Cinema essay
Undiscovered Beach Getaways
As the summer season draws near, the idea of a serene beach getaway can easily turn into a stressful scramble for parking, the last available sun umbrella, or hard-to-get restaurant reservations.
Evelyn Frost
Desk writer
Spotlight note
The full essay continues below the still.
Reel
Midnight Cinema Desk
As the summer season draws near, the idea of a serene beach getaway can easily turn into a stressful scramble for parking, the last available sun umbrella, or hard-to-get restaurant reservations.
This year, skip the hassle entirely. Instead of navigating crowded South Beach, consider a quieter stretch along Florida’s scenic 30A. And rather than joining the masses at Waikiki, you might opt for a more peaceful retreat in Malaysia.
For travelers looking to escape the usual tourist hotspots, Forbes Travel Guide editors have highlighted 18 lesser-known beach destinations around the world. But these hidden gems may not stay under the radar for long, so planning ahead is essential.
Nujuma, Saudi Arabia
On the Red Sea coastline of Saudi Arabia lies a secluded luxury escape. Opened in 2024, the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the Middle East sits in the untouched Ummahat Islands. It features 63 solar-powered overwater villas shaped like seashells, designed with local Saudi influences. Each villa includes a dedicated butler who can arrange activities such as reef snorkeling or guided stargazing with an astronomer.
One&Only Aesthesis, Athens, Greece
While Santorini and Mykonos attract most summer travelers, the Athenian Riviera offers a quieter alternative. One&Only Aesthesis delivers calm, golden beachfront scenery just 20 minutes from central Athens. The resort is designed around the sea, with dining, recreation, and views all facing the water. For even more privacy, adults can retreat to the secluded Mystiko Beach cove nearby.
Mandarin Oriental, Canouan, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
This low-traffic Caribbean destination sees far fewer visitors than nearby island nations. Located on Godahl Beach, Mandarin Oriental, Canouan offers refined colonial-style suites, Italian-designed villas, and a hillside spa surrounded by palms. It provides a peaceful luxury escape in a region known for exclusivity.
D Maris Bay, Marmaris, Turkey
Where the Aegean and Mediterranean meet, D Maris Bay offers a dramatic coastal setting. The resort features six distinct beaches, ranging from lively DJ-filled party zones to family-friendly shores with kids’ facilities. Guests can also explore by yacht, dine at multiple restaurants, and stay in contemporary rooms with sea or mountain views.
The Datai Langkawi, Malaysia
Set beside a 10-million-year-old rainforest, The Datai Langkawi overlooks a pristine crescent beach on the Andaman Sea. Its 121 nature-integrated rooms open onto jungle views where wildlife such as langurs and flying lemurs may appear. Guests can explore the rainforest on guided walks or enjoy spa treatments in open-air pavilions.
The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort, Florida, USA
Opened in 2024 near Sarasota, this elegant resort features 168 rooms and a large luxury spa. Its standout feature is its location on an 11-mile barrier island with wide, peaceful beaches. Guests can enjoy kayaking through lagoons, walking the shoreline, or dining at upscale waterfront restaurants.
The Chedi Luštica Bay, Montenegro
This Adriatic retreat blends Mediterranean architecture with modern luxury. Stone buildings, terracotta roofs, and an infinity pool define the aesthetic. Still relatively undiscovered compared to nearby Croatia, it offers a private beach, multiple dining options, a spa, and panoramic sea views.
Baoase Luxury Resort, Curaçao
A boutique Caribbean escape with Balinese-inspired design, Baoase offers intimate luxury with only a few dozen rooms. Guests can snorkel near reefs and shipwrecks, explore by jet ski, or take private yacht excursions. The resort even includes a secluded villa on its own private island.
7Pines Resort Sardinia, Italy
Located on Sardinia’s northern coast, this resort is surrounded by natural coves hidden within Mediterranean shrubland. Guests can enjoy secluded beach spots that can be transformed into private spa areas or romantic picnic settings, offering a highly personalized coastal experience.
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, Florida, USA
This refined barrier island retreat features moss-draped landscapes, 13 miles of quiet beaches, and classic Southern charm. Guests enjoy spa treatments, fine dining from acclaimed chefs, and exclusive beach services, including reserved seating and food delivery directly to the sand.
Cleopatra Sidi Heneish, Egypt
Hidden along Egypt’s North Coast, this coastal retreat is far less crowded than mainstream Mediterranean destinations. It offers multiple pools, a water park, a spa, and spacious beachfront access. Local legend even claims Cleopatra once swam in these waters.
Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury, Mauritius
This oceanfront resort on Mauritius’ northwest coast revolves entirely around the sea. All 69 suites face the water, and guests can enjoy yoga on the beach, sunset paddle sessions, and private beachfront dining. A luxury spa and nearby golf course complete the experience.
Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An, Vietnam
Set near Vietnam’s historic Hoi An, this villa-only resort sits on a private stretch of white sand lined with coconut palms. Guests can enjoy watersports, three infinity pools, floating spa pavilions, and beachfront sunset cocktails.
Salterra, Turks and Caicos
Located on South Caicos, this resort draws inspiration from the island’s salt-harvesting history. It features a long stretch of untouched beach, elegant ocean-facing rooms, and wellness treatments inspired by the surrounding sea and minerals.
The Cove Eleuthera, Bahamas
This intimate boutique resort sits between two quiet coves, offering complete tranquility. With only a few dozen rooms, guests enjoy private beaches, infinity pools, and curated excursions such as snorkeling and sandbar visits.
The Pearl Hotel, Rosemary Beach, Florida, USA
This stylish boutique property offers a classic coastal Florida experience with thoughtful hospitality touches such as welcome drinks, evening treats, and reserved beach seating. Guests can relax at the rooftop bar or enjoy the calm beach atmosphere just steps away.
The Sanya Edition, China
Located in Hainan, often called the “Hawaii of China,” this resort features a massive man-made seawater lagoon and modern minimalist rooms overlooking the water. Guests can enjoy floating restaurants, a large spa complex, and expansive ocean views.
Hotel Principe Forte dei Marmi, Tuscany, Italy
Tuscany’s coastal charm shines at this elegant beach retreat on the Ligurian Sea. The hotel includes a refined beach club, lush Mediterranean gardens, and a restaurant led by a renowned chef, offering a relaxed yet sophisticated seaside experience.
More from the desk
· Mono
Grow Container Herbs Both Indoors and Outside
Having a steady supply of herbs grown at home is one of the great rewards of gardening. Whether you're preparing a simple cup of tea, adding fresh ingredients to a meal, or creating a bouquet of freshly cut flowers, fragrant herbs can make the experience even more enjoyable. Many familiar herbs grow successfully in garden beds, outdoor containers, and sunny spots indoors, making it possible to keep fresh herbs available throughout the year.
· Mono
Top 5 Fountains in Rome
Among all cities around the globe, Rome has an extraordinary relationship with fountains. More than 2,000 fountains are scattered throughout Italy’s capital, offering refreshing sounds of flowing water, cooling relief during hot summers, and unforgettable romantic settings for visitors. This deep connection with fountains dates back thousands of years. By 98 AD, ancient Rome already featured 39 impressive monumental fountains celebrating the power and glory of the empire, along with hundreds of public water basins used for drinking and washing.
· Mono
Stylish Jumpsuits to Wear Now and Into Fall
Jumpsuits are one of those fashion pieces that effortlessly combine elegance and personality. They can look polished enough for special occasions while still feeling relaxed and comfortable for everyday activities, from casual dinners with friends to weekend outings.
· Mono
Top 10 Citrus Desserts to Brighten Winter
Winter’s chill pairs perfectly with the bright, sweet-tart flavors of citrus desserts, especially since seasonal varieties like Meyer lemons and blood oranges are only available through early spring. Below are the top 10 picks from the 20-recipe roundup, each bringing a vibrant burst of citrus to your table:
· Mono
Essential Guide to Guinea Pig Care and Companionship
Guinea pigs are endearing animals that serve as excellent companions for many households. Known for their gentle nature, small stature, and vibrant personalities, these rodents—often affectionately compared to "fuzzy potatoes with legs"—bring a unique charm to any home. Before bringing one into your life, it is important to understand their specific needs and behaviors to ensure a harmonious relationship.
· Mono
Professional Guide to Selecting Women’s Underlayers Based on Body Type and Occasion
Choosing the ideal underlayer—whether it is a delicate camisole, a fitted bodysuit, or a lightweight knit—is the foundation of building a sophisticated wardrobe. These essential pieces do more than provide comfort; they determine the drape of your outer layers and the overall harmony of your silhouette. By understanding the mechanical relationship between different cuts and body proportions, you can effortlessly select underlayers that accentuate your best features and provide a seamless, confident look for any setting.