Top 5 Best Beaches of 2012: Globetrottergirls' Hidden Gems from Around the World
This year marked a historic milestone for us as the ultimate beach year!
Before embarking on our long-term travels, office days often daydreamed about beach life—waking to crashing waves, seagull calls, and barefoot sand walks. In 2012, we lived that dream, spending over five months on beaches. We had extended stays in Mexico and Costa Rica, plus visits to the sandy shores of Singapore, Malaysia, India, and our top overlooked spot near famous Thailand.
Discover our top five beaches from 2012:
5. Varkala, India
While Goa's and Kerala's beaches didn't live up to the hype for us, Varkala's cliffs—an hour north of Trivandrum in southern India—captivated us. This laid-back village trades cultural depth for stunning cliff-top paths overlooking wide beaches below. Budget-friendly hotels and restaurants abound, with breathtaking sunsets.
4. Samara, Costa Rica
Long-time readers know Samara has been a favorite since our spontaneous 2011 visit. Returning in October, we found its charm intact. Ideal for beginner surfers, this long sandy stretch stays uncrowded even in peak season, with palm-lined shores hiding restaurants and hotels. In tourist-heavy Costa Rica, Samara remains a well-kept secret with great accommodations and few visitors.
3. Langkawi, Malaysia
We'd never heard of Langkawi, a Malaysian island in the Andaman Sea, until a passionate Canadian expat urged us to visit. Spending a week there, Cenang Beach stood out with powdery white sand, clear shallow waters, palm trees, and epic sunsets. It's a perfect vacation spot for travelers worldwide—yet absent from most "best beaches" lists.
2. Mahahual, Mexico
Unless you've cruised the Caribbean, Mahahual—a relaxed Yucatan fishing town—may be unfamiliar. A cruise port once or twice weekly in high season, it boasts warm turquoise waters. Near our remote beach housesit that summer, we made frequent trips, avoiding cruise days to lounge on empty beach chairs with cold Mexican beers. Pure paradise!
1. Otres Beach and Koh Rong, Cambodia
Cambodia claims our 2012 top spot with two tied beaches: mainland Otres Beach and Koh Rong's Long Beach. A quick tuk-tuk from Sihanoukville, Otres skips tourist touts for pure relaxation—sun chairs, fresh coconuts, and superior sunsets at quality beach bars.
For true seclusion, Koh Rong's Long Beach delivered. This underdeveloped island, two hours offshore, offers few guesthouses but a seven-mile crystal-clear stretch. We hiked an hour through untamed terrain—tripping, sweating, and rope-climbing a 75m descent—to reach it. Worth every step! (Pro tip: Rent a $25 boat for a 15-minute ride.) Our absolute 2012 favorite.
What's your top beach? Share in the comments!
