Our favourite African beach can be found off the coast of Mozambique: Vamizi, a conservation project on an island in the Quirimbas archipelago, is home to 12 spacious villas, a lodge where guests gather for drinks at sunset, and a finely powdered white-sand beach that is like no other. The island's setting on the shores of the Indian Ocean is idyllic, and nearby Neptune's Arm is considered one of the world's best dive sites. Villas start at US$590 (about £385) per person per night

Book it here: vamizi.com

Menorca

This year, we're heading to Menorca for a European beach holiday. The Balearic sister island of Ibiza and Mallorca may be less famous and it certainly lacks its neighbours' fancy hotels, but its beautiful interior (the whole island is a UNESCO-protected biosphere reserve) and relaxing pace makes it irresistible for a week-long beach break. We look forward to spending our nights at Ca Na Xini (rooms from €140 – about £115 – per night) and our days at the stunning Cala Macarella beach on the south coast.

Book it here: canaxini.com

Punta del Este, Uruguay

Top 5 beaches for 2012