Here's a rundown on our 10 favourite worldwide beaches in two parts

Kapalua Bay, Maui, Hawaii, US

A beautifully small pocket of sand lined with glorious palm trees that doesn't draw large crowds like some of Hawaii's larger beaches such as Waikiki. The white coral sand is protected by two headlands, Sheltered from big waves and strong currents, it's one of the safest beaches for swimming in all of Hawaii. You can see coral reefs and schools of yellow butterfly fish, blue needle-nose fish, and green and pink wrasses , making it a great place for snorkelling.  You can rent snorkelling gear and at the south end of the beach is a great restaurant.

Hyams Beach, New South Wales, Australia

It's difficult to name a favourite beach in Australia because beaches are what Australia is about for many. The whitest sand in the world is believed to be located just a few hours south of Sydney at Hyams Beach on the immaculate coast of New South Wales. Small and still unspoilt, the quiet seaside village on the southern shores of Jervis Bay within Booderee National Park, Hyams Beach is considered to have the cleanest water in Australia. Kangaroos can be spotted on the beach and you'll get to see dolphin swimming by, especially in the early mornings. Fishing, swimming, snorkelling and diving are all favourites of people staying there.
Bingin Beach, Bali

Situated on the east coast of Bali, as far from the madness of Kuta as you can be despite being only 40 minutes away in a tai is Bingin Beach. Descending the sheer cliffs overrun with vegetation, shallow coral reefs and, stretching as far as the eye can see, perfect blue waters. Famed for having the most beautiful wave in the world its known by surfers for having  the smoothest peeling left-hander they've ever seen, overlooked by a bamboo hut where the local women know how to feed, massage and tend to the reef cuts of travelling surfers.
Namotu, Fiji

So there's this tiny but beautiful atoll island of Namotu in Fiji. To get there involves a 30-minute bus ride through Nadi town to the coast then a boat trip across to the island itself where you are rewarded with a breathtaking panorama. You can surf the famous Namotu Left and Cloudbreak waves or spend your time collecting seashells, snorkelling or fishing. Also on offer are activites such as scuba diving, sailing, windsurfing, kite boarding and of course stand-up paddleboarding.

Pease Bay, Scotland

The North Sea provides limited surf along Scotland's east coast forcing surfers to wait patiently, reading internet surf reports waiting that tiny swell and the wind to change. But when it does come, kit is packed into cars and the surfers will be found down at Pease Bay. Its a beautifully situated beach in a hollow between stunning hill sides, but this beach does indeed start to get busy when the weather is right and the surf starts is up. The long sands are great for relaxing on, and with its hillside location, it's the perfect place if you like sunsets.

Check back soon to read part2 of our favourite beaches