This stunning and secluded UK beach has cracked the top 20 in a new worldwide ranking of beaches most often described as a ‘paradise’ by online reviewers
One UK beach has been dubbed a ‘paradise on earth’ and been named amongst the best in the world, according to a new study. The beach has also been likened to the Seychelles for its immaculate water and sands.
Travel experts at Kuoni analysed thousands of online reviews for over 180 of the world’s most stunning beaches, to discover which beaches in the world are most often described as ‘paradise’ by visitors. While the majority of the top 20 are located in Asia and Oceania, one UK beach made a “surprise entry”.
Pentle Bay on the island of Tresco in the UK’s Scilly Isles placed thirteenth in the paradise beach shortlist. According to the study, 8.7% of its reviews likened it to a paradise on earth. It comes after news that an abandoned UK Butlin’s site is now seaside town’s ‘hell hole’ hotel.
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The Isles of Scilly are a collection of islands, each with their own character and appeal. The archipelago is a haven for those looking for quietude in nature and on the beach, as well as more sustainable tourism options.
A number of reviewers described Pentle Bay as the ‘English Seychelles’ – due to its pristine white sands, cerulean blue waters and impressive rock formations. The beach’s remote location means that it also has an untouched quality, though reviewers say you should come prepared.
There are no nearby shops or facilities on site so visitors are encouraged by reviewers to bring their own food.
Marco Rocha, travel expert at Kuoni says the results of the survey were somewhat surprising: “People’s expectation of a ‘paradise’ beach will naturally include the classic formula of clean soft sands and turquoise seas, but with so many beaches meeting that criteria it’s been super interesting to find out the other factors that cause visitors to deem a beach a ‘paradise’.
“Our analysis saw that the most common themes, besides the paradise-beach-aesthetic, is the opportunity to see exotic wildlife as well as a sense of privacy and ‘being alone’ – all whilst still having convenient facilities.”
The results crown Port Orly Beach in the South Pacific as world’s most paradise-like beach, with over 15% of its reviews containing ‘paradise’. The beach, found on the east coast of Espiritu Santo, is home to lush foliage that surrounds golden sands and shimmering turquoise waters.
Mozambique’s Parque Nacional de Bazaruto takes second place in the paradise beach rankings. The beach, with its swirling sand and bright blue sea, is known for its wildlife, including dolphins and spectacular dugongs – aka sea cows.
Top 20 beaches described as ‘paradise’
- Port Olry Beach, Vanuatu
- Parque Nacional de Bazaruto, Mozambique
- One Foot Island, Cook Islands
- Ao Thong Yee, Thailand
- Veligandu Island Beach, Maldives
- Champagne Beach, Vanuatu
- Lalomanu Beach, Samoa
- Navagio Beach, Greece
- Ora Beach, Indonesia
- Surin Islands (Mu Koh Surin National Park), Thailand
- Bon Bon Beach, Philippines
- Ko Lipe, Thailand
- Pentle Bay, United Kingdom
- Sok San Beach, Cambodia
- Whitehaven Beach, Australia
- Palm Cove Beach, Australia
- Entalula Beach, Philippines
- Secret Beach, Ambergris Caye. Belize
- Huvadhu Atoll. Maldives
- Hidden Beach, Palawan. Philippines