Top beach holidays for clearer waters
As announced last week, the 2009 Good Beach Guide has proven to be anything but good as the Marine Conservation Society is recommending 25% fewer beaches than three years ago - a worrying statistic for anyone wishing to while away the summer on the British coast.For clearer waters, Thomson and First Choice have put together their top beach destinations so you can be guaranteed a beautiful beach holiday, without having to do the research.
According to the Society, a total of 78 beaches in the UK have failed to meet the European Commission’s mandatory standard for water quality. Of course, the world’s best beaches are based on a lot more than water quality, taking into account endless miles of golden sand, hidden away coves and even the facilities that are available nearby. With these criteria in mind, take a look at these suggestions where top of the list are beaches in Italy, Egypt, Turkey, Greece and Kenya, where Turtle Beach was recently voted the fifth best beach in the world.
Watamu, Kenya
At Turtle Bay, conservation is high up on the agenda. They have a ‘Save the Turtle’ campaign and every Saturday there’s a ‘beach clean up’, where guests are encouraged to pick up seaweed and debris, with a prize for the person who collects the most. Although many Kenyan hotels are on set on the beach, this place has managed to claim the best one of all. Recently voted the fifth best beach in the world, the private stretch of coastline is beautiful to say the least. It’s uncrowded, unspoilt and totally irresistible.
Thomson offers fourteen night package holidays in Watamu staying at the 3T+ Turtle Bay Beach Club on an all inclusive basis from £1720 per person departing London Gatwick Airport, 7th September, 2009 based on two sharing. Price includes return flights, accommodation, resort transfers and fuel supplements. To book visit thomson.co.uk.
Orlando, Florida
Coastal expert “Dr. Beach” ranked a Florida beach – Fort De Soto beach – as the #1 beach in America and with neighbouring South Beach, Palm Beach, Daytona Beach, and Miami Beach, you can see why this stretch of coastline is a sun-worshipper’s paradise.
After the sun goes down, there are numerous nightspots to explore, including the Cirque de Soleil show at La Nouba and the Little Saigon district downtown.
Thomson offers seven night package holidays in Orlando staying at the 4T Wyndham Orlando Resort on a room only basis from £635 per person departing East Midlands Airport, 16th June, 2009 based on four sharing. Price includes return flights, accommodation, resort transfers and fuel supplements. To book visit thomson.co.uk.
Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
The Sonesta Beach Resort is located on the beautiful expansive sandy beach at the end of Naama Bay, overlooking the Red Sea and south Sinai's deserts and mountains in a perfect location for beach lovers and dive enthusiasts.
Portland offers seven nights at the 4T Sonesta Beach Resort in Sharm El Sheikh on an all inclusive basis from £515 per person based on two sharing. Departing on 1st June 2009 from Birmingham Airport, the price includes return flights, accommodation, transfers and all taxes and charges. To book visit portlanddirect.co.uk.
Olu Deniz, Turkey
This sweeping bay with its turquoise waters is Turkey’s most photographed beach and it’s easy to see why, with its long stretch of sand and shingle beach. The best way to experience the beauty of the beach is from the air in a microlite flight where views of the lagoon and butterfly valley can also be taken in. The beachfront complex of Lykia World in Olu Deniz has 10 restaurants, 17 pools, 8 children’s pools and a huge range of sports, health facilities and entertainment for adults and children. Outstanding value for money, it's easy to see why our customers love it.
Stay 7 nights all-inclusive at the 4 sun plus Lykia World from £489 per adult based on 2 sharing departing from Manchester airport on the 4th July 2009. For further information, visit firstchoice.co.uk.
Alghero, Sardinia
The Lido here will satisfy any beach-lover with its great stretch of white sand backed by a gelato emporia and a range of restaurants and bars. The old town of Alghero itself is a tangle of cobbled streets, lined with quaint houses and ancient churches – just perfect for a sightseeing ramble. The Rina Hotel offers contemporary Italian and Sardinian cuisine to help you really get into the Sardinian spirit.
Thomson offers seven night package holidays in Alghero staying at the 3T Rina Hotel on a bed and breakfast basis from £399 per person departing London Gatwick Airport, 4th July, 2009 based on two sharing. Price includes return flights, accommodation, resort transfers and fuel supplements. To book visit thomson.co.uk.
Porto Vecchio, Corsica
Porto Vecchio has a fabulous concentration of the island’s finest sandy beaches, from pine-fringed Palombaggia to little known coves only accessible by foot or boat. Porto Vecchio itself offers superb restaurants for those who wish to enjoy dining in livelier surroundings. The white washed walled Villa Pierre Paul is situated in Precojo, a village only five kilometres from the centre of Porto Vecchio. The accommodation comes complete with, terrace, private pool in enormous grounds and full mod cons.
Simply Travel offers seven nights at the Villa Pierre Paul in Porto Vecchio, part of the Simply Collection, from £449 per person based on six sharing. Departing on 28th June 2009 from Manchester Airport, the price includes return flights, accommodation, transfers and all taxes and charges. To book visit simplytravel.co.uk.
Crete, Greece
Hotel Louis Creta Princess is a fantastic all-inclusive choice, with a variety of bars and restaurants included. The hotel is situated in the resort of Maleme that has a certified beach for its high standard of water quality.
Stay 7 nights all inclusive at the 4 sun Louis Creta Princess from £629 per adult based on 2 sharing departing from Manchester airport on the 23rd June 2009. For further information, visit firstchoice.co.uk.