Australia outpaces Maldives and Philippines as England’s Hidden Coastal Paradise Ranks Among World’s Most Beautiful Beaches in Stunning Global Survey

Published on July 11, 2025

England has stolen international headlines with an unexpected coastal discovery, as Pentle Bay on the Isles of Scilly has been named among the globe’s most spectacular beaches—bettering legendary shores in Australia, the Maldives, and the Philippines. The distant, pristine crescent of white sand and azure water has been named in the top international charts by how frequently visitors referred to their online reviews as “paradise.” Unlike the mass-touristed tropical paradises it overtook, Pentle Bay delivers calm beauty, uncompromised nature, and a relaxing getaway without the long-haul flight, becoming a strong contender for coastal heaven a bit nearer to home.

England’s ‘Secret Seychelles’: Pentle Bay Ranks Among the World’s Most Beautiful Beaches in Global Review Survey

For many beach lovers, the allure of tropical paradises like the Seychelles is strong—but the long-haul travel often involved can be a serious obstacle. Now, travelers in the UK and Europe may be thrilled to discover that one beach closer to home is offering all the charm of an exotic island getaway—without the 14-hour flight.

Pentle Bay, a tranquil stretch of coastline tucked away on the east coast of Tresco Island in the Isles of Scilly, has earned a spot in a new global ranking of the world’s most stunning beaches. Based on a comprehensive analysis of thousands of online reviews conducted by Kuoni, a family travel specialist, Pentle Bay was crowned the 13th most beautiful beach in the world—beating out world-famous coastal destinations in Australia, the Maldives, and the Philippines.

This unexpected recognition is based on one specific, telling metric: how frequently reviewers used the word “paradise” when describing their beach experience. Of all reviews collected, a remarkable 8.7% of those about Pentle Bay included that glowing descriptor, earning the beach a place among some of the most celebrated shorelines in the South Pacific and East Africa.

Nicknamed the “English Seychelles,” Pentle Bay’s pristine white sands, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and dramatic rock formations evoke the dreamy landscapes of the Indian Ocean archipelago. But its appeal is enhanced by its remoteness and minimal development. Visitors won’t find shops, cafes, or built-up tourist attractions here—just half a mile of untouched crescent coastline nestled between low dunes, offering a peaceful refuge from the hustle and noise of everyday life.

The Isles of Scilly, which are about 28 miles southwest of Cornwall, have five inhabited islands, as well as numerous tiny islandlets, all possessed of their own individuality. Travelers are becoming ever more fond of the archipelago as a haven for peaceful natural experiences and environmentally friendly holidays. Pentle Bay, as such, comes highly recommended for nature enthusiasts, walkers, photographers, and anyone yearning for a screen-free, soul-calming break.

While you won’t have the new facilities, as many describe, that’s the idea. That raw, untouched quality about Pentle Bay is what gives the place the feel of a real hidden gem. Lacking crowds and commercial clamor, the effect, as visitors have put it, is to enter a lost world, a place perhaps anywhere these days where nature still predominates.

Globally, the ranking was topped by Port Olry Beach in Vanuatu, Oceania, where over 15 percent of reviewers described it as paradise. Located on Espiritu Santo’s east coast, the beach is known for its lush rainforest backdrop, golden sands, and stunning turquoise waters.

Second was the Parque Nacional de Bazaruto, Mozambique, which has been applauded for the vivid blue waters and varied marine life, like dolphins and the seldom-sighted dugong. 14.29 percent of the assessments featured the description “paradise,” which still puts the destination near the top of the bucket list for nature lovers and divers.

One Foot Island in the Cook Islands claimed the third spot, where 13.28 percent of online feedback featured the “paradise” label. Surrounded by a brilliant lagoon and backed by swaying palms, the island is a classic postcard-perfect getaway.

There was not strong representation from Europe as a whole on the list, with only a solitary other entry apart from Pentle Bay appearing in the top 20—Navagio Beach, Zakynthos, Greece. Famous for a wreck and vertical cliff, it came eighth with 10 per cent of reviewers declaring it paradise.

This surprising inclusion of Pentle Bay among such a select shortlist indicates the gathering enthusiasm for off-the-beaten-track, low-impact holiday escapes. When the world is bombarded by overcrowded resort scenes and over-tourism, such a tranquil Scillonian beach provides the rare and much-sought—total peace.

Pentle Bay in England has stunned global beachgoers by ranking among the world’s most breathtaking shores, surpassing famous beaches in Australia, the Maldives, and the Philippines. Its untouched beauty, crystal-clear waters, and peaceful setting make it a true paradise without the long-haul flight. For the tropical-island fantasy, Pentle Bay shows you don’t need a passport stamp from a far-off continent to discover your paradise. With its calm atmosphere and spectacular natural splendor, the British Isles’ corner offers an unforgettable coastal adventure—one that competes with the globe’s greatest tropical escapes.