Get away from it all

For some sun, sand and surf, head down to these idyllic beach destinations .

While we are fortunate in the UAE to live in a country with a varied landscape, including plenty of beautiful beaches, sometimes you need to make the trip to the airport and get on a plane to really feel you're going somewhere. Here are a few not-too-distant beach destinations to tempt you.

Maldives
With endless white sandy beaches, secluded villas and little to do but relax, the Maldives is the perfect holiday destination for honeymooners, couples and those who really want to get away from it all.

Arriving into the Maldives is a treat in itself — as the aircraft banks towards Malé, the capital, you'll get glimpses of clear turquoise water studded with tiny piles of pure white sand and hundreds of remote islands decorated with lush greenery.

Transfers to resort islands, scattered throughout the north and south atolls, are by speedboat or seaplane depending on distance and your preference. With one resort per island, accommodation options vary between rustic cottage-style villas and luxury boutique or international hotels. For the ultimate ocean view, go for an over-water bungalow and drift off to sleep to the sounds of waves lapping.

The atmosphere in most resorts is laid-back, casual and somewhat reminiscent of Robinson Crusoe, with guests encouraged to forget their everyday worries and take advantage of the isolation. Sand between your toes underneath your dinner table is the norm, and some resorts forgo contact with the outside world to the extent of banning the internet and newspapers.

Monsoon season is from May to November, but even in these months the sun shines most of the time. Temperatures remain warm even during storms and torrential rain, which can arrive at a moment's notice and disappear just as fast.

Goa
The western coast of India boasts perhaps the country's most famous beach destination,

Goa — popular with those who want sunshine by day and a party atmosphere by night.

Watersports abound along the shoreline. Choose from snorkelling and diving, kayaking, parasailing, water skiing, surfing and yachting, or take a trip inland and try out some river rafting. Or, as Rebecca Wicks, 29, suggests; "Hire a moped and head out to other beaches – the scenery on the way is incredible. You'll see cashew and mango trees, fields of rice and the greenest greenery you've ever laid eyes on."

When the sun goes down, the party begins. Start with dinner of the freshest seafood at a beach café — try the Goan prawn curry — then move on to the south side of Palolem Beach.

Cyprus

For those planning a getaway with family, the search need extend no further than Cyprus, the legendary island of Aphrodite.

A jewel in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus has miles of unspoilt coastline for visitors to enjoy and a multitude of activities for even the most demanding tourists.

Fig Tree Bay, a stunning beach in Protaras on the east coast, boasts plenty of lifeguards, a choice of conveniently located cafés and restaurants and a variety of watersports with options for younger participants.

Venture further than your hotel or resort and you'll see Cyprus has more than beaches and good food to offer. Recent developments have added several top-quality golf courses on which to test your skills, while outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to amuse them on a trip to the Troodos mountains.

Young ones (and the young at heart) will have hours of fun at one of the three waterparks — Waterworld in Ayia Napa, Watermania in Limassol and Paphos Aphrodite on the west coast.

In the evening, take the family for a stroll to one of Cyprus's many villages for dinner at a traditional taverna and you'll find friendly locals, eager to welcome you and explain the intricacies of Cypriot cuisine. Or make use of the kids' club and babysitting service offered at many hotels and leave your little treasures to enjoy activities or drop off to sleep as you explore some of Cyprus's many lively bars and restaurants.

Oman
A short hop down the Arabian Peninsula will land you in Oman, one of the oldest civilisations in the region. The cities of Muscat and Salalah make ideal beach holidays, with Salalah benefiting from the added advantage of a more temperate climate than its neighbours, and both resorts offer plenty for tourists looking for more than just a suntan.

Muscat lies on the northern coast of the peninsula with its beaches gently sloping into the Arabian Sea. A host of museums such as the Museum of Omani Heritage, the Oman Natural History Museum and the Sultan's Armed Forces Museum mean those interested in the history and culture of the country won't be disappointed.

The striking Western Hajar Mountains run through the northern outskirts of the city, offering stunning scenery and plenty of challenging hikes or abseils. Camping is also an option, depending on the weather.

Further down the coast lies Salalah, with its pale sandy beaches and warm turquoise waters. The city boasts a tropical climate for much of the year, with the summer months bringing the south-western monsoon and welcome relief from the oppressive heat of the rest of the region.

Local attractions include the fortified ruins of the town of Sumharam, the resting place of the prophet Ayoub Job at Jabal Gadu and the ruins of the ancient frankincense trading port of Zafar.