The Agency Top 10: Most Beautiful Beaches

Many of you may be traveling for the holidays and looking for a warm, sunny beach on which to unplug and relax. You can’t go wrong with any of the beaches below, 10 of our favorites from around the world.

In addition to white sands and warm, aquamarine waters, this mile-long beach is famous for its bright-red, breathtaking sunsets. To experience the full range of colors, try to get there at least an hour before sunset and stay until after dark.

The fine, pink sands of Anse Source d’Argent stretch across the island of La Digue, one of the 115 island gems in this Indian Ocean archipelago. The turquoise water is calm, shallow and features a breathtaking backdrop of towering granite boulders.

If you want a picturesque beach for sunbathing, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better spot than Hanalei Bay. A perfect semi-circle of white sand is surrounded by a lush backdrop of waterfalls and mountains stretching up into the clouds. Be forewarned: it can get very crowded in the middle of the day, especially over the holidays.

With sand as soft and white as snow, this is another sunbather’s paradise. The beach was virtually untouched until about 30 years ago, and despite its more recent popularity, it’s still considered one the best tropical vacation spots in the world.

If you enjoy people-watching and beach activities like volleyball, biking, and kite-surfing, take a trip down to Hermosa Beach, just outside of Los Angeles. Hermosa also features a fabulous array of boutique shops, beachside cafes and charming bars.

Surrounded by soaring red lava cliffs, this beach features a unique, beautiful red sand unlike anywhere else in the world. Santorini is often rumored to be the true Atlantis, and you’ll feel the mythical quality as you relax on this otherworldly expanse of sand.

The ultimate “Romantic Island,” and a favorite for honeymooners, this lush little strip of land lies in a protected lagoon edged by white sandy shores. You’ll enjoy isolated coves, intimate, luxury hotels and a peaceful French Polynesian atmosphere.

If you like dramatic landscapes and can afford to go further than Hanalei Bay, this Thai beach is a must-see. With a sweeping ring of white sand surrounded by limestone walls blanketed by dense jungle foliage, it’s easy to see why this beach was featured by Danny Boyle in his movie “The Beach.”

St. Bart’s stands out among the Caribbean Islands for its blend of French chic and tropical relaxation. With secluded white-sand coves, French cuisine and luxurious resorts, this island playground is a favorite among the international Jet Set.

With its high-end shopping, gourmet restaurants, luxury hotels and world-renowned nightlife, St-Tropez is another perfect spot for the stylish vacation. Scope out the sunbathing celebrities and wander through gorgeous coastal villages, with their particular French charm.