SINGAPORE – 17 February, 2016 – TripAdvisor^®, the travel planning and booking site, today announced the winners of its Travellers’ Choice™awards for Beaches. This year’s awards honour 343 beaches including the top 25 in the world and lists for Asia, Africa, Australia, Caribbean, Central America, Europe, South America, the South Pacific, the U.K. and the U.S. Travellers’ Choice award-winning beaches were determined based on the quantity and quality of traveller reviews and ratings for beaches on TripAdvisor gathered over a 12-month period.

“For that perfect sun and sand getaway, you may want to visit some of the world's best rated beaches located right here in Asia," said TripAdvisor spokesperson, Jean Ow-Yeong. “If you plan ahead, you can book a hotel at eight of the ten winning beaches in Asia for less than US$200 a night on TripAdvisor.”

For those planning a getaway to a Travellers’ Choice award-winning beach, TripAdvisor has identified nearby value hotels that will help travellers plan and book their fun in the sun.

Top 10 Travellers’ Choice Beaches in Asia:

1. Ngapali Beach – Ngapali, Rakhine State, Myanmar

A picturesque palm-lined paradise offering breathtaking views of golden white sands meeting the pristine waters of Bay of Bengal, Ngapali Beach is the perfect spot to unwind and rejuvenate. Beach resorts and restaurants nearby provide a soft bustle, but travellers agree that they do not impinge on the overall tranquillity of the beach. “Lovely soft sand and clear blue water that laps gently at the shore. The best thing is that it isn't too built up yet so there is hardly any people around, it’s bliss!” shared a TripAdvisor reviewer.

Highly-rated value hotel nearby: Bayview – the beach resort – bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of US$138/night

2. Nacpan Beach – El Nido, Mimaropa, Philippines

A stunning coastline with spectacular views of nature, Nacpan beach offers kilometres of soft sand and crystal waters glistening under the sun. While challenging to go to due to undeveloped dirt road, travellers agree that the beach is a paradise for beachgoers looking for solitude. A TripAdvisor reviewer commented, “4 km long of white powdery sand beach with crystal blue water which was warm. It was not rocky at all so no need for water shoes. We even hiked the hills on the far side to see the best view of the twin beach."

Highly-rated value hotel nearby: Cadlao Resort – bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of US$209/night

3. Kata Noi Beach – Karon, Phuket, Thailand

Located on the southwest of Phuket, Kata Noi beach is a quaint and idyllic oasis with incredibly clear blue waters, ideal for a retreat from frenetic Phuket. Swim, snorkel, read a book or watch the waves hit against the sandy shoreline – Kata Noi offers the opportunity to relax and recharge. “Whenever we’re in Phuket it's hard to visit other beaches. This one offers clear water, long coastline, seclusion, and is not that popular with drunk tourists,” shared a TripAdvisor reviewer.

Highly-rated value hotel nearby: Kathathani Phuket Beach Resort – bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of US$154/night

4. Agonda Beach – Agonda, Goa, India

Agonda’s beach is simply divine - wide, quiet, picturesque and a great spot for sunbathing and relaxing with relatively few tourists around. Even though the waters here might not be the most ideal place for swimming, Agonda definitely encapsulates romantic Goa at its very best. “A piece of heaven. The tranquility here is absolutely wonderful. Best bay in Goa!!! Nobody pressing you to buy things and delightful locals who take you on amazing boat trips” shared a TripAdvisor reviewer.

Highly-rated value hotel nearby: Maria Paulo Guest House – Agonda – bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of US$46/night

5. Yapak Beach (Puka Shell Bech) – Boracay, Visayas, Philippines

Located on the tropical paradise of Boracay, Yapak beach provides a welcomed intimacy and seclusion relative to the tourist-filled hotspots scattered across the island. Puka seashells, often used to create trinkets and accessories, are found aplenty on the shore, thus its other name – Puka Shell Beach. “I can’t explain the beauty of this beach, it’s relaxed, has loungers and little food outlets, everything you need for a day unwinding in the glorious sunshine, it's shell beach is like nothing I’ve seen or felt underfoot before, a must!” commented a TripAdvisor reviewer.

Highly-rated value hotel nearby: Henann Lagoon Resort – bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of US$150/night

6. Nai Harn Beach – Rawai, Phuket, Thailand

A quaint gem in hot favourite Phuket, Nai Harn beach boasts panoramic beauty overseeing other tiny islands. Beachgoers can visit shacks offering delicious bites, exotic fruits and even a rejuvenating massage. A TripAdvisor reviewer gushed, “Love You Nai Harn beach, one of the best in Phuket. Beach is not too crowded, it is not too large, you can easily walk from one corner to the other. There are plenty of restaurants around the area. Perfect for unwind and relax to recharge for your next day!”

Highly-rated value hotel nearby: Navatara Phuket Resort – bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of US$66/night

7. Sunrise Beach – Ko Lipe, Satun Province, Thailand

Stretching out along the eastern side of Ko Lipe, Sunrise beach is an ideal seaside getaway promising – true to its name – stunning sunrise and sunset views. Visitors can expect to see clear views of amazing corals when they snorkel during low tide. “Prepare your cameras and snap away for hours, the scenery is just too much for my eyes, awesome and amazing,” said a TripAdvisor reviewer.

Highly-rated value hotel nearby: Serendipity Beach Resort – bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of US$193/night

8. Palolem Beach – Canacona, Goa, India

A stunningly beautiful beach, Palolem is famous for its beach hut accommodations. Stretching between two magnificent headlands, the beach is lined with towering coconut palms. It is largely unspoiled and is inhabited by both local fishermen and foreign tourists alike. A TripAdvisor reviewer said, “If you look for a beautiful beach with palm trees, nice to swim, lots of restaurants and many entertainment possibilities - then you´re right here.”

Highly-rated value hotel nearby: The Fern Gardenia Resort, Canacona – bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of US$75/night

9. Otres Beach – Sihanoukville, Sihanoukville Province, Cambodia

Promising laid-back and leisurely vibes, Otres beach is a gem located south of Serendipity area. The beach is divided into a more developed Otres 1 boasting lines of beachshack bars and restaurants, and Otres 2 which offers a quieter retreat. A TripAdvisor reviewer commented, “This is pretty much my favourite beach in Cambodia - quiet, tranquil, and away from the main drag, but with all the trappings you need to just chill out.”

Highly-rated value hotel nearby: Tamu Hotel – bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of S$113/night

10. Radhanagar Beach – Havelock Island, Andaman and Nicobar, India  

Travellers visiting Radhanagar beach can experience a stunning shoreline that is great for swimming and incredible coral reefs perfect for snorkelling. Head to the nearby restaurants for fresh seafood while witnessing an unparalleled sunset view. “Crystal clear water perfect soft sand and forest behind! This beach is beautiful… The water is perfectly clear blue for tens of metres, the forest is lush and wild green and the sand is soft and white,” raved a TripAdvisor reviewer.

Highly-rated value hotel nearby: Munjoh Ocean Resort – bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of US$214/night

Top 10 Travelers’ Choice Beaches in the World:

1. Grace Bay – Providenciales, Turks and Caicos

Highly-rated value hotel nearby: Caribbean Paradise Inn – bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of US$256/night (61% less than the city average) 

2. Baia do Sancho – Fernando de Noronha, Brazil

Highly-rated value property nearby: Pousada Do Vale – bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of US$201/night (49% less than the city average)

3.  Playa Paraiso – Cayo Largo, Cuba

TripAdvisor is unable to offer information about accommodations in Cuba at this time, due to U.S. government restrictions on travel to Cuba

4. Anse Lazio – Praslin Island, Seychelles

Highly-rated value property nearby: Beach Villa Seychelles – bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of US$123/night (56% less than the city average)

5. Cayo de Agua – Los Roques National Park, Venezuela

Highly-rated value property nearby: Villa Caracol – bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of US$222/night (59% less than the city average)

6. Flamenco Beach – Culebra, Puerto Rico

Highly-rated value property nearby: Palmetto Guesthouse – bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of US$117/night (33% less than the city average)

7. Playa de Ses Illetes – Formentera, Spain

Highly-rated value hotel nearby: Hotel Voramar bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of US$133/night (13% less than the city average)

8. Ngapali Beach – Ngapali, Myanmar

Highly-rated value hotel nearby: Bayview – the beach resort – bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of US$138/night (22% less than the city average)

9. West Bay Beach – Bay Islands, Honduras

Highly-rated value hotel nearby: Bananarama Beach and Dive Resort – bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of US$110/night (53% less than the city average)

10. Nacpan Beach – El Nido, Philippines

Highly-rated value hotel nearby: Cadlao Resort – bookable on TripAdvisor for an average rate of US$209/night (26% less than the city average)

For the complete list of winners from the 2016 Travellers’ Choice awards for Beaches, more reviews and candid traveler photos, go towww.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Beaches.

TripAdvisor is the world’s largest travel site*. Travellers can read millions of reviews and opinions and book their next trip at:www.tripadvisor.com.

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