in this list. They are both charming beaches but they have become well known and usually have plenty of visitors. Some of the following beaches are not even known to many of Phuket’s residents. These are Phuket’s secret beaches.

Banana Beach

This beautiful beach is in the northern half of Phuket between Bang Tao Beach and Nai Thon Beach. It is a lovely two-hundred meter strip of sand, studded with rocks in the middle and ringed with trees. It is a good swimming beach and there is some great snorkeling. There is no accommodation and just a single beach restaurant with a handful of sun loungers at the southern end.

There are usually only a handful of visitors at this beach. The majority of them arrive by longtail boat from other beaches but in fact, you can see the beach from the coast road above and there is a trail down.

Pansea Beach

Right at the northern end of Bang Tao Beach is beautiful and peaceful Pansea Beach. There are two up-market resorts here yet the location retains its refreshing tranquility. Just offshore is Kala Island (or Kata Island depending who you believe) which shelters the shallow bay from waves so it is always calm. The waters are too shallow for swimming and when the tide is out you can walk to the island. It is a great beach for paddling and ideal for children to play. There are no refreshments here so it is a good idea to bring a picnic.

Pon Beach

This secluded little beach is in the headland north of Patong. The locals know it as Nai Yair Beach. It is amazing how few people find this beach considering it is located so close to the hordes at Patong. There is nothing here but a couple of rural shacks and a few grazing cows. It is a sandy beach but not good for swimming due to the rocky seabed. There is some good snorkeling.

There are usually a couple of locals renting sun loungers and selling refreshments. They can also provide you with a small barbecue to cook your own. There may be a small charge for crossing the private land to reach the beach.

Paradise Beach

In the headland south of Patong, there are two beautiful beaches that remain relatively unspoiled. They are not as undiscovered as the other beaches we mention on this list but still a break from the heaving masses at Patong. The first is Paradise Beach. Right at the tip of the headland, you can reach it by road (track) or boat.

It is a beautiful beach with overhanging trees. There is no accommodation but there is a restaurant and there are plenty of sun loungers. The beach is not the best for bathing due to the rocky seabed close to shore but there is some excellent snorkeling. There are usually plenty of people around but still it is surprising how many people in Patong do not know this beach is here.

Freedom Beach

You can only reach this stunning beach by boat. It is in the headland south of Patong all the way around and back towards the Karon Beach side. Still it is well worth the boat ride with fantastic bathing and snorkeling.

There are a couple of restaurants and plenty of sun loungers under the trees. The locals take great care of the beach and it is always pristine. Plenty of people do make this a day trip from Patong but the beach is never crowded and again it is surprising how many people in Patong do not know this beach is here.

Nui Beach

This beach is most known for how difficult it is to reach by land. Located between Kata and Nai Harn, the only way to reach it by land is down a two-kilometer dirt track that is almost impossible to traverse in a car. You can just about do it on a motorbike but it is better to walk or let one of the locals take you down on their ATV for a small fee.

It is also known as the most expensive beach in Phuket because you have to cross private land to reach it and they charge 250 baht for the privilege. This fee does get you a sun lounger and drink. When you do arrive, it is a beautiful secluded spot with good swimming and snorkeling. There is a rustic restaurant overlooking the beach but no accommodation. It is never crowded.

Ao Sane Beach

This beach is in the headland at the north end of Nai Harn Beach. You need to go through Le Meridian Phuket Yacht Club’s car park to reach it but they do not stop you. There is a restaurant here and some budget bungalows by the beach. There are usually a few people around but it is never busy.

It is actually a series of three small beaches split by little rocky headlands. None of them is good for swimming due to rocks and corals close to shore. There is some excellent snorkeling.

Laemka Beach

This little beach is at the southern end of Phuket between Rawai and Friendship Beach. It is not signposted and a little difficult to find but a beautiful spot. The Evason Resort and a small bungalow resort are nearby but still the beach remains quiet. It is one of the few southern beaches where you can have a swim and there are nice views out to the southern islands.

Ao Yon Beach

Nestled deep into Cape Panwa is Ao Yon Beach. This is the best beach on the southern side of Phuket. Although it is well developed with residential property, there are no hotels or restaurants by this beach. It is home to Phuket Yacht Club and there are always plenty of boats moored in the bay.

It is a beautiful stretch of sand and a good bathing beach. It is usually very quiet and a real getaway.

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Common Perks of The Best Beach Resorts

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Areas to Look At

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