Best unknown beach vacation spots
Many people often find it hard to pick a destination for their summer vacation, especially when they are not too familiar with rest of the world. That’s why we decided to compile a list of places that are off the beaten path but one can still enjoy a wonderful beach vacation.
Vacationing at the beach has been a way of life for many people. The scenic views and calming aura typically found near the ocean brings anticipation to anyone, even as they book their next vacation spot. If you love winter but live in a place where it is cold, you probably want to experience the same thing during your family beach trip; or maybe you are taking your children for their first time on vacation. No matter what your reason may be, here are some great locations to visit that will guarantee both you and your loved ones an unforgettable time.
Thanks to the internet, it’s easier than ever to plan a vacation. We can simply do a search for “beach vacation,” and get a ton of information and suggestions from countless sources. But here’s the problem: most of them are going to give you the same old suggestions that are popular year after year. You know exactly what I’m talking about…these include Florida, California, Hawaii, or even exotic locations like Bora Bora.
When it comes to planning the perfect beach vacation, most people think of tropical islands and sunny beaches. But what about the rest of the world?
There are plenty of underrated beach destinations out there that are just as deserving of a spot on your bucket list as any other. Here are our top 5 picks for best unknown beach vacation spots!
- Sihanoukville, Cambodia
- Santorini, Greece
- Bora Bora, French Polynesia
- Montevideo, Uruguay
- Key West, Florida
We’ve all seen the typical beach vacation spots: Florida, California, Hawaii. But what if you want a new experience?
We’ve compiled a list of the best unknown beach vacation spots in the world. Each one of these locations has its own unique charm and character to offer, so whether you’re looking for a secluded getaway or an adventure-filled trip, there’s something here for everyone!
Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, Florida Keys
While the Florida Keys is best known for tourist hotspots like Key West, the archipelago is actually made up of more than 1,700 tropical islands. Most of them are tiny and uninhabited, but Little Torch Key is a 5.5-acre private island that for years has provided a quiet refuge for vacationing celebrities and presidents. Here, the only roads are made of crushed seashells and you could go days without seeing another soul. Stay at the Little Palm Island Resort & Spa, a 30-bungalow hotel reachable via seaplane or boat. Once you arrive, don’t expect modern amenities like phones and TVs—the appeal here is all about disconnecting from the outside world, relaxing in a hammock with a cocktail in hand.
Explore More: See hotel details | See all Little Torch Key, FL hotels
2
COMO Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos
Turks and Caicos is made up of eight main islands and 40 smaller cays. The real challenge is discovering just which one is home to the exclusive COMO Parrot Cay, which requires a few modes of transport to reach it: after flying into Providenciales International Airport, you have to drive to Leeward Marina, then hop on a 35-minute boat ride to the practically untouched private island covered by cactus. Imagine over a thousand acres—plus a mile-long beach—where you won’t come across cars or street lights (there’s a reason why fashion designers like Donna Karan chose to call this island home). Post up in one of the swanky beach villas like Point House, where you’ll have prime sunset views from your private beach cabana and black-lava stone pool, and where your every wish is attended to by your very own butler.
RELATED: Check Out These Jaw-Dropping Private Island Hotels
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3
Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, Mexico
You don’t have to stray too far from Mexico’s bustling beach towns like Puerto Vallarta to come across your own little piece of private beachfront paradise. Set on the northern tip of Bahía de Banderas, Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita is flanked by two eggshell-white sandy beaches with some of the best surf spots sitting just offshore. While you can swim to nearby coral reefs, we recommend hopping on board the Four Seasons yacht for a stylish way to cruise through the neighboring Islas Marietas.
Explore More: See hotel details | See all Punta de Mita, Mexico hotels
4
GoldenEye, Jamaica
What started as a dream house for British author Ian Fleming (the man behind the James Bond series) to “escape the civility of civilization” has transformed into GoldenEye, a 49-room hidden beach resort on the northern coast of Jamaica. From the nondescript gate to the lack of any sign, you’d never guess this was where the author entertained the likes of Katherine Hepburn and Truman Capote back in the 1950s. Today, the rugged beach resort can be accessed directly by yacht from Oracabessa Bay or by 25-minute helicopter ride from Montego Bay. Once you arrive, you’ll see why GoldenEye served as the inspiration for the legendary 007. Twenty-six new freestanding beach huts are hidden away in the lush landscape, just steps from a seafront bar with a rooftop lounge and secluded lagoons prime for snorkeling.
RELATED: Island Living is Good at These Jamaica Hotels
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5
Coco Privé, Maldives
Live out your own modern-day version of Robinson Crusoe with a private island takeover in the Maldives. A luxury yacht whisks you over to the North Malé Atoll, where you can claim Coco Privé as yours for the night. From the six-villa resort, it’s hard to get a bad view, since the turquoise Indian Ocean is on prime display from almost anywhere you look. Island encounters are tailor-made according to guests’ preferences, be it snorkeling among sea turtles with the resident marine biologist or discovering some of the most hidden parts of the Maldives by seaplane. The best part: everything is on your schedule. So whether you want to eat at 9 a.m. or noon—or get a massage in your villa or by the beach—you’ll be well taken care of.
6
The Brando, French Polynesia
It’s easy to see why legendary actor Marlon Brando fell in love with Tetiaroa while shooting the 1962 film Mutiny on the Bounty. The private island, part of a French Polynesian atoll of the same name located 30 miles north of Tahiti, is a vision of natural beauty, from sparkling Mermaid Bay to the bike paths weaving through its forests of coconut palms and rare tropical plants. Only 35 thatched-roof villas make up this eco-chic resort, complete with their own plunge pools, private yards, and bikes for exploring. Once you arrive by private plane, you’ll feel like you have the island all to yourself—just as Brando did.
Explore More: See hotel details | See all Tetiaroa, Tahiti hotels
7
Annandale, New Zealand
Annandale isn’t your typical beach escape. Reaching this super-modern, one-bedroom retreat in rural New Zealand, requires a helicopter or 4×4 transfer over clifftop farmland. Inside, expansive floor-to-ceiling glass windows allow for stunning views over the black pebble-strewn bay from the comfort of your platform-raised bed. Step outside and you can lounge on your own private terrace—fireplace included—where you’ll glimpse dolphins and seals gliding through the water in the distance.
Explore More: See hotel details | See all Pigeon Bay, New Zealand hotels
8
Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort, Fiji
At this eco-friendly resort on Vanua Levu, Fiji’s second largest island, you’re not only surrounded by mystical mountains and swaying palm trees—you’re also just a quick hike away from a tropical playground of rainforests, waterfalls, and fresh-water pools. A seaplane charter from Nadi International Airport lands you right on the tip of the 17-acre property, which is set on a former coconut plantation. Twenty-five bures, or thatched-roof bungalows, skirt the shores of Savusavu Bay, where you can explore mangroves and pearl farms or cruise over to the resort’s private island, Naviavia, which will be yours for the day. How you want to spend that day—snorkeling or simply sipping champagne—is up to you.