18 gorgeous photos of the best tropical beaches in the world

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When winter gets you down, there's only one thing to do: plan a beach vacation and get out of town.

Whether you're in the mood for pristine white sand and quiet days of relaxation or umbrella drinks and a raucous party scene, you've got plenty of options. 

We've compiled a list of the hottest sand-and-surf destinations around the world, where you can finally fix your Vitamin D deficiency with some sun therapy. 

Grab a book and some sunscreen and get out there.

Raisa Bruner contributed reporting on an earlier version of this article.

Looking for big-city action with a top-of-the-line beach scene? Bondi Beach in Sydney will fit the bill. Always packed with locals — and keeping a laid-back Aussie vibe — Bondi is having a moment, as lots of big-name visitors and new fans have recently made the trek down south.

St. Barts is the place to be for your winter getaway: just ask the celebrities and socialites who regularly ring in the new year on the Caribbean island. You can't go wrong with any of the beaches, but our sources recommend Colombier Beach for the hike, Shell Beach for the sunset, and Flamand Beach for fluffy sand. Don't forget to bring your superyacht.

If you like to snorkel, you'll love Tobacco Bay in St. George, Bermuda. The brilliantly clear waters are hotbeds for colorful fish sightings, while white sand beaches make for ideal sunbathing when you're ready to dry off.