Welcome to our sun-soaked, wave-crashing, and totally groovy beach destination guide. Get ready to discover the Maldives' pristine atolls, Thailand's sizzling shores, Bali's spiritual sands, and more. Unleash your inner beach bum as we explore Avani’s best-loved beach and island destinations…

Khao Lak – Thailand

Just an hour north of the hustle and bustle of Phuket lies Phang Nga province and the beaches of Khao Lak. Home to three national parks, Phang Nga’s calling card is rugged natural beauty, providing laidback beach getaways on Thailand’s Andaman Coast.

Nestled amid the coastline’s sweeping hills is the resort village of Khao Lak, which has no intention of competing with Phuket’s theme parks and raucous nightlife. Here, it’s all about chilling, surfing and excursions into nature in the incredible national parks in the region. We highly recommend at least a day-trip to Khao Sok National Park an hour or so to the north. The natural beauty there is simply incredible. Or if water is more your thing, the wonders of Phang Nga Bay and the Phi Phi Islands are just waiting to be explored.

Where to stay: Avani+ Khao Lak Resort’s four swimming pools and an in-house waterpark make it almost possible to forget how close the shimmering Andaman Sea is. But pop on those sandals, walk across the stunning gardens and white sands and hop into the water to try out some of the surfing, paddleboarding and kayaking options that are available.

Baa Atoll – Maldives

With the promise of sun-kissed days and thrilling water adventures, the Maldives is your dream summer destination. So, pack your swimsuit, or better yet, two, because in this tropical paradise, you'll never want to leave the crystal-clear waters.

Why? Because the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is home to the most spectacular marine life you’ll see anywhere in the world. Imagine catching epic waves at dawn. Stepping off the deck of your overwater villa to snorkel with turtles and whale sharks. Or hopping on a boat to dive with mantas in Hanifaru Bay. Experiences like these are everyday on the Baa Atoll.

Where to stay: For those who want to experience the ultimate marine adventure, the all-new Avani+ Fares Maldives Resort is the place to be. With its own house reef and convenient access to the atoll’s best dive sites, adventure is never far away. It also has everything you need for carefree hammock days and dining and dancing after dark. This is the Maldives, after all.

Gold Coast – Australia

With dry, sunny weather even through the winter months, Australia’s Gold Coast is a beach destination that can be enjoyed any time of year. Zip up your wetsuit and catch some of the best breaks around. The Gold Coast is also home to some of the wildest rides for family fun. Spend a day at Dream World, Sea World or Wet ‘n’ Wild.

If the beach isn’t your thing, there’s lots to like in the hinterland as well. Take a drive to nearby vineyards to stock up on the region’s tastiest tipples. Or take lush rainforest views from a skywalk above the trees. When you need a break from the sun and surf, Australia’s Gold Coast Hinterland is brimming with incredible natural beauty.

Where to stay: Find balance between a hive of cosmopolitan activity and endless stretches of sun soaked sand at Avani Broadbeach Residences. Enjoy the best of both worlds with some of the coast’s best surf spots and endless entertainment opportunities just around the corner.

Kalutara – Sri Lanka

Nestled between the Kalu Ganga Estuary and the Indian Ocean, Calido beach is a firm favourite with Sri Lankan locals. Young and old will be kept happy and entertained with amazing restaurants, kite flying spots and shell speckled sandy stretches.

Just half an hour south, the palm fringed expanses of Kalutara beach offer a breath of fresh air. Though there’s much to be said for action-packed adventure, sometimes a day spent unwinding in a secluded paradise is all we need.

Where to stay: Sri Lankan sunsets aren’t to be missed and can be enjoyed to the full from Avani Kalutara Resort. Avoid the crowds on the waterfront and kick back on your terrace as the sun dips below the horizon. Rest easy in an Ocean or Lagoon View Room and enjoy the perks of the tropical island jungle life in sophisticated style.

Bali – Indonesia

What began as a getaway spot for vagabond surfers has transformed into a diverse beachfront destination. Now home to a vast array of chic resorts and villas, Seminyak’s eclectic coastal scene has merged the wild with the worldly.

Wander Jalan Laksmana, otherwise known as ‘eat-street’, which is crammed with dining options from near and far. Discover your inner zen with a sunrise yoga class on the beach or nip around the corner to one of Bali’s other spectacular beaches like Pantai Arjuna, the blue ocean beach.

Where to stay: Whether your feet are loose in the sand or on the dancefloor, Avani Seminyak Bali Resort is a blissful island retreat. Located just five minutes from the beach you can roam home in your flip flops without a bother. Evenings are covered too, with Balinese dancing classes to get you in the party mood. Wine, dine and try to avoid tan lines.