Unknown Beach Vacation Spots
Montenegro's Chedi Luštica Bay
When summer draws near, the ideal of a tranquil beach vacation may easily become a reality of competing for parking spaces, snagging the last beach umbrella, and negotiating the best lunch reservations.
Get rid of all that tension this year. It might be time to attempt that remote section of Florida's 30A roadway rather than squeezing past crowds on South Beach. Consider a peaceful Malaysian getaway instead of going to Waikiki Beach with the masses.
Forbes Travel Guide writers suggest 18 hidden beach havens for summertime vacationers looking to escape the crowded tourist routes. However, these locations won't remain undiscovered for long, so don't put off planning a summer beach vacation.
Athens' One&Only Aesthesis
It would be a disaster to miss out on other Greek islands and beach resorts, even though Santorini and Mykonos may get the majority of the summer crowds. Despite being only 20 minutes from the city centre, One&Only Aesthesis' golden sands are incredibly peaceful. The Athenian Riviera hotel strategically places its dining options, entertainment, and breathtaking views near the water. The adults-only Mystiko Beach has a little cove close by for even more seclusion.
Mandarin Oriental, Canouan, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
In 2024, the small Caribbean nation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines had around 227,000 visitors, compared to 11 million for the Bahamas. The world-renowned Mandarin Oriental, Canouan, is the destination for those in the know. The five-star resort's colonial-style suites, Italian-designed villas, and a spa with hillside palapas are all encased in the white-powder playground that is Godahl Beach.
D Turkey's Maris Bay, Marmaris
This Turkish resort is the meeting point of the Mediterranean and Aegean seas. D Maris Bay offers a yacht for water sports and six different beaches, from a party scene with DJs and late-night parties to a family-friendly choice with a kids' club. Choose from seven bars and six restaurants after hitting the beach, and then unwind in one of the 195 light-filled, modern rooms with views of the mountains or the water.
Malaysia's Datai Langkawi
The mile-long crescent of white sand along the Andaman Sea is protected by a 10-million-year-old rainforest that abuts Datai Bay. The 121 wood-filled rooms, whose terraces may provide a view of the Sunda flying lemurs and the langurs that call the jungle home, are also hidden by the verdant surroundings. Take a nature walk to learn more about the local wildlife and plants, or stay in one of the spa's outdoor treatment villas to take in the tropical environment.
Florida's St. Regis Longboat Key Resort
When the St. Regis Longboat Key Resort in the Sarasota area opened in October 2024, it was immediately commended for its 168 elegant accommodations and a 20,000-square-foot spa. The resort is situated on an 11-mile barrier island, which is the main attraction here. Visitors can enjoy a morning stroll along the shore, an afternoon lagoon trip, or a candlelit dinner at the waterfront Riva Italian restaurant to appreciate how nicely the natural world and the hospitality industry coexist here.
Montenegro's Chedi Luštica Bay
Like its popular neighbour Croatia, Montenegro boasts walled towers worthy of Game of Thrones and gorgeous landscapes. The Chedi Luštica Bay, a Mediterranean wonder of stone facades and terracotta roofs, is one of the Montenegrin resorts that, in contrast to the former, haven't yet seen an excessive amount of Instagram shares. The 111-room hotel has four restaurants and bars, and visitors may wish to stay on the year-round private beach. The outdoor infinity pool and spa with Asian influences are also prepared for close-up.
Curacao's Baoase Luxury Resort
This island retreat's private beach serves as a starting point for jet-ski excursions, snorkelling excursions to a submerged tugboat and teeming reefs, and chartering a 42-foot Boston Whaler for a sunset excursion. With only 23 rooms, including an opulent home on its private island, the family-run hotel with Balinese influences makes the experience small.
Sardinia's Seven Pines Resort
This 75-room hotel nestled along the island's northern shore has its share of charming corners, just like any Sardinian getaway worth its weight in date palms. Nevertheless, the four coves tucked away among the shrubland at 7Pines Resort Sardinia might be its best-kept secret. The hotel can, upon request, turn these peaceful areas into a romantic picnic area or an outdoor spa sanctuary, providing visitors with a chance to create unforgettable moments away from the island's busier beaches.
The Ritz-Carlton on Florida's Amelia Island
About 45 minutes from Jacksonville, this Four-Star resort is the perfect place for a laid-back vacation with Spanish moss, 13 miles of dune-lined barrier island beaches, and lots of rocking rockers. With a four-star spa, the recently remodelled Salt restaurant, which was created by former Le Bernardin chef Okan Kizilbayir, and a Club Level that offers a bar and a beach with amenities like a dedicated strip of sand and lunch served straight to your chair, the hotel enhances the experience.
On Egypt's North Coast, Cleopatra Sidi Heneish
This little-known beach hamlet is tucked away along Egypt's charming North Coast; avoid the crowds. The hotel claims that Cleopatra herself had a bath in these azure waters, making it a place befitting of a king or queen. If that weren't enough of an allure, the 332-room hotel on the ocean has seven pools, a golf driving range, an aquatic park and kids' camp, and a restorative spa.
Mauritius's Royal Palm Beachcomber Luxury
At this secluded thatched-roof haven on the northwest coast of the island, everything centres around the water. This five-star boutique hotel offers its guests private dining on the sand, yoga and meditation on the beach, sunset paddle yoga, and a monthly beachside brunch. Additionally, every one of the 69 suites you reserve has an ocean view. Travel inland to the 18-hole Mont Choisy Le Golf course, which is only ten minutes away, and the 12-treatment-room spa featuring Valmont treatments.
The Four Seasons Resort Vietnam's Nam Hai, Hoi An
Tourists should stay for the beach, even when they are here to see the neighbouring UNESCO Heritage Sites. A secluded half-mile stretch of white sand fringed by coconut trees and a variety of water activities, such as kayaking, bodyboarding, windsurfing, and stand-up paddleboarding, are available at the five-star all-villa hotel. Additionally, there are three pools, a beachside lounge that serves sherry sundowners, and a spa with floating treatment pavilions.
Turks and Caicos, Salterra
In the "island of white gold," salt is a valuable resource. The new beachside residence was designed with inspiration from South Caicos' historic salt-harvesting history. renowned spa services and Brine, its flagship eatery. Salterra offers a wealth of natural resources, such as a gorgeous 3,000-foot stretch of immaculate beach and 100 suites the colour of sand with balconies overlooking the sea.
In Saudi Arabia, Nujuma
The Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia is a private paradise. The first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the Middle East, which features 63 seashell-shaped, solar-powered overwater residences with Saudi design elements, opened in 2024 on the mostly unexplored Ummahat Islands. Additionally, each villa has a butler who can set up everything from astronomy sessions with an astronomer to snorkelling excursions at neighbouring reefs.
Eleuthera Cove in the Bahamas
The 22-room boutique hotel between two sand coves offers a cosy, relaxed atmosphere that guarantees visitors won't ever have to worry about bumping into one other.for a lounge chair. It also means that the cliffside bar, the Asian-inspired restaurant, and the infinity pool with views of the ocean won't be crowded. You could forget there are other people there, aside from the helpful personnel who can set up a beach bar excursion or a snorkel tour of the coral nursery.
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DoJ Attorneys Resign Over Decision Not to Investigate Agent in Minneapolis ICE Shooting
A Justice Department Decision Sparks Fallout Several US Department of Justice (DoJ) attorneys have resigned following an internal decision not to pursue a criminal investigation into a federal immigration agent involved in a shooting in Minneapolis, according to multiple officials familiar with the matter. The resignations have intensified scrutiny of the DoJ’s handling of the case and fueled public debate over law enforcement accountability, particularly when federal agents are involved. The shooting, which occurred during an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operation in Minneapolis, has already drawn local outrage and national attention. The decision not to open a formal investigation has now added a new layer of controversy—this time from within the Justice Department itself. What Is Known About the Minneapolis ICE Shooting Details surrounding the incident remain limited, as authorities have not released a full public account. What has been confirmed is that an ICE agent discharged a firearm during an operation, resulting in a civilian being shot. The condition of the victim has not been fully detailed in official statements, though local officials confirmed the individual survived. Local law enforcement initially responded to the scene, but jurisdictional authority shifted quickly due to the involvement of a federal agent. Under standard procedure, incidents involving federal officers are typically reviewed by the DoJ to determine whether a civil rights or criminal investigation is warranted. It was this review—and its outcome—that ultimately triggered internal dissent. Why DoJ Attorneys Walked Away According to sources familiar with the resignations, multiple attorneys—some with experience in civil rights and public integrity cases—objected strongly to the decision not to open a formal investigation. They argued that the shooting met the threshold for independent review, regardless of whether charges were ultimately brought. One former official described the decision as “a dangerous precedent,” warning that declining to investigate could erode public trust. Others reportedly felt that political considerations, rather than legal standards, influenced the outcome. While the DoJ has not publicly confirmed the number of resignations, officials acknowledged that departures occurred and said they were handled in accordance with internal procedures. The Justice Department’s Position In a brief statement, the Department of Justice said it had conducted an initial assessment of the incident and concluded that there was insufficient basis to proceed with a criminal investigation at this time. Officials emphasized that such decisions are made after reviewing available evidence, including use-of-force policies and witness statements. The department rejected claims that the decision was politically motivated, insisting that prosecutors follow established legal thresholds rather than public pressure. However, the DoJ declined to provide further details, citing the sensitive nature of law enforcement operations and personnel matters. Minneapolis Officials and Community Reaction In Minneapolis, the reaction has been swift and critical. City leaders and community advocates have called for greater transparency, arguing that federal agents operating within city limits should be subject to the same level of scrutiny as local police. “This isn’t about politics—it’s about accountability,” said a local civil rights advocate. “When someone is shot, there must be an independent investigation, regardless of the badge involved.” Protests and community meetings have followed, with residents demanding the release of body camera footage, operational details, and a clearer explanation for the DoJ’s decision. ICE Operations Under Renewed Scrutiny The shooting and subsequent fallout have reignited broader concerns about ICE enforcement tactics. Critics argue that immigration operations often take place with limited oversight, creating conditions where accountability gaps can emerge. Advocacy groups note that ICE agents are armed and authorized to use force, yet incidents involving shootings are relatively rare—and therefore require especially careful review when they occur. Supporters of ICE counter that agents operate in dangerous environments and must make split-second decisions, warning against rushing to judgment without full facts. Political Pressure and the Rule of Law The resignations have also raised questions about political pressure within federal law enforcement agencies. While no direct evidence has been made public, former prosecutors say internal disagreement of this magnitude is unusual and concerning. “When career attorneys resign over a single decision, it signals a serious breakdown of trust,” said a former federal prosecutor. “That doesn’t happen lightly.” Lawmakers from both parties have begun asking questions, with some calling for congressional oversight hearings into the incident and the DoJ’s decision-making process. Legal Standards vs Public Expectations At the heart of the controversy is a long-standing tension in US justice: the gap between legal thresholds for prosecution and public expectations of accountability. Opening an investigation does not imply guilt, but declining to investigate can be perceived as preemptively closing the door on transparency. Civil rights experts argue that even if prosecutors believe charges are unlikely, a formal investigation can still serve an important public interest. “The process matters as much as the outcome,” said one legal scholar. “Especially when federal authority is involved.” What Happens Next While the DoJ has indicated it will not revisit its decision at this time, pressure is mounting. Civil lawsuits, independent reviews, or congressional inquiries could still follow. Meanwhile, the resignations themselves may become part of a broader reckoning inside the Justice Department, as leaders assess how internal dissent is handled—and how public confidence can be restored. For the attorneys who resigned, the decision appears to have been a matter of principle. For the public, the unanswered questions surrounding the Minneapolis shooting remain unresolved. Conclusion: A Case That Won’t Fade Quietly The resignations of DoJ attorneys over the decision not to investigate an ICE agent involved in a Minneapolis shooting have turned a single law enforcement incident into a national flashpoint. Beyond the specifics of the case, the episode raises fundamental questions about accountability, transparency, and the independence of the justice system. Whether through further investigation, legal action, or political oversight, the issue is unlikely to disappear—and the consequences may shape how similar cases are handled in the future.
By Aarif Lashari3 days ago in Earth
Images Show Aftermath of Deadly Crash on Thai Railway Line
Some images stay with you long after you scroll past them. The photographs coming out of Thailand this week do exactly that. Twisted steel, overturned train carriages, scattered luggage, and exhausted rescue workers tell a devastating story — one that words alone cannot fully explain. A deadly crash on a Thai railway line has claimed multiple lives and left dozens injured, turning an ordinary journey into a nightmare. As images from the scene circulate globally, they reveal not just destruction, but grief, courage, and difficult questions about safety in one of Southeast Asia’s busiest rail networks. A Normal Journey That Ended in Disaster For the passengers on board, the day began like any other. People were heading to work, returning home, or traveling to see family. The train moved steadily along the tracks — until everything suddenly changed. According to officials, the crash occurred when heavy construction equipment collapsed onto an active railway line, striking a moving passenger train. The impact derailed multiple carriages, causing chaos inside the train as metal twisted and windows shattered. Within moments, smoke filled the air and cries for help echoed from inside the wreckage. For many passengers, there was no time to react. What the Images Reveal The aftermath photos are haunting. In some images, train carriages lie on their sides, crushed and burned. In others, rescue teams climb over debris, cutting through metal to reach trapped passengers. Personal belongings — backpacks, shoes, food containers — are scattered across the tracks, quiet reminders of lives abruptly interrupted. One particularly striking image shows emergency workers standing silently beside the wreckage, their faces reflecting exhaustion and sorrow. These visuals do more than document damage; they capture the emotional weight of the tragedy. Images like these remind us how fragile routine can be — how quickly normal life can turn into crisis. The Human Cost of the Crash Authorities confirmed that multiple people lost their lives, while dozens were injured, some critically. Hospitals in nearby areas were quickly overwhelmed as ambulances transported victims from the scene. Families rushed to medical centers, searching for loved ones. For many, the wait for information was agonizing. Phone calls went unanswered. Names were not immediately confirmed. In moments like these, uncertainty can be as painful as loss itself. Survivors have described scenes of panic, confusion, and shock. Some helped fellow passengers escape wrecked carriages. Others waited helplessly, trapped until rescuers could reach them. Rescue Efforts Under Pressure Emergency response teams acted quickly, working against time and unstable conditions. Firefighters, paramedics, and volunteers used cutting tools and heavy machinery to clear wreckage and pull survivors to safety. Despite the dangers, many rescuers worked for hours without rest. Some images show medics kneeling beside injured passengers on the ground, administering care before transport. Others show cranes lifting destroyed train cars away from the tracks. Their efforts likely saved lives — but the scale of the damage made the operation incredibly challenging. How Did This Happen? As the shock begins to settle, attention has turned to how such a catastrophic accident was allowed to occur. Early reports suggest the crash involved construction work taking place near or above an active railway line. This has raised serious concerns about oversight, safety planning, and coordination between construction teams and railway authorities. Questions being asked include: Why was heavy equipment operating so close to a moving passenger train? Were safety inspections properly conducted? Were warning systems or track closures considered? An official investigation is now underway, but for many families, answers will come too late. A Wake-Up Call for Railway Safety Thailand has invested heavily in rail infrastructure in recent years, aiming to modernize transport and improve connectivity. But this tragedy highlights the risks that come with rapid development when safety measures fail or are ignored. Experts warn that construction near live railway lines requires strict controls, constant monitoring, and zero tolerance for shortcuts. Even a single failure can lead to irreversible consequences — as this crash painfully demonstrates. Public trust in rail safety has been shaken, and restoring it will require transparency, accountability, and meaningful reform. Grief, Solidarity, and Remembrance In the days following the crash, communities across Thailand have expressed sorrow and support. Vigils have been held. Messages of condolence continue to pour in. Volunteers have donated blood and supplies to help victims and hospitals. The images from the scene have united people in grief — not just in Thailand, but around the world. They serve as a reminder that behind every headline are real people, real families, and real loss.
By Muhammad Hassan2 days ago in Earth
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