Best Beaches Even the most zen bride knows that planning a wedding can be a very stressful job…so for those of you who fear you may be about to go over the edge, take deep breath, close your eyes and picture yourself on a beautiful sandy shoreline, now open them and take your pick from Wedding Journals selection of the world’s best beaches…
Kabita Bay, Ishigaka Island, Okinawa, Japan
Famous for it's Black Pearl cultivation Ishigaka Islands are situated about 1,300km from Tokyo and 200km east of Taiwan and are a favourite destination for Japanese tourists. Boasting majestic emerald seas splashed with Coral Reefs, Kabita Bay is said to be the best location in the world for diving with Manta Ray. The best months for viewing would be between September and October and again in April and May.
It's hard to imagine, but if you do want to veer away from the plethora of stunning white beaches there are lots of coastal roads at hand, perfect for trekking and mountain biking through the Islands luscious sub-tropical vegetation.
 The local food is a fusion of influences from China and South East Asia with a more recent influence
of Japan and America, making the menu unique to the Islands. There is also a museum dedicated to the local beer Dachbrau.
There are no Hotels on the neighbouring Islands
but you can still take day trips over. Some 90 per cent of Iriomote is covered by jungle that you can hike through to find romantic waterfalls and is also the perfect destination for kayaking. Taketomi has
a population of only 400 and with a circumference
of only 9km you can easily tour the main village
on foot. It is probably best know for it's star shaped fossilised sand, found along it's western shore.
For more info visit www.seejapan.co.uk Tel: +44 (0)20 7734 6870
Buzios, Brazil
This small picturesque fishing village gained iconic status when French actress Bridget Bardot fell in love with it. And it would seem this affection was reciprocated, as there is a statue of her on the
Orla Bardot, an area named in her honour.
Buzios is home to over 20 glorious beaches, all
with something different to offer. Beaches on the Northern side of the peninsula are easily
accessible and are quite sheltered, while the southern beaches are harder to get to but are
much prettier, and the hard trek will pay of when your reach your secluded spot. Beaches on the western side have calm, warm waters perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The eastern beaches are for the energetic amongst us. With Atlantic winds and colder waters that are perfect for water sports. A favorite haunt for European Pirates, Buzios is now a destination filled with sophisticated boutiques, restaurants and lively, but unobtrusive night-life.
For more information visit
www.braziltourism.org , www.buziozonline.com Tel: 1 800 7734 272945
Reduit Beach, St Lucia
St Lucia is a beautiful island set in the sun-kissed Caribbean. Described as a green gem in the heart of the Windwards, the south of the islands mothers some luscious rainforest, volcanic hot springs and exuberant floral and birdlife. The best beaches are set in the North of the island with miles of golden sand to relax on.
 If you feel the need for a bit of activity Rodney Bay is at hand with plenty of bars and nightlife to keep you busy. Keep an eye out for the street parties
as well, but be warned, the rum is stronger than
you think! Be aware that the St Lucian rainy
season is from May to Aug and their dry season
is from Jan - April.
For more information visit www.stlucia.org
Tel: 0207 341 7000
Whitehaven Beach, Australia
Like an image from a dream Whitehaven beach consists of over 9km of some of the purest and whitest sand on earth. Set in the Whitsunday Islands off the coast of Queensland, Australia, Whitehaven offers seclusion, beauty and relaxation. The island is part of a family of 74
and only eight of these are inhabited. You can't
stay on Whitehaven but there is a wealth of accommodation options on the neighbouring
islands such as Airlie, a cosmopolitan and
vibrant town. There is a ferry service running from Airlie to Whitehaven but if you would like to make the journey more special why not take a seaplane or helicopter or if you feeling brave you can opt for sea kayaking or ocean rafting!
For more information visit www.experiencequeensland.com
Aitutaki, Cook Islands
Surrounded by coral and the occasional turtle Aitutaki is said to be one of the most secluded places on earth, with thousands of kilometres of ocean between you and the rest of the world.
Before you reach that you have the islands
beautiful lagoon to swim and snorkel in. The flight time from the capital Island of Rarotonga is 45 minutes and there should be no problem finding accommodation. Your options range from 5 star luxury resorts to small Polynesian-style beach
bungalows.
For more information contact:
www.cookislands.travel , www.aitutakilagoonresort.com
Coronado Beach, California
Located on the ocean side of the island, Coronado beach is an example of a classic Californian Beach, complete with the iconic lifeguard towers and boardwalks. If your not the type to lie still all day then this is the beach for you, perfect for swimming, surfing, sailing and body 
boarding or join the locals and get on your skates,
or should I say rollerblades?
This may not have the seclusion of an island
beach but there's still a fair share of white sands, blue oceans and beautiful sunsets to relax to.
For more info visit: www.visitcalifornia.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)20 7257 6183
Bora Bora, Tahiti
Bora Bora is possibly the most well known of all the Leeward Islands and it isn't hard to see why. A favourite destination of Eva Longoria and Nicole Kidman, if Eden had beaches they would have looked like this.
 Bora Bora is the worlds largest Lagoon and
through the months of July to October is the
home to humpback whales, lemon sharks and turtles so as you can imagine it is a popular
diving destination for day and night dives and
the St Regis Hotel have bungalows over the
water with pools built over the lagoon.
For more information visit:
www.tahiti-tourisme.co.uk
Portrush Whiterocks, Northern Ireland
If you have a tighter budget there are some beautiful beach right here on your doorstep.
Getting its name from the limestone cliffs stretching from Curran Strand to Dunluce Castle, White Rock Bay is on of Irelands hidden Gems.
 It's soft sedimentary rock has been carved into a labyrinth of caves and arches and there are many cavernous caves, accessible only from the sea, home to many sea birds and if you bring your binoculars you'll see the hawks hunting. This beautifully golden sandy beach has many high points with spectacular views, that would grant a photographers dreams.
For more information contact:
The Portrush Tourist Information Tel: 02870 823333
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Honeymoon 
I posted 4 photos on Facebook in the album "Bridal inspiration from Cannes...." 
