The world's best beaches

Nalaguraidhoo Beach, South Ari Atoll, Maldive. Photo / Ivan Batinic

Few things in life are as exciting as discovering a cracking new beach. From the easy sands of Otama Beach to the massive surf of Banzai Pipeline or the waterside bars of Mexico - every beach offers something different to make it magical; a divine combination of salt, sand and society that makes each different from the rest.

The people at Lonely Planet think they know a thing or two. Their new book 50 Beaches to Blow Your Mind ($16.99) is a rundown on, well, 50 beaches to blow your mind. Hot Water Beach is the one Kiwi sand stretch to make their list.

We'd like to see your list. Tell us what your favourite beach is and why it's your favourite. We've got five copies of

50 Beaches to Blow Your Mind

to give away. Send your entry to

travelcompetitions@nzherald.co.nz

. We'll publish plenty of the hot tips that come in and we'll pick out five winners.

Lonely Planet 50 Beaches to Blow Your Mind.