We love nothing more than discovering an authentic hidden gem, a remote corner tucked away from the masses. Our team of travel experts are constantly in search of these lesser known alternatives; those underrated cities packed full of culture (without the queues), smaller villages where locals will embrace you with genuine warmth, off the beaten track beauties unscarred by the toll of tourism, and serene beaches known only to the wise local. These under the radar destinations offer a glimpse into local life, where you can experience traditional authentic customs and feast on cuisine made for locals rather than tourist consumption.
Tap into your more intrepid self and read on for a little inspiration. As ever, we have tons more ideas so please get in touch to find out more.
Remember: Being off trend is on trend.
Benguerra Island, Mozambique
Our Head of Marketing, Vicky, spent part of her honeymoon here and loved it. A tropical island 14km off the Mozambique coastline, Benguerra Island is the epitome of Indian Ocean paradise and part of the Bazaruto Archipelago, a protected marine nature reserve. The untouched island is surrounded by powdery beaches, and turquoise waters with reefs teeming with marine life.
Possibly one of the best scuba diving and snorkelling spots in the Indian Ocean this is a diver’s paradise, while other activities include paddle boarding, kayaking, riding horses through the waves or sailing dhows into the sunset. Community is at the core and you’re welcome to roll up your sleeves and get stuck into one of the many conservation projects to help protect the island’s ecosystems and natural beauty.
Sumba, Indonesia
The alternative to Bali, and just an hour’s flight away, lies the “Forgotten Island” of Indonesia. Twice the size of Bali but with fewer inhabitants and fewer tourists, this is the winning combination if you’re looking for off the beaten track and wilderness in the purest form. Expect wild horses galloping along pristine beaches, a rich cultural heritage (home to several distinct ethnic groups) and landscape characterised by limestone stacks (strangely reminiscent of Africa), large blue lagoons, stunningly beautiful beaches and cascading waterfalls. Immerse yourself and participate in traditional ceremonies, learn the art of weaving or explore ancient megalithic sites scattered across the island.
Anguilla, Caribbean
Achingly beautiful beaches (33 in total), which are said to be some of the best in the Caribbean, we can’t quite understand why Anguilla isn’t on everyone’s hit list. This is a completely stunning island for those wanting to branch away from the usual Caribbean suspects and hide themselves away in paradise. Velvety white beaches are lined with laidback beach shacks playing live calypso music at sunset, whilst serving insanely delicious cocktails and fresh barbecued fish (Anguillans love to eat so expect a buzzing food scene, together with the slickest but most unpretentious service.) Those long empty beaches are just made for sun worshippers. Anguilla is surely one of the best kept secrets in the Caribbean!
Bequia, Caribbean
A tiny seven-mile Caribbean paradise – ‘Island of the Clouds – this gem is only really visited by cognoscenti of the Caribbean! Bequia is part of the stunning archipelago of St Vincent and the Grenadines, with the A-list magnet of Mustique amongst its chain, and the ever popular Barbados an hour’s flight away. Bequia couldn’t be more different and has flown under the radar for years, somehow managing to avoid the glitz and glamour and maintaining its own distinct character, with an unspoiled natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere oozing the Caribbean charm of yesteryear. We highly recommend a hike up Mount Peggy for stunning views across the archipelago, diving the pristine reefs or kayaking between coves. In between kicking back and soaking up the delights of this tropical beauty.
Île de Yeu, France
Île d’Yeu is ruggedly romantic and wild, reminiscent of the Scottish Hebrides. This tiny island off the coast of Nantes is a place shrouded in legend and mystery, with an untamed beauty that has long inspired artists. Life on the island is slow and steady, but wonderfully rich in wilderness with secret coves, wave-battered dramatic and rocky outcrops, pockets of sandy beaches with Caribbean looking waters and coastal dunes.10km long and 4km wide, you will be able to explore every nook and cranny on foot or bike. And as for the food… expect freshly caught seafood and everything from oysters, mussels, lobster and crab to sea bass, sardines, and cod. Washed down with some local wines and you’ll know you’re on holiday.
Backwaters of Sweden
Just a short boat ride away from the bustling centre of Stockholm, lies this captivating natural paradise: the Wild Northern Archipelago. Comprising thousands of islands, islets and skerries, this remote and rugged archipelago is stunningly serene. Paddle through the outer archipelago of Roslagen through narrow channels and secluded inlets, discovering hidden beaches and secret coves along the way, and explore charming fishing villages and quaint seaside towns serving the freshest seafood delicacies. As for culture; there is everything from ancient Viking settlements to quaint lighthouses and coastal fortifications, each island has its own story to tell, providing a fascinating glimpse into Sweden’s maritime history.
Folegandros, Greece
An enchanting and secluded island in the Cyclades archipelago of Greece, lesser-known than many of its more popular neighbours like Santorini and Mykonos, and cherished for its unspoiled beauty and traditional Greek charm. With a rugged coastline adorned with dramatic cliffs, hidden coves and crystal clear waters there is plenty to explore. We love its timeless beauty, secluded beaches accessible only by boat, the traditional Cycladic architecture, labyrinthine alleys and the charming bougainvillea filled squares in the main village, Chora. Slow living is the name of the game here and when not soaking up the rays there are numerous hiking trails which wind through its verdant valleys.
Southern Tanzania
A place which takes a little more effort and time to reach than the ever-popular Serengeti, Mount Kilimanjaro and iconic Great Wildebeest Migration in the north. Indeed, only a fraction of Tanzania’s tourists head to the secret south but we can promise you it is well worth the effort. Home to vast and relatively untouched wilderness areas there are two game-rich national parks: Nyerere National Park (formerly Selous Game Reserve) and Ruaha National Park. What’s truly special is that you’re unlikely to see another vehicle so you can have wildlife spots all to yourself.
Malawi, Africa
A small landlocked country, bordered by Tanzania, Mozambique and Zambia, little visited Malawi is a country full of surprises! Affectionally known as“The Warm Heart of Africa” Malawians are incredibly friendly and go out of their way to make tourists feel at home. With no less than nine national parks and wildlife reserves there is plenty of wildlife with opportunities to see leopard, black rhino, lions and cheetahs, buffalo, zebra, giraffe and numerous birdlife. Contrasting landscapes range from highlands and plateaus to lush forests and shimmering lakes, most notably the stunning Lake Malawi, Africa’s third largest lake. Here the pace of life is slow and you can spend days lazing by the water, snorkelling and diving, paddleboarding or sailing.
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