Europe is about to have its busiest ever travel season. Want a good five-star hotel on the beach anywhere in Europe? The availability is nearing zero for July and August. Is your summer holiday booked?
While Europe’s beach destinations are almost full, you will find some awesome last-minute summer holidays elsewhere in the world. Not only the Maldives and other Indian Oceans, but explorer destinations mixing beach vibes with something different. Here are ten options to consider. And here are our favourite beach holiday options in Europe.
1. French Polynesia
Oh Bora Bora, what a tropical dream. Just saying the words makes you smile. Now say Tahiti…Motu Tautau…Fa’a’aha Bay. Getting to French Polynesia is a two-day trip but it’s worth it for a two-week vacation. These islands are as dreamy as they sound.
This is the ultimate holiday in French Polynesia combining a private yacht, the best resorts and finest Pacific activities. There’s a lot to explore and most of it is more exclusive than in the Maldives. Imagine how jealous people will be when you tell them your summer holiday destination is Bora Bora.
2. Azores, Portugal
Okay, the Azores are technically part of Europe, but they’re cast adrift in the Atlantic, over 1000kms from the mainland.
Born from volcanoes, this archipelago is a paradise of crater lakes, lava tubes, mountain peaks, vineyards, waterfalls and white sand beaches.
Here you can have a beach holiday without the crowds. Just don’t expect to spend a whole week sunbathing. In the Azores you’ll combine beach time with outdoor adventures.
3. Miavana, Madagascar
Looking for an exclusive private villa on a private island? Where you have the space to relax and play? A place your neighbours and colleagues have never heard about?
Well welcome to Miavana, an Indian Ocean island off Madagascar.
It’s a private island retreat for modern-day explorers, those who want to feel alive yet also holiday in absolute comfort.
All villas have private beach access and a pool. The smallest villa measures 620sqm! Get here by helicopter and spend your beach days in the company of rare lemurs.
4. Fiji
May to October is the best time to visit Fiji.
Postcards of island paradise in the South Pacific. That’s Fiji. Spectacular beaches, glowing waters, jungle and volcano interiors, exquisite undersea worlds.
When Europe is busy Fiji is quiet. It’s always quiet on these lost islands. Yes, it takes a long time to get here. But the island resorts are exemplary, including our favourites Kokomo Private Island, Six Senses Fiji and Como Laucala Island. Don’t expect to share the sand here.
5. South Oman
A private Indian Ocean beach besides the Arabian desert. Swimming with whales sharks then walking with camels. Further from civilisation than islands in the Maldives and Seychelles, but also a base to discover a unique nature and culture.
Welcome to southwest Oman and Alila Hinu Bay.
Dubai, Oman and the rest of the Middle East is incredibly hot during the summer. However, Southern Oman has a microclimate and is the best place in the region to escape the heat.
What's Your Dream Beach Holiday?
6. Galapagos Islands
Looking for a beach holiday with a difference? Prefer your beaches not to be full of sun umbrellas and screaming children? How about the Galapagos Islands?
They’re famous for wildlife but remember, these are remote Pacific islands with amazing beaches as well.
Expect to share the sand with sea lions, giant tortoises, endemic iguanas and lava lizards. And expect to go swimming with turtles, reef sharks and penguins.
We love how you can combine a few days of beach leisure with a five-night boat expedition around this lost world.
7. Zanzibar
Do you know that two of best two Zanzibar hotels are owned by Czechs?
Tulia Zanzibar is not a typical tourist island paradise. It’s true Africa and the vibe is real and authentic, in a beautiful corner of the world.
Zuri Zanzibar is more luxurious and another good choice. And if you want to go more exclusive, consider andBeyond Mnemba Island
With its white sand and Indian Ocean waters, Zanzibar can be the classic summer beach holiday. But while you’re here why not combine the island with an African safari in Tanzania. No European holiday can offer you beaches plus elephants and lions.
8. Iceland
Not really a beach holiday destination and also not outside Europe…but, it feels like it is. When you want a combination of tranquillity and family activities it’s really difficult to top Iceland.
The best beaches are black volcanic soil and there are natural outdoor spas all across the island.
Indulge in the sense of space, feel the thrill of the wild, but also be immensely comfortable.
And yes, also have your beach time.
9. Sao Tome & Principe
The number three travel trend for 2022 is Sao Tome & Principe, two tiny islands located far off Africa’s coast. This will be a destination everyone is talking about ten years from now, but right now it’s so undiscovered.
Stay on a beach surrounded by tropical rainforest. Sail to beaches with absolutely no road access. It’s one of the world’s least visited countries and it provides a genuine five-star experience.
Fly here via Lisbon and stay at Sunday Praia, a beachfront resort with only 14 villas. Afternoons are for lazing beneath the sun. Mornings are for exploring the island. This beach playground is also significantly cheaper than Europe’s famous beach destinations.
10. Riviera Maya, Mexico
Summer is hurricane season in the Caribbean but Mexico’s Riviera Maya has only been hit by three hurricanes in its history. So you’d be very unlucky to have your white-sand beach holiday ruined this year.
Forget Cancun. Stay at one of this region’s exceptional contemporary hotels, like Etereo, or Rosewood Mayakoba. Explore a different Mexico by mixing beach time with jungle spas, swimming in xenotes and Mayan culture.
One of the world seven wonders is here and a holiday is so much more than beautiful Caribbean beach time.
Your Summer Beach Holiday
Where have you booked for this summer? Travel has returned and most of the best places in Europe are booked out already for July and August.
Great options remain when you’re prepared to explore a little further. These ten inspirations are a starting point. Get in touch and we’ll guide you through all the possibilities for this summer, based on your holiday preferences.
