If you're dreaming of the perfect beach break (something along the lines of white sand, azure waters and nothing but a few coconut shells to get in your way), take a look at our run down of the most beautiful undiscovered beaches in the world. Whether it's paradise in Fiji or the rugged, Scottish coastline, there are plenty of inspiring locations to choose from.
Beautiful undiscovered beaches
Location: Koh Rung Samloem, Cambodia
The lowdown: Cambodia is often ignored over neighbouring Thailand which means that the country boasts many more unspoilt beaches. The gateway town is Sihanoukville which has three beautiful beaches to its name. Take a boat from here to one of the exotic islands, including Koh Rung Samloem, which can be reached in two hours. The island is home to Lazy Beach, a series of bungalows and a central bar area adjacent to the most perfect beach – calm and warm sea, white sand and a nearby rainforest.
The USP: It's a top spot for snorkelling.
Getting there and bedding down: Thailand is the most convenient place to book external flights to, but you can also travel directly to Cambodia's capital city, Phnom Penh. Sihanoukville is one of the best places to book a hotel. Visit ABOUTAsia Travel to find out more.
What's the damage: A week's trip combining a hotel in Sihanoukville and a stay at Lazy Beach would cost around £200 pp including transfers, via ABOUTAsia Travel. Return flights with Malaysian Airlines start from around £520 pp.
Beautiful undiscovered beaches
Location: Porto Santo, Madeira
The lowdown: Porto Santo is one of the Madeira Islands and lies 40km away from the main island, a two hour ferry ride away. It has established itself as 'The Golden Isle' and the 9km stretch of pure golden sand makes it easy to see why the island picked up the nickname.
The USP: The sand on the island is said to contain healing properties and is particularly beneficial to visitors with arthritis and rheumatism.
Getting there and bedding down:First Choice are launching a program direct to Porto Santo from London Gatwick with packages staying at the 5 star Pestana Porto Santo
What's the damage: In May, packages start at £516 a person with First Choice.
Beautiful undiscovered beaches
Location: Hot Water Beach, Coromandel Peninsula, New Zealand
The lowdown: The Hot Water Beach has been named one of the top ten beaches in the world by the Lonely Planet Travel Guide so it's not exactly undiscovered but the unique, geothermal attraction is not to be missed on a visit to the North Island.
The USP: The water can reach 64ºC in the underground water reservoirs at Hot Water Beach; perfect for a nice hot bath!
Getting there and bedding down: The Flightcentre's New Zealand offer includes three nights' accommodation at the the Skycity Hotel in nearby Auckland and return travel from London Heathrow between 17 April – 30 June 2011.
What's the damage: Flightecentre's offer starts from £875 per person.
Beautiful undiscovered beaches
Location: Pfeiffer beach, The Big Sur, California
The lowdown: Sunbathe, swim and surf on one of the world's most famous coastlines. Whatever you do, don't miss sunset – it's unbeatable.
The USP: The sand at this beach is purple! The lilac hue comes from garnets that wash down from the hillside above.
Getting there and bedding down: There is a lot to see in California, so make the most of your visit by booking hiring a car and exploring some of the famous sites. Flightcentre has an offer on a weeklong trip to San Francisco and Napa Valley, between 2 -31 May.
What's the damage: The Flightcentre offer costs from £845 per person, including flights from London Gatwick and accommodation at the Holiday Inn.
Beautiful undiscovered beaches
Location: Turnberry, Ayreshire, Scotland
The lowdown: Ragged coastline and rolling hills make up the spectacular scenery on the South West of Scotland. Culzean Castle is nearby, but golfing fans will have to tear themselves away from the Championship Golf Courses that boast some of the best views in the country.
Getting there and bedding down:The Turnberry Resort has recently opened a collection of self-catering apartments, ideally positioned next to Turnberry's sandy dunes. The resort itself is only 50 miles away from Glasgow city centre and is a 30 minute drive away from Glasgow's Prestwick airport. There is also a railyway station located 20 minutes away from the resort.
What's the damage: The Lands of Turnberry apartments start at £595 for a seven night stay.
Beautiful undiscovered beaches
Location: Praia do Forte, Bahia, Brazil
The lowdown: Praia do Forte sits in an environmentally protected area and its tropical climate, coconut plantation and 12km of unspoilt beach make it feel like paradise.
The USP: Turtles can be spotted laying eggs in the ecological reserves, while humpback whales can also be seen in the coral reefs.
Getting there and bedding down:The Praia do Forte EcoResort & Thalasso Spa was built with the environment and the local community in mind. It is located right on the beach and is the perfect base for exploring the region. The hotel organises hikes along the beach as well as canoeing and diving trips. Guests won't get bored easily! Salvador is the most convenient location to fly to – it's only an hour away from the hotel.
What's the damage: Flights from London to Salvador start at £519 per person. Hotel rates vary seasonally, and look out for their special offers!
Beautiful undiscovered beaches
Location: Vala Walu Beach, Fiji
The lowdown: Some of the world's most beautiful beaches are located in the archipelago of the Yasawa Islands, and the white sand and turquoise water of Vala Walu is one of the best. The beach can be reached by boat from the Yasawa Island Resort .
The USP: If you're looking for peace and quiet, this is the beach to go to. The only things you'll stumble upon here are coconut shells and driftwood.
Getting there and bedding down: Book your stay at the Yasawa Island Resort with Bridge & Wickers. Air New Zealand flies to Nadi on the west side of Fiji via Los Angeles.
What's the damage: Bridge & Wickers offers two nights at the resort from £735 per person, based on two sharing and including all meals. Flights to Nadi start at £600 per person from London Heathrow.
Beautiful undiscovered beaches
Location: Wilson Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia
The lowdown: There are just six luxurious tents on Wilson Island and it's safe to say the white sands and turquoise waters are practically untouched, making a visit here the perfect castaway experience.
The USP: After an afternoon of lounging in a hammock with your favourite book, indulge in a gourmet picnic on the beach – pure heaven.
Getting there and bedding down: Tents can be hired individually however, if you're feeling a little more extravagant, the island can be hired for two nights between 12 people with Tailor Made Travel. Flying to Cairns is usually the easiest way to reach the Great Barrier Reef.
What's the damage: Tents cost from £524 per night per night based on two staying and includes all meals, transfer from Heron Island and snorkeling equipment. Hiring the island costs from £6, 292 for two nights for 12 people. Flights to Cairns start from £688 return per person.
Beautiful undiscovered beaches
Location: Almeria, Spain
The lowdown: On the coast of Almeria lies Europe's only desert and one of the least visited parts of the Mediterranean.
The USP: The sand dunes at Monsul are some of the most impressive in the world; they were used to film Lawrence of Arabia.
Getting there and bedding down:Inn Travel offers one week's self catering at Las Negras apartments. Flights to Almeria can be booked from most UK airports.
What's the damage: Inn Travel's offer costs from £420 per person based on two sharing a one-bedroom apartment, including 7 days' car hire. Flights start at around £79 return from London airports.
Beautiful undiscovered beaches
Location: Tofino, Vancouver Island, Canada
The lowdown: The sandy beach at Tofino measures an impressive five miles, but walks in the rainforest and a spot of bear watching are also not to be missed.
The USP: The long stretch of beach makes this the ideal location for surfing fanatics.
Getting there and bedding down:Frontiers Travel will organise a three night stay in Vancouver at the Coast Plaza Hotel followed by a five night stay at the Tin Wis on the beach in Tofino.
What's the damage: Prices including charter flights from Gatwick, three nights at the Coast Plaza Hotel and five nights at the Tin Wis will cost from £1211 per person, including five days car hire.