Escape to Nature's Serenity

We are all awaiting Spring after the rough winter, my mind is taking me here today!!!

Cinematic Beaches: Phi Phi Leh, Thailand, The Beach (2000)

Ten landmark films, 10 ridiculously beautiful beaches. We found Hollywood's most vaunted locations — and are giving you the keys to get there. Text by Sean O'Neill, Budget Travel.

The flick: The movie that gave voice to a generation of backpackers, "The Beach," based on Alex Garland's novel of the same name, centers on the quest for the Thailand's last pure beach, one untainted by tourism.

I can only imagine stepping into these beautiful clear water!!!!

Cinematic Beaches: Petit Tabac, Pirates of the Caribbean (2003)

The flick: With number four in the works, the films chronicling the adventures of Captain Jack Sparrow have brought moviegoers to a number of tropical hideaways, but few can top the deserted beach in "The Curse of the Black Pearl."

The scene: When villains dump Johnny Depp and Keira Knightley on a strip of bone-white sand to wither, Knightley uses a stash of rum to create a rescue bonfire, only to have the ever-hedonic Depp moan, "Why is the rum gone?"

Ahhhh, nature, what bliss!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cinematic Beaches: Kastani Beach, Skopelos Island, Greece, Mamma Mia! (2008)

The flick: This silver screen version of the Abba-infused, chart-busting musical, "Mamma Mia!" shines a spotlight on Sophie (Amanda Seyfried), who wants to find out who her real father is before she gets married.

The scene: Tanya (Christine Baranski) gives a sultry rendition of Abba's "Does Your Mother Know" on a small, sandy beach with a makeshift bar, framed by a cerulean-colored sea.

I am planning on this being my next vacation!!!!! Then Australia here I come!!!

Beach, Kauai, Hawaii, South Pacific (1958)

The flick: After winning a Pulitzer and multiple Tonys on Broadway, "South Pacific" hit Hollywood in 1958, and became an immediate hit. Though James Michener set the story in Vanuatu (where he was stationed in World War II), most of the movie was shot on Kauai.

The scene: Mitzi Gaynor prances around the broad, blond swath of Lumahai Beach, as she washes that man right out of her hair.

Cinematic Beaches: One&Only Ocean Club, Bahamas, Casino Royale (2006)

The flick: After a long bout of anemia, the James Bond franchise received a jolt in 2006 when actor Daniel Craig took over the superspy's role to foil Le Chiffre, a financier of international terrorists.

The scene: 007 intercepts the lover (Caterina Murino) of one of Le Chiffre's henchman after one of her horseback rides on the beach.

Cinematic Beaches: Indian Beach, Ecola State Park, Ore., Twilight (2008)

The flick: The movie that started a movement — teen angst meets good old-fashioned vampire blood lust — Stephenie Meyer's "Twilight" series is set in the appropriately cloudy Washington state but some of the best beach scenes in the film are shot 200 miles south in Oregon.

The scene: Taylor Lautner starts to reveal to the truth about vampire Robert Pattinson to the perpetually conflicted Kristen Stewart on a dramatic grey sand beach.

I hope you enjoyed the escape like I did, I am ready for Spring and Summer and that vacation!!!

Posted in: Beaches, Nature's Serenity, Vacations