From Athens to Vietnam, these beaten path destinations offer plenty of sun, sand and solitude.
As summer approaches, the dream of peaceful beach escapes can quickly develop into the reality of fighting over limited parking lots, securing a final beach umbrella and competing for the best lunch booking.
Leave all that stress this year. Instead of elbowing the crowds in South Beach, it may be time to try that isolated stretch along Florida's 30A highway. Rather than chasing the crowds to Waikiki Beach, consider a quiet Malaysian hideaway.
For those looking for a summer trip across the bustling tourist trails, the Forbes Travel Guide editors recommend 18 Under the Radar Beach shelters. But don't wait to book a summer beach vacation. These destinations will not keep secrets for a long time.
One Only Aesthetic
Santorini and Mykonos may attract most of the summer horde, but missing out on other islands and Greek beach destinations would be a tragedy. Despite the beach being just 20 minutes from the city centre, one of the only aesthetic golden sands is incredibly calm. Athenian Riviera's property wisely and wisely embraces recreation, restaurants and amazing views around the water. For even more privacy, Mystiko Beach, an adult-only place, offers a secluded cove nearby.
Mandarin Oriental, Canouan
In 2024, St. Vincent's small and medium-sized Caribbean and Grenazin had around 227,000 visitors, compared to the 11 million people in the Bahamas. People who know come to the world-class Mandarin Oriental, Canoan. Located on Godard Beach, a white-fed playground covered with the five-star resort's colonial-style suite, Italian-designed villa and a spa with hillside parapaths.
D Maris Bay
The Aegean and Mediterranean seas gather at this Turkish resort. D Maris Bay has six different beaches and water adventure yachts, ranging from club scenes with DJs and late night parties to family-friendly options with kids clubs. After hitting the beach, choose from seven bars and six restaurants before retiring to one of 195 bright contemporary rooms overlooking the water and mountains.
Datai Langkawi
A 10 million-year-old rainforest bounds Data Bay and protects a mile of white sand crescent moon along the Andaman Sea. The lush landscape hides rooms filled with 121 wood. Its terrace offers a glimpse into the tropical rainforest residents Langles and Sunda Flying Lemur. Find out more about native fauna and flora on one of our nature walks. Or enjoy the tropical environment of the spa's outdoor treatment villa.
St. Regis Long Boat Key
The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, a Sarasota area holiday that debuted in October 2024, was instantly praised for its 168 sophisticated rooms and a 20,000-square-foot spa. But the real draw here is the 11-mile barrier island where the resort sits. During your vacation, between morning walks along the coast, an afternoon lagoon excursion, or a candle dinner at the Riva Italian restaurant on the waterfront, you can get a bath in how well the world of nature and hospitality fits in here.
Chedi Rustica Bay
Like its lively neighbour Croatia, Montenegro offers lush landscapes and walled towers worthy of Game of Thrones. Unlike the former, however, images of Montenegro resorts such as Chedilstika Bay, a Mediterranean marvel with stone facades and terracotta roofs, have not yet been overshared on Instagram. Guests may want to post from the private beach all year round, but the 111 hotel's four restaurants and bars, an Asian-style spa and an outdoor infinity pool are also ready for close-up.
Baoase Luxury
The island's hidden private beach is the launch of submerged tugs and raised coral reefs, jet ski adventures and snorkel expeditions to the sunset out charter to the 42-foot Boston Whaler charter. The family-run Bali-inspired hotel brings intimate experiences in just 23 rooms, including luxurious villas on its own private island.
7Pines Resort Sardinia
Like the Sardinian escape, which is worthy of the weight in the palm of your date, the 75-room property embraces a cradle along the island's north coast. Still, the best secret of 7pines Resort Sardinia may be the four coves hidden within its Shura brand. Upon request, the hotel can turn these quiet corners into outdoor spa havens and romantic picnic spots, offering the opportunity to create unique memories far from the island's more crowded beaches.
Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
With Spanish moss, 13 miles of dune-lined barrier island beaches and plenty of rocking chairs, this 4-star resort is perfect for a classy 45-minute holiday from Jacksonville. The hotel enhances the experience with a stool-reachable beach, with a four-star spa, a newly renovated salt restaurant by former Le Bernardine chef O'an Kizilbayer and a lounge, as well as a club level that stretches to the beach with perks like sand and lunch.
Cleopatra Sidi Henish
Avoid crowds at this little-known beach enclave hidden along Egypt's enchanting north coast. According to the hotel, Cleopatra himself once bathed in these turquoise waters. If that's not the reason for the lure, the 332 Oceanfront Hotel also offers seven pools, a kids' camping and aquatic park, a golf driving range and a rejuvenating spa.
Royal Palm Beachcomer's Luxury
Everything revolves around the waters of this remote, that roofed paradise on the island's northwest coast. Guests can participate in yoga and meditation at this 5-star boutique hotel on the beach, sunset paddle yoga, weekly beachside buffets and private sand dining. And, no matter which of the 69 suites you book, everything overlooks the ocean. Inland, you will visit a 12-stage room spa with Balmont treatments and an 18-hole Mont Choisir Golf Course.
Four Seasons will resort in Nam Hai
They should stay on the beach while visitors come to nearby UNESCO heritage sites. The 5-star All Villa hotel offers half a mile of white sand dotted with Coconut Palms and water sports such as kayaking, bodyboarding, windsurfing and stand-up paddleboarding. There is also a beachfront lounge offering three pools, a spa with a floating treatment pavilion and a sherry sundowner.
Solterra
On the “White Gold Island,” salt is a valuable item. South Caicos' rich salt harvest heritage has influenced the design of its new beachfront properties, its spa treatments, signature restaurant, and brine. Saltera offers a wealth of natural richness, including a wealth of 3,000 feet of pristine beaches and 100 sandy rooms with balconies facing the sea.
Nujuma, Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Private paradise awaits you on the coast of Saudi Arabia's Red Sea. The first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the Middle East opened in 2024 in the predominantly untouched Ummahat Islands, featuring 63 shell-shaped solar-powered overwater villas with Saudi design touches. Every villa comes with a butler who can arrange everything from snorkel trips in the nearby reef to stargaze sessions with astronomers.
Cove Eleuthera
The intimate, laidback atmosphere between the two sand entrances of the 22-room boutique hotel eliminates the need for guests to worry about shaking due to their long length. That also means there are no crowds in the Ocean Vista, Asian-style restaurants or infinity pool with cliffside bars. Aside from the careful staff who can arrange for coral nursery snorkel tours and sandbar excursions, you may forget that someone is there.
pearl
The hospitality of the southern part shines as brightly as the Florida Sun at this Rosemary Beach Boutique Hotel. There is a thoughtful touch like a complimentary sparkling wine on arrival, freshly baked bedtime treats, and a water chair and a black and white umbrella waiting for you. After a long day at the beach, retreat into the rooftop bar of a hotel with a turret or chic coastal rooms.
Sanya version
Located along Sanya's South China Sea, known as “Chinese Hawaii,” the four-star hotel offers its own 215,000 square feet of private “sea” where more than 10 million gallons of water are pumped and filtered out of the ocean. Rooms heading to the waters of 501 are sophisticated minimalist shelters, and floating restaurants and two-storey spas allow you to unravel more ways.
Hotel Principe Forte Deimarumi
Tuscany may not be the first destination that comes to mind when you're dreaming of a beach vacation, but this 4-star hotel deserves it. The meticulously designed facility features the Ligurian Sea, ample lounge chairs and an elegant beach club overlooking the Mediterranean gardens, and houses a restaurant supervised by Valentino Cassanelli Chev, who brings the charm of Europe to light.
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