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TOP 10 MOST BEAUTIFUL ECO-FRIENDLY BEACHES

26 July 2019 - Destinations

This summer, the height of luxury is not laying down your towel on a beach free from gaudy and/or rowdy crowds, but on one free from pollution, whether or not it’s discernible to the eye. Picture-perfect desert beaches and crystal-clear waters are becoming scarce, often replaced by images of piles of plastic. In the fight against this plague, every little helps. Our new men swimwear, MAN, are made from textile and ocean waste... yet continue to be timelessly elegant. They are the perfect swim shorts to discover 10 of the most gorgeous and protected beaches which, we hope, will remain that way for a long time!

Vilebrequin - CopyRight Indagare Costa Rica

1. Costa Rica

A green paradise, voted best eco-destination, Costa Rica is the most eco-friendly country in the world. A pioneer in ecology and ecotourism, this tropical Central American country is leading the way in the fight against climate change. Indeed, Costa Rica is tackling this issue in many ways. It is also the only country to emit hardly any carbon to generate electricity. Its objective is to become the first carbon-neutral economy on the planet by 2020.

Our favourite eco-friendly beach:
On the Pacific coast, Playa Blanca is one of Costa Rica's most beautiful white-sand beaches. Surrounded by a coral reef, crystal-clear waters and lush vegetation, this beach is one of the few to have obtained the Bandera Azul Ecológica label’s 5 stars (the maximum score). The programme rewards beaches based on several criteria: studies of water and beach quality, waste water treatment, waste management and environmental education. Fantastic work has been carried out by the Punta Leona hotel, that is committed to the protection of this extraordinary environment.

The Vilebrequin look:
Be it on the Playa Blanca or another beach nearby, don't forget our classic anti-UV T-shirts for children but also their parents!

2. Australia

A national treasure and the pride of Australia, Whitehaven beach lives up to its name. The most photographed beach in the country, it has been awarded many prizes, including the much-coveted titles of “Whitest Sand in the World” or “Most Eco-friendly Beach in the World”. Located in the Whitsunday Islands, an archipelago of 74 islands along the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, Whitehaven is only accessible by boat (by sailing boat, preferably). This beach and its crystal-clear waters stretch over 7 km. The Australian authorities are particularly concerned with the preservation of this exceptional environment. The preservation of corals (an endangered ecosystem), the monitoring of companies living off tourism and of their practices, smoking and pet bans - the list goes on. Conscious that nature should not pay the price of unreasonable and disrespectful tourism, Australia hopes to inspire others. Fingers crossed.

The Vilebrequin look:
Opt for ourtrong>The Vilebrequin look:
Opt for our ladies’ one-piece swimsuits that sculpt the body and enhance the silhouette!

Vilebrequin Australia Copyright Indagare

3. France

The battle rages on in France between fans of the Atlantic coast and fans of the Mediterranean. Some only swear by the huge beaches in the Landes with their rollers that attract the best surfers in the world, while others prefer the French Riviera's small, secret creeks and translucent water. But all this squabbling fizzles out when it comes to preserving the beauty of French beaches. Numerous local, personal, national and political initiatives have been taken to protect our nature. Led by the Surfrider Europe Foundation based in Biarritz, waste collection operations take place year-round. Close to 50 French beaches, in Corsica, Saint-Malo or even Nice, have also banned smoking (a cigarette stub alone pollutes up to 500 litres of water. And it is one of the most common items of waste found along the coast). In 2018, 399 beaches were granted the Pavillon Bleu label, that rewards the most eco-friendly beaches. A record.

Our favourite eco-friendly beach:
Torreilles beach in the Pyrénées-Orientales. This tiny seaside resort does not rest on its laurels. Having met all the Pavillon Bleu label criteria, it has gone even further by replacing the beach showers, that consume a lot of drinking water, with simple taps! A non-negligible saving of 2 million litres of water.

The Vilebrequin look:
Opt for our men’s stretch swim trunks for greater freedom of movement, and take part in a waste collection operation!

4. Bali

A top spot amongst surfers and yogis from around the world, who embrace a zen and nature-focused lifestyle, Bali is unfortunately no longer the ecological paradise it once was. This Hindu land that worships nature and its sacred elements has been struggling under the weight of plastic pollution for 20 years. A real fight has thus been launched in an attempt to halt the alarming projections. Surfer associations, hotel group managers and locals have all decided to roll up their sleeves and act to protect their environment by thinking up innovative solutions. But travellers also have a part to play. It is important to choose places that are taking concrete action and to be aware of one's own consumption, too.

Our favourite eco-friendly beaches:
those of Uluwatu. This internationally renowned surf spot attracts not only international surfers who come to ride its stunning waves, but lovers of Balinese culture, good vibrations and the stunning beaches that run along the southern tip of the island. In 2008, on the initiative of a group of surfers, the Bali Beach Clean-Up Program led to the collection of more than 14, 000 tonnes of waste along the five beaches involved. The Six Senses Hotel in Uluwatu also decided to take action for the environment and against the invasion of plastic bottles. In particular, it implemented a system to collect well water, that is then used as drinking water (filtered, distilled, bottled and sold on site), and rain water (used for watering, cleaning, etc.). A production that the hotels shares with the neighbouring village. How exciting!

The Vilebrequin look:
Surf enthusiasts will be tempted by our Vilebrequin men's long swim trunks made out of recycled plastic bottles.

Vilebrequin - CopyRight Indagare galapagos

5. The Galápagos Islands

Listed as a World Heritage site, the Galápagos Islands are a one-of-a-kind “living museum and showcase of evolution”. After his stay in 1835, these islands inspired Charles Darwin's famous theory on the evolution of species. Located off the coast of Ecuador, they are one of the richest and most unusual marine ecosystems in the world, thanks to their exceptional geographical location at the confluence of three ocean currents, but also thanks to their seismic and volcanic activity. However, their remoteness does not spare the Galápagos from the risks of environmental destruction. The main threats are the development of tourism and illegal fishing. That's why, as early as 1986, a law was enacted to control fishing and fight against the overexploitation of the Galápagos’ marine resources. In an attempt to limit tourism, itineraries are planned ahead and supervised, and visitors pay a tax upon arrival as a contribution to the preservation of nature. Local authorities are also thinking about how to promote a slower tourism focused on education and environmental awareness.

Our favourite eco-friendly beach:
the Finch Bay Galápagos Hotel beach. Solar panels, recycling, composting, biodegradable cosmetics and toiletries, local cooking, vegetable patches, reusable water bottles, transport by bike, etc. This place is hard to beat!

The Vilebrequin look:
Our Man short swim trunks, from our new line made out of recycled materials and biosourced fibres

6. Thailand

Forget the awful images of Thai islands marred by mountains of waste and irresponsible mass tourism. A small island of 21 square kilometres, Koh Tao is not only famed for the beauty of its tropical coral reefs, home to numerous rays and whale sharks, but also for being a sanctuary for breeding turtles. However, since 2015, the rather aptly nicknamed Turtle Island has been impressing us with its determination to fight plastic pollution. Once a month, Eco Day brings together locals and tourists for a beach clean-up around the island and its neighbours. More than 23 local economic players financially support this project. The island's many diving centres also organise trips to collect waste at sea - these are particularly popular among visitors. Receiving is nice, but giving back isn't bad either.

Our favourite eco-friendly beach:
Hin Wong Bay. Located on the east coast of Koh Tao, this secluded bay with its crystal-clear waters and huge, distinctive boulders is ideal for those who love to snorkel and/or sunbathe on a spotless beach.

The Vilebrequin look:
Island-hop around Thailand whilst helping clean up the beaches in your lightweight Vilebrequin shirt!

7. Madagascar

The Perfume Island is one of the few countries in which good environmental management and sustainable development have been on the public agenda for more than 30 years. Aware of the need to protect their environment but also of the development opportunities it offers, various governments have taken action, until the last presidential elections. Since then, environmental specialists have been worried about massive deforestation and the future of forests on the island. Even if Madagascar is now home to only part of its primary forest, it remains one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, with remarkable native species of fauna and flora. The island of Nosy Be and its multiple islets, located to the north-west of Madagascar, are a dream destination for nature-lovers: astonishingly fine white sand, emerald lagoon and lush vegetation.

Our favourite eco-friendly beach:
the Nosy Iranja Lodge beach Nosy Iranja, one of the better-known islands of the Nosy Be archipelago, is a sacred placed for Madagascans. It is in fact comprised of two islets linked by a beautiful bank of white sand: on one side, a small fishing village, and on the other, the Iranja Lodge. The hotel's bungalows were built without modifying the island’s topography or disturbing the local fauna and flora, in particular the turtles that come here to lay their eggs. The island also received the WWF label, as a reward for its preservation efforts. The way forward? Intelligent tourism and “mora-mora”, a slower way of life in Malagasy.

The Vilebrequin look:
Opt for our Mappemonde Dots men’s swim trunks in support of the Te Mana O Te Moana association and help save the turtles!

Vilebrequin Madagasca Copyright Indagare

8. Palau

One of the best-kept secrets of the Southern Hemisphere, we would love to keep to ourselves the existence of these idyllic islands, described by Cousteau as “one of the most beautiful underwater landscapes in the world.” Located in Micronesia, north of Papua New Guinea, this archipelago of more than 200 islands spread along 643 km truly lives up to its nickname: The Crown Jewel of the Pacific. Over the last few years, Palau has placed responsible tourism at the heart of its strategy. Fully aware of how valuable but also how fragile this jewel is, the government, inspired by the Icelandic model, now requires tourists who wish to visit to sign a commitment to respect nature. But the authorities go even further. Four years ago, the Palau reefs became the largest no-fishing zone in the world. Bottom-trawling practices are forbidden and, in 2020, sunscreens made using chemicals that are toxic to the reefs will also be forbidden in these waters. Inspiring!

Our favourite eco-friendly beach:
there are too many to choose from! Wherever you are in Palau, every beach is more beautiful than the last.

The Vilebrequin look:
Slip on your plain bikini made out of recycled material and go and explore the underwater world!

9. Bélize

Belize is home to extraordinary biodiversity. This small Central American country, tucked in between Guatemala and Mexico, boasts the biggest coral reef in the Northern Hemisphere. With hundreds of tiny islets harbouring incredible marine life, these waters are listed as a World Heritage site. Between the country’s sea and forest, more than 500 different species of birds have been identified. It is also home to the only jaguar reserve in the world. More than 60% of the country’s land is jungle and 36% of its natural spaces are protected. However, Belize's environmental record isn’t quite as amazing, deforestation being the main evil. With a dramatic deforestation rate of around 2.3% per year, all forests could disappear in the next 40 years. And the coral reef doesn't fare much better. Listed as an Endangered UNESCO World Heritage site, the coral reef is directly threatened by human activity. The first country to end the offshore extraction of hydrocarbons, Belize is putting up a fight howver. The mobilisation to protect this discreet little country and its wild beauty is real, both at a volunteer and state level.

Our favourite eco-friendly beach:
Blackadore Caye Perhaps inspired by filming The Beach alongside Virginie Ledoyen in 2000, Leonardo DiCaprio bought an island in Belize on which he plans to open a fully sustainable hotel. The opening is planned for 2020, but don’t get too excited: the chances of bumping into Leo are pretty slim. However, if like us, you love turtles, this will be an ideal spot.

The Vilebrequin look:
In a pair of Vilebrequin women's shorties in biosourced polyamide, you can look great and do your bit for the environment.

10. Mexico

And finally, the most eco-friendly beach you can find is, of course, the one that is almost completely inaccessible. Because, let's face it, truly virgin beaches no longer exist. However, one can surmise that a beach which was inaccessible to man for many years might be the perfect destination to get an idea of what a healthy environment looks like. Destination Puerto Vallarta, on the west coast of Mexico, an iconic seaside resort cherished by Hollywood stars in the 1960s. Head to Punta Mita and hop aboard a local boat to the Marieta Islands. The scenery that unfolds is truly breathtaking. Make the most of it before others find out about it!

Our favourite eco-friendly beach:
Playa del Amor. We couldn't end this Top 10 without a note of hope with regards to holidaying in idyllic places. The name of this beach is therefore perfect. A hidden gem whose existence we only discovered recently, Playa del Amor is not easy to find. It is only accessible at low tide, by swimming through a cave. But it really is worth it. Feel like Robinson Crusoe, Christopher Columbus or Indiana Jones (choose your favourite reference), as you step foot onto this beach. You won't be disappointed!

The Vilebrequin look: Wear only a one-piece swimsuit or a pair of classic men’s swim trunks as you will need to swim through a cave..

Our 10 tips for an eco-friendly summer at the beach:

1. Travel less far (or compensate your carbon footprint by paying a tax or choosing eco-compatible accommodation).
2. Swap out plastic water bottles (number-one item found on beach, in the sea and the ocean) for reusable ones.
3. Take a cotton bag with you to take your waste home.
4. Pick up any waste you find, even if it isn’t yours (extra tip: kids under 12 love it, teens hate it).
5. Quit smoking (nature and your lungs will appreciate it).
6. Teach your children about the environment.
7. Choose the best swimsuit ;-) Discover our whole range of recycled swimsuits
8. Use AC in moderation. Is it really that hot?
9. The same goes for water.
10. Take up the latest Swedish trend: “plogging”, a contraction of “plock upp” (to pick up in Swedish) and jogging. Or not.