Psst. You, with the ‘leave me alone’ look in your eye. Do you dream of a peaceful paddle? Are you one seaview-blocking parasol away from a sandcastle-stomping rage?
This is just between us, but there is another way. From quaint coves to desert island idylls, here’s our pick of hidden beaches for when you’re feeling more reclusive than all-inclusive.
RENDEZVOUS BAY BEACH
Antigua
Sequestered on a hard-to-reach stretch of Antigua’s south coast, Rendezvous Bay is full of strictly classified pleasures. Between the turquoise sea and soft white sands, you’d be hard pushed to find a more picturesque – or private – setting for your secret trysts. Romance aside, this isn’t a mission for flip-flops or the faint of heart – it’s an hour-long rainforest hike from Falmouth Harbour (unless you go full The Spy Who Loved Me with a private boat charter).
Where to stay Hole up at Villa Papillon for some hardcore cosseting – we’re talking butler service, chef and private sea-facing pool.
KOH TAH KIEV
Cambodia
Keep it on the QT, but Koh Tah Kiev is a tropical idyll with clear waters, sugary sands, coconut palms…and that’s about it. This tiny island off the coast of Cambodia has steered clear of commercialism and sidestepped the usual tourist trappings – and there’s no phone signal to draw in the Instagram crowd. Instead, days here are spent snorkelling, hammock-swinging and smugly whispering ‘I can’t believe how quiet it is’.
Where to stay Six Senses Krabey Island can zip you across to Koh Tah Kiev on the hotel’s boat, with the added bonus of your own private island and a world-class spa waiting when you get back.
PORTHCURNICK BEACH
Cornwall
Ditch the emmets at the bigger name beaches and roll on down to the Roseland, Cornwall’s remote peninsula with quieter coves in (buckets and) spades. Grassy cliffs give way to golden-sand stretches all along the coast path, but of a bonny bunch, Porthcurnick stands out for its Hidden Hut café. Here, fresh seasonal produce fuels a gourmet picnic menu and, in summer, locals gather round the firepit for weekly alfresco feast nights.
Where to stay Just along the coast path near pretty Portscatho, Driftwood Hotel is a sea salt-scented stroll from Porthcurnick – that is, if you can coax yourself from the hotel’s own private beach.
FIORDO DI CRAPOLLA
Amalfi
It sounds like sorcery: south of Sorrento on Amalfi’s rugged southern coast, Fiordo di Crapolla is a tiny cove with cover-girl good looks and, chances are, not another soul in sight. The catch? It’s a 700-step climb down to the beach…and 700 steps all the way back up again.
Your calves may be complaining tomorrow, but who cares when you have the crystalline waters all to yourself. Packing list essentials: hiking shoes, Hydro Flask and a penchant for local history – once you’re down there, you’ve Roman ruins and a centuries-old chapel to explore.
Where to stay At cliffside hideaway Hotel Capo La Gala and Wellness, the spa and sea views are just the ticket for some post-hike pampering.
CWM SILIO BEACH
Wales
Cwm Silio is a picnic spot so hush-hush the locals call it Secret Beach (sorry guys, we’re spilling the beans). There’s no road down to this secluded west Wales cove, but those in the know wind down the woodland path from the village of Nanternis, flanked by wildflowers, waterfalls and rare butterfly habitats. Pack some sandwiches and spend a sleepy afternoon sprawled out on the shingle – shhh, we won’t tell if you won’t.
Where to stay Hang your sun hat at the Harbourmaster Hotel, a stylish seaside stay overlooking Cardigan Bay.
HALIKOUNAS BEACH
Corfu
Bijou coves cramping your sunbathing style? Roger that. Hidden away on Corfu’s breezy southwest coast, Halikounis Beach delivers a super-sized dose of sun, sea and butter-soft sand. In summer, you’ll have kite surfers and Lake Korission’s friendly flock of flamingos for company – but with three kilometres to spread out on, a quiet spot for some unfettered frolicking is all but guaranteed.
Where to stay Across the island on Messonghi Beach, you’ll find a cluster of chic resorts – Olivar Suites’ spa and restaurant make luxurious use of local produce, and Domes Miramare is a seductive adults-only option.
MOONSTONE BEACH
California
Just off Route 1 in central Cali, Moonstone Beach is (literally) a hidden gem in the heart of West Coast road-trip territory.
Chalcedony, jade and jasper are among the wave-polished stones you can fill your pockets with here. Inner magpie appeased, settle in to spot sea otters, pilot whales and paperback-toting locals – the Pacific-facing benches are known as prime reading real estate round these parts.
For a quieter jaunt, head north along the boardwalk and peel off whenever a particularly pretty tidepool takes your fancy.
Where to stay Cambria Beach Lodge is your chilled-out stay right by the boardwalk, complete with ocean views and bikes to rent.
PRAIA DA FUSETA MAR
Algarve
Ilha da Armona may not be the Algarve’s best-kept secret, but if you have to hop on a boat to get there, we’d say it’s still pretty well-hidden. Throw in the island’s buckets of unspoiled beaches and you’ll have ample space for a full-family sandcastle contest. Clandestine canoodlers, we have you covered, too.
For maximum privacy, wander down to Praia da Fuseta-Mar, where the Algarve’s greatest hits – warm waters, golden sand and a welcome Atlantic breeze – are enjoyed in sun-warmed solitude.
Where to stay Boho bolthole Octant Vila Monte is a 20-minute drive away – the hotel’s boat at Fuseta pier will sail you straight past the ferry queue to the praia.
MOUTHMILL BEACH
Devon
In days of yore, Devon’s dramatic north coast was a hotbed of swashbuckling, shipwrecks and smuggling. These days, it’s more donkey rides than derring do, but if you fancy going full Famous Five, head to Mouthmill Beach.
The storybook factor is strong from the get-go – the path to the beach winds through ancient woodland, complete with rustic footbridges, streams, and in spring, a blanket of bluebells. On the pebbly shore, a wholesome agenda of seaside pursuits await. Rockpooling and a round of hide and seek under the arches of Blackchurch Rock are best followed by an Atlantic-facing picnic – lashing of ginger beer optional, but highly encouraged.
Where to stay A 10-minute drive inland, the Collective at Woolsery keeps the retro vibes rolling with quaint cottages, 1940s decor and an onsite fish and chip shop.
Tired of beachy hide and seek? Why not discover our full collection of luxury beach and coastal hotels…