What is defines a beautiful beach? For some, it’s the whiteness of the sand and the clarity of the water. For others, it’s the ruggedness of the coast and the power of the waves. For others, it’s the beauty of the people sitting along the shore. When it comes to beaches, beauty is definitely in the eye of the beholder.

Where: Tulum, Mexico
Who: With wanderlust running through her veins, photographer Laura Austin is someone you can’t help but watch. After growing up in small mountain towns in Colorado and Vermont, she is currently based in Los Angeles. The contrast of her roots in nature and the urban environment where she lives now forces Austin to constantly escape the city and explore. Follow her on Instagram: @JetSetSarah
Why: Tulum is the perfect place to just check out from reality for a while. From yoga retreats to trendy beach bungalows, it is the perfect mix of luxury and adventure with the most beautiful crystal-clear blue water and white-sand beaches.
Where: Boracay White Beach, Philippines
Who: Melissa Hie is a user-experience designer who caught the travel bug a few years ago. She also loves eating and has found the perfect medium to combine the two through Instagram. While not a photographer by trade, she has been interested in photography since young age and is fascinated by “bokeh.” Her love for photography took off once she got her hands on an iPhone five years ago. Follow her on Instagram: @girleatworld
Why: If you are looking for a quiet white beach with clear blue water, Boracay is not the place for you. And that’s exactly why I picked this place. Don’t be mistaken, the soft white sand and the clear blue water are there, but what makes Boracay stand out to me is that the White Beach is lined up with cool restaurants, chic cafe, clubs, water sports activities and hotels, just steps away from the beach. It really makes a quick post-lunch dip in the clear blue water very convenient, and you never run out of things to do!
Where: Whitehaven Beach, Whitsundays, Australia
Who: Lauren Bath is a chef turned photographer, thanks to her early success on Instagram. After quitting her job in 2013, she launched full force into a travel career and also writes and has become involved with project management and education. With her unique approach, Bath is able to tap into the all-important “dreaming phase” of holiday planning. Follow her on Instagram: @laurenepbath
Why: I find it difficult to articulate what I love about the beach, as I’ve grown up by the sea and it feels as much a part of me as any other part of me. Near the beach I feel whole. I feel the power of the tides and the waves, the salt air permeates my home and the subtle sounds of the ocean filter through to me as I sleep. Despite all of my travels and my love of the mountains and deserts, I know I’m only home when the beach is close by.
Where: Six Senses Zil Pasyon, Seychelles
Who: Ashley Graham is a leader for the body positivity movement, a business-savvy entrepreneur who designs lingerie, dresses and swimwear, a sought-after television personality and an author. Her book, A New Model: What Confidence, Beauty & Power Really Look Like, was recently published by Dey Street Books. Follow her on Instagram: @theashleygraham
Why: The beaches in the Seychelles at Six Senses Zil Pasyon are some of the most stunning I’ve ever seen. The atmosphere is exotic and peaceful with the pure white sand and incredibly bright blue sea water, almost so picturesque that it looks like a stage set for a tropical island. This summer when I’m working through these sweltering hot days in the city, I’ll be dreaming about cooling off in the Seychelles.
