10 breathtaking coastal retreats to explore this year
Skip the crowds and make your way to these awe-inspiring best beaches in the world instead, where an elevated coastal getaway awaits.
By Jessica Poitevien | April 30, 2025
While there’s something inherently soothing about sinking your toes in the sand or swimming in the sea, not all beaches are created equal. For the softest shores and vibrant blue waters, make your way to the world’s top beaches, where you’ll also find a wealth of elevated experiences to enhance your vacation. From private yacht tours and overwater villas to golf courses with an ocean view, these are the world’s top 10 best destinations for a beach getaway.
Bora Bora, French Polynesia
Few destinations evoke images of powder white sand and crystal-clear water quite like French Polynesia. Luckily, the reality lives up to travelers’ dreams, especially when staying at Conrad Bora Bora Nui. Seafaring adventures abound at this award-winning resort, with access to four private beaches, where the concierge can book exclusive experiences like Jet-Skiing, kiteboarding, private helicopter tours, scuba diving, and outrigger canoe rides. Stay in one of the overwater villas and float your worries away as you swing in a hammock or pull back the fully retractable windows to enjoy seamless ocean views from your plush bed. After a day in the sun, rejuvenate your mind and body at Hina Spa, where personalized, Polynesian-inspired treatments come with breathtaking views of Mount Otemanu and Maupiti Island.
Los Cabos, Mexico
As a destination where the desert meets the sea, Los Cabos impresses travelers with a truly unique backdrop for a beach vacation. The most memorable experiences, however, await just off its shores. Swim with whale sharks, go on a private whale watching tour, or take a surf lesson. All these curated experiences and more can be arranged by your personal concierge at Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal. The resort sits on a stunning stretch of golden sand, where rooms and suites serve as a personal oasis, each with a private plunge pool and ocean-view terrace. Between beach trips, take your pick amongst two beachfront infinity pools, a saltwater relaxation pool, and a zero-edge kids’ pool. Come dinner time, enjoy an ocean-to-table meal at El Farallon, the resort’s cliffside restaurant overlooking the Pacific and specializing in fresh, local, ocean-to-table cuisine.
Anguilla, West Indies
With 33 white sand beaches, Anguilla is a small Caribbean destination that packs a punch for beach lovers. Book your bespoke stay at Zemi Beach House, LXR Hotels & Resorts for direct access to Shoal Bay Beach, a particularly picturesque coastline. The warm, azure waters beckon for swimming and snorkeling, but the concierge can happily arrange other activities like beachside horseback riding or deep-sea fishing excursions. Golf enthusiasts will even find a highly rated course next door with ocean views and saltwater lagoons. Don’t miss the resort’s Thai House Spa for internationally inspired treatments, from Moroccan hammam rituals to Balinese-style massages. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, there are three on-site restaurants to choose from, including Stone, which offers Asian-Caribbean fine dining with an emphasis on fresh seafood.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
A Fort Lauderdale vacation combines the best of a laid-back beachfront getaway with all the trappings of an urban escape at the nearby downtown and lively Las Olas Boulevard. Just steps away from the sand, Conrad Fort Lauderdale is the ideal Florida retreat on the northern end of the beach, where you’ll often find fewer crowds. Sit back and relax in one of the hotel’s beach lounge chairs and enjoy direct food and beverage service. For a break from the sand and sea, reserve a secluded cabana or unwind on a daybed at the hotel’s chic pool deck overlooking the Atlantic. Sink deeper into relaxation with restorative treatments at Conrad Spa or book an in-suite massage for an added treat. Dine alfresco at Spinnaker Pool Grill, one of the hotel’s five dining options.
Monarch Beach, California
Stray away from the crowds for a more peaceful and exclusive stretch of California coastline at Monarch Beach. The best way to experience this paradise dotted with mountains and sea bluffs is to stay at Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort & Club. You’ll be immersed in the seaside environment at every turn, with even the resort’s par-70 golf course boasting views of the Pacific Ocean. Head to the private Monarch Bay Beach Club, where a dedicated beach concierge caters to your every need or have the resort’s Expert Active team arrange various experiences or lessons in surfing, paddleboarding, bodyboarding, or skimboarding. Classic coastal cuisine and an all-California wine list is also on offer at the Beach Club, but for a different dining experience, try the seafood and steakhouse experience at Bourbon Steak.
Punta de Mita, Mexico
Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Sierra Madre mountains, Punta de Mita is an idyllic locale for a beach vacation with just the right amount of adventure. Think surfing, deep-sea fishing, and private yacht tours, plus land-based fun like ziplining and ATV rides through a tropical rainforest. For a beach getaway that’s equally thrilling and relaxing, make Conrad Punta de Mita your home base. The concierge can take care of every detail for exclusive excursions or assist with on-site activities, like a beach barbeque and butler service at the resort’s multiple pools, including one exclusively for adults. Find tranquility and engage in local culture with a Temazcal experience at Conrad Spa. Led by a Huichol Shaman, the ritual combines herbal steam, chanting, and meditation to purify participants.
Santa Monica, California
While California is home to numerous highly sought after beaches, few are as iconic as Santa Monica. Pass by the iconic pier to see the official end of Route 66 and mark it off your bucket list before retreating to the idyllic Oceana Santa Monica, LXR Hotels & Resorts. The oceanfront hotel offers easy access to the beach, as well as a handful of bespoke experiences like helicopter rides over Malibu, premier access to the Getty Villa, and private culinary tours. Wellness minded guests will appreciate the oceanfront yoga classes, guided hikes, and specialty treatments at Oceana Spa, as well as consultations with on-site nutritionists. Dining at the hotel is also a treat, with each restaurant making the most of seasonal local ingredients and freshly caught seafood.
Bali, Indonesia
With Bali’s diverse landscape, you’ll find mesmerizing black-sand beaches on one side of the island and pristine white sand on the other. Melasti Beach is one of the most popular thanks to its calm waters and impressive cliffs. For direct access to this scenic beach, stay at Umana Bali, LXR Hotels & Resorts, which is perched on a clifftop right above it. Beyond the beach, the resort’s exclusive experiences immerse you in Bali’s vibrant culture. Visit the Uluwatu Temple, go for a guided walk through nearby villages, or dive into the art of Balinese dancing with a behind-the-scenes experience with local performers. Book at treatment at Lohma Spa, which incorporates Indonesian traditions with treatments like the Balinese Boreh body mask, using a blend of powdered rice with local herbs.
San Diego, California
San Diego’s year-round sunshine and temperate climate makes it ideal for beach lovers. Soak up the California sun from Beach Village at The Del, LXR Hotels & Resorts, a gated, private enclave with oceanfront multi-bedroom cottages and villas outfitted with full kitchens, marble baths, and fire pits. Or settle into a seaside villa at Shore House at The Del, LXR Hotels & Resorts, with multi-bedroom residence-style accommodations that include all the comforts of a beachfront home. Guests staying at both neighborhoods have access to exclusive amenities, including private pools and lounge areas, guest-only dining options, and elevated services. Situated on the grounds of the iconic, red-roofed Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton, Beach Village and Shore House also provide guests with access to The Del’s full array of amenities and eateries. To make the most of your San Diego getaway, have your expert concierge arrange curated experiences, like private surfing lessons, beachfront yoga and spin classes, movies on the beach, bike rentals, and more.
Cancun, Mexico
Caribbean beaches never disappoint, and with its powdery white sands and crystal clear waters, Cancun is no exception. Set sail to a nearby reef to snorkel with colorful fish, swim with whale sharks, or kayak along the shore. Waldorf Astoria Riviera Maya is the perfect home away from home, with easy access to all these curated experiences, along with a beach lined with private cabanas. For a change of pace, dip into the oceanfront infinity pools, indulge in private mezcal and tequila tasting, or try a cooking class. Don’t forget to prioritize wellness at Waldorf Astoria Spa, where treatments draw inspiration from Mayan traditions aimed at restoring the mind and body. Top off your beach stay with exquisite meals at on-site restaurants like Malpeque, with its open-flame grill, or Ja’o, with its Mexican cantina-style menu.
Jessica Poitevien
Jessica Poitevien is an international storyteller with more than a decade of experience in writing and editing. Born in New York, she caught the travel bug throughout multiple moves that brought her to California, Spain, Colombia, and her current home base in South Florida. She has visited over 40 countries (and counting!), including several solo trips. When she's not traveling, Jessica enjoys making social media content, trying new food, and acting as a travel agent for friends and family.
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