Extravagant Coastal Vacations: High-End Retreats by the Sea
Looking to escape the dreary British weather for a lavish beach vacation? Imagine your days spent lazing on pristine, secluded beaches with a good book in hand or taking leisurely strolls along the sandy shores with your significant other. A luxurious beach holiday is the perfect retreat, whether you travel to exotic destinations like Krabi, Thailand or stay closer to home. Here's our guide to the top beach holiday spots and must-do activities, as well as some fabulous resorts for your next getaway.
Long Haul: Krabi, Thailand
With spectacular limestone cliffs framing the shore, Krabi is an exotic beach holiday haven. You'll find breathtaking white-sand beaches, high-end resorts, and plenty of opportunities to dive beneath or into the waves on the Mainland. Krabi is also the gateway to nearby Thai islands like Koh Phi Phi and Koh Hong, easily accessible via water taxi for your next adventure.
Activities
Whether you're seeking relaxation or something more active, Krabi caters to everyone.
- Railay Beach: Accessible only by boat and surrounded by towering karst mountains, Railay Beach is one of Krabi's, and perhaps the world's, most stunning beaches. Spend your days lounging on pristine white-sand beaches, watching daredevil rock climbers conquer the limestone cliffs, or exploring the region with a kayak.
- Koh Poda: A short day trip from Ao Nang, Koh Poda offers a more laid-back vibe than Krabi's bustling beaches. Discover the tiny coastal island by longtail boat, unwind on one of the many pristine white-sand beaches, and enjoy excellent snorkeling and swimming.
- Krabi Hot Springs: After a relaxing day at the beach, head to Klong Thom district where you'll find Krabi's natural hot springs. A rejuvenating soak in the warm, mineral-rich waters will leave you feeling refreshed. Take a refreshing dip in the nearby river to cool off – the perfect end to a beach day.
Accommodations
Krabi boasts many outstanding five-star beach resorts. Many offer breathtaking ocean views, direct access to private or semi-private beaches, and on-site spas providing invigorating Thai massages. Top picks include Nakamanda Resort & Spa, Layana Resort & Spa, and Rayavadee.
Short Haul: Zakynthos, Greece
Also known as Zante, Zakynthos is renowned for its long sandy beaches, glittering azure waters, and breathtaking scenery. Spend your days soaking up the Greek sunshine, or explore the secluded beaches along the rugged west coast. Whatever you choose, you'll find it hard to find a better beach holiday destination.
Activities
- Navagio Beach (Shipwreck Beach or Smugglers Cove): One of Zakynthos' best beaches, featuring a rusted smuggler's shipwreck on the shores. Navagio is a bit off the beaten path, requiring a boat ride to reach.
- Zakynthos Marine Park: Covering an extensive portion of the island, the marine park features miles of sandy beaches, offshore islands, and a diverse ecosystem. Keep an eye out for loggerhead sea turtles, bottlenose dolphins, and Mediterranean seals.
- Laganas Beach: Spanning more than six miles, Laganas Beach is a family favorite, offering shallow waters that gently slope into the sea and soft white sand.
Lodging
Zakynthos offers many fantastic adult-only resorts, many of which are all-inclusive and feature on-site restaurants, spas, fitness centers, and outdoor pools. Some even offer access to private beaches, ensuring you don't have to fight for a sunbathing spot. Recommended options include Lesante Blu, Zante Maris Suites, and Olea All Suite Hotel.
Florida Keys
If you're seeking a tropical paradise, the Florida Keys are an excellent choice. The Florida Keys archipelago consists of over one thousand islands, all boasting gorgeous white-sand beaches. Enjoy days lazing by turquoise and azure waters, sampling local seafood, or exploring the world's third-largest barrier reef. Most holidaymakers base themselves in Key West, known for its charming pastel-colored old town, fantastic restaurants, art galleries, and thriving nightlife.
Activities
- Scuba Diving: With the world's third-largest coral barrier reef off the coast, scuba diving and snorkeling are popular options. Experience the reef's diverse marine life, including dolphins, eagle rays, reef sharks, turtles, and manatees.
- Bahia Honda State Park: Located in the lower Florida Keys, Bahia State Park offers some of the region's best beaches. Beaches feature long stretches of soft white sand fringed with palm trees and azure waters.
- Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park: For a more active day, head to Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park, a nature reserve protecting over 80 critical species of plants and animals and boasting over 60 miles of hiking trails. Keep an eye out for endangered American crocodiles.
Accommodations
The Florida Keys offer many outstanding four and five-star luxury resorts. Most resorts have direct, if not private, beach access and various facilities, including spa and wellness centers.
- Playa Largo Resort & Spa: Located on 14.5 private bayfront acres, this resort offers private cabanas, a hot tub, fire pits, water sports facilities, and two on-site restaurants.
- Margaritaville Key West Resort & Marina: As a four-star, waterfront hotel, Margaritaville boasts an outdoor heated pool, hot tub, fitness center, and on-site boutiques. Dine at the on-site restaurant or grab a drink at the pool bar.
- Casa Marina Beach & Resort Club Waldorf Astoria: As one of Key West's five-star resorts, the Waldorf Astoria offers private beach access, an oceanside spa, two seaside pools, and two on-site restaurants.
Travel Times
- Krabi (Thailand): Mid-20s to early 30s (Celsius) and plenty of sunshine year-round; least rain from January
- Zakynthos (Greece): Highs of 33 degrees Celsius and abundant sunshine in the summer; peak season is June to August for a quieter holiday, visit outside these times
- Florida Keys (USA): Consistent temperatures with coldest months having temperatures in the 20s (Celsius) and warmest bringing lows in the 30s; events like the Key West Food & Wine Festival in January or Key West Pride in June
In the world of fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden, one can revamp their beach rescape to match the luxurious aesthetic of their upcoming holiday. Krabi, Thailand offers breathtaking white-sand beaches, high-end resorts, and a plethora of water activities, while Zakynthos, Greece boasts long sandy beaches, azure waters, and adult-only resorts for a romantic getaway. For those looking closer to home, the Florida Keys offer a tropical paradise with beautiful beaches, world-class diving, and charming island towns.
