Playa Manzanillo, Providencia

A 300-meter stretch of delightfully pure beach is inside a lovely inlet on the remote Caribbean island of Providencia's southeast coast. Playa Manzanillo is the kind of beach that takes your breath away from first sight. It's not the easiest place to get to (it's closer to Nicaragua than Colombia), but your efforts will be rewarded with the first sight of the dazzlingly turquoise waves.

The air here has a very calm Caribbean vibe about it. Grab a refreshing cocktail from the beach's solebar and sip it to the accompanying rhythm of reggae music. The tiny bar heats up in the evening and becomes one of the greatest spots to enjoy the tropical surroundings.

This isn't a beach for high-octane activities or watersports, but rather for relaxing under the shade of a palm tree while the warm waves lap at your feet.

Location: Playa Manzanillo, Providencia, Colombia