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Asia's best beach destinations and coastal escapes

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Maldives
Coral atolls, lagoons and overwater villas
9.2
Each Maldivian atoll rings a shallow lagoon where overwater bungalows sit on stilts above the reef. Glass floor panels let guests watch reef sharks pass beneath their beds. The country's highest point sits barely two meters above sea level. Seaplanes usually carry guests out to the more remote resort islands.
Highlights:
  • ๐ŸŒŒ Watch a glowing beach at night on Vaadhoo Island
  • ๐Ÿฆˆ Snorkel with reef sharks and manta rays at Hanifaru Bay
  • ๐Ÿ๏ธ Stay in an overwater villa surrounded by turquoise lagoon
Sri Lanka
Ancient cities, tea hills and surf beaches
7.3
Stilt fishermen still balance on wooden poles above the shallows near Weligama on Sri Lanka's south coast. Blue and sperm whales pass close to Mirissa between November and April. Boats head out at dawn for a better chance of spotting them. Sea turtles and dolphins often join the whales near the surface.
Highlights:
  • ๐Ÿš‚ Take a scenic train ride through the tea plantations to Ella
  • ๐Ÿ˜ Spot elephants on safari in Minneriya National Park
  • ๐Ÿชจ Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress and admire its ancient frescoes
Okinawa City
Live music, Eisa dance and champuru culture
7.0
The Kerama Islands off Okinawa's coast are ringed by water so clear it's nicknamed Kerama Blue. More than 200 coral species grow across the surrounding reefs. Humpback whales pass close to shore each winter to breed and raise their calves. Nishibama Beach on Aka Island offers an easy shore dive straight from the sand.
Highlights:
  • ๐ŸŽถ Immerse in Ryukyuan culture at Okinawa City Music Town
  • ๐ŸŒบ Explore Southeast Botanical Gardens and its tropical blooms
  • ๐Ÿฆ Visit Okinawa Zoo & Museum and meet island wildlife
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