5 Luxurious Beach Resorts Worth Visiting

Lavish Coastal Getaways

Things To Do On A Resort Vacation

• Visit bars & restaurants
• Spa treatments
• Swim
• Surf
• Snorkel
• Paddle board
• Visit local sites
• Go for a walk
• Take a boat ride

5 Films Set At Coastal Resorts

1. Couples Retreat (2009)
2. How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1998)
3. Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008)
4. Pauline Détective (2012)
5. Blended (2014)

Things To Bring on Your Beach Vacation

• Beach accessories and sunscreen
• Aloe vera cream in case you get burned
• A good book
• Travel size toiletries that won't take up too much space
• A sun hat to shade your eyes
• A money belt for easy access to cash & cards
• Depending on your preference, either a backpack or some nice luggage
• A sleep mask to help with jet lag

Resort Packing Essentials & Tips

In Depth

Whether it's for a holiday, a honeymoon, or a much-needed escape from the pressures of everyday life, a vacation can do just the trick to lift the spirits. Any getaway is great, but ones involving idyllic coastlines and crystal blue waters can feel especially rejuvenating. For those seeking a retreat by the sea that's both peaceful and exciting, here are, in no particular order, five opulent beach resorts you can't go wrong visiting.

Showing up at #1 is the Skylark Negril Beach Resort. Situated on the famous Seven Mile white sand beach on Jamaica's western coast, this hotel immerses guests in the country's vibrant natural surroundings and cultural heritage. With a design inspired by mid-century architecture and the tropical colors of the island, it offers an inviting atmosphere conducive to an authentic Jamaican experience. Visitors can enjoy a schedule of arts exhibitions and performances, plus painting classes and tours.

Overlooking the hotel's tropical gardens is the Skylark Spa, which offers a full menu of all-natural, Caribbean-focused beauty and massage therapies. Those seeking more excitement can partake in a bevy of complimentary recreational activities such as snorkeling, swimming, and paddle-boarding, plus bigger excursions to attractions such as waterfalls, mineral springs, and rum distilleries. When it comes to dining, guests can eat at the on-site Miss Lily's, or check out a host of local restaurants, bars, and clubs to enjoy Jamaica's boisterous nightlife.

Overlooking the hotel's tropical gardens is the Skylark Spa, which offers a full menu of all-natural, Caribbean-focused beauty and massage therapies.

For #2 we get The Sanctuary Beach Resort, a secluded retreat positioned between the Carmel Valley hills and the Marina Dunes on California's Monterey Bay. Housed in lavish seaside cottages featuring private patios and Pacific views, its rooms allow guests to savor the Central Coast from the tranquility of an undisturbed shoreline. The resort offers comprehensive services including spa treatments and nightly wine tastings, as well as amenities for business travelers such as on-site event and meeting spaces.

Guests at The Sanctuary can avail themselves of a heated swimming pool, a fresh market, nature walks, and an assortment of other resort activities. They're also in close proximity to many exciting destinations such as whale-watching and hiking spots, wineries, and The Monterey Bay Aquarium. Dining options include the resort's own Salt Wood Kitchen & Oysterette Restaurant, which offers locally-oriented New American cuisine in a casual setting.

At #3 is Bravo Beach Resort Siargao. Looking out over the Pesangan Reef and the Pacific Ocean on Philippines' Siargao Island, Bravo Resort offers bountiful opportunities for surfing, kiting, or simply lounging on the white sand beach. Built in a style blending traditional Filipino construction with contemporary design, its accommodations include three distinct room types, plus off-site lodging at its villas located in walking distance. The resort's restaurant features authentic Spanish dishes and global cuisines, with dinners accompanied by live music.

The resort's restaurant features authentic Spanish dishes and global cuisines, with dinners accompanied by live music.

In addition to surfing, visitors can enjoy the island's renowned waters by wakeboarding and diving, or they can hit the skate park for a fun land-based alternative. For those looking for more laid-back activities, full-body massages are available in-room or on the beach, while yoga sessions are held daily at nearby locations. Thanks to its location, Bravo Resort enables guests to explore a number of incredible places in the region, including lagoons, caves, and other islands accessible by boat.

For #4 we come to Windjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort, which is hidden away on a luxuriant hillside in Saint Lucia facing the Caribbean Sea. It offers private access to over 60,000 square feet of white sand, as well as tropical vistas, swimming pools, and a surfeit of recreational activities for everyone from honeymooners to families. Accommodations come in the form of Mediterranean-style rooms and villas, with resort-wide amenities including a dive site, a kids' club, fitness and spa centers, and five restaurants.

Windjammer Landing provides guests with many opportunities to have fun while on the ocean, with complimentary access to non-motorized water sports such as paddle-boarding, windsurfing, and kayaking. It also offers snorkel trips and scuba lessons for people of all experience levels, plus specialty programs that explore various underwater pursuits. Visitors desiring more adventure can partake in half-day and full-day tours around and beyond Saint Lucia, with travel available via jeep, sailboat, helicopter, bicycle, and more.

Windjammer Landing provides guests with many opportunities to have fun while on the ocean, with complimentary access to non-motorized water sports such as paddle-boarding, windsurfing, and kayaking.

Finally, arriving at #5 is Oualie Beach Resort, a family-owned hotel situated on the coast of Nevis in Oualie Bay. Begun as a modest beach bar in 1980, today it stands as an eco-friendly 32-room property providing peaceful accommodations and a multitude of outdoor activities. From the sustainable design of its cottages to the use of local ingredients at its oceanfront restaurant, the resort gives guests a soothing, authentic Caribbean experience that's deeply attuned to the rhythms of the natural environment.

There are plenty of ways for nature lovers to explore Oualie's lush surrounding areas, including through scuba diving, biking, rain-forest hikes, and horseback riding tours along the shore and mountains. Guests can also take advantage of deep-sea fishing, sunset cruises, and taxi and catamaran tours. Slower-paced options include yoga, meditation, and the opportunity to visit the famous Lovers Beach, one of the most secluded in the world.