Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.
Today: Top 10 most beautiful hotel beaches in the world
If you love relaxing on a beach as much as I do, this article is for you. I’ve traveled extensively around the world, always on the lookout for the best beaches and beach hotels, and in this blog post, I’ll share with you my 10 favorite luxury resorts that knocked me off my feet because of the mind-blowingly beautiful beaches that they are located on. If it’s white sands, clear waters and indulgent luxury that you’re craving for, look no further than these spectacular hotels, since they are located on some of the world’s most idyllic beaches. Not all of the beaches listed below are private, but most of these resorts are so isolated that you won’t find another soul on the beach besides your fellow hotel guests.
There is more information (with reviews & YouTube videos) below the slideshow. Think I missed one? Share your favorite hotel beach in the comments section.
*** Follow me on Instagram, YouTube, X (Twitter) or Facebook for a daily moment of travel inspiration ***
10. AMANPULO, PHILIPPINES
The view is simply sublime from Amanpulo; in fact, the name Amanpulo means “peaceful island.” Accessible only by private plane, Amanpulo is a secluded island hideaway in northern Palawan, Philippines. Fringed by jaw-droppingly beautiful white-sand beaches, turquoise waters and a coral reef, Pamalican Island is around an hour from Manila, yet feels a world away from anywhere. Amanpulo is the only property on the island, it’s airy Casitas and Villas opening to the 5.5 km (3.4 mi) of coral sand that encircle a jungled area. With an Aman Spa, a poolside club house, laidback beach club, a dive center and a seasonal kite and surf center, guests can be as active as they choose. Other diversions include tennis courts, island hikes, turtle spotting and exploring the kaleidoscopic reefs just offshore.
- Hotel website: Amanpulo
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. room upgrade, daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, and $100 USD hotel credit).
9. BELMOND CAP JULUCA, ANGUILLA
Belmond Cap Juluca is an island chic beachfront hideaway located along the intimate crescent and healing shores of Maundays Bay on the exclusive island of Anguilla in the British West Indies. The glamorous and idyllic resort comes with Belmond’s world-class service. Capturing the charisma, character and charm of the Caribbean, Belmond Cap Juluca recently completed extensive renovations of its 23-whitewashed Moorish villas, taking the already impeccable resort to an even higher standard of excellence. Offering a view of both the sunrise and sunset, the hotel’s spectacular mile-long cove is widely considered as on one of the world’s best beaches and the paradisiacal setting encourages guests to unwind to the slow rhythm of Caribbean island life.
8. SIX SENSES ZIGHY BAY, OMAN
Six Senses Zighy Bay is an ultra-luxurious “hidden gem”, located on Oman’s northern Musandam Peninsula, only a scenic two-hour car journey (but a world apart) from Dubai. The setting of this beautiful indigenous village-style resort with its private marina is spectacular, with dramatic mountains on one side, and a magnificent, 1.6 km (1 mile) long sandy beach on the other. The resort’s villas are inspired by traditional Omani houses and feature high indigenous-style ceilings, colorfully cushioned living area and cloudlike beds. All villas have a private pool, where guests can refresh within the privacy of high cobblestone walls. The property – which ranks among my favorite resorts in the world – also features a terrific spa and several word-class restaurants.
7. FOUR SEASONS BORA BORA, FRENCH POLYNESIA
Wrapped by majestic views, Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora is surrounded by sand-fringed islets on an outer coral reef that enclose a turquoise lagoon. The resort offers 115 spacious hideaways with 108 overwater bungalows and 7 enormous beachfront villa estates, all overlooking the lagoon’s crystal clear waters and some with spectacular views of Mount Otemanu, French Polynesia’s sacred mountain. Inspired by local architecture, all guest accommodations offer a restful, airy ambience; complete with traditional teak wood furnishings, high ceilings and thatched roofs made from pandanus leaves. Distinctive touches include the fragrance of vanilla and the texture of black pearls in the spa, alfresco dining overlooking Bora-Bora’s famed lagoon, and signature Four Seasons service at every turn.
6. &BEYOND MNEMBA ISLAND, ZANZIBAR, TANZANIA
If you have ever harbored the secret wish of finding yourself the sole inhabitant of a beautiful tropical island, but without the effort of having to lift a finger to fend for yourself, &Beyond Mnemba Island is just the place for you. Mnemba offers privacy and rustic exclusivity unparalleled on the African coastline. This romantic, private hideaway – which was recently completely refurbished – is an award-winning barefoot beach paradise just off the northeast coast of Zanzibar, that accommodates a maximum of 20 guests at a time. Guest relax and unwind in the exclusivity of their own stretch of beachfront, where ten beachside bandas peep out onto unblemished sands from the dappled shade of the casuarina pine forest and overlook the Mnemba atoll (a scuba diver’s delight).
5. SONEVA KIRI, KOH KOOD, THAILAND
Remote yet accessible by a one hour flight from Bangkok on the resort’s private plane, Soneva Kiri sits on Thailand’s fourth largest but least populated island, Koh Kood, in the Gulf of Siam. The estate’s 36 incredible villas rank among of the largest resort villas in the world. Located on the idyllic beach or sunny slopes in the rainforest, all have stunning infinity pools, chic furnishings, personal electric buggies and impeccable service courtesy of Mr./Ms. Friday private butlers. Spectacular highlights include the open air Cinema Paradiso, Benz’ mangrove restaurant, the chocolate and ice cream parlor, and the incredible treetop dining pod. The resort’s magnificent white, sandybeach is accessible by a short 5 minute speedboat or golfcart ride from the resort.
Contact me to get a resort credit and two complimentary Soneva experiences at Soneva Kiri.
- Hotel website: Soneva Kiri
- Other accolades: Soneva Kiri also features in my top 10 lists of the best luxury hotels in Thailand, the most astonishing beach retreats in Asia, the world’s most outrageous hotel experiences, the world’s best luxury hotels, the world’s best family hotels, the world’s most remote luxury hotels, and luxury hotels with private airports.
- Tip: get complimentary VIP perks when booking via Virtuoso (e.g. villa upgrade, breakfast, early check-in , late check-out, and $100 USD food & beverage credit).
- Review: read my review of Soneva Kiri here.
4. AMANYARA, TURKS & CAICOS ISLANDS
Another Aman resort has made it into my top 10 list. Set on the beautiful island of Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos Islands, Amanyara is a secluded haven embracing the best elements of the Caribbean. Bordering the pristine reefs of Northwest Point Marine National Park, acclaimed for some of the world’s best wall and reef diving, the überluxurious resort is blessed with crystal clear turquoise water and an alluring powder-white beach. Just off its shores, sea turtles swim along coral reefs, while on land, Aman’s minimalist design is married with a warm and friendly staff, creating an oasis of tranquility. Contemporary in layout and design, Amanyara’s 38 timber-shingled pavilions enjoy extensive outdoor space and views of the ocean, tranquil ponds or coastal vegetation.
3. KISAWA SANCTUARY, MOZAMBIQUE
Located on Benguerra Island, Mozambique, all-inclusive Kisawa Sanctuary is simply put one of the world’s most fabulous beach resorts, blending wilderness, well-being and service. The ultra-luxury resort features 11 one-, two- and three-bedroom bungalows, plus the “Kisawa Residence”, which are all positioned within an enormous 750-acre stretch of forestest, magnificent beaches and sand dunes. Each bungalow comes with a private beach, infinity pool, and open-air deck, and is individually housed within its own one-acre plot, offering maximum privacy, minimum disturbance and optimum appreciation for the natural environment. Facilities include a spa specializing in Chinese medicine and Ayurveda, a fully equipped gym and four restaurants serving mouth-watering dishes.
2. SONEVA FUSHI, MALDIVES
Most Maldivian resorts could easily have made it in this top 10. But a stand-out (and my personal favorite) is Soneva Fushi, located in the stunning Baa Atoll island archipelago, a UNESCO World Biosphere. This is the Maldives’ original desert island hideaway, entirely surrounded by one of the world’s most beautiful, soft sand, palm fringed beaches. assive, multi-bedroom, fairytale-like luxury villas and private residences are hidden among dense tropical foliage. In keeping with the castaway theme, many are built to resemble tree houses. All open to their own private stretch of sugar white sands, and most boast their own private seawater swimming pools. In summer 2020, Soneva Fushi also unveiled eight fabulous water retreats, which are the largest and most luxurious overwater villas in the world.
Contact me to get a resort credit and two complimentary Soneva experiences at Soneva Fushi.
Opened last year, Cheval Blanc Seychelles is located on the southwestern coast of Mahé Island on Anse Intendance, which I consider to be the most beautiful beach in the world. Featuring 52 villas, each with a private swimming pool, the resort is designed to feel like a ‘home’ by famed architect Jean-Michel Gathy and pays homage to its natural surroundings and creole traditions. The resort’s five culinary options include Mizumi, an Asian restaurant set on a lake; Italian eatery Vivamento, which faces the pool; and Mediterranean beach club Sula. Guests will also find two of Cheval Blanc’s signature concepts: French gastronomic restaurant Le 1947 and “cosmopolitan” venue Le White. Guests are able to access a collection of Guerlain wellbeing rituals at the Spa Cheval Blanc, where facilities include a pool, fitness room, surf simulator and two tennis and padel courts.
*** Follow me on Instagram, YouTube, X (Twitter) or Facebook for a daily moment of travel inspiration ***
