Beaches aren't just for topping up your tan and getting sand in your sandwiches. For the restless among us, we've rounded up some hot looking beaches where the focus is less on the lazing, and more on the doing. Crack on then!
Margaret River, Australia
East Australia does a good job of luring tourists – Shark Bay in Melbourne even rebranded itself as Safety Beach to up the number of bikini bods. For something less obvious, check out the west coast’s Margaret River region, where 75 top-class surf breaks are spread over 130km. At the sparkly waters of Hamelin Bay (pictured above), you can also swim, snorkel, volleyball and bat-and-ball away the hours. Clammy red (happy) face likely. westernaustralia.com
Sun Siyam Iru Fushi, Maldives
Once you find your beach in the Maldives, you won’t venture far from it. No, really, your hotel is a beach, on an island, and you’ll have to kayak to a neighbouring patch of sand if you want to escape. But why would you? The water is crystal clear, the sand bone-white, and you’ll drift in and out of a buffet-infused slumber. Make the most of the islands' watersports opportunities – big sea fishing, diving, snorkelling, stand up paddleboarding, kayaking, whizzing around in an inflatable doughnut... thesunsiyam.com/irufushi
Ishigaki Island, Japan
The combined coastline of Japan’s islands is a staggering 21,000 miles. The result? Island-hopping, diving and snorkelling galore. Try a twelve-night trip with Inside Japan Tours, who create active itineraries whisking you from city to jungle hike, and from isolated beach to epic dive site without a moment wasted. insidejapantours.com
