The most exceptional beaches and natural pools are noted for their beauty, unusual locations, and local reputation for good times and carefree living. There are hundreds of beaches to visit around the world, but which are most unique? Pristine white sand, clear waters with coral reefs, and swaying palm trees are all enticing features for a beach, but these beaches and pools have a little extra something special that makes it a captivating getaway. If you're feeling adventurous and look forward to traveling to one-of-a-kind places, have a look at our list of unique beaches and swimming holes around the world.

Pink Sands Beach, Bahamas

Made up of miles of white sand beaches and turquoise waters, the Bahamas has been referred to as one of the top ten islands in the world for being home to numerous incredible beaches. One of its most world-famous hot spots is Pink Sands Beach, located on Harbor Island. As its name implies, this beach is most known for its bubble gum pink sands, thanks to the presence of crushed pink shells of foraminifera (a type of plankton). Pinks Sands Beach is consistently named one of the most beautiful beaches globally, and for a good reason too! Visitors are blown away by the beach's soft sand and pink hues, stunning views, beautiful turquoise waters, and close proximity to restaurants and local cottages. With so much beauty around you, you'll fit right in with your new summer bikini!

Whitehaven Beach

Whitehaven Beach is the jewel in the crown of tropical north Queensland, Australia. Whitehaven Beach is not only the best beach in Queensland; it's also consistently named as one of the top 5 beaches worldwide. The beach is famous for its ultra-soft sand, which continues its reputation for being one of the softest sand beaches in the world, and is known for its unique feature for staying cool because of its lack of heat retention. Whitehaven beach's pristine, sugar-white sand is the perfect place where you can stretch out in your maillot swimsuit and lounge by the sparkling aquamarine water, making this a fantastic place to holiday and an unforgettable destination.

Nanda Blue Hole, Vanuatu

Tucked away in the dreamy South Pacific islands is the balmy and sun-kissed island of Vanuatu, where you'll find royal blue lagoons and swimming holes to enjoy. Spend an afternoon in your newest swimsuit at the island's most popular swimming hole, Nanda Blue Hole, a natural freshwater spring surrounded by luscious green forests. Take a dip in the pool, and you'll be enchanted by its magical qualities – dazzling, crystal clear waters with a deep sapphire glow. Go snorkeling, and you'll discover an entire world below the surface, swirling schools of fish and life in this deep pool. It's the perfect way to spend a relaxing afternoon in your favorite tankini!

Cenote Ik Kil, Mexico

Step into another world surrounded by ancient Mayan ruins when you visit Cenote Ik Kil in the Yucatan peninsula in Mexico. Cenotes are one of the many secrets that locals know well, and when visitors discover these hidden pools in the lush jungles of Mexico, they inevitably become mesmerized. Cenotes are natural sinkholes from which water springs forth, and this particular cenote in Ik Kil is one that stands out for its grand location, near Chichen Itza, a pre-Columbian city. Cenote Ik Kil is surrounded by tropical vines, green flora, and small waterfalls and is open to the public for swimming. The best part is that you can easily go from touring the ancient Mayan ruins to swimming in the cenote by packing a convenient swimsuit cover up for your trip!

As Catedrais Beach, Spain

As Catedrais Beach, otherwise known as Cathedral Beach, is so beautiful, it was declared as a national monument in Spain. The beach is known for its breathtaking rugged cliffs and rock formations, which provide a stunning picture of nature's powerful force. Carved by powerful waves and sculpted by the salty wind, Cathedral Beach's breathtaking rock formations in Lugo provide a dramatic background to this coastal region. At low tide, beach visitors can explore its winding caves and arches, which extend into the blue waters. This photo-worthy spot will have you strolling down the beach in wonder, not to mention, you'll look great in your new floral bikini. Put on your swimsuit and take a stroll down to the caves!

Hinatuan Enchanted River, Philippines

Fall under the spell of the Hinatuan Enchanted River in Surigao del Sur, in the Philippines, where you’ll discover a gorgeous azul saltwater river, full of life and mystery. The river has become known for its clear and pristine waters, which curves through an underwater cave system that is still yet to be completely discovered. Visitors will marvel at the water’s swirling jade and deep blue glow and will be fascinated by the magic of its natural beauty. Whether you choose to take a swim in your tankini, or lounge by the river, you’ll be astonished by the crystal clear water and the lush greenery.

Elder Virginio, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Baia do Sancho, Brazil

Travel + Leisure named Baia do Sancho as one of their top picks for the most beautiful beaches in the world. Hidden on an island off the coast of Bahia, this stunning little bay retains many of the charms it possessed when first discovered. Many consider Baia do Sancho as the most beautiful spot on the South American continent because of its majestic natural beauty. You'll be surrounded by beautiful pristine water, a lush rainforest, volcanoes, and a reef system that is home to rich marine life such as sea turtles, fish, and dolphins.

Laguna El Dudu, Dominican Republic

Nestled amongst tropical greenery and lush foliage of the Dominican Republic, you'll find Laguna El Dudu, a shimmering blue lagoon that invites visitors to relax while taking a swim in its refreshing, cool waters. This natural lagoon connects several bodies of water and is surrounded by a cave and high cliffs, where adventurous swimmers can dive or zipline into deep blue waters. Go for the day and enjoy a nice afternoon picnic by the waters after your swim or go for a stroll at the nearby park to take in your surroundings. Whatever you choose to do, your memories at Laguna El Dudu will be one that you’ll love to share with others.

Pack Your Swimsuit

There are plenty of beaches around the world, but these unique beaches and swimming holes offer an experience that will turn your holiday trip into a memory that will stay with you forever. As the summer nears, get swimsuit ready with a skincare regimen and look into travel must-haves to add a dose of luxury to your trip. Add these destinations to your bucket list, plan your next vacation getaway, and remember to pack your favorite sun hat and swimsuit!