12 beautiful beaches you’ve never heard of

Escape to still-undiscovered sands the world over, from Mexico to Madagascar.

Maybe you’re in search of an unexpected, crowd-free beach, where you can stroll along secret sandy stretches and stumble upon lesser-known fishing villages and gentle waves. Or perhaps your go-to beach hideaway overflows with tourists, swimmers and sunbathers, and you would rather trade popular powdery sands for abundant marine life, pristine diving spots or secluded areas for sailing, stand-up paddleboarding and other recreational activities. To help you find a tucked-away oasis to savor sunny, lazy summer days, we’ve pinpointed 12 stretches of sand for a secluded beach break.

Overhead view of an exclusive Caribbean beach with turquoise water and white sand and blue sky. The sun is shining brightly and the beach is empty. The scene looks like an ideal vacation spot. — **Godahl Beach** *St. Vincent and the Grenadines* Located at the southern tip of Carenage Bay in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Godahl Beach offers an understated coastline with pristine white sands and electric blue waters. Godahl Beach fringes the Pink Sands Club, the largest property in Canouan and boasts unspoiled coral reefs. Plus, you can enjoy snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking and other activities when you need a break from relaxing under an umbrella-shaded lounge chair along the beach. (Thinkstock)

Nosy Ankao Madagascar Situated along the northeastern coast of Madagascar, Nosy Ankao is a private island located within the Loky Manambato Protected Area, a park filled with unspoiled coral reefs, rare turtles and other fascinating species. Due to its remote location, the island’s beaches have remained mostly untouched until the recent opening of the Miavana resort, enabling visitors to retreat to its 14 spacious villas and experience the area’s wildlife and spectacular scenery. When you’re not relaxing at the beach and taking in sweeping vistas of the Indian Ocean or unwinding in your private villa, you can enjoy whale watching, diving and other diversions. (Courtesy Miavana via Facebook) (Thinkstock)

Bermuda is located in the North Atlantic Ocean — **Horseshoe Bay Beach** *Bermuda* This famous stretch with iconic pink sands sits near the Fairmont Southampton, Bermuda Resort and is part of South Shore Park, a nature reserve that features plenty of dunes, limestone cliffs and picnic areas. Aside from flying a kite, sunbathing or al fresco dining, you can stroll to the Fairmont Southampton’s private beach for added seclusion. Or, if you’re craving more adventure, check out the area’s unique coves, such as Astwood Cove or Jobson’s Cove, or make your way to Warwick Long Bay for excellent snorkeling. (Courtesy Thinkstock)

Caribbean, Grenadines, Britannia Bay, Mustique, View of a beach — **Macaroni Beach** *Mustique, St. Vincent and the Grenadines* The well-maintained Macaroni Beach — set along the eastern shoreline of the private isle of Mustique — is little-known and fringed by aquamarine waters, rustic palms and a sugary coastline. Discreet grass huts with tables and few crowds add an extra air of exclusivity, plus activities (think: chartering your own boat to reach the island) can be arranged for visitors through the Mustique Company. Other activities can include swimming and paddleboarding excursions from Pasture Bay to Macaroni Beach. (Thinkstock)

Poltu Quatu harbor on a sunny day, Sardinia — **Porto Cervo beaches** *Costa Smeralda, Sardinia* A glamorous Mediterranean hideaway, Costa Smeralda in Sardinia, Italy, has long been a playground for the rich and famous. The Hotel Cala di Volpe, which overlooks a tucked-away bay on Sardinia, was even a filming location for the 1977 James Bond classic “The Spy Who Loved Me.” And nearby, the hotel’s sister property, Hotel Pitrizza, offers access to one of the most exclusive beaches in Costa Smeralda. On the private beach, sun-seekers can lounge along white sands or stay in upscale suites and villas overlooking the Mediterranean. (Thinkstock)

Famous arch in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico — **Playa Solmar Beach** *Cabo San Lucas, Mexico* While Cabo San Lucas is one of the world’s most legendary resort destinations, a lesser-known but equally charming spot to visit is Playa Solmar. Flights are available directly from Cabo San Lucas and the number of tourists are demonstrably less in Playa Solmar, which mainly welcomes guests of resorts such as Grand Solmar Land’s End Resort & Spa, The Solmar Resort and Playa Grande Resort & Grand Spa. At this free beach located on the Pacific side of Land’s End, you can enjoy leisurely oceanside lounging and few crowds. Just be forewarned: The area is prone to strong rip currents, making swimming conditions hazardous, so exercise caution before taking a dip. (Thinkstock)

Aerial shot of beautiful coastline and beaches of tropical Mahé Island, Seychelles. — **Petite Anse Beach** *Seychelles* While Seychelles‘ network of 115 islands is notorious for its glamorous bikini-clad honeymooners, the sheltered Petite Anse Beach provides an idyllic respite. Unlike the bigger Grande Anse Beach, this sandy stretch sits in a secluded horseshoe-shaped bay. The ivory-white sands provide a stark contrast to the turquoise color of the waves, and if you are lucky enough to stay at the Four Seasons Resort Seychelles, you can delight in utter seclusion and pampering with butler service and personalized yoga classes. (Thinkstock)

#WanderlustWednesday Picture yourself on a private island this wednesday, jump right in! #AzuraQuilalea #Mozambique pic.twitter.com/vs1d1ZQsTY
— Azura Retreats (@Azuraretreats) July 12, 2017

Azura Quilalea Private Island Quirimbas Archipelago, Mozambique Stretching from Pemba to the northern border of Tanzania, the Quirimbas Archipelago is a secluded hideaway in the Indian Ocean. The Azura Retreats group converted the 86-acre area into a luxury resort, where visitors can enjoy kayaking, swinging in a hammock, fishing and snorkeling, among other pastimes. The resort’s four sandy beaches are remote and pristine. Plus, you can check out plenty of marine life, from big-game fish to dolphins to humpback whales, depending on the season, as you explore the protected reefs within the archipelago. (Courtesy Azura Retreats via Twitter) (Thinkstock)