In the doldrums of winter, sometimes you just need a little pick-me-up. To combat the dull, gray world you’re currently seeing outside your window, here are some of the best beaches in the world that we’ve visited. So many places have beautiful coastal vistas, but to be a best beach, it had to meet a few criteria: relaxing sunbathing and pleasant swimming in addition to a killer view. From continent to continent and around the world, you can’t go wrong visiting any of these gems.

Asia

Ko Phi Phi Island Beach, Thailand

Touted as one of the most beautiful yet easily accessible island groups in the world, Ko Phi Phi’s beaches in Thailand are not to be missed. Just make sure you leave only footprints on this, and really, all of these beaches. Ko Phi Phi is part of a marine National Park, and visitors have taken a toll on the beaches and reefs over the years.

Vilamendhoo Island Beach, Maldives

Formerly one of the uninhabited islands of the Maldives, Vilamendhoo Island is now home to a resort and spa with some of the best snorkeling and diving around. With warm island waters and that spectacular view, you can’t go wrong.

Europe

Amalfi Beach, Italy

Despite being a little rocky as opposed to sandy, hundreds of beach chairs with umbrellas are set out on this southern Italian gem. The warm waves of the Mediterranean combined with this view makes it a favorite. It’s easy to stay all day!

Praia do Camilo

What’s better than a beautiful sandy cove nestled between impressive rock formations? Praia do Camilo is also a great spot to watch surfers, and there’s a delicious seafood restaurant right at the top of the cliff—200 wooden stairs will take you up to it.

Red Beach, Santorini Greece

Now for a little something different—the sand on this Greek beach is literally red. You have to take a little “hike” to get there, but the unique experience is absolutely worth it. And don’t worry, you can easily make it there in your flip flops.

Oceania

Malolo Island Beach, Fiji

This is an idyllic Fijian island paradise where you can escape the stress of modern living and relax among golden sandy beaches. I’ve never seen another place that looks more like a postcard.

Piha Beach, New Zealand

Piha Beach’s black sand, pounding surf, and rugged natural beauty are a favorite with surfers and swimmers from around the world. With Lion Rock sitting right on the water’s edge, there are unlimited sweeping views across the ocean from this idyllic spot.

North America

Lavalette Beach, New Jersey, USA

Having grown up at the beach, it would be a crime to not include one of my local hometown beaches in this list! Lavalette is not only beautiful and largely unspoiled by rowdy tourists (hello, Seaside Heights/The Jersey Shore); but it also has a lovely boardwalk for beachside strolls in the offseason.

Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas

This is the beach for anyone with beach ADD—aka those of you who have a hard time just sitting on the beach and lazing the day away. Within steps, you have pools, restaurants, casino, and aquarium. What more could you need?

Lewes Beach, Delaware, USA

One of the things I love the most about this beach and town is that there’s really something for everyone. In addition to the beach, there’s also a nearby lake, so it’s a great spot for people who aren’t 100% beach lovers. There’s also an adorable little downtown with great restaurants and boutique shopping.

Marco Island Beach, Florida, USA

We may be a little biased on this one since we got married on this beach, but I can honestly admit that I’ve never seen a bigger beach in my life. This one is huge! It feels like miles of white sand. It’s the best spot for sandcastle building and beach volleyball, and the calm waves of the Gulf are perfect for kids.

Miami Beach, Florida, USA

Miami Beach is such a classic for so many reasons. You can get such a rich cultural experience in the nearby city; you can find party after party if that’s your scene; or you can completely chill with your family. It has something for everyone.

Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina, USA

What a lovely little seaside town Ocean Isle Beach is. It’s quintessential coastal relaxation here, with some family fun mixed in. Mini golf, boating, outdoor dining, and all you’d expect from a great family beach trip are found here.

Santa Cruz Beach, California, USA

How fun is this amusement park on the beach? The waters of the Pacific are pretty cold most of the year, but there’s no shortage of fun at Santa Cruz Beach. And you can’t beat that view!

Santa Monica Beach, California, USA

An iconic example of the famed Southern California beach lifestyle, Santa Monica Beach has soft sand and warmer waters than its northern neighbors. Within walking distance are popular hotels, shops and restaurants. And any beach with palm trees is a winner in my book! Want more on Santa Monica? Get your insider’s guide to Santa Monica with kids here.

Are you feeling warm yet? Which do you think are among the best beaches in the world? Tell us in the comments.

The post Best Moments: Beaches appeared first on Mari on the Map.

Villa Maria‘s sauvignon blanc is one of my favorites in the States, so I was thrilled to find out that they have a winery and vineyard right in Auckland. Villa Maria Winery makes it easy to visit within the city. One of my favorite things to do in any new country is visit their wine regions. Not only do you get to sample some tasty local beverages, you also learn so much about the country’s history and culture. After all, in wine there is truth 😉.

Before you go

Heads up: the Villa Maria Auckland tasting room is permanently closed. If you’d like the Villa Maria experience now, plan your visit to the Villa Maria Marlborough Cellar Door in Fairhall, just outside Blenheim. It’s open Monday–Friday, 11:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. at Corner of Paynters & New Renwick Road, Fairhall, Blenheim. You can reach the team at +64 3 520 8472 or villamaria.cellardoor@indevin.com

What follows is my Auckland visit from 2017, kept here to help you get a feel for the experience and the wines, even though that specific location is now closed.

Villa Maria Winery Tour

Villa Maria Auckland is a wine lover’s playground. A perfect day trip for connoisseurs and novices alike, there are endless opportunities here to learn and indulge.

The first part of your visit should be a tour of the winemaking facility. My tour was led by one of Villa Maria Estate’s market managers, Ian Clark, who has been in the spirits industry since 1955. During our tour, we also got a quick meet and greet with Villa Maria’s Owner and Founder, Sir George Fistonich, who is credited as one of the founding fathers of winemaking in New Zealand. You can’t beat face time the people who started it all while you’re learning about how their wines are made!

Tasting

Now onto the good stuff—the wine! You can’t very well visit a winery without sampling the wine, so a wine tasting has to be on your agenda. Mine was with senior winemaker, Dave Roper. Villa Maria exports 70 percent of their wines, so it was great to taste five wines that are available in the US. I’ve been a fan of Villa Maria sauvignon blanc for a long time. I had no idea that they made so many other of my favorite varietals and some new ones I don’t normally try. The Bubbly Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Gris were instant favorites that I’m planning to look for now that I’m back home. Make sure you try them!

The winemakers at Villa Maria are a wealth of knowledge about everything from the soil to the final product. Even though we were only visiting the Auckland region on this trip, we learned all about the other winemaking regions in NZ. I’m already mentally planning a trip back to explore more of the north island and the south island, which will, of course, include a visit to Villa Maria Marlborough.

BONUS! The Café

You might come for the wine, but you should definitely stay for the food. EVERYTHING. WAS. AMAZING. This was one of the best meals I had during the trip—totally unexpected from a cafe at a winery. Every item on the menu has a perfect pairing suggestion. My personal favorite was the salmon with the pinot gris. Lunch is also a perfect opportunity to taste some of the wines you don’t have at the tasting. I choose the albariño and viognier—yum! With a view out over the vineyard and a glass of wine in your hand, the cafe is the perfect spot to admire the beauty that is New Zealand wines and Villa Maria. Cheers!

Villa Maria Winery: Sustainability You Can See

Villa Maria not only has some of the tastiest wines. I love that they’re also dedicated to their impact on the next generation. The world never feels so small as when we touch every corner of it. As a world traveler, I love to support companies that do what they can to minimize their impact on the environment.

And these guys are taking it to the next level. We’re talking things I’ve never seen at another winery (and I’ve been to wineries on four continents!)—like those famous New Zealand sheep tending the soil and natural light in the barrel rooms. So you really should have that second glass (bottle?) of wine, and throw your support to Villa Maria’s sustainable cause.

For a little extra context: Villa Maria Winery helped found Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand in 1997 and keeps its vineyards and wineries certified today. Their bottles use an average of 67% recycled glass, and through the New Zealand Glass Packaging Forum, every tonne of glass recycled saves about 670 kg of CO₂ versus new materials. They’ve also partnered with New Zealand Ethical Employers (2023) to strengthen worker standards, and from 2024 some wines ship in tanks to be bottled in the UK—cutting shipping and glass emissions by about 27%. All of it points to the same goal: grow grapes sustainably, use resources wisely, and take care of people and place.

Check out this video of our behind-the-scenes tour

Final Thoughts

Villa Maria Winery made Auckland an easy yes for wine lovers, and I’m glad I experienced it when I did. Even though the Auckland tasting room is now closed, the heart of the Villa Maria winery experience lives on in Marlborough. If you’re planning a New Zealand trip, add the Marlborough Cellar Door to your list, taste a sauvignon blanc and a pinot gris, and leave time for lunch. The winemaking, the people, and the focus on sustainability are still the draw.

If you love learning a place through its wines, Villa Maria Winery is worth the detour. Go for the tasting, ask questions, and bring home a bottle you will open on a quiet night when you want to remember New Zealand.

If you have any questions or need further advice feel free to email me or send me a message on Instagram. I’m always happy to share more tips and insights to help make your family’s adventures unforgettable!

This post was created in partnership with Villa Maria. 

• 

  Best Moments | Europe | Family | Featured | Portugal

  Algarve, Portugal Itinerary With Kids: 4 Days of Beaches, Caves, and Family-Friendly Stops

  ByMari March 25, 2026March 26, 2026

  Plan a 3 to 4 day Algarve, Portugal itinerary for families: beaches, caves, towns, and day trips. Best time to visit plus Lisbon to Algarve tips.

• 

  Best Moments | Career | Europe | Family | Featured | Portugal

  What to Do in Lisbon With Kids? 20 Fun Activities

  ByMari March 18, 2026March 18, 2026

  Lisbon is one of those cities that works beautifully for families when you pair it with a slower pace. It’s compact, colorful, full of viewpoints and snacks, and there’s always something new to look at. The key is building your days around neighborhoods, so you’re not zig-zagging over hills nonstop. If you’ve been searching what…

• 

  Best Moments | Europe | Family | Featured | Portugal

  Things To Do In Belém: A Can’t-Miss Day Trip (Plus Pastéis De Belém)

  ByMari January 26, 2026January 28, 2026

  Belém is an easy day trip from Lisbon with Jerónimos Monastery, Belém Tower, a scenic waterfront walk, and the original Pastéis de Belém. Use this guide to plan the best things to do in Belém in one simple route.

The post Villa Maria Winery in Auckland: A Wine Lover’s Playground appeared first on Mari on the Map.