Latest news with #TineHolst
Miami Herald
06-05-2025
- Miami Herald
Florida beach with ‘pristine' setting ranks among world's best. Why it's special
Florida Florida beach with 'pristine' setting ranks among world's best. Why it's special Siesta Beach ranks among the best beaches in the world. Miami Herald file A Florida beach boasts a 'pristine' setting — and it's one of the best coastal destinations in the world, a new report finds. Siesta Beach ranks No. 42 on a list of the top 50 beaches across the globe, according to results published April 29. To create the list, the website The World's 50 Best Beaches said it contacted thousands of travel experts and asked them to vote on their favorite beaches. A team reviewed the submissions, focusing on how the destinations fared across eight metrics: 'unique' landscape, coastal wildlife, under-the-radar setting, non-natural noise levels, accessibility, calm waters, low crowds and ideal weather. 'Our mission is to inspire travelers to go beyond the typical tourist hotspots and discover the kind of beach experiences they've always dreamed of — places that are truly breathtaking, peaceful, and unforgettable,' Tine Holst, co-founder of the website, wrote in a news release. What makes the Florida beach special? Siesta Beach was the only place in the United States to earn a spot on the worldwide list. The destination on Siesta Key — a roughly 65-mile drive south from Tampa — has powdery, white sand that stays cool on hot days, according to The World's 50 Best Beaches. 'The gentle slope of the beach, combined with the shallow, calm waters, makes it ideal for swimming and wading, providing a safe and enjoyable environment for families,' the website wrote in its report. 'Siesta Beach is also known for its pristine surroundings, free from large developments, which helps preserve its natural beauty.' It's not the first time Siesta Beach has received wide recognition. In February, the destination on Florida's Gulf Coast was named the No. 1 beach in the country. In those rankings, the review website Tripadvisor called the beach a fan favorite due to its clear water, seashells and proximity to other attractions, McClatchy News reported. 'The beach has lifeguards on duty, while the relaxing town offers nearby cafes and oyster bars all within walking or biking distance,' Tripadvisor wrote in its report. 'Visitors can spot wildlife like manatees and dolphins while on kayaking tours, and enjoy beautiful sunsets from the soft sand beach.' On the latest list, the world's top-ranked beach was Cala Goloritze, located on the Italian island of Sardinia. This story was originally published May 6, 2025 at 3:40 PM. SJ Simone Jasper The News & Observer Go to X Email this person 919-836-5768 Simone Jasper is a reporter covering breaking stories for The News & Observer and real-time news in the Carolinas.
Local Italy
30-04-2025
- Local Italy
Italy's Cala Goloritzé crowned 'world's best beach'
A UNESCO-listed site, Sardinia's Cala Goloritzé is renowned for its limestone cliffs, white pebbles and turquoise waters. 'Cala Goloritzé feels like more than just a beach – its raw beauty has a way of touching you emotionally the moment you lay eyes on it,' judges wrote in their report. Cala Goloritze'...Baunei Sardegna 🤩🤩🤩 — Monica 🍀⚘️🌍📚🐞🎧 (@Monica09058845) July 14, 2023 Besides a 'dramatic 143-metre limestone pinnacle, reminiscent of something out of a cathedral' and 'unbelievably clear' waters, the beach is 'remarkably preserved' thanks to strong conservation efforts from local authorities, according to the report. This makes it 'the perfect blend of unspoiled natural beauty and a beach experience unlike any other,' judges added. Goloritzé can only be accessed by 250 people per day, with visitors required to book their visit through the Heart of Sardinia app. It was declared a Natural Italian Monument in 1995. world ranking. The top five was completed by Fteri Beach in Greece and PK 9 Beach in Fakarava, French Polynesia. The annual ranking by The World's 50 Best Beaches is determined by votes from more than 1,000 travel industry professionals, with locations evaluated based on eight different criteria: unique characteristics, wildlife, untouched nature, natural soundtrack, ease of water entry, calm conditions, lack of overcrowding and consistency of idyllic settings. 'When searching for the best beaches in the world, we always have to consider what actually makes a beach great,' Tine Holst, co-founder of The World's 50 Best Beaches, told Forbes. 'For our ambassadors, judges and the Beaches team, the answer often comes down to natural beauty, a sense of tranquility and places that spark an almost emotional response,' he added.
NZ Herald
29-04-2025
- NZ Herald
NZ's Cathedral Cove named among the World's 50 Best Beaches of 2025
Three Australian beaches feature on the 2025 list, but Cathedral Cove is the only New Zealand beach to be included. It was in 46th place on the list in 2024 and has risen to 45th this year. Destination Hauraki Coromandel marketing manager Megan Nunn told the Herald, 'We're incredibly proud to see Mautohe Cathedral Cove named among the world's top 50 beaches for the second year running. 'This iconic location is not only a treasured jewel of Hauraki Coromandel but also a must-do experience for visitors to New Zealand. 'Its natural beauty, cultural significance, and place in the hearts of so many make this recognition truly special – reaffirming Mautohe Cathedral Cove's status as one of the most spectacular and valued coastal destinations in the world.' It comes after the walking track to access the beach officially reopened to the public on December 1, 2024 after being closed due to damage from 2023's Cyclone Gabrielle. The stunning beach and its iconic natural archway have been used as a backdrop in several movies filmed in New Zealand, including the Chronicles of Narnia series. For Kiwis looking for inspiration further afield, the Top 50 gives plenty of top spots around the world to add to the wish list. Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Costa Rica, Yemen, Ireland and the Maldives are among several new countries included on the list this year. Co-founder Tine Holst says the 50 Best Beaches team, the judges and ambassadors spent 'countless days' on this year's list. 'Our mission is to inspire travellers to go beyond the typical tourist hotspots and discover the kind of beach experiences they've always dreamed of – places that are truly breathtaking, peaceful and unforgettable.' The criteria included wildlife, unique characteristics, natural soundtrack, untouched nature, ease of water entry, lack of overcrowding, frequency of calm conditions, and consistency of idyllic settings.
Associated Press
29-04-2025
- Associated Press
The World's 50 Best Beaches 2025 Announced Following Survey of 1,000 Travel Industry Professionals
TORONTO, April 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - The World's 50 Best Beaches has released its highly anticipated annual list of the top beaches across the globe. The list is the result of a unique collaboration with over 1,000 of the world's leading travel influencers and professionals, including prominent names such as Terplanet, Sassychris, Pilot Madeleine, Missangievilla and others. Unlike any other ranking, The World's 50 Best Beaches is based on votes from its network of Judges as well as from over 1,000 vetted travel professionals - including industry experts and high-profile influencers. This ensures the ranking reflects real, on-the-ground expertise, not general reviews or popularity metrics. 'Our 2025 list is the result of countless days spent by our judges, Beach Ambassadors, and the World's 50 Best team exploring coastlines across the globe,' said Tine Holst, Co-Founder of The World's 50 Best Beaches. 'Our mission is to inspire travelers to go beyond the typical tourist hotspots and discover the kind of beach experiences they've always dreamed of—places that are truly breathtaking, peaceful, and unforgettable.' The World's 50 Best Beaches 2025 is a reflection of the collective expertise and travel experience of some of the most trusted voices in the industry. Beaches were evaluated across eight key criteria: unique characteristics, wildlife, untouched nature, natural soundtrack, ease of water entry, frequency of calm conditions, lack of overcrowding, and consistency of idyllic settings. The World's 50 Best Beaches team spent months consulting with top travel experts and influencers, aggregating their nominations and ranking the beaches based on both the volume of votes and how well each scored against the set criteria. By tapping into the direct experience and insights of those shaping the travel landscape, the list represents a truly expert-driven guide to the best beaches in the world. The full list of The World's 50 Best Beaches 2025 is available here: A list of the top Judges for The World's 50 Best Beaches is available here: View original content: SOURCE The World's 50 Best Beaches
Forbes
29-04-2025
- Forbes
The World's 50 Best Beaches For 2025, According To A New Report
Walking on Fteri Beach on the island of Kefalonia in Greece. Looking for the best beaches to visit in 2025? The hotly anticipated World's 50 Best Beaches has just announced its annual list—and the results will spark serious wanderlust. Unlike many other crowd-sourced rankings, this list is determined by votes from more than 1,000 travel industry professionals and influencers who know the world's coastlines best. Beaches were evaluated across eight criteria: unique characteristics, wildlife, untouched nature, natural soundtrack, ease of water entry, calm conditions, lack of overcrowding and consistency of idyllic settings. 'When searching for the best beaches in the world, we always have to consider what actually makes a beach great,' Tine Holst, cofounder of The World's 50 Best Beaches, told me in an interview. 'For our ambassadors, judges and the Beaches team, the answer often comes down to natural beauty, a sense of tranquility and places that spark an almost emotional response. ' Topping the 2025 list is Cala Goloritzé in Sardinia, Italy, a stunning stretch of coastline framed by soaring limestone cliffs. 'Cala Goloritzé feels like more than just a beach—its raw beauty has a way of touching you emotionally the moment you lay eyes on it,' wrote the editors of the report. Cala Goloritzé is perfectly preserved—it was named a natural monument in the 1990s, and it's not easy to reach. You have to hike here (a limited number of tickets are sold each day) or arrive by swimming from a boat moored 656 feet away. 'Our winner this year, Cala Goloritzé, stands out because important steps have been taken to limit daily visitors, and there is a clear sense of local pride in protecting its natural beauty,' says Holst. In fact, environmental conservation was a major factor in creating the report. 'With global tourism at an all-time high, it's also clear that beaches where meaningful steps have been taken to preserve the environment tend to stand out,' says Holst. 'Efforts to avoid overcrowding and over-commercialization truly make a difference, and that's reflected in how our community votes.' Cala Gabbiani beach in Sardinia, Italy—the world's best beach for 2025. In second place is Entalula Beach, a secret slice of paradise in the Palawan region of the Philippines that's accessible only by boat. 'This beach is less frequented than others in the area, offering visitors a chance to escape the usual tourist spots and truly immerse themselves in nature,' wrote the editors. Coming in at number three: Bang Bao Beach on Thailand's Koh Kood island, which feels worlds away from the country's other bustling islands. Adding to its charm is a nearby fishing village where visitors can stroll along a wooden pier and dine on fresh-caught seafood. 'Bang Bao Beach has all the elements of a perfect Thai beach, framed by lush jungle and very clear, shallow waters ideal for swimming,' noted the report. Greece's Fteri Beach—a secluded cove on the island of Kefalonia—takes the number four slot. It's accessible only by boat or a steep hike. Crystal clear lagoon waters on the atoll of Fakarava, French Polynesia. PK9 Beach—an untouched paradise within the UNESCO-protected Fakarava atoll in French Polynesia—rounds out the top five. It's known for its 'simple, serene beach perfection' and coral reefs loaded with tropical fish. Only one U.S. beach made the 50 best list this year: Siesta Beach on Siesta Key in the Florida Keys, which ranked at number 42. The editors called out its family-friendly vibe, lack of large-scale development and powdery sand. Made up of 99% pure quartz, the sand stays cool even in the summer heat. 'Often dubbed the 'world's finest, whitest sand,' Siesta Beach is a standout thanks to its gentle slope, calm waters and pristine surroundings,' wrote the editors. Siesta Key, Florida—the best beach in the U.S. Some beaches stood out not just for beauty, but for their sheer uniqueness. At number 13 is Pink Beach in Indonesia's Komodo National Park, where the sand takes on a striking blush color thanks to crushed red coral mixing with the white grains. The Caribbean region had a strong showing this year, with nearly a dozen beaches across the area making the list. Canto de la Playa in the Dominican Republic ranked as the top beach in the region—and number six overall. The authors of the report called this beach set on Saona island 'one of the Caribbean's best-kept secrets.' Meanwhile, perennial favorite Grace Bay in Turks and Caicos claimed the number 10 spot. 'It remains a textbook example of Caribbean beauty,' the report noted. Stretching for miles along the coast of Providenciales, the beach has soft, powdery white sand and vivid turquoise waters, protected by a coral reef about a mile offshore. The countries with the most beaches on the list this year were Greece and Australia, with three beaches each. Several new destinations broke onto the list this year, including Madagascar, Yemen, Antigua & Barbuda, Sri Lanka, Costa Rica, Tanzania, France, Ireland and the Maldives, as well as overseas territories American Samoa, the British Virgin Islands and Bonaire. 'We're incredibly excited to have so many new and truly unique destinations featured on this year's list. This is the highest number of new countries we have included in a release so far,' says Holst. Holst says there were some surprises, too. 'We are surprised with how many unique and lesser-known beaches beat out some beaches which have been included regularly on our lists in the past—like Tulum in the Riviera Maya, Iceland''s beaches, as well as Hawaii not having a beach included this year,' she says. And if you want to see the best of all time, you can check out the hall of fame with winners from past lists, including Trunk Bay in St. John (USVI), Cala Mariolu in Italy, Lucky Bay in Australia, Navagio Beach in Greece, Whitehaven Beach in Australia, Maya Bay in Thailand, Hidden Beach in the Philippines and Honolu Beach in Hawaii. Read on for the full list—and pack your swimsuit. A new report ranks the best beaches in the world for 2025. Pictured here: Koh Kood in Thailand.
