Yes, I live in Colorado, but when the winter weather gets me down, I start planning my next beach vacations. These are my favorite hotels for those warm weather vacations.
Steps from the Koh Samui beach at Melati Beach Resort & Spa in Thailand.
From Mexico to Thailand, I love everything about beach vacations. Toes in the sand. No schedule. Great food. An excuse to drink wine (or umbrella drinks) at lunch. But the beachfront hotels are what make or break my next warm weather vacation. Read on for a round-up of some of my favorite hotels for beach vacations.
Hola to Mexico Resorts
I’m a long time fan of Mexico, its beaches, and all-inclusive resorts. This summer, I returned to Playa del Carmen for a first time stay at the Riu Palace Riviera Maya. What’s not to love about this resort? It’s steps from the white sandy beach of Playacar, and my room (although technically not oceanview) overlooked the amazing pool surrounded by tropical palm trees. And when I was bored with the great food and pool time, a short 15-20 minute walk, and boom, I strolled the popular Fifth Avenue shopping, dining and entertainment district of Riviera Maya.
Paradise at St. Kitts Marriott Resort
The 22-acre St. Kitts Marriott Resort is all about the bright colors of the West Indies with its tiled roofs and tropical landscaping. So much to do here too with 8 restaurants, 6 bars, children’s program, 3 outdoor pools, 18-hole golf course, health club, casino, and full-service spa.
But hey, when in the Caribbean, it’s all about the blue waters, where the west side of the island borders the Caribbean Sea, and the eastern coast faces the Atlantic Ocean. Although the often choppy Atlantic is not for me, the resort offers three freshwater pools with waterfalls and multi-level sundeck.
Maui is Beach Paradise
If you’ve visited the tropical paradise of Maui, I don’t have to tell you. The “ohana” spirit wraps around you and pulls you into this lovely island, known as the Valley Isle. I’m a fan of all of Hawaii, but there is something special about Maui, perhaps because this is where we celebrated our 10th anniversary (and my husband’s first visit to the islands).
A pool with a View, Travaasa Hana sea cottages in Maui.
So many beachfront hotels and resorts, so little time, but my favorite would have to be the seaside cottage escape at Travaasa Hana. My husband I didn’t want to leave our little retreat, a sea cottage facing the ocean, with plenty of elbow room, and a balcony overlooking the Pacific. Since Hana is a small town, there is limited dining, but this Maui resort offers dining options on-site.
Seaside at Israel’s Dan Panorama Tel Aviv Hotel
Although not a toes-in-the-sand beachfront sort of location, the Mediterranean and its coastal promenade were literally across the street from the Dan Panorama Tel Aviv Hotel. This was my first stop on my 3-week visit to Israel. And the perfect hotel to introduce me to this country.
View of the Mediterranean from your Dan Panorama Tel Aviv Hotel
I can’t tell you how many times I stepped onto my corner balcony to take in the tremendous view of the Mediterranean and the promenade! Wow! Each room does offer a balcony with beach, sea or city views. This Tel Aviv caters to business and leisure travelers, with a luxury bent on amenities.
And this is where I feel in love with hummus, fresh hummus in the breakfast buffet. Included in your room charge, this massive spread was yummy and fresh with multiple salad options, fruits, vegetables, yogurt — and hummus. American breakfast options were also included.
Thailand Retreat: Melati Beach Resort & Spa
And let’s not forget the paradise of Koh Samui, Thailand. This trip was my first venture into Thailand. Having been on the business of the “mainland” for a couple of weeks,” I truly needed a relaxing retreat.
Located on 15 acres, Melati Beach Resort & Spa emulates a tropical paradise, with its lush foliage crowding the walkways and edging the maze of 77 suites and villas, fashioned after a Thai Village. Once I stepped into the destination resort and spa’s open-air lobby, I’d hit a lucky 7 jackpot at Melati with its suites and villas, ah-mazing spa, and oh my, the pool and beach. Yes, this was definitely a retreat.
The massive infinity pool is called “The See,” perhaps due to its view of Thongson Bay.
The Shores Resort & Spa, Daytona Beach
This oceanfront Florida resort is an immediate ah…relaxing, convenient location to the beach — well, there it is! The Shores Resort & Spa truly offers a priceless sand and surf experience with its heated oceanfront salt water pool, an opportunity to enjoy the year-round ocean ambiance, no matter the weather, with a sundeck, Jacuzzi, beachfront cabanas and miles of white-sand beach steps away. Belly up to the Tiki Bar, and at night, take a seat in front of the beachside fire pits (cauldrons) while roasting the signature s’mores.
View of the Atlantic Ocean from your Shores Resort & Spa suite, overlooking the pool and beach.
Want more beach hotels? Check out this selection of reviews of Favorite Hotels for Beach Vacations from Hotel-scoop writers.
