Summer is in full flow. The streets are crawling with glow-red Brit 'tans'. It's time to pack the bucket and spade, and zip off down to the beach. But why make do with ugly Southend pebbles, when you can jaunt off to the US Virgin Islands, Isreal's Tiberias or Costa Rica?

In the August issue of Maxim, on sale now, we've recruited the most beautiful women, stripped them down to their tiniest bikinis, and got them to give a guided tour of the world's tastiest hotspots. From nightlife to adventure, you'll learn exactly where you should be this summer. Of course, it also gave us an excuse to shoot these truly fabulous pics. Beach bodies. We love 'em!

Read the full Ultimate Beach Guide feature in the August Maxim, on sale now