These luxury beachfront resorts are the perfect escapes for the traveler who loves eco hotels and time on or in the water.
There are vacations and then there are luxury beachfront resort vacations. These picks are sure-wins for ocean lovers, but if you’ve not considered yourself amongst the ocean set, perhaps it’s time to give one of these a go and channel your inner Cousteau.
Spending time oceanfront is also a good reminder of the need to protect our oceans. Research continues to point to the threats our oceans and ocean-dependent communities face as a result of human-caused climate change. Global sea temperatures are rising as a result of heat-trapping emissions, and the oceans are losing their ability to revert to cooler temperatures, according to one recent study.
As the saying goes, though, you can’t pour from an empty cup, so proper R&R is critical to conservation efforts and climate action. These beachfront resorts should help.
1. AndBeyond, Benguerra Island, Mozambique
This top-rated resort sits beachfront at the Bazaruto Marine National Park in Mozambique. The turquoise-blue water laps up to the soft, white sandy beaches you’ll never want to leave. Enjoy snorkeling along the gorgeous, colorful reef, or spend time visiting the park that was created to protect dugong and marine turtles. Return in the afternoon for poolside lounging, enjoying local fare and the luxe Portuguese-influenced designs throughout the resort.
2. Soneva Kiri By Six Senses, Ko Kut District, Trat 23000, Thailand
Soneva Kiri is the perfect combination of nature-meets-luxury. The resort sits among the lush tropical rainforest steps to the white sandy beaches. The eco-friendly resort also offers educational, immersive programs into the local culture including music, films, books, and lectures. Guests can even cook their own meals with locally-grown produce alongside the resident chef.
3. Le Sirenuse, Positano SA, Italy
The Le Sirenuse Resort is perfect for the ocean lover who also values tourist activities like shopping, visiting galleries, and dining out. Spend your days seaside enjoying the stunning waters and then head back to the resort for the panoramic marble terrace views, fine dining at the Michelin star La Sponda restaurants, and peaceful nights under the stars.
4. Gili Lankanfushi, Lankanfushi Island, North Malé Atoll, Maldives
It’s harder to find a hotel that’s not beachfront in the Maldives than one that is. But they’re certainly not all the same. Be sure Gili Lankanfushi is on your list. The resort’s overwater bungalows are some of the largest on a private reserve. Your visit here is entirely customized and on top of the endless hours you’ll want to spend lounging in the water, your villa comes with its own natural coral pool, private spa, in-villa cinema, and 24-hour-a-day concierge.
5. Porto Zante Villas & Spas, Zakynthos, Greece
A villa resort destination in Europe, you’ll enjoy the ultimate privacy with beachfront access and exceptional five-star hotel amenities and services. It was named one of the “14 World’s Best Family Hotels” by Condé Nast Traveller in the U.K., and one of the “Top 100 Hotels of the World” by Hideaways and “Europe’s Leading Beach Hotel” by the World Travel Awards.
6. Hotel Royal-Riviera, St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France
Take your pick between Provencal gardens or the Mediterranean sea—both backdrops to the stunning 94-room Hotel Royal-Riviera where private-villa-meets-palace makes for a stay unlike any other. When you’re not frolicking on the coast or enjoying a slow meal in at La Table du Royal, the hotel is just a few minutes’ drive to Monaco and Nice for daytime excursions. A member of the Leading Hotels of the World, Royal-Riviera aims to provide guests with a one of a kind experience.
7. The Trident Hotel, Port Antonio, Jamaica
There are few ailments a trip to the Caribbean can’t cure, and a stay at The Trident Hotel in Jamaica’s Port Antonio is near the top of the list for success rates in this area. Located on the eastern end of the island, the Trident features 13 waterfront villas. Enjoy dips in the infinity pool, sea-view terraces from the Trident Castle annex of the hotel, or spend the day out on the water amongst the dolphins and West Indian manatee.
Looking for another type of getaway? Check out our list of nature-immersed resorts and our list of best psychedelic wellness retreats if you’re in need of deeper connection and healing.