BeachAtlas, a London-based startup known for its authoritative beach guides, gathered a panel of global travel experts and influencers to create the Golden Beach Award 2024 list. Their approach went further than just stunning visuals, highlighting beaches that truly stand out for the diverse experiences they offer. Out of 100 beaches that made the final cut, Bora Bora emerged as the ultimate winner.

As described by BeachAtlas, Bora Bora is “where your wallet whispers ‘help’ but your Instagram screams ‘heaven.’” This South Pacific paradise, part of French Polynesia, features a luminous blue lagoon, lush volcanic peaks, and an inviting collection of overwater bungalows. Despite being just 12 square miles in size, the island feels both exclusive and welcoming, with its main public beach, Matira Beach, often topping lists for its dreamlike beauty and accessibility.

Surrounded by a barrier reef and several smaller motus (tiny islands), Bora Bora is encircled by beaches that all offer dazzling views of the lagoon’s electric-blue waters, swaying palms, and the dramatic silhouettes of Mount Pahia and Mount Otemanu. Whether you choose to relax on Matira Beach or explore the smaller shores, the scenery is unforgettable.

This year’s Golden Beach Awards didn’t just focus on aesthetics. The judges took into account the inclusivity of each beach, their cultural or historical importance, and the communities they inspire. The top 10 on the 2024 list are as follows:

• 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

From party-ready Waikiki to historic Omaha Beach, the list showcases destinations that bring together beauty, culture, and community. But in 2024, it’s Bora Bora that stands out above them all — offering the perfect mix of natural splendor and unforgettable experiences.

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The final verdict? Fiji’s 333 islands stand out for their dazzling turquoise waters, pristine sand, and a unique sense of seclusion. Whether you’re a couple looking for a romantic escape or an adventure-seeker in search of epic surfing and diving, Fiji offers something for everyone. The rankings praise the destination not only for its beauty and luxury resorts, but also for the “otherworldliness” that sets it apart from other tropical hotspots. With its remote South Pacific location – more than 1,300 miles from New Zealand’s North Island – a trip to Fiji truly feels like an escape from everyday life. Imagine sipping a cold Fiji Bitter beer as the sun sets over the ocean, miles away from any worries.

What makes Fiji especially appealing is the abundance of private resorts and hotels with their own exclusive stretches of beach. Guests can easily find themselves in total tranquility, surrounded only by nature, sparkling water, and the occasional palm tree.

Joining Fiji in the top spots are several other island paradises:

• 1. Fiji
• 2. Turks & Caicos
• 3. The Bahamas
• 4. Bora Bora
• 5. The Maldives
• 6. Mauritius
• 7. Whitsunday Islands
• 8. Maui
• 9. Tahiti
• 10. Phuket

The list makes it clear that the world’s best beaches are all about crystal-clear water, powdery white sand, and that unmistakable feeling of getting away from it all. Fiji, with its lush scenery and warm hospitality, has proven itself the ultimate beach lover’s paradise for 2025.

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According to the study, Sydney’s reputation as a city that blends urban energy with calm, natural beauty is well deserved. Residents and visitors alike enjoy the most walking trails of any city in the ranking, with highlights like the Bondi to Coogee coastal walk  a stunning path that meanders between some of the city’s most famous beaches. Sydney also boasts nearly 400 parks, offering endless options for peaceful escapes amid palm trees and ocean breezes. The city’s happiness score of 1,567 out of 2,000 is the fourth-highest in the study, proving that locals are just as content as the travelers who flock here for a dose of sunshine and serenity.

Second place went to Vienna, Austria, which stands out for its exceptionally low noise and light pollution, as well as the high quality of its green spaces. Although Vienna has fewer parks and trails than some other cities, its parks are celebrated for their lush beauty, and the Vienna Mountains nearby provide plenty of opportunities for scenic hikes through valleys and forested ridges.

Melbourne, Australia, joined Sydney in the top three, thanks to its high happiness scores and abundant green spaces. Honolulu, Hawaii, took the fourth spot with 75 walking trails and its laid-back island lifestyle, while Amsterdam rounded out the top five with its famously cheerful residents and scenic urban parks.

For travelers seeking the ultimate place to unwind, these cities prove that relaxation is just a plane ride away.

The post Sydney Named the World’s Most Relaxing City Thanks to Sunshine, Parks, and Coastal Walks first appeared on Travel Lyra – Where Travel Stories Spark Your Next Adventure.

Australia Tops the Global Relaxation Index

Book Retreats’ Holiday Relaxation Report set out to answer a seemingly simple question: where in the world can travelers truly unwind in 2025? The answer, it turns out, lies in Australia — the vast island nation that topped the report’s rankings with a score of 73.8 out of 100.

To create the list, researchers evaluated 76 global destinations using a combination of five core metrics: safety, solitude, serenity, nature, and wellness. These were broken down into nine data points — including forest coverage, crowd density, noise and light pollution, protected land percentage, peacefulness ratings, and the volume of wellness activities available. The result was a comprehensive index of the most relaxing places to visit in the coming year.

Space to Breathe

While many top tourist destinations — particularly in Europe — are suffering from overtourism, Australia stands apart. Its massive landmass and relatively small population provide ample room to spread out, enjoy untouched landscapes, and experience the kind of calm that’s getting harder to find elsewhere.

“Australia leads this change,” the report noted, “offering what crowded European destinations have lost: space to breathe.” In fact, Australia hosts 50 million fewer visitors annually than Italy, while being 25 times larger. That translates to just 3.4 people per square kilometer — compared to 198.3 in Italy and a staggering 626 in Mauritius, which ranked as the most crowded destination in the study.

Why Australia Is the Perfect Place to Unwind

Beyond space, Australia also shines when it comes to protecting its natural assets. Nearly 30% of the country is preserved through national parks, marine reserves, wetlands, and forested areas. Whether you’re hiking through Daintree Rainforest, watching the waves at Bondi Beach, or stargazing in the Outback, there’s always a sense of wild, uninterrupted beauty.

• Protected nature: Nearly a third of the country is conserved land.
• Low crowd density: Only 3.4 people per square kilometer on average.
• Wellness experiences: From remote retreats to coastal yoga classes, Australia offers a wide range of wellness activities.
• Low light and noise pollution: Many areas remain untouched by urban sprawl.

What Sets Australia Apart

Australia’s appeal doesn’t just come from its landscapes — though they are undeniably breathtaking — but from the experience of being there. With room to roam and pristine environments, travelers find not just relaxation, but rejuvenation. Whether exploring the Blue Mountains, snorkeling along the Great Barrier Reef, or meditating in the Red Centre, every moment is a chance to reconnect with nature and self.

Other Top Relaxing Destinations in 2025

While Australia claimed the top spot, several other countries also stood out in Book Retreats’ report. These destinations were recognized for their vast natural spaces, low population density, and strong wellness infrastructure.

Top 10 Most Relaxing Destinations:

1. Australia
2. Canada — North America’s only country in the top 25, with just 3.9 people per square kilometer and abundant forests and lakes.
3. Iceland — Known for its geothermal spas, dramatic landscapes, and quiet solitude.
4. Finland — A nation famous for saunas, lakes, and the pursuit of happiness.
5. New Zealand — Offers lush greenery, secluded beaches, and excellent hiking opportunities.
6. Austria — Balances charming alpine villages with spa culture and extensive green zones.
7. Sweden — With a strong emphasis on wellness and outdoor living.
8. Estonia — An underrated gem offering forests, digital minimalism, and quietude.
9. Norway — Its fjords, mountains, and low-key lifestyle make it a top contender.
10. Portugal — With a gentle pace of life and access to natural coastal beauty.

Plan Your Next Trip to Unwind

If your idea of the perfect getaway includes wide-open spaces, minimal noise, and the soothing sounds of nature, Australia might just be your dream destination. It’s more than just a place to visit — it’s a destination where you can truly pause, reset, and breathe.

Whether you’re wandering through eucalyptus forests, floating in turquoise bays, or soaking up silence under a desert sky, Australia offers the rarest luxury of all — peace.

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