1. The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort, French Polynesia
Nestled on the atoll of Bora Bora, surrounded by the mesmerizing turquoise waters of the South Pacific, The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort epitomizes luxury beachside retreat. The overwater bungalows offer breathtaking views and direct access to the water, complete with glass floor panels revealing the tropical marine life below. This hotel is a haven for those seeking to combine relaxation with world-class snorkeling and diving opportunities.
2. Soneva Fushi, Maldives
In the stunning Baa Atoll, Soneva Fushi serves as a sanctuary with its philosophy of ‘No News, No Shoes’. The villas, crafted with sustainability in mind, blend effortlessly into the lush, palm-fringed beaches. The resort’s unique selling points include an open-air cinema, observatory, and extensive wellness facilities, making it not only a place for relaxation but also for spiritual and physical rejuvenation.
3. The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas
Overlooking the azure waters of the Caribbean, The Ocean Club boasts an illustrious history and timeless elegance. The colonial-style buildings and Versailles-inspired terraced gardens provide a sense of grandeur, while the rooms and suites offer unparalleled luxury with ocean views. Visitors can enjoy activities like golf, tennis, and water sports, or relax in the world-class spa.
4. Belmond Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
This iconic hotel sits on the world-renowned Copacabana beach, known for its vibrant energy and cultural flair. Belmond Copacabana Palace, with its distinctive Art Deco design, has been a symbol of sophistication since the 1920s. Here, guests can indulge in fine dining at the Michelin-starred Mee restaurant and unwind by the pool that’s almost as famous as the beach it overlooks.
5. Capella Pedregal, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Reaching Capella Pedregal involves traveling through the dramatic Dos Mares tunnel carved into mountain rock, emerging to an awe-inspiring view of the Pacific Ocean. Every room and villa offers spectacular ocean views, and the emphasis on privacy makes this resort perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle. The Auriga spa provides treatments based on the lunar cycle, enhancing the natural relaxation that the sound of waves brings.
6. Grace Bay Club, Turks and Caicos
Located on the pristine Grace Bay Beach, which is consistently ranked among the world’s best beaches, Grace Bay Club offers a luxurious experience divided across adults-only and family sections, ensuring tranquility alongside family fun. The resort features expansive suites with oceanfront views, a range of gourmet dining options, and a personal concierge service, all set against the backdrop of a 12-mile long coral sand beach.
7. Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, Hawaii, USA
Setting the standard for luxury in Maui, the Four Seasons Resort at Wailea provides a picturesque oceanfront escape. It is renowned for its lavish amenities, including three saltwater pools, championship golf courses nearby, and the Hawaiian-inspired spa treatments at the Spa Montage. The resort also offers an array of water sports and the unique ‘Ulua Beach’, popular for snorkeling and paddle boarding.
8. The Ritz-Carlton, Bali, Indonesia
Perched on a bluff overlooking the Indian Ocean, The Ritz-Carlton, Bali blends the island’s cultural heritage with opulent modern comfort. Villas with private pools and elegant décor encourage a completely relaxed state, while the hotel’s culinary offerings include six dining venues featuring everything from seafood to traditional Indonesian fare. Thalasso spa treatments and the water sports center provide a mix of relaxation and adventure.
9. Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort & Spa, Mauritius
Distinctly fashionable, Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort & Spa turns tropical luxury into an art form. Located on the white sandy shores of Trou d’Eau Douce Bay, guests can enjoy unparalleled privacy, world-class service, and sumptuous accommodations with Indian Ocean views. The resort also provides access to two secluded islands, Ilot Mangenie and Ile aux Cerfs, with the latter hosting a Bernhard Langer-designed golf course.
10. Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc, French Riviera, France
On the tip of Cap d’Antibes, this legendary retreat, known for hosting celebrities and aristocrats, offers an exclusive escape on the Mediterranean. The Napoleonic era mansion houses refined guest rooms that evoke classic French Riviera glamour. With a seawater swimming pool blasted out of basalt rock, luxury yachting experiences, and dining by Michelin-starred chefs, this hotel provides a peerless view into the opulent lifestyle of the Mediterranean coast.
