7 Great Under the Radar Beach & Island Escapes

Looking to the future and planning ahead for your next vacation can provide some major stress relief. A beach and island escape will take you far away from Netflix binging and offer the perfect way to maintain your personal space while still getting a much-needed change of scenery.

If you are looking for less crowded, exotic locations Goway can take you to destinations that offer genuine relaxation and will induce a little travel envy among your friends. 

Marquesas, Tahiti

The Marquesas are a group of 12 Tahitian islands of which only six are inhabited. The main island of Nukua Hiva is a 3.5 hour flight from Papeete and from there, you can take small local planes and boats to islands that are even more secluded. These remote islands were a favourite haunt of painter Paul Gauguin (he died there at age 54). Although a little more rugged than some other Tahitian islands, the Marquesas have exotic black sand beaches, lush rainforest, blue lagoons, and luxurious resorts. Hop on a boat and cruise around the green mountains, or ride a horse into the jungle. Fewer tourists and friendly locals mean you are able to experience warm Polynesian culture and get to the heart of a Tahiti vacation.

Madagascar

Madagascar may not be the first destination that comes to mind when you think “beach escape” but this ecologically unique island, located in the Indian Ocean off Africa’s east coast, offers a beautiful and rewarding experience for those travellers seeking a beach vacation with a twist. The island of Nosy Be on the north coast offers luxurious beachfront resorts that will cater to your every wish and need. You can spend your days lazing on the sand with a drink in hand or, you can book an excursion to explore some of the endemic flora and fauna such as baobab trees and over 300 species of birds. Best of all, you can hire a private guide to track lemurs, Madagascar’s most famous animal.

Ilha Grande, Brazil

Ilha Grande offers secluded, golden sand beaches and a relaxed, bossa nova pace since no cars are allowed on the Island. Ilha Grande is the largest island off of Brazil’s Costa Verde. Located between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, it can easily be incorporated into any Brazil vacation. Once you arrive, if you feel up to it, you can hike three hours to Parnaioca Beach,  which is both beautiful and totally secluded from the rest of the island. Follow another path and trek inland to see waterfalls. Spend your evenings sitting at a bar and sip a caipirinha with locals before heading back to your luxury hotel on the beach.

Sicily, Italy

Sicily is the largest island in the Medieterranean and offers miles of stunning coastline and beaches. It is a unique but beautiful part of Italy that offers fantastic cuisine, luxury seaside hotels, friendly locals, and warm temperatures year-round. If you decide to leave the beach for a day, you can explore Palermo or visit Mt. Etna, the highest and most active volcano in Europe. Of course, you can’t visit Italy, and especially Sicily, without taking a food and wine tour. You’ll be surprised how quickly you can get used to sipping an aperol spritz and watching the world go by.

Sihanoukville, Cambodia

Sihanoukville is one of Southeast Asia’s best-kept secrets. A few days here after experiencing Angkor Wat or a Mekong cruise will recharge you and fill you with a sense that there is more to Cambodia than meets the eye. It boasts fewer tourists than neighbouring Thailand and offers a less polished experience, where you can get closer to local life. Typically a little more of a backpacker destination, Cambodia is beginning to offer more exclusive properties to take care of your every whim for a dreamy beach escape. You can spend a day lounging on the beach watching local fishermen bring in their catch and stroll the white sandy beaches.

Tonga

Tonga is not as famous as Tahiti, Fiji or the Cook Islands and this works out well for those travellers looking for a more unique South Pacific vacation. Family is at the core of Tongan life and locals will be happy to include you in their day-to-day activities. Tonga’s most famous tourist attraction are the schools of humpback whales that surround this small island nation from July to October. You can hire a guide to take you out onto the sea to snorkel or dive with these giant mammals. There are also several small, luxury hotels to relax at during a stay here. 

Lord Howe Island, Australia

Lord Howe Island is situated off the coast of Port MacQuarie and a short two-hour flight from either Sydney or Brisbane. The island is famous as a well-developed, but exclusive, getaway from the mainland. Dramatic cliffs, white sand beaches and five-star accommodations are all available.There’s also a golf course in case you need to practice your swing. The island is a protected environment and in total there are only 400 tourist beds on the island, making sure you get the space you need to just relax at your own pace, at any budget. It’s easy to try new watersports, stand-up paddle boarding, or kayaking while on the island, as most resorts have rental facilities.

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