When it comes to the world’s greatest beaches, beauty is just the beginning. According to the newly released Golden Beach Award 2025 by BeachAtlas, Bora Bora has officially taken the top spot, earning global recognition not just for its powder-soft sand and piercing turquoise lagoon, but also for its luxurious vibe, inclusivity, and unique cultural significance. If you’re planning your next island escape, this small French Polynesian paradise deserves to be at the top of your list.
How Bora Bora Took the No. 1 Spot
BeachAtlas, a London-based startup known for its expert beach guides, asked travel experts and influencers to rank a shortlist of beaches from all over the planet. Their selection process went beyond mere postcard looks. Beaches were evaluated on factors including atmosphere, community, accessibility, inclusivity, and cultural impact.
Bora Bora rose to the top for embodying all of these qualities. As BeachAtlas puts it, this is “where your wallet whispers ‘help’ but your Instagram screams ‘heaven.’” Days are spent wading through translucent water and nights watching sunsets that seem to pause time. Despite its exclusive feel, Bora Bora’s main public stretch, Matira Beach, is open to all, with locals and travelers mingling against a backdrop of palm trees and volcanic peaks.
What Makes Bora Bora Unique
With just 12 square miles of land, Bora Bora is ringed by a brilliant blue lagoon and a barrier reef, keeping its waters calm and shockingly clear. The main island is anchored by the dramatic twin volcanoes of Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu, and dotted with smaller motus—tiny islets where the only company may be a handful of beach chairs.
Even the most affordable spots here offer jaw-dropping views: overwater bungalows, swaying palms, and the peaks rising behind endless blue. Bora Bora isn’t just a haven for luxury seekers—its beaches are beloved by honeymooners, solo adventurers, and families alike. From swimming and paddleboarding to exploring Polynesian culture, every visit is both personal and picture-perfect.
The Golden Beach Award 2025 Top 10
While Bora Bora was the standout, BeachAtlas recognized 100 beaches that go above and beyond in beauty, atmosphere, and experience. Here are the top 10 picks that made the final cut:
- Bora Bora, French Polynesia.
- Boulders Beach, South Africa.
- Waikiki Beach, United States.
- Copacabana, Brazil.
- Maya Bay, Thailand.
- Black Sand Beach, Iceland.
- Glass Beach, United States.
- JBR Beach, United Arab Emirates.
- Skeleton Coast, Namibia.
- Omaha Beach, France.
What Sets These Beaches Apart?
From the penguins of Boulders Beach to the historic sands of Omaha Beach, each destination on the list brings something unique. Some are known for wild parties, others for natural diversity or cultural meaning. BeachAtlas prioritized inclusivity, community spirit, and a sense of welcome for all, alongside the classic hallmarks of soft sand and clear water.
Why Bora Bora Continues to Inspire Travelers
For many, Bora Bora is the epitome of a dream beach: remote, romantic, and impossibly beautiful. But what makes it the world’s best isn’t just the setting—it’s how every traveler, from luxury seekers to beach lovers on a budget, finds their own kind of paradise. Whether you come for the views, the Polynesian culture, or simply to say you’ve seen the world’s greatest beach, Bora Bora delivers an experience that goes far beyond the Instagram moment.
