12 Best Beach Hotels Around the World

Shutters on the Beach is a must-stay for an amazing getaway in Santa Monica. Sitting right on the sandy Santa Monica State Beach, this luxurious resort actually feels like a cosy cottage with upgraded amenities. The lobby has twin fireplaces and a grand piano, while masterpieces by Hockney, Motherwell, Lichtenstein, and Oldenburg are displayed around the hotel.   

Accommodation-wise, we especially love its Ocean Front Suites, which have large windows overlooking the Pacific Ocean and Santa Monica Pier. You even get to enjoy a cosy space in soothing shades of blue and green, a personal library, hand-knotted rugs, and imported bed linens. 1 Pico Restaurant and Courtyard at Shutters on the Beach is an excellent place to sample seafood-forward dishes with breathtaking ocean views, while Living Room offers live jazz music and seasonal cocktails every evening.  

Nobu Hotel Miami Beach has just about everything you’d want for a luxurious beach escape in Miami. Combining sleek Miami Beach designs with an intuitive interpretation of Chef Nobu’s signature style, this beachfront resort has 4 outdoor pools, a world-renowned spa, and vibrant restaurants with an extensive menu of inventive Japanese cuisine with Peruvian influences.  

Guests staying at Nobu Hotel Miami Beach’s Penthouse Villas get to enjoy additional perks, such as priority seating at Nobu Miami and Ocean Social, personal concierge services, and a private fitness centre. The Nobu Villa is our favourite, with a wrap-around balcony overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. This one-bedroom villa boasts 1,900 sq ft of space, with an authentic Japanese beach house vibe.  

If you’re planning a Honolulu beach break, The Kahala Hotel & Resort offers a peaceful retreat with luxe rooms and suites, private spa treatment suites, 5 excellent restaurants, and plenty of family-friendly activities. Great for those who want to rest and relax, this resort’s Beach Front Lanai rooms boast chic tropical décor and a patio overlooking the beach, palm trees, and Hawaii’s famous craters. 

The Kahala Hotel & Resort is within a 15-minute drive of the bustling Waikiki Beach Walk – great for when you’re looking for some shopping, dining, and night-time fun during your stay. Daily shuttle services take you to Ala Moana Shopping Center, Luxury Row, Kahala Mall, International Market Place, and Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center. 

Playa Los Arcos Hotel Beach Resort & Spa is an all-inclusive retreat in Puerto Vallarta's Zona Romantica. It’s a great location within walking distance of many excellent beaches and iconic landmarks. All 160 guestrooms and suites are decked out in Colonial Mexican style – think carved-wood furnishings and private balconies with views of the Pacific coast. 

Take full advantage the resort’s extensive list of services and amenities, which includes 3 outdoor pools, oceanfront dining at Mi Puebilito Restaurant, poolside drinks at La Iguana Bar, and live music at Bar Tlaloc. For more action, make your way to the Los Muertos Beach Pier for boat excursions and water sports like parasailing, snorkelling, and diving.   

Viceroy Los Cabos is a luxurious beach hotel overlooking the Sea of Cortés in Baja. This modern property has it all: striking architecture, breathtaking views, a holistic-focused spa, excellent restaurants and lounges, as well as cosy rooms and suites. You can also find a vibrant rooftop bar, where expansive ocean views are complemented with a generous list of fresh seafood, flame-grilled dishes, and wood-fired pizzas. 

It’s right on the beach, where you can find plenty of cabanas and beach umbrellas. There are 5 outdoor pools, including 1 adult-only rooftop pool – great for those who want a relaxing swim during their stay.  After a day of sightseeing in San José del Cabo, unwind with a movie at the resort’s onsite cinema, or a deep-tissue massage at THE SPA at Viceroy Los Cabos.  

Live a life of luxury at Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, a beachfront retreat in Cabo San Lucas between Pedregal Mountain and the Pacific Ocean. All 115 rooms, villas, and suites come with a terrace with ocean views, a private plunge pool, and a spa-inspired marble bathroom. Great for families, the Resort Casita is a standalone building with 2 or 3 bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, a private plunge pool, 2 ocean-facing terraces, and personalised butler service. 

Amenities-wise, Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal boasts 2 beachfront infinity pools, a kids’ pool, and a saltwater relaxation pool. Indulge in a much-needed respite at Waldorf Astoria Spa, where traditional Mexican folk treatments combine with modern amenities like steam rooms, saunas, and whirlpools.  

Planning a beach vacation with your better half? Hyatt Zilara Cancun is an adults-only and all-inclusive resort in the centre of Cancun’s Hotel Zone. Staying here puts you within a short walk of notable landmarks like Playa Blanca, La Isla Paradise Experience, and Yamil Lu'um.  

Hyatt Zilara Cancun’s 310 elegantly appointed guestrooms come with modern décor, premium bedding and toiletries, and private balconies with breathtaking views. The resort offers unlimited food and drinks – including top-shelf spirits – 2 outdoor pools, a swim-up bar, and a private beach. You can also take part in various activities, such as water aerobics, volleyball, yoga, snorkelling and kayaking. 

The Westin Reserva Conchal is an all-inclusive property in Costa Rica’s Guanacaste region. Thanks to its par-71 championship golf course and world-class spa, you get to indulge in your favourite pastimes while surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. The secluded beaches of Tamarindo and Las Baulas National Park are just a short drive from this luxury retreat.  

Gourmet cuisine and drinks are served at the resort's numerous restaurants and bars. There’s something for everyone to enjoy, from Latin and northern Italian to Asian fusion and continental specialties. Besides golf, the Westin Reserva Conchal offers a wide range of family-friendly activities, including tennis, kayaking, and horseback riding.  

GoldenEye is not your ordinary Jamaican beachfront hotel. This compound of tropical villas, gardens, and private beaches on Oracabessa Bay in northern Jamaica is perhaps best known as Ian Fleming’s estate where he began writing the first James Bond novel, Casino Royale. Three decades later, Sting wrote Every Breath You Take at Fleming's desk during his stay. 

Fascinating history aside, GoldenEye continues to inspire not only authors and songwriters but also couples and honeymooners with its charming tropical architecture and landscaping. Each standalone villa is a relaxed and private space with hardwood floors and high ceilings, surrounded by native greenery and directly facing either the beach or lagoon. You can also enjoy a full kitchen, a large private porch, and an outdoor garden shower. 

Tropical Deluxe Princess – All Inclusive is one of the best beachfront hotels in Punta Cana. Its all-inclusive package means you get to enjoy all meals, drinks, and activities in your stay – no planning required!  

Tropical Deluxe Princess also offers a range of activities and entertainment options, including swimming pools, tennis courts, fitness classes, and live music, ensuring you have plenty to do without having to leave the resort grounds. If you want to explore the inviting Caribbean Sea, you can choose from kayaks and catamarans, both available at your convenience.  

The Fairmont Royal Pavilion occupies a prime spot right on Barbados’ Platinum Coast. A stay here ensures you are just a short walk from pristine beaches and crystal-clear Caribbean waters. Providing a comfortable and relaxing atmosphere, the resort's elegant guestrooms and villas either overlook Alleynes Bay or have direct walkout access to the fine, white sand.  

Adventurous beachgoers can choose fom a wide range of activities and amenities, including onsite snorkelling, parasailing, and windsurfing opportunities. For something more laidback, you can take advantage of the resort’s beach umbrellas and sun loungers. The Fairmont Royal Pavilion has 2 excellent restaurants specialising in Caribbean and international cuisine, as well as 2 bars and a beach club offering cocktails and light bites.  

A romantic beach getaway awaits you at Soneva Fushi in Maldives. Its 64 private island villas are nestled within a sustainable ecosystem of lush jungle, pristine beaches, and turquoise waters. Opt for the 2-bedroom Water Reserves villa to enjoy a terrace with a private pool, a waterslide that goes directly into the ocean, and comfortable loungers with incredible views. 

Soneva Fushi’s 11 onsite restaurants often feature Michelin-starred guest chefs, making sure there’s something for everyone to enjoy throughout their beach vacation. The resort is also great for families – enjoy access to a dedicated children’s club, 2 pools, a waterslide, and activity rooms overseen by qualified childminders.