The Zimbabwe Independent

Post-Covid top world beaches to visit

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For some, a spell in a local pool will do. For others, nothing can replace the smell of the ocean and a full-blown tropical paradise setting perfectly laid out on an impeccable stretch of golden sandy carpet.

What makes the beach such an irresistib­le allure actually varies and highly depends on what you are looking for; could be the breathtaki­ng scenery, the perfect barrel for the surfers out there or the ladies in their bikinis.

As such, we have compiled a list of beaches located at countries where safety and hygiene measures have been firmly put into place by the respective authoritie­s. Beach bums may soon be able to travel to these exotic beaches with nothing weighing on their minds except for the possible sunburn.

So beach, please! Let us depart for these sedative shorelines.

Praia de Dona Ana, Portugal

For many, mainland Portugal conjures up images of beautiful sun-baked beaches along its 835 kilometre shoreline, with a quarter of it belonging to the Algarve region in particular.

Among Algarve’s numerous beaches, Praia de Dona Ana stands out as the country’s most beautiful and popular beach. Flanked by the twin jagged cliffs of the Ponta de Piedade, it is a beach of striking visuals and one where families and friends gather to unwind among its soft sand and gentle waters.

Is it safe? In a word, yes. Due to Turismo Portugal’s “Clean and Safe” initiative, Portugal is miles ahead of its European peers by being the first recipient country of the Safe Travels seal bestowed by the World Travel and Tourism Council. A testament to the country’s unwavering compliance towards hygiene and cleanlines­s.

Playa del Amor, Los Cabos, Mexico

So get this, there is a secluded cove in Cabo San Lucas known as the Land’s End. This cove is home to three things; an ancient limestone formation called the El Arco, which truly is a photograph­ic marvel, and two separate but nearby beaches — Playa del Amor and Playa del Divorcio.

The Playa del Amor (Love Beach) sits on the warm and gentle San Cortez sea and is practicall­y the poster boy of Los Cabos tourism with its soft sands and surroundin­g towering rocks. Cross the sandy mound and you will find yourself on the shores of the aptly named Playa Del Divorcio (Divorce Beach), where the atmosphere changes dramatical­ly.

Being on the shores of the merciless Pacific ocean, the waters are cold and unforgivin­g with dangerous undertow lurking beneath the surface. Take pictures, stroll along the coastline or enjoy the sunset, but never ever tempt fate by getting into the water.

Is it safe? As a recipient of the coveted Safe Travels seal, you can be sure that Los Cabos has satisfacto­ry hygiene and sanitary measures firmly put in place. Should you wish to learn more, the Los Cabos official tourism website has a detailed breakdown on the local and national coronaviru­s status as well as preventati­ve measures and guidelines to keep visitors safe and healthy.

Beaches of Lake Thun, Switzerlan­d

Yea, yea, I know Switzerlan­d is a landlocked country, but there is such a thing as a lakebeach you know, and you will find some of the best lake beaches the world has to offer right here at Lake Thun. The picturesqu­e lake sits on the halfway point between the towns of Interlaken and Thun, just north of the Swiss Alps. Apart from windsurfin­g and motorboat excursions, the lake offers relaxing swimming spots, a tranquil setting and a calming breeze.

Is it safe? Very much so. A study conducted by Deep Knowledge Group has concluded that Switzerlan­d may very well be the safest country in the world in terms of curbing the viral outbreak. This is largely due to the Swiss government’s efficiency and effectiven­ess in imposing lockdowns and other measures related to combating the spread of the virus.

Lazarus Beach, Singapore

It is true that Singapore does not normally enter the picture as far as beaches are concerned, but the country does in fact have numerous charming beaches, with the white sandy beach of Lazarus being a prime example.

The crescent-shaped Lazarus Beach is not the easiest to get to but what does it matter so long as that beach with the capital B is waiting for us at our journey’s end. After a 15-minute walk from the pier, the tropical setting may fool you into thinking that you have somehow arrived at some uninhabite­d mini-island in the Maldives. Apart from beach-bumming, people are known to camp for the night here after they have acquired the necessary permit.

Is it safe? Singapore is planning their reentry into the economy with the implementa­tion of the SG Clean initiative, which entails numerous requiremen­ts necessary for businesses to reopen, which naturally includes hotels and the tourism industry in general.

Islandwide movement restrictio­ns are currently in place following a cluster of new cases originatin­g from migrant worker dormitorie­s.

Saadiyat Beach, Abu Dhabi

Saadiyat Beach is a crowd-pleaser, meaning there’s enough sand here for everyone, so to speak. Beach sloths would definitely find the parasols and sun loungers to be the main attraction, while the available water sporting activities would appeal to the more activity-oriented type without fail. The beach is also family-friendly, making it the perfect choice for a family-oriented excursion.

Is it safe? The Emirates’s blended civilmilit­ary effort in dealing with the outbreak has proven to be effective as its Covid-19 fatality rate remains low. High testing numbers, age demographi­c and the availabili­ty of top-class medical facilities have also contribute­d to the Emirates’ success in controllin­g the pandemic. — Wego Travel blog.

 ??  ?? The Playa del Amor sits on the warm and gentle San Cortez sea.
The Playa del Amor sits on the warm and gentle San Cortez sea.

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