Top 10 Beach Resorts in the World for a Luxurious Getaway
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means that if you click through and make a booking, we will earn a small commission with no additional cost to you. We would truly appreciate using the links as these small commissions greatly support the blog and allow us to continue sharing our travel tips! We only recommend accommodations, activities, tours, and services that we believe will provide the greatest value for your travel experience.
Let’s be real, sometimes you just need to escape your reality of your 9 to 5 job or your scheduled shifts for the week and disappear in a luxury resort where your most important decision is “mango smoothie or piña colada?”. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this, and we feel for you when we reminisce how beautiful these destinations can be!
We’ve had the joy of visiting some of the most beautiful spots around the world, and we have done much research to share what we think are the best beach resorts that you can stay around the world! If you’ve been fantasizing about your next luxurious beach escape, then grab your bathing suit, flip-flops, sunscreen, and maybe a pen and paper because this list is for you!
10 Best Beach Resorts in the World
We’ve rounded up the 10 best beach resorts in the world, along with 3 honorable mentions, where you can wind down, relax, and embrace the beautiful views of the beach and ocean from your private villa! Whether you’re dreaming of a Maldives resort, a Bali resort, or something off the grid, we got you covered! These spots truly deliver and are worth the premium cost that come with it if you are willing to splurge!
Let’s get into it shall we?
1. Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora – French Polynesia
This place is the true definition of tropical luxury! If you are thinking overwater bungalows and turquoise lagoons, along with views of Mount Otemanu, this is the place for you. This beautiful resort has private plunge pools in most of their bungalows, plenty of marine life in the lagoon (bring snorkeling equipment), and spa treatments with views of the ocean! If you are on a honeymoon or a romantic getaway, you both will absolutely love this place!
2. Soneva Fushi – Maldives
If you want to feel like a castaway, but with your own butler, sushi, and Wi-Fi, you should check out Soneva Fushi! This place will knock your socks off, quite literally! They have you take your shoes off right when you arrive to the resort for barefoot luxury. This place has massive villas with private beaches and several pools. There is also an open-air conservatory as well to stargaze during the nights. This is the place to be if you want full nature vibes without sacrificing the comfort aspect. Definitely look into Soneva Fushi if this sounds like something you would love!
3. The Brando – Tetiaroa, French Polynesia
Name after, Marlon Brando (yes actually), this resort is definitely exclusive! Barack Obama actually stayed in this very property, along with several other celebrities, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Beyoncé and Jay-Z, and Ellen Degeneres. This is an eco-friendly and an over-the-top fancy resort! This place gives you a private island feel and has only 35 villas. The resort is actually an all-inclusive, but a much more luxurious version with gourmet food and champagne! There are also personal bikes available to ride around the property. You will truly feel like a celebrity if you ever get the chance to stay at the Brando!
4. COMO Parrot Cay – Turks and Caicos
The property is tucked away in a private island and is perfect for those in serious need of a total reset from life responsibilities! This resort has secluded villas with private pools and, of course, a butler service. The resort also has wellness programs for yoga and an amazing spa for a peace of mind. There are also mangroves that you are able to kayak through! After a week staying at this property, you will feel totally refreshed!
5. Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan, Indonesia
This is not your typical Bali resort, and although this is technically not on the beach, this resort is of another level in Bali! It sits deep in the jungle with riverfront pools, hanging bridges, and a different type of serenity environment that you may be used to from a beach resort! The property has private villas with plunge pools overlooking rice fields and jungles, a yoga-shaped pod, and easy access for day trips to the coast if you’re in need of the beach. This is a real luxury escape in Bali if you have the chance to stay at this resort!
Four Seasons Resort Bali At Sayan
6. Six Senses Zil Pasyon – Seychelles
The resort is tucked away in Félicité Island, surrounded by boulders, palm trees, and beaches that look unreal! The property has a breathtaking hilltop spa, modern-style villas with private infinity pools, and nature hikes in the tropical jungle. They also have dining activities and movie nights under the starts! This is definitely a resort you will love if you happen to be planning a vacation in Seychelles!
7. Jade Mountain, St. Lucia
This property is known for having every suite missing a wall, and for good reason. The view is part of the appeal of the room! You will have a mind-blowing view of the Pitons and Caribbean Sea. You will also have your own private infinity pool in your room. There are no TVs (no distractions), so you will get to embrace the beauty of St. Lucia with your full attention. This is a wonderful resort to book if you are looking for a beach resort with an unbelievable view. St. Lucia is one of the most popular honeymoon destinations for a reason!
8. One&Only Reethi Rah – Maldives
Another wonderful resort in the Maldives! If you love overwater villas and also great service with all of the amenities of a large resort but without the crowd, this place is for you! This property has huge villas (some with private beaches), endless dining options (sushi bars to romantic candlelit dinners), and tons of activities to do (water sports, spa treatments, sunset cruises, and much more). This is a solid beach resort to check out if you are looking for more options to stay in the Maldives!
9. Rosewood Mayakoba – Riviera Maya, Mexico
Looking for a mix of beach and jungle vibes? Rosewood Mayakoba in Riviera Maya, Mexico is your place! This next-level resort has lagoon AND beachfront suites, making you not have to choose one or the other! There is a butler service and private boat rides to your room. They have award-winning cuisine, and if you’re anything like us, you are going to love their tacos! Want to visit Tulum? The resort is a short trip from the beautiful city if you want explore what Tulum has to offer, apart from this resort.
10. Velaa Private Island, Maldives
For those who have already been to the Maldives and think the resort scene her won’t surprise you again… think again! Velaa is a whole different level of jaw-dropping resorts. The villas have retractable roofs, allowing you to stargaze from your bed. As far as restaurants, they have Michelin-starred dining to enjoy and an incredible wine cellar. Did we mention that their spa includes Maldives’ only snow room? How cool is that! This is probably one of the most expensive resorts on this list, but if you can handle the splurge, you will definitely not be disappointed as this is 100% worth it!
Honorable Mentions
Although this is a top 10 list, we still have 3 other honorable mentions to add to this list. We could simply not leave these resorts out!
Amanpulo – Palawan, Philippines
This is a particular area that seems to fly under the radar, but we wanted to make you aware of this private island paradise! Amanpulo is on Pamalican Island, which you will only be able to access via private plane. Villas are completely private with their own beach access. Aman resorts typically provide exceptional service, and they will anticipate your needs before you even think about what you need! This is a private paradise that you may just have to check out!
NIHI Sumba, Indonesia
This is not your average Bali resort, but rather a “raw beauty” version of Bali with luxury sprinkled in. NIHI Sumba has eco-conscious villas with the most insane ocean views. It has surfing in the legendary Occy’s Left (also known as “God’s Left”), which welcomes beginners to the activity. There are many more activities to choose from as well including waterfall treks, horseback rides, spa safaris, and more! This is another wonderful Bali resort to visit if you are planning a trip here!
Banyan Tree Samui – Koh Samui, Thailand
If you are looking for a more budget friendly version of luxury and spa vibes, Banyan Tree Samui could be an option for you. This resort strikes a perfect balance between luxury and value! It includes private hillside villas that overlook the Gulf of Thailand. As far as the spa treatments, you get a rain forest experience! Also, if you love Thai food like we do, they have delicious Thai cuisine while you are taking in the peaceful vibes! Regardless, if you live close by Thailand or if you’re a long flight ahead (like we are), this resort is definitely worth the travel!
Final Thoughts: So, Where Are You Going First?
Picking the “best” luxury resort or beach resort almost feels like a kid in a candy store: they each offer something unique and have their own different experiences. Whether you are looking for an over-the-top opulence of Velaa or the barefoot magic of Soneva Fushi in the Maldives, Overwater Bungalows in the Four Seasons Bora Bora, wellness escapes in Turks and Caicos at COMO Parrot Cay, infinity pools with volcanic views in St. Lucia at the Jade Mountain Resort, or the jungle tranquility of Four Seasons Sayan in Bali, there is a spot for you that will blow your ideal vacation out of the water!
So what’s stopping you? Life’s definitely too short for mediocre beaches and average service. We hope this list was helpful for those looking for the trip of a lifetime at one of the top beach resorts in the world!
If you loved our list, save this pin for us! Also, we want to know what you think of these resorts, and if you have ever stayed at one of them. If you have stayed at one, let us know how you liked it!
