List Of Best Undiscovered Beach Getaways Worldwide Includes 3 FL Resorts

FLORIDA — While beach fans always flock to the Sunshine State, three Florida beach communities are in exclusive territory, landing on a Forbes list of the top 18 Undiscovered Beach Getaways worldwide.

The new list includes everything from resorts in Athens, Greece and the coast of Egypt where Cleopatra once bathed to the rainforest of Malaysia and the island of Sardinia off the coast of Italy. But it also includes three Florida destination resorts.

From Athens to Vietnam, these remote or lesser-known destinations offer plenty of sun, sand and solitude, the Forbes editors said.

"Instead of elbowing through throngs on South Beach, it may be time to try that secluded stretch along Florida’s 30A highway," the publication said. "Rather than following the crowds to Waikiki Beach, consider a quiet Malaysian retreat."

For those seeking a summer trip that's not packed with tourists, Forbes Travel Guide’s editors said travelers should book their beach getaway soon.

Here are the Florida destinations to check out:

The St. Regis Longboat Key Resort: "The real draw here is the 11-mile barrier island on which the resort sits," Forbes said. "Vacationers can bask at how well the natural world and hospitality world harmonize here during a morning walk along the shore, an afternoon lagoon excursion or a candlelit dinner at the waterfront Riva Italian restaurant."

The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island: The four-star spa and renovated Salt restaurant from former Le Bernardin chef Okan Kizilbayir is also lauded for its "13 miles of dune-lined barrier island beaches and plentiful rocking chairs where lunch can be delivered to your chair … for a genteel getaway about 45 minutes from Jacksonville."

The Pearl Hotel, Rosemary Beach: Located on Florida's Gulf Coast between Destin and Panama City, the Rosemary Beach boutique hotel has touches such as complimentary sparkling wine upon arrival, freshly baked bedtime treats and a waterfront chaise and black-and-white umbrella. Amenities include the turreted hotel’s rooftop bar.

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