24 Jun 2013
Those looking for more unusual destinations for sun, sea and sand this year should consider breaking away from the stereotypical ‘beach holiday’ destinations. Why not swap the Costa Blanca for western Finland and the south of France for the Channel Island of Herm and add an extra dimension to a holiday this year? Here are some ideas:
Yyteri beach, Pori, western Finland - Yyteri is Finland’s best beach with 6km of fine golden sand and dunes, meaning that even in peak season it doesn’t get overcrowded. Ideal for activities; windsurfers think of it as the best saltwater spot in the country and many impromptu games of football and handball spring up on the beach. Bird watchers also return annually throughout the year to spot a wide variety of bird life.www.yyteri.fi
Where to stay? Havulinna 29 is a brand new contemporary, high designed villa sleeping up to 10 people right on the beach. The villa has a private terrace, al fresco dining area, hammocks, sun loungers, a private hot tub and a traditional Finnish sauna. A week in high season (4th June – 26th August) starts from £928. www.yyteribeach.fi/en/book/villas/havulinna/havulinna-29/00 358 2 62 44 188
Isle of Bergeggi - Not a classical beach, more of a place to dip, cool off, dive or snorkel, kayak to and explore. The island of Bergeggi lies off the coast of the beach of Bergeggi (a charming cove with azure waters). The uninhabited island has some huge caves, the largest being the Grotta Marina – 37m by 17m, and the island’s formation makes it a haven for fish with easy snorkelling and excellent clear vision diving.
Where to stay? The Michelin starred restaurant and hotel, Claudio, on Bereggi Beach. The hotel has 20 rooms and six suites and guests can take advantage of Claudio’s private beach with views over the coast and the island of Bergeggi. Rates start at £110 per night including breakfast. www.hotelcaudio.it
http://www.turismoinliguria.it
Ushuaia Beach Club - part of the world renowned Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel, the Ushuaïa Beach Club brings luxury to the beach. Day visitors or guests can enjoy the beachfront restaurant, cocktail bar, valet service and cool atmosphere and flit in and out of Ushuaïa’s incredible open air gigs, with a line up this year including Nervo Nation, Luciano, Loco Dice and Cathy & David Guetta. Booking is necessary at beachclub@ushuaiabeachhotel.com
Where to stay? The brand new Ushuaïa Tower is an eight floor property located alongside its existing sister hotel Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel. The Tower will suit those looking for an Ibiza club experience but with a little more exclusivity. The suites have private terraces with Jacuzzi’s and guests can relax by the infinity pool which looks out to sea, a cocktail bar on the ground floor and a roof terrace bar overlooking the Playa d’en Bossa. For bookings: www.ushuaiabeachhotel.com/en/thehotel/ushuaia-tower/ 0034 902 424 252
Bowman’s Beach, Sanibel - Sanibel Island on Florida’s Gulf Coast has an unusual east-west orientation, meaning that it scoops up thousands of stunning shells a day making it one of the world’s premier shelling destinations. Its beaches are strewn with over 400 types of shells from the commonplace scallop to the brown speckled junonia, which is a once in a lifetime find. Anyone finding a junonia will get into the local paper! Don’t miss Bowman’s Beach, which was awarded a Guinness World Record in 2012 for the highest number of people searching for shells in the renowned ‘Sanibel Stoop’ pose (bending over to pick up shells).
Where to stay? Stay in the colourful, waterfront Castaways Cottages to the north of Sanibel Island. Prices start at £69 per night in a beachside room. For bookings: www.castawayssanibel.com.
Herm, Channel Islands - The tiny island of Herm, which is a 20 minute boat ride from Guernsey, may be just a couple of miles long and wide but it has award winning white sand beaches. The island is just 300 acres at high tide but 1,000 acres at low tide when its incredible white sand beaches are fully revealed. Those looking for unspoilt beaches will find their match on Herm, with its car and road free regulations and even the banning of public playing of radios. Not to be missed are Shell Beach and Belvoir Bay.
Where to stay? The White House Hotel is the only hotel on the island. Guests can truly relax with no televisions, clocks or telephones; award winning gardens, spectacular sea views and the beach right on the doorstep. Rates start at £98 per night for a cottage room with breakfast. For bookings: http://herm.com/hotel/
Montañita, Ecuador- Montañita is Ecuador’s ultimate surf beach. First becoming popular with travellers in the 60’s with its laid back vibe, today the town boasts quirky guesthouses, restaurants and relaxed bars lining the unpaved streets, many of which are run by the original travellers from the 60’s. The breaks are rideable all year round and draw a steady stream of surfers from all over the world every year.
Where to stay? Accommodation comes in all shapes and sizes, from hotels and eco-lodges, to beachside tents from as a little as $5 per night. For funky décor and a fun atmosphere, check in at Tiki Limbo Surf Hostel, where a double room will set you back around £80 per couple per night.
-Ends-
For more information or images on these summer holiday ideas please contact Jules Ugo, Kate McWilliams or Amelia Astley Birtwistle at Lotus UK on firstname@lotus-uk.co.uk / 0207 953 7470.
