20 Best Beach Hotels

Secret Garden Koh Rong

Selecting the twenty best beach hotels from our vast array of properties around the world is not an easy task! We could have stuck to five star luxury properties, but that would be missing the point. Not everyone has the funds or the desire to stay in such places. So we've scoured our inventory and come up with some intimate hidden gems that'll make you feel like a 21st century Robinson Crusoe, as well as mainstream options and family friendly favourites...Check out our list below and start planning your beach holiday heaven.

  • Filitheyo Island Resort Maldives 125 rooms from £137

    Honeymoons  -  The spa is a must for honeymooners and couples and there are special honeymoon excursions such as romantic boat trips
    Active Holiday  -  The main focus of the resort is centered around its scuba diving centre
    Restaurant  -  There are two restaurants in the resort offering a wide range of cuisines with fantastic views
    Fishing  -  The resort offers morning fishing, trolling fishing and night fishing
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    Rustic, wooden walkways and sandy trails make this resort a barefoot retreat. The comfortable, stylish villas have outdoor bathrooms. As the only resort in Faafu Atoll it offers incredible reefs to explore and a private diving school. A diver's dream with a refreshing unspoilt charm to it. See More

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  • The Secret Garden Koh Rong Pagoda Beach, Koh Rong 16 rooms from £84

    Families  -  Interconnecting rooms are ideal for families, who will appreciate the laid-back & friendly atmosphere
    Beach Life  -  A relaxing beach hideaway on Koh Rong island, perfect for lazy days of sun, sand & swimming
    Fishing  -  Guided sunset fishing excursions are wonderful for guests of all ages
    Great walks  -  Walk to Sok San or Prek Svay Waterfall, both beautiful natural spots
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    A tranquil escape on a secluded stretch of pristine beach on Koh Rong, this charming little hotel has just 16 rooms with white-on-white interiors & a minimalist, Scandi-inspired sense of style. Sink your toes into the sand and soak up the laid-back ambience of this corner of Cambodian paradise. See More

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  • Kumu Beach Balapitiya (Galle Road) 10 rooms from £184

    Hotel boats for hire  -  Organise a trip on a boat to Madu Ganga wetlands- waterways between 65 different islands filled with untouched mangrove forests
    Beach Life  -  The beach takes centre stage at this secluded spot, palm trees and cocktails, tandoor prawns and sunsets over Balapitiya bay
    Hotel Entertainment  -  Flake out by the pool in one of the comfortable sunloungers and have cocktails brought to you by the attentive staff
    Museums  -  Visit the Mask Museum in Ambalangoda, a village a short drive away that makes devil masks for local rituals
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    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith

    A compact and elegant boutique, on the peaceful shores of Sri Lanka’s south-west coast. The interiors have been carefully crafted by Sri Lankan designer Annika Fernando to optimise comfort and relaxation. The small size allows guests to feel cared for and the location is wonderfully serene. See More

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  • Oarsman's Bay Lodge Yasawa Islands, Fiji 13 rooms from £75

    Great walks  -  Follow hiking trails through the island's verdant interior with an expert guide for expansive views & intriguing birdlife
    Fishing  -  Go hand-line fishing with a village guide, and enjoy your caught for lunch back at the lodge
    Value chic  -  Great value if you opt to stay in the mixed dorm, with a daily charge for full board
    Groups  -  The mixed dormitory with shared terrace is perfect for budget group trips
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    A simple beachfront lodge with blue-painted studio-cottages and a big mixed dorm, perfect for couples, families or affordable trips with friends. Expect fresh Fijian fare, and activities such as fishing, snorkelling, diving & hiking. There's live music at the lodge each evening & a convivial vibe. See More

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  • Halcyon House Cabarita Beach, New South Wales 21 rooms from £531

    Foodies  -  Foodies will adore award-winning Pepper Daisy restaurant & bar, with its easygoing seaside feel, superb cuisine & quirky drinks
    Cycling  -  Hop on the hotel's bicycles to follow the Northern Rivers Rail Trail or take scenic coastal trails to Kingscliff Beach or
    Beach Life  -  A hip little hotel overlooking beautiful Cabarita beach, ideal for surfing, strolling or soaking up the sunshine
    Surfing  -  Borrow one of the hotel's surfboards and hit the waves at brilliant Cabarita Beach, right in front of the hotel
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    A place of calm & tranquility overlooking the scenic Cabarita Beach. Perfectly styled throughout with a chic beachy vibe; think patterned wallpapers, blue and white textiles, contemporary art and a mix of antique and modern furniture. The ideal spot to simply unwind within sight of the sea. See More

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  • Les Roches Blanches Cassis 36 rooms from £207

    Beach Life  -  Located on the seafront close to the hidden beaches of the Calanques, choose this hotel for a luxury seaside getaway
    Romantic Break  -  The peaceful setting and beautiful interiors at this bolt-hole make it a great option for a romantic break
    Hideaway  -  Set apart from the village in secluded gardens, this hotel makes the perfect hideaway holiday destination
    Swimming Pool  -  As well as a stunning black mosaic infinity pool overlooking the sea, there's a waterfall pool with more gorgeous views.
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    This former mansion turned hotel enjoys a unique location between the village and the Calanques in Cassis. The property's Art Deco exterior is picked up in the guestrooms, with black and gold accents. The shaded garden and sea view infinity pool are perfect spots to unwind at this seaside hideaway. See More

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  • Cap Sa Sal Begur 10 rooms from £152

    Beach Life  -  The perfect beach getaway, with fantastic views of the bay, yummy seafood and just a short stroll to the nearest beach!
    Total relaxation  -  Make the most out of your tranquil surroundings to truly unwind. Sip wine on your balcony or take a dip in the pool!
    Diving  -  Head off cliff diving for an adrenaline-filled time!
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
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    Cap Sa Sal enjoys a clifftop location on Begur's Costa Brava. With both rooms and apartments furnished in a classically Mediterranean manner boasting spectacular ocean views. Burn off the wonderful home-cooked food by hiking around the cliffs or swimming in the sea! Utterly peaceful. See More

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  • Noa Boutique Hotel A Coruna 28 rooms from £107

    Romantic Break  -  Wake up to sea views from floor-to-ceiling windows at this hotel, the perfect setting for a romantic European getaway
    Beach Life  -  Set on the coast close to Santiago de Compostela, book this hotel for a boutique beach break
    Spa breaks  -  With an extensive wellness centre onsite, book this hotel for a European seaside spa break
    Sights nearby  -  Visit the UNESCO-protected Tower of Hercules, a lighthouse built by the Romans over 2,000 years ago and still in use today
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    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith

    This boutique hotel is nestled on a privileged seafront enclave facing Santa Cruz Castle in Oleiros. Guestrooms are designed to maximise the coastal location, with sea views from the bed and the bathtub. Unwind on the chic rooftop terrace, complete with an infinity pool and hot tub. See More

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  • Vila Vita Parc Porches, Algarve 170 rooms from £174

    Families  -  Loads of kiddie stuff so parents can unwind- playground with trampoline, swings and slides, kids club, creche and pool.
    Foodies  -  Eight onsite restaurants to choose from- we recommend the tasting menu from two Michelin Star Ocean with wine pairing.
    Spa breaks  -  State of the art spa with a huge range of treatments, yoga and meditation classes and top notch hair salon
    Diving  -  Vila Vita Parc run dive certification courses as well as courses in underwater photography& deep sea diving.
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    Luxury cliff-top family resort in lush gardens. Contemporary, light rooms with white on white decor drawing the eye to the spectacular sea views. Fantastic children's facilities, tennis courts, golf course, luxurious Sisley spa, and excellent food. A beach paradise. See More

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  • Gecko Hotel & Beach Club Formentera 30 rooms from £275

    Beach Life  -  Situated on the island famed for powder white sand beaches.
    Swimming Pool  -  Outdoor pool
    Views  -  Great views from hotel
    Secluded setting  -  For escaping.
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    A small luxury hotel located on a beautiful stretch of beach. Accommodation is light and contemporary with minimalist furniture, lots of glass and modern artworks. Yoga classes are held each morning, healthy food served in the restaurant, a chic outdoor bar and fabulous spa. Utterly spoiling. See More

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  • Masseria Mongio Otranto, Puglia 17 rooms from £142

    Local exploring  -  A great base for exploring this beautiful corner of Puglia
    Spa  -  There is a spa with a large spa bath, Turkish bath, sauna, multi-sensory shower and herbal tea corner
    Restaurant  -  Serves typical cuisine of the Salento region using mainly local produce
    Sights nearby  -  The historic coastal town of Otranto is just a few minutes in the car
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    Recommended by  -  I Escape

    An elegant masseria conversion just north of Otranto. Seventeen individually designed suites offer chic minimalist accommodation, and all come with either a private terrace or garden. Large outdoor pool, excellent restaurant specialising in Salento cuisine, and just steps from the beach. See More

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  • Il Pellicano Porto Ercole 50 rooms from £401

    Foodies  -  Foodies will love the range of excellent dining options, including a superb michelin starred restaurant.
    Romantic Break  -  It's perfect for a romantic break, with deluxe suites, fantastic food and a sublime seaside setting.
    Cooking classes  -  Take a cooking class with the hotel's michelin starred chef.
    Restrictions on children  -  Adult only.
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    Recommended by  -  Tablet

    A stunning clifftop hotel situated in Porto Ecole, on the Tuscan archipelago. Serving up a host of plush rooms, two superb restaurants (including the michelin starred Il Pellicano) and a lovely sea water swimming pool. Five star excellence that's ideal for a romantic break on the Tuscan coast. See More

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  • Hotel Albatroz Cascais 52 rooms from £191

    Views  -  Wonderful sea views
    Beach Life
    Active Holiday
    Sights nearby  -  Sintra for the Pena Palace.
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    Recommended by  -  I Escape

    Luxury chic hotel on the beach. Beautifully decorated rooms and suites in pastels with sea views, private balconies, and marble bathrooms. Excellent pool and restaurant, and access to the beach. Perfect for an active beach holiday for families or couples. See More

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  • Rebali Riads Essaouira (Sidi Kaouki) 18 rooms from £111

    Value chic  -  With rooms from just €120 per night including breakfast, Rebali Riads is superb value.
    Restaurant  -  Traditional Moroccan dishes and seafood are the specialities of the chef. But he will adapt menus for children
    Cooking classes  -  Accompany the chef to the souk then cook up the spoils together.
    Swimming Pool  -  There are five outdoor pools, two communal and three private.
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    Superb villa style family friendly resort on the coast about half an hour from Essaouira. Spacious acommodation in traditional style villas some with private pool. Excellent facilities for all ages and a personal dining service enabling you eat where you please! A wonderful laid back beach holiday. See More

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  • Ikos Andalusia Marbella 393 rooms from £364

    Families  -  Couldn't be more family-friendly with a Kids Club, endless on-site actvities, interconnecting rooms, and children's menus
    5* Luxury  -  Luxury defined from the nothing-is-too-much service to the restaurants with menus created by Michelin starred chefs
    Beach Life  -  Enjoy the hotel's Beach Club on its own picturseque stretch of white sand beach
    Restaurant  -  Expect fine dining with Michelin-starred chefs creating seven innovative restaurants from European to Asian
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    All-inclusive luxury resort, designed to spoil, set on the coast near Marbella. Contemporary rooms are white on white with clean lines and fabulous views from picture windows. Menus are created by Michelin-starred chefs across the seven venues. Plus there's an expansive spa and activities for all. See More

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  • AlmaPlena Beach Resort Mahahual, Quintana Roo 8 rooms from £66

    Eco break  -  The clever design of the buildings uses shades and the seabreeze in place of AC and electricty comes from their own wind turbine
    Wildlife Area  -  Between the jungle and the sea this is a wildlife rich area, eagles, tapirs, coatis, deer and dolphins are commonly sighted
    Beach Life  -  A beach-chic retreat with everything from turtle watching to beach volley ball and private terraces for soaking up the sun
    Great walks  -  Set on the powder white sands of a private beach, with jungle on one side and turquoise-blue seas to the other
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    Recommended by  -  Great Small Hotels

    A secluded and peaceful stretch of paradise, on the stunning Costa Maya. White on white suites offer sumptuous beds, private balconies, splashes of local art and colourful Mexican tiles. An excellent restaurant serves Mediterranean-Mexican food overlooking the crystal clear waters. See More

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  • Sani Dunes Halkidiki 136 rooms from £612

    Luxury  -  With sleek contemporary design, several dining options, a spoiling spa, and Greece's largest pool - this is an indulgent stay
    Total relaxation  -  Great for an indulgent stay just relaxing and lounging around, with everything you'll need provided on site
    Restaurant  -  Four restaurants range from casual fare to Italian fine dining crafted by a Michelin-starred chef
    Spa  -  A well-equipped spa has a sauna, steam room, indoor pool, and a wide treatment list
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    A stunning luxury resort on the beach with a choice of pools as well as an indulgent spa and several great dining options. Sophisticated interiors have chic, simple decor and designer furniture, while the luxurious, comfy rooms in beige and pastels feature slick art and natural materials. See More

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  • The Betsy Hotel Miami (South Beach) 61 rooms from £176

    Restaurant  -  BLT Steak, an American steakhosue which won Miami Steakhosue of the Year 2014
    Outstanding location  -  Located directly on Ocean Drive in Miami's South Beach district
    Swimming Pool  -  Secluded outdoor swimming pool, year-round.
    On the beach  -  Direct beach access
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    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, Small Luxury Hotels

    Hardwood floors, marble bathrooms, original art and fresh flowers create a low-key, refined aura for this beachside hotel. Miami's only open-air rooftop spa, a sheltered outdoor pool, and exclusive and highly-acclaimed BLT steakhouse make your stay memorable - just don't forget to explore Miami too! See More

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  • Blue Inn Newbury, Massachusetts 13 rooms from £155

    Beach Life  -  The location couldn't be any better - step out the front door straight onto a lovely stretch of gold sand beach
    Birdwatching  -  Spot a wde range of birds in the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
    Seaside  -  Ideal for a seaside holiday.
    Romantic  -  Good for couples.
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    A charming small hotel located directly on a gorgeous stretch of beach on Plum Island. Large bright suites are decorated in seaside tones (white and blue) and the best have private terraces with ocean views. There's a hot tub out front and sunbeds - a luxurious choice for a weekend beach break. See More

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  • The Surfrider Malibu (CA) 20 rooms from £332

    Beach Life  -  The ultimate beach chic getaway- paired back luxury rooms offering views of the pacific and the best surfing beach in California
    Total relaxation  -  Relax, unwind and enjoy- rooftop cocktails by the firepit and listening to waves crashing on your private terrace
    Surfing  -  Take advantage of your location and hit the beach for some surf (beginners should ask reception for instructors)
    Sights nearby  -  Within a short walk of Malibu Pier, a great place to people watch and grab a bite
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    Recommended by  -  Tablet

    An uber cool and laid back Malibu boutique. The perfect balance of simplicity and luxury is all in the fine details, scented candles, organic materials and private balconies with Pacific views. The rooftop restaurant is perfect and the staff are as friendly as you will find anywhere. Beach-chic! See More

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Written by Sarah Empson

posted Tuesday, 19th December 2023