Words by Lulu Townsend, founder and managing director of Chic Retreats; the website that’s passionate about boutique hotels and luxury villas.
Golden sands, clear blue waters and not a soul in sight – that’s what our dream beach holidays are made of. We’ve selected five of our most spectacular beach hotels, each offering tranquillity, luxury and comfort, and set in some of the most incredible seafront locations in the world. Whether you’re seeking blissful relaxation or a fun retreat for all the family, we’ve got all bases covered.
Best for active holidays: Sands Suites Resort & Spa
Overlooking the clear turquoise waters of Tamarin Bay on the island of Mauritius, Sands Suites Resort & Spa is an elegant beach hideaway perfect for those seeking a private yet active holiday. Following a complete renovation in 2014, the resort is the ideal location to enjoy all that Mauritius has to offer. Guests can enjoy the many complimentary water sports on offer, which include kayaking, sailing, snorkelling and water-skiing, or enjoy a day out on the water with diving courses and island cruises. On site, there’s also beach volleyball, table tennis, bocci and a fully-equipped gym to keep you busy, as well as an 18-hole championship golf course nearby.
Why we love it: If you’re seeking an active holiday there is plenty on offer all within the setting of a real paradise island.
Best for natural beauty: Vijitt Resort Phuket
Located in a secluded corner of the popular Thai holiday destination of Phuket, Vijitt Resort Phuket is surrounded by an abundance of outstanding natural beauty, offering picture-perfect views that you will never forget. Overlooking the shores of the Andaman Sea, each pool villa has beautiful sweeping views across the vast estate, with the large windows ensuring that views even from inside the villa are unrivalled. Deeper in the resort, you’ll find a relaxing spa and treatment rooms all set within a lush, green, tropical rainforest. Eighteen acres of incredible natural scenery surround the resort, with a leisurely morning walk taking you past colourful and fragrant trees, grasses, flowers and fruits you won’t find anywhere else.
Why we love it: Stunning nature is not the only thing on offer here – you can also enjoy freshly prepared Thai meals, relaxing spa treatments and activities for the kids all with the incredible backdrop of this dream Asian destination.
Best for families: Mia Resort Nha Trang
Set amongst manicured gardens across a vast estate, the condos, villas and suites that all make up the Mia Resort in Vietnam’s Nha Trang promise an excellent beach holiday that families will love. Offering relaxation for the adults and fun for the children, there’s plenty to keep the kids entertained including the pool as well as a host of activities on offer from painting to outdoor games and baking. While the kids are having the time of their life, you can relax and unwind with the choice of international and Vietnamese spa treatments on offer, using the finest natural products, as well as the extensive choice of yoga and meditation classes. For more adventurous family fun, there’s snorkelling, kayaking, scuba diving, tennis and golf which everyone can enjoy.
Why we love it: Family fun to be had by all, but with a Vietnamese twist, which can be seen in many areas from the surrounding views to the food served at the excellent restaurants.
Best for relaxation: Aava Resort & Spa
Tucked away in the quiet fishing town of Khanom, across the water from the popular Koh Samui, the Aava Resort & Spa creates the ultimate relaxation experience with its combination of traditional Thai friendliness and Scandinavian quality. Surrounded by 9km of golden sands, glittering blue seas, lush green hills, limestone mountains and coconut palm trees, there couldn’t be a more beautiful setting in which to recharge your batteries. Most days will be spent relaxing on the completely unspoilt Nadan beach, where you may even see pink dolphins in the distance, while the onsite spa offers a host of treatments which range from traditional Thai massages to Tamarind salt scrubs.
Why we love it: It’s the ultimate place to sit back, relax and watch a beautiful part of the world go by, paired with the relaxed friendliness that has made Thailand such a popular destination.
Best for unrivalled luxury: Samujana
Though each and every hotel we offer is hand-picked for luxury and quality, Samujana stands out with its award-winning contemporary Thai architecture, paired with every state-of-the-art facility you can think of. Each villa features fully-equipped kitchens, the latest audio and media gadgets, a private infinity pool and large living and dining areas, looking out onto a coral cove and the beach below. You can also have private chefs whip you up an authentic Thai meal, or even have local groceries brought straight to your door. Outside of the villas, the resort also offers a floodlit tennis court, direct beach access, landscaped gardens, a commercial grade gym and boxing ring and relaxing massages and beauty treatments on request. There’s even a fleet of sailing and motor boats perfect for exploring the coastline of Koh Samui and the vast blue waters.
Why we love it: The owners of Samujana have well and truly thought of everything needed for an all-out luxury holiday, with each and every extra making a difference to the overall quality of your beach getaway.
