30 December 2025
Share
The Three-MICHELIN-Key distinction is the Inspectors' highest hotel honor — awarded only to hotels that deliver the most superlative service, the most outstanding facilities and the most memorable experiences.
A beach hotel, meanwhile, centers its appeal around coastal delights: swimming, lounging on the sand, or — to get momentarily specific — diving off floating pontoons directly into the Mediterranean Sea.
The world-class resorts below combine both of the above: these are the best beach hotels in the world. And while they offer much more than sunbathing, think MICHELIN-Starred dining, luxe spas and sublime views, they are still beach hotels at their core.
From private island sanctuaries to clifftop retreats, those seeking a pure, sun-soaked beach trip will be blissfully satisfied at the spots below.
Browse by location:
North America & Caribbean
Oceania
asia
The best beach hotels in Indonesia, the Maldives, Thailand and more provide jungle adventures and classic overwater villas.
Cheval Blanc Randheli, Maldives: Forty-six art-forward villas open to an impossibly blue lagoon on Noonu Atoll, where local craftsmanship, contemporary flair and a signature "Pop Yellow" color in the interior design mix with the island's serene vibe and private beaches. French gastronomy threads through multiple restaurants, including a health-focused spa bar. Noonu Atoll lagoon is at its clearest and calmest from December to April.
Soneva Fushi, Maldives: One of the most whimsical properties in the Maldives. Playfully designed villas — some floating above turquoise waters, others tucked within verdant foliage — and kid-friendly entertainment make it especially attractive to active families from December to April, when Baa Atoll's visibility and calm seas best suit its white-sand beaches and snorkeling and diving excursions.
Samujana Villas, Thailand: Twenty-three contemporary hillside mansions give Samujana a private estate feel, despite running as a serviced resort. Five-star additions may differ among villas — some have built-in cinemas or gyms — yet all come fully staffed and feature private infinity pools with sublime views, plus access to a tucked-away beach and a boat fleet. December to March marks the ideal time to visit, when Koh Samui is in its dry season and features long sunny days, calm seas and lower humidity.
Atlantis the Royal, United Arab Emirates: Stacked-block architecture featuring a skybridge and 22nd-floor infinity pool shape your stay at one of Dubai's most recognizable and opulent resorts. Set on Dubai's longest stretch of private beach, it prides itself on experiential living: celebrity-chef dining, world-class nightlife, and on-site luxury shopping included. November to March brings warm but comfortable temperatures.
Amanoi, Vietnam: Amanoi offers both a hilltop lake-view wellness retreat and a separate private beach club in a protected marine reserve inside Nui Chua National Park. Dramatic features define the resort itself — notably the glass-walled infinity pool built into the cliffside and the renowned spa on the banks of a lotus-dotted lake surrounded by a private, gold-sand beach. Best time to go: February to August, when the sun-drenched south-central coast is best for hiking and water activities.
europe
Mediterranean elegance and MICHELIN-Starred dining along storied Riviera coastlines from France to Italy.
Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc, France: Since 1870, this legendary seafront mansion has been a gateway to summer in the South of France, marked by shady pergolas and a fragrant rose garden. Beyond One-Star seaside dining, the hotel's crown jewel is a rock-carved saltwater infinity pool, accented by floating pontoons and ladders that descend directly into the Mediterranean Sea. Try it from April to mid-October, when the hotel is open and the Côte d'Azur is reliably sunny and warm.
Four Seasons Astir Palace, Greece: An idyllic blend of beach and city, this sprawling Athens Riviera resort boasts three private beaches hugged by a megayacht marina and the crystal-clear Aegean Sea. Room categories include pool villas and retro-chic bungalows, plus access to three pools, all just 30 minutes from the Acropolis. May to October features the hottest, driest summer weather.
Il San Pietro di Positano, Italy: Floating above the Amalfi Coast and carved into the lush cliffside, each room — accented by hand-painted tiles, custom-made furniture and Italian textiles — promises a sea view. A private elevator whisks guests down to an exclusive beach club and jetty, and back up again for MICHELIN-Starred dining on open-air terraces. Target May to early October for calm seas and warm weather long into the evening.
J.K. Place Capri, Italy: Twenty-two stylish rooms inside a private townhome perched above Capri island's Marina Grande offer sweeping views of the Bay of Naples and access to a serviced beach. Despite its intimate size, the hotel comes stocked with full-service facilities and a luxurious spa. From May to September, ferries and boat charters operate at full scale in warm and sunny weather.
Vila Vita Parc Resort & Spa, Portugal: A clifftop-and-cove estate in the Algarve combines Moorish-inspired villas and family-friendly facilities a short walk downhill to the Praia dos Tremoços beach. A serious gastronomic offering includes MICHELIN-Starred seafood dining, while personalized pampering caters to couples. April to October feature optimal Algarve sunshine, warm temperatures and calmer seas.
North America & Caribbean
Three of the most impressive hotels in the world.
Little Palm Island, Florida, United States: America's only true private-island resort — reachable by boat or seaplane — is a distraction-free paradise of thatched-roof bungalows. In other words, expect a room with no television, just steps from the sand. A strict adults-only policy invites romance and tranquility, plus plenty of curated experiences and exquisite dining options. Try it from November to April for dry, cooler weather conditions in the Florida Keys.
Kona Village, Hawaii, United States: The self-proclaimed "iconic hideaway rooted in joy" features a collection of freestanding, thatched-roof cottages on the site of a former fishing village on Kahuwai Bay. Car-free and beach-centric, Rosewood's island resort offers a strong sense of place through locally sourced dining and a roster of experiences. Seas are typically calm and clear and the weather reliably warm and sunny from May to October.
Cheval Blanc St. Barth Isle de France, Saint Barthélemy: Set directly on Flamands Beach, the only Three-Key hotel in the Caribbean is defined by its motto of barefoot elegance. Sixty-one rooms, suites and tropical-chic villas are hugged by vibrant gardens and a turquoise sea. With a Palace distinction from the French government to further distinguish it, this is undisputed world-class luxury. Come from December to April during the Caribbean's dry, breezier winter with sunny days and calm seas.
oceania
A clash of reef-ringed islands and untouched Pacific paradise.
Lizard Island Resort, Australia: Australia's only all-inclusive luxury resort located directly on the Great Barrier Reef features 24 private beaches and near-instant access to the famed marine paradise of Ribbon Reefs and Cod Hole. Whether set beachfront or atop a scenic hill, 40 villas and suites offer unobstructed views of bright blue waters. Come from May to October for drier and cooler weather, and a better chance at calm seas and optimal reef visibility.
The Brando, French Polynesia: Marlon Brando pioneered the vision behind the 35 carbon-neutral villas on Tetiaroa Atoll, once a retreat for Tahitian royalty, now a luxurious sanctuary protected under the stewardship of the Tetiaroa Society. Polynesian guides encourage connection with the land and local culture through profound guest experiences. Best time to go: May to October for sunny skies, less humidity, and ideal lagoon conditions for exploring the surrounding reef.
Related Articles:
Hero Image: Il San Pietro di Positano, Italy, where a private elevator whisks guests down to an exclusive beach club. © Il San Pietro di Positano
