Islands & Beaches

The Best Beach Resorts in the World

Private islands in the Caribbean. Mega-resorts on Bali. Readers of Condé Nast Traveler have cast their votes, selecting these 40 as the best beach resorts around the world. Some are unusual, some exclusive, and all are perfect for armchair travel or booking that next warm getaway. Click here to vote in this year's Readers' Choice Awards survey now!

By David Jefferys

December 11, 2014

40. Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay, Indonesia
Readers' Rating: 88.036
What's special: 147 villas with private plunge pools. On-site cooking school. Dinner served on a canopied bed by the sea. Green Camp and separate infinity-edge pool for kids.
Courtesy Lizard Island
39. Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Readers' Rating: 88.265
What's special: 24 beaches and a lagoon making up the northernmost resort along the Great Barrier Reef. The entire island is a National Park accessed only by private plane (no day trippers allowed). Glass bottom paddle skis, night diving, and 24-hour tennis.
NB: Reopening March 1, 2015 following renovations post-Cyclone Ita in early 2014.

Photo courtesy Rayavadee
38. Rayavadee, Krabi, Thailand
Readers' Rating: 88.285
What's special: Elephant riding in the jungle. Treks up 1,000 steps to the summit of Tiger Cave Temple. Kayaking through mangrove forests. It's at the edge of Krabi Marine National Park in the Andaman Sea and accessible only by water.
37. Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort and Spa, French Polynesia
Readers' Rating: 88.492
What's special: 54 overwater bungalows with private sunning decks (garden bungalows have plunge pools). Set on the astonishingly scenic northern tip of the island between Cook's and Opunohu Bay, the resort is only a seven-minute flight from the international airport in Papeete.

Courtesy Le Taha'a
36. Le Taha'a Island Resort & Spa, Raiatea, French Polynesia
Readers' Rating: 89.286
What's special: 45 overwater beach suites with wraparound decks, and 12 beach villas on a tiny motu off of Taha'a island (a 35-minute boat ride from Raiatea) with views of magnificent Bora Bora on the horizon. Snorkelling in coral gardens, tours of nearby pearl farms, and historic vanilla-producing plantations get you off-island. Private, in-room, Tahitian dancing lessons for couples keep you perfectly self-sufficient.
35. Bora Bora Pearl Beach Resort & Spa, French Polynesia
Readers' Rating: 89.605
What's special: Spectacular views of Bora Bora's Mount Otemanu from Motu Tevairaoa. Seventy garden bungalows (with pools), 10 beach suites, and 50 overwater bungalows. Above and beyond all else, the Tatau Experience at the Manea Spa offers expertly done traditional Tahitian tattooing for a Polynesian souvenir unlike any other.

34. Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort & Spa, Vietnam
Readers' Rating: 89.683
What's special: Only 5 kilometers from the UNESCO World Heritage Site city of Hoi An, this resort was built to replicate a traditional Vietnamese fishing village. Tour the town, early morning fish markets, and surrounding countryside in quirky, chauffeur-driven sidecars or on complimentary mountain bikes.
The Resort at Pedregal (formerly Capella), Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Readers' Rating: 89.823
What's special: The private, 1,000-foot mountainside tunnel to access this 24-acre resort. Beachfront suites with plunge pools have views of breaching humpback whales. It's a short stroll to Cabo's lively nightlife, but blissfully isolated if otherwise chosen, and with three on-site restaurants you might never wish to leave.
__NB: Capella Hotels and Resorts dropped from sight after Hurricane Odile in 2014. The resort is now managed independently, and we look forward to it's renaissance.

32. Hacienda Encantada Resort & Spa, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Readers' Rating: 89.912
What's special: Family-owned and run, an all-inclusive "optional" resort on a quiet hilltop with a series of terraced infinity pools overlooking the Pacific. Meal plans can include dining at five on-site restaurants and each and every venue in the hopping Marina Golden Zone complex nearby.
31. JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, Thailand
Readers' Rating: 90.179
What's special: It's alongside quiet Mai Khao Beach near the Sirinath Marine National Park where sea turtles nest. Almost 30 acres of tropical gardens and lily ponds in the middle of an enormous coconut plantation. Elegant, low-rise architecture belies the size of the resort (which includes ten restaurants and entertaining Ginja Cooking Course for families with kids).

30. One&Only Palmilla, San José del Cabo, Mexico
Readers' Rating: 90.391
What's special: A wonderfully private hideaway on a promontory overlooking the Pacific, Palmilla began life in the Fifties well before Baja was fully developed, attracting Hollywood A-listers and millionaires. These days, the resort is renowned for it Market restaurant, under the guidance of Jean-Georges Vongerichten and designed by Adam Tihany, a Jack Nicklaus golf course, and world-class indoor/outdoor spa.
NB: Reopening March 15, 2015 following renovations post-Hurricane Odile.
29. Shangri-La's Boracay Resort & Spa, Philippines
Readers' Rating: 90.584
What's special: Puka Shell Beach. Full stop. A private speedboat will get you there in 15 minutes from Caticlan Airport (a 60-minute flight from Manila). It's the first and only resort on the island. Rooms, suites, and villas all have sea-views with capiz shell lights and Abaca weave rugs, a balcony, and sybaritic daybed.

28. Capella Ixtapa, Mexico
Readers' Rating: 90.694
What's special: Only 59 suites, all facing the ocean in a series of dramatic, cascading terraces. Coffee, tea, fruit, and pastries served every morning in the Capella Library (cookies in the afternoon). Margarita-making classes with a resident mixologist, and guided market tours of Petatlán for unusual spices, chiles, cactus, and herbs to bring home.
27. Capella Lodge, Lord Howe Island, Australia
Readers' Rating: 90.774
What's special: Location, location, location! It's halfway between Australia and New Zealand in the middle of the Tasman Sea. This couldn't be more Crusoe-esque (boasting the world's most southernmost coral reef). Chic, modern interior design is themed after the island's endemic Kentia palm (some grow to over 30 feet tall and 20 feet long).

26. Couples Swept Away, Negril, Jamaica
Readers' Rating: 90.835
What's special: A 10-acre sports complex (including 10 tennis courts) and five-star dining to fresh juices and salad bars at a choice of 6 restaurants. Plus: aerobics, Pilates, yoga, and AquaFit classes. It's a great all-inclusive... though for adults only along one of the island's best beaches.
25. The Nam Hai, Hoi An, Vietnam
Readers' Rating: 90.931
What's special: An all-villa resort on Ha My Beach. Striking architecture inspired by the grand royal tomb of the 19th-century Emperor Tu Duc in nearby Hue. A fascinating, private "Follow the Chef" tour of local food markets in historic Hoi An, the resort's own organic garden, and Vietnamese cooking class at The Beach Restaurant.

24. Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Riviera Maya, Mexico
Readers' Rating: 91.181
What's special: 118 strikingly sophisticated villas with private pools, surrounded by lagoons, mangroves, and a PGA golf course (a perfect stretch of beach north of Playa del Carmen lies nearby). Private dining on inland waters in a traditional trajinera boat–breakfast or dinner, In-Villa Barbecue evenings, and superb Thai cuisine at Saffron restaurant.
23. Le Sereno, St. Barts
Readers' Rating: 91.468
What's special: Supremely sophisticated lodgings along 600 feet of Grand Cul de Sac beach—the perfect spot for learning to kite surf or paddle board in shallow waters. Minimalist interiors designed by Christian Liaigre, soft sheets, robes, and towels made especially for the resort by D. Porthault. This is the ne plus ultra of elegance on the island.

22. Le Blanc Spa Resort, Cancún, Mexico
Readers' Rating: 91.473
What's special: A calm, adults-only, all-inclusive retreat at the northern end of Cancún's famed hotel zone. The huge spa offers everything from a Garra Rufa fish pedicures to spin classes in one of three pools. A dizzying variety of dining options—offering everything from ice cream at breakfast to seven-course dinner menus—means you'll be hard-pressed to lose any weight here, despite the resort's deceptive name.
21. Hermitage Bay, Antigua
Readers' Rating: 91.578
What's special: A chic, small, all-suite resort on 140-acres of untouched land (six suites are beachside, three in nearby gardens, the remaining are atop a hillside with terrific water views and come with private pools). A weekly, outdoor cooking course, organic garden, and nearby farm tour add to the personal charm of this family-run and owned retreat.

20. Hôtel Christopher, St. Barts
Readers' Rating: 91.667
What's special: Although not directly on a beach, the resort's upscale Pointe Milou seaside location more than makes up for any lack of sand (plus, there's the island's largest pool at your disposal). Cheerful, modern, loft-like rooms, an alfresco Spa Sisley, and two acclaimed restaurants make this small, 42 room property feel impeccably sophisticated.
19. Pullman Port Douglas Sea Temple Resort & Spa, Australia
Readers' Rating: 92.045
What's special: A knockout, nearly 10,000-square-foot lagoon-style pool is the core of this low-rise resort at the southern tip of Four Mile Beach. Some of the more unusual rooms include swim-out apartments, plunge-pool apartments, and penthouses with hot tubs.

18. Amankila, Bali, Indonesia
Readers' Rating: 92.086
What's special: Gorgeous hillside villas overlooking the Lombok Strait beyond a three-tiered pool complex. The surrounding area, Karangasem, is considered the most traditional on the island with an abundance of unspoiled countryside (including the impressive stratovolcano Mount Agung) and Bali Aga villages (inhabited by descendants of the very first pre-Majapahit immigrants).
17. Ladera, St. Lucia
Readers' Rating: 92.379
What's special: Jaw-dropping views of the island's iconic Pitons, the sea, and sky (with a beach more than 1,000 feet below) from rooms without a fourth wall. Be prepared for a chorus of early morning bird song and nighttime tree frog croaking. Furniture is quirky and rustic, private plunge pools haven't much wiggle-room, but the overall ambience is incredibly romantic and secluded.

Courtesy Excellence Playa Mujeres
16. Excellence Playa Mujeres, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Readers' Rating: 92.483
What's special: Two miles of powdery white sand, only 30 minutes north of the hustle and bustle of Cancún proper. Adults-only, the resort includes an inland marina and Greg Norman-designed golf course. Activities, theme nights, water sports, food, drink, and in-room mini-bars re-stocked daily are all included in the the room rate (introductory Scuba lessons and tennis clinics too).
15. Hyatt Regency Danang Resort and Spa, Vietnam
Readers' Rating: 92.500
What's special: A 50-acre resort on an unspoiled beach fronting the famed Marble Mountains along Vietnam's central coast (15 minutes from the international airport). Cool, modern rooms all have balconies, most with sea views over low-rise rooftops.

14. Esperanza, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
Readers' Rating: 92.547
What's special: Full of character, Thursday nights feature "Mexicanisimo"–an extravaganza of food from different regions of Mexico, live music, a marketplace, and fireworks. Daily painting lessons, tequila tastings with a Master Tequilero, and learning how to drive an open-wheel car in the Baja desert adds extra spice to staying here.
13. Nisbet Plantation Beach Club, Nevis
Readers' Rating: 92.588
What's special: What's not to love? An authentic Caribbean plantation on 30 beachside acres along the north coast of this most atypical island (quiet and laid-back). Readers return, year after year, for personal greetings, fantastic food, and comfy accommodations in lemon-colored cottages set either side of the property's grand allée of palms.

12. Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Readers' Rating: 92.611
What's special: Views of Bora Bora's mountains from Motu Tehotu are almost unbelievable. A large number of overwater bungalows and beachfront villas have two bedrooms each (perfect for family vacations–children age 5 to 12 will love the Tamarii Club). An inner lagoon on the grounds of the resort is fascinating to explore with complimentary guided snorkelling tours.
11. St. Regis Bora Bora Resort, French Polynesia
Readers' Rating: 92.682
What's special: Spread across 44 acres of Motu Ome, the resort has two long strands of oversized, overwater bungalows and more than a smattering of luxury beachfront villas. You'll soon come to appreciate the resort's golf carts and complimentary bicycles to get around this divine retreat. Dining reaches new heights with LAGOON by Jean-Georges (Vongerichten, of course).

10. Curtain Bluff, Antigua
Readers' Rating: 92.815
What's special: Genuinely all-inclusive (Cuban cigars, rare wines, and spa treatments aside), there's hardly a better escape to be found in the Leeward Islands. Set atop a promontory between tranquil Carlisle Bay and white-capped Morris, it's the perfect getaway for families looking for lots of activities and fun.
Courtesy Palm Island Resort
9. Palm Island Resort, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Readers' Rating: 93.452
What's special: A 135-acre private island in the Grenadines, with room for less than 100 guests. Five beaches, three hiking trails, and scores of hammocks strung between some of the 2,000 palms planted here in the 1960s. South of St. Vincent and north of Grenada, surrounding waters are crystal clear and a thousand shades of blue. Hop on board the resort's Pink Lady sloop for a day trip of snorkeling in the Tobago Cays.

8. Four Seasons Resort Langkawi, Malaysia
Readers' Rating: 94.156
What's special: The archipelago of Langkawi is UNESCO's first World Geopark (containing 550 million years of remarkable geological history).The Four Seasons is perfectly placed to explore it all, from mangrove safaris to guided bicycle tours to tiny villages. Take a jungle trek to spot flying squirrels or go hands-on padi planting at the island's unique Rice Museum.
7. Guana Island, British Virgin Islands
Readers' Rating: 94.494
What's special: One of a very few privately owned pieces of paradise in the British Virgin Islands, this resort remains blissfully remote and peaceful (there are never more than 30 guests to share it with, no marina, and no day trippers). Cottages and villas, some with private pools, one with a private beach, are far enough apart to make anyone feel they have the entire place to themselves. Although welcoming to families with young kids, there are rules to abide by (and no TVs or video games to distract).

Courtesy St. Regis Punta Mita Resort
6. St. Regis Punta Mita Resort, Mexico
Readers' Rating: 94.793
What's special: Facing the Marieta Islands in the Bahía de Banderas, north and west of busy Puerto Vallarta, the St. Regis excels at keeping golfers, kids, and romantics alike all happy. The style is bold, modern, and colorfully Mexico-meets-the-Mediterranean. The beach can be rocky and rough, so the resort's three infinity pools and 10,000-square-foot Remède Spa are the main draw.
© imageBROKER / Alamy
5. Jade Mountain, St. Lucia
Readers' Rating: 94.834
What's special: Gigantic in-room pools in enormous rooms looking south to the Piton peaks and across the Caribbean. You'll feel ultra-VIP atop a mountain above the black sand beach below (shared with Anse Chastenet). Private restaurant, bar, and spa add to the exclusivity of the place—opt for a helicopter transfer from UVF airport to avoid the rather bumpy cross-island drive and unpaved road from Soufrière. Once there, you'll have Wi-Fi, but no TV or telephone as it's all about a disconnect in one of these one-of-a-kind aeries.

4. qualia, Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Readers' Rating: 96.296
What's special: It's insanely romantic for starters (for those 16 and up only, please), and although easy to get to with direct flights to Hamilton Island from Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, this place feels about as remote as it gets. Rooms here are called pavilions, and have an open treehouse air to them, plus private pool. The food is sublime (try the Moreton Bay "bugs," aka local lobsters) and its well worth splurging on a helicopter tour over the 74 idyllic islands that make up the Whitsundays.
3. Viceroy Riviera Maya, Mexico
Readers' Rating: 96.480
What's special: Personalized seclusion. Care for a soap butler? How about a Mayan-inspired massage? Although close enough to the non-stop action of Playa del Carmen, this is our readers' best bet for the best time spent south of Cancún (90 minutes from the airport and a million miles away from what you'd ever expect). Rooms feel more like private apartments, with lounging terraces opening to very private pools and glimpses of the beach beyond.

Courtesy Southern Ocean Lodge
2. Southern Ocean Lodge, Kangaroo Island, Australia
Readers' Rating: 97.348
What's special: Only a hop, skip, and a jump from Adelaide, Kangaroo Island is one of Australia's best kept secrets—with more than a third of it preserved as Conservation or National Park. The lodge amazes with its ultra-modern design and sweeping views of Hanson Bay. Rooms have sandblasted limestone floors, mod furnishings, and virtual walls of glass to soak in the surrounds. Included in the room rate are guided island tours to spot sea lions at Seal Bay and kangaroos (naturally) at Grassdale.
Courtesy The Mulia
1. The Mulia, Bali, Indonesia
Readers' Rating: 98.377
What's special: Opened less than two years ago, this over-the-top newcomer to Nusa Dua doesn't hold back on a single wow factor detail. Towering statues line multiple pools, centuries-old Hindu temples are hidden on the grounds, and seemingly-impromptu groups of local dancers pop up unexpectedly. More a mini-city or beached cruise ship (hotel, resort, and villas with a total of nearly 800 rooms), the fresh design and excellent service impressed readers the most this year.

TopicsBeaches Resorts

The Resort at Pedregal (formerly Capella), Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

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