With the easing of travel restrictions and travellers aching to get out and about, here are some secluded beach holiday destinations for lower-risk holidays.
Marietas Islands, Riviera Nayarit
Formed by volcanic activity in the Marietas Islands National Park in Mexico?s Riviera Nayarit, this area is recognised by UNESCO. This hidden beach is accessible only via swimming through a tunnel and is restricted to only 117 people per day, for which visitors will need a prior reservation.
The first step to access this beach is to take a boat to the Marietas Islands National Park, a 45-minute ride from Punta Mita, in the south of Riviera Nayarit. Once people are close enough, they are asked to jump off the boat and swim close to the entrance. As the beach is hidden underground, visitors will need to swim through a tunnel of transparent and calm waters before arriving at the beach.
Marietas Islands are a wildlife sanctuary, home to many endangered bird species as well as rare coral reefs and visitors can expect to find a host of animal species, such as turtles, barber butterflies, humpback parrots and various species of fish, dolphins, and humpback whales, along with the most peculiar blue-footed booby, which can be found in only two parts of the planet, the Marietas Islands and the Galapagos Islands.
Tui Holidays offer a seven-night stay in Puerto Vallarta, which is just a 30-minute drive to Punta Mita, staying at the Canto del Sol and return flights to London Gatwick.
For more information visit:https://www.rivieranayarit.com/activity/water/tour-marietas-island-hidden-beach-punta-mita/ and https://www.tui.co.uk/
Shell Beach, Herm Island
Named after the millions of tiny shells washed up by the Gulf Stream, Shell Beach is a little-known place in the British Isles, combining the taste of Caribbean with white sands and vibrant blue seas.
Located on Herm Island, a 20-minute ferry ride from Guernsey?s St Peter Port, the beach is a great place for those who like kayaking or paddle-boarding, and the nearby beach caf? offers delicious ice creams. At low tide, rock pools and boulder strewn islets can be seen and explored by geology enthusiasts.
There are self-catering cottages dotting the islands, which can accommodate up to three people, and are charged on a per week basis.
For more information visit: https://www.herm.com/ and https://www.visitguernsey.com/see-and-do/things-to-do/shell-beach
Bahia De Las Aguilas / Playa Rincon / Playa El Valle, Dominican Republic
Located near the south coast border, between the Dominican Republic and Haiti, the beaches of the Pedernales and Barahona offer a remote holiday destination, with practically no shops, hotels, or restaurants in the vicinity.
Bahia De Las Aguilas is a part of the Jaragua National Park, and with its stretch of sparkling white sands, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and a spectacular rocky karst backdrop; is considered one of the most beautiful beaches of Dominican Republic. The Samana peninsula, located near the north coast of Dominican Republic, features a number of isolated beaches.
Playa Rincon ? accessed either by an off-road drive or a boat from nearby Las Galeras ? is beautiful, and uncrowded with clear waters and rarely explored coconut forests.
The undeveloped Playa El Valle is a great spot, which offers a sumptuous seafood lunch and the chance to take a long hike amid its rugged landscape.
For more information:https://www.godominicanrepublic.com/beaches/
Playa Migjorn, Formentera
Formentera, is the smallest of the Balearic Islands and one of the best kept secrets of the Mediterranean. It has Caribbean-style white sandy beaches and sleepy villages, with white-washed houses, all surrounded by turquoise waters.
Visitors can explore the entire length of 12 miles by foot or bicycle, or opt for a relaxing visit to the Ses Salines Natural Park, which is home to more than 200 different species of birds.
Playa Migjorn, located on the southern coast of the island, offers many isolated corners and coves, surrounded by sand dunes and pine trees. In the busier areas, the visitors may find seaside chiringuitos (beach bars) where people enjoy a refreshing cocktail with the sea breezes, after exploring the island.
Insotel Hotel Formentera Playa is a four-star beachfront hotel, at Playa Migjorn itself, which offers spacious outdoor terraces, surrounded by two large swimming pools and a pool bar, with views of the Mediterranean.
For more information visit:www.illesbalears.travel/en/formentera and https://www.insotelhotelgroup.com/en/hotels/formentera/insotel-hotel-formentera-playa
