[imagesource: Getty Images]

Before you crack a snarky comment, no, the picture above is not of the Cape beach in question.

You’re looking at Whitehaven Beach on Whitsundays Island, in Queensland, Australia.

Pretty decent, right?

Whitehaven Beach is one of 25 beaches featured on Travel & Leisure’s ‘most beautiful beaches in the world’ list, and if you ever make your way there, remember to hike to the panoramic Hill Inlet Lookout for one of the best views of your life.

That sand is so white because it’s made of extremely fine, silica-rich quartz.

The only South African beach on the list is Cape Town’s Camps Bay Beach, which is described as follows:

Truly beautiful beaches tend to be remote-island destinations far from urban buzz. A big exception is Camps Bay Beach, right in vibrant Cape Town.

Backed by iconic Table Mountain, the beach offers a huge expanse of feathery sand and beautiful blue water.

Enjoy a splash in the icy waters, and then smash a cocktail or two at Café Caprice. Better still, Monday to Thursday from 4PM through to 6PM is ‘Nacho Ordinary Happy Hour’, with half-price nachos and margaritas.

There’s a combo that will warm you right up.

The description then goes on to sing the praises of the Bo-Kaap, Chapman’s Peak, the Table Mountain Cableway, and our vineyards.

One might say we have a lot to offer, although it’s likely to be a while before the tourists come flooding back.

Let’s turn our attention to another beach on the list, which is way off the beaten track. You’ll find Radhanagar Beach on Havelock Island, in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, between India and Thailand:

Of the 500-some islands floating in India’s Bay of Bengal, Havelock’s spectacular beaches and diving makes it far and away the most sought-after.

Despite the island’s well-deserved popularity, Radhanagar Beach feels every bit a remote escape. Save a handful of thatch-roof structures, development has been kept entirely at bay; instead of high-rise hotels or even water-sports kiosks, there’s nothing but thick tropical mahua trees and other endemic greenery rushing right up to the shoreline.

At night, the blazing sunsets are intensified by their reflection in the ripply, receded tide.

We really can’t talk about beaches without featuring one from Brazil, and a standout is Baia do Sancho, in Fernando de Noronha:

About 220 miles off the coast of Brazil, Baia do Sancho is regularly deemed the world’s very best beach…

Access to Baia do Sancho is by boat or a series of slightly unnerving stone steps or steel ladders built into the cliffs.

Those who go are rewarded with a sheltered C-shaped beach with smooth, soft sand and abundant sea life — fish, dolphins, sharks, and rays can all be seen swimming in the teal bay.

Seems like it’s worth the effort to get there.

I don’t know if the next few days are ideal beachgoing weather, but we may strike it lucky with a day here and there.

Be sure to make the most of those, before we settle in for the long haul through winter.

Check out the full Travel & Leisure list here.

[source:travel&leisure]