Beach Holidays

Despite only developing much of its tourist infrastructure in the last 50 years or so, Mexico has become one of the world's most renowned beach destinations. Rounding out your holiday on the country's Caribbean coast is, in equal parts, relaxing and scenic. Llama Travel's hotels in Cancun include pools as well as beach access with sun loungers and parasols. You can instead substitute Cancun for Playa del Carmen, south of Cancun. From here, you can continue to relax on the beach or take a ferry to Isla Cozumel, which has great snorkelling and scuba diving facilities.

Costa Rica's Pacific Coast is a stunningly beautiful area of the world, and its beaches are a lovely change of scenery from its dense jungle and rainforest. Llama Travel holidays offer a choice of two beach destinations in Costa Rica. Manuel Antonio's jungle-fringed beaches look out over warm Pacific waters, which are great for swimming, and provide a great base for white water rafting, kayaking or horse riding excursions for the adventurous. Corcovado National Park, further south, has similarly jungle-fringed beaches, but a wider biodiversity and incredible waterfalls nearby. The nearby Caño Island is great for snorkelling.

Alternatively, Corcovado National Park, southeast of Manuel Antonio on the remote Osa Peninsula, is one of the most pristine and spectacular areas in Costa Rica. It is one of the most biodiverse areas in the world, and the coastline is more rugged than that in Manuel Antonio.

Mancora, on Peru's northern coast, is known for its sunny weather, long sandy beaches and warm Pacific waters. This laid-back beach town is a great place to slow down after exploring Peru's highlights, whether that means relaxing by the sea, watching the surfers or enjoying fresh food at one of the beachfront restaurants. It's an easy, relaxing way to round off your holiday.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil's former capital, combines tropical beaches with gorgeous bays and rolling hills, making it a relatively unique option for a beach holiday. Copacabana and Ipanema are two beaches, famous for their social and lively atmospheres. Lebion, just west of Ipanema, is a more upscale, family-friendly beach.

Tayrona National Park is one of Colombia's coastal areas, where jungle-covered mountains meet the Caribbean Sea. A stay here offers the chance to relax on sandy beaches, explore walking trails through the rainforest and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. It's a great contrast to Colombia's cities and cultural sights, and a relaxing way to end your holiday.

The Galapagos are best known for their wildlife, but they also have some lovely beaches.

Across the islands, you'll find stretches of white sand, clear waters and volcanic landscapes that make for a very different kind of beach experience. Whether you're spending some time on the sand between excursions or enjoying the coastal views from your cruise, there are plenty of opportunities to relax and take in the surroundings.

After the busy sights and experiences of northern India, Goa offers a more relaxed pace. Spend a few days enjoying the beach, watching the sunset over the Arabian Sea, making the most of your hotel's facilities, or enjoying the region's excellent seafood. It's a great place to slow down and enjoy a few days of sunshine.

Kalutara offers exactly what many people are looking for at the end of a holiday: a comfortable beachfront hotel, a long sandy beach and a few days with nowhere particular to be. Located on Sri Lanka's west coast, it's close enough to Colombo for an easy transfer to the airport, while still feeling far removed from the bustle of the capital.

Gaya Island, just off the coast of Kota Kanubalu, is a great place to spend a few days at the end of your holiday. Relax by the pool, or visit the resort's marine centre to learn about turtle conservation. You can snorkel over the nearby coral reefs, kayak the bay, or take a boat to the resort's private beach, reached by the hotel's shuttle boat service. There are also walking trails through the island's rainforest, where you may spot some more of the local wildlife. Gaya Island provides a laid-back atmosphere to end your holiday.

Diani Beach is a great way to finish a holiday in Kenya. Located on the Indian Ocean coast south of Mombasa, it is known for its long white-sand beach, palm trees and warm waters. You can spend your time relaxing by the sea, enjoying your hotel's facilities, or heading out to snorkel, dive or take a boat trip along the coast. The coral reefs just offshore are home to a variety of marine life.