Does the rainy British weather make you dream of a luxurious beach vacation? Imagine spending long days sunbathing on secluded, pristine beaches with your favorite book in hand. Or strolling along sandy shores with your loved one.
For many, a luxury beach vacation is the perfect escape. Whether you're traveling to far-flung destinations like Thailand or staying closer to home, there are plenty of beach vacation destinations worthy of the name. Our guide features some of the best beach vacation destinations, as well as a very helpful list of things to do when you're tired of tanning and fabulous must-visit hotels. Keep reading to learn more.
Long Haul: Krabi, Thailand
Bordered by spectacular and towering limestone cliffs, Krabi is an exotic beach vacation destination. On the mainland of Krabi, you'll find long stretches of beautiful white sand beaches, luxury resorts and plenty of opportunities to dive under or in the waves. Krabi is also the starting point for the neighboring Thai islands of Koh Phi Phi and Koh Hong. Simply take a water cab and set off on your next adventure.
Activities to do
Whether you're here just to lay on the beach or looking to be a little more active, Krabi has something for everyone.
Railay Beach. Accessible only by boat and surrounded by high karst mountains, Railay Beach is one of the most spectacular beaches in Krabi, and perhaps the world. Spend your days lounging on white sandy beaches and watching daredevil climbers tackle the limestone cliffs. If you're feeling more active, you can explore the karst that emerges from the bay by kayak.
Koh Poda. A short day trip from Ao Nang, Koh Poda offers travelers a different pace of life from the more popular and crowded beaches of Krabi. You can explore the small coastal island by longtail boat or relax on one of the many pristine white sand beaches. You can also go diving and swimming here.
Krabi Hot Springs. After spending a relaxing day at the beach, head to Klong Thom district where you'll find the natural Krabi Hot Springs. A long hot bath in these mineral-rich hot springs will rejuvenate your skin and leave you totally refreshed. Afterwards, take a dip in the nearby river to cool off - the perfect end to a day at the beach.
Where to stay
Krabi is home to many excellent five-star resorts. Many offer breathtaking water views, direct access to private or semi-private beaches, and on-site spas offering soothing Thai massages. You can also find all-inclusive resorts, so you never have to leave. We've selected some of our favorite luxury resorts in Krabi:
Nakamanda Resort & Spa. With stunning views of Khao Phanom Bencha and direct access to Klong Muang Beach, this five-star resort is a fantastic choice. You can enjoy the outdoor pool or, if you're feeling more active, the fully equipped fitness center. There's also an on-site spa offering rejuvenating beauty treatments and Thai massages.
Layana Resort & Spa. Welcome to a paradise for adults. Children are not allowed here, so you can relax and enjoy a quiet stay. This five-star resort overlooks a white sand beach and turquoise waters. It also has an outdoor infinity pool, a fitness center, a well-stocked library, a restaurant serving Thai and international dishes and private gardens. The hotel also features an award-winning spa that offers pampering services and soothing facial treatments.
Rayavadee. Located on beautiful Railay Beach, this luxurious, five-star accommodation is a fantastic option. Guests can enjoy an outdoor pool, full-service spa, and fitness center on site, as well as numerous dining options. If you're looking to completely relax in one of the most beautiful settings in the world, the Rayavadee is the perfect choice.
When to Visit
Krabi enjoys a consistent climate throughout the year, with temperatures ranging from the mid-20s during the colder months to the early 30s in July and August. January is one of the driest months, so it's a great time for a beach vacation. Rains are generally more frequent from May onwards, with September and October being the rainiest months.
Short distance: Zakynthos, Greece
Also known by its Italian name of Zakynthos, Zakynthos is known worldwide for its long sandy beaches, azure blue waters and breathtaking scenery. You can spend your days reading and soaking up the Greek sun or venture further afield to explore the secluded beaches along the island's ruggedly beautiful west coast. Whichever you choose, you'll be hard pressed to find a better beach vacation destination.
Things to do
Life in Zakynthos is centered on its shimmering blue waters and sandy beaches. If you have enjoyed the sun too much, there is also a castle, water parks and rural villages. But the real attraction of Zakynthos is its beaches.
Navagio beach. Also known as Shipwreck Beach or Smugglers Cove, Navagio is one of the best beaches in Zakynthos. A rusty smuggler's hull sits on the shore, adding an interesting touch to this beautiful and pristine beach. Navagio is a bit off the beaten track, so you'll have to take a boat to get there.
Zakynthos Marine Park. Covering a large part of the island, the marine park includes miles of sandy beaches, including Imni Keri and Kalamaki, two offshore islands and a diverse ecosystem. Keep your eyes open for loggerhead turtles, bottlenose dolphins and Mediterranean seals.
Laganas Beach. Stretching for more than six miles, the golden sands of Laganas Beach are a favorite among islanders. Spend your days lazing on lounge chairs working on your tan or cooling off in the calm, azure blue waters. Laganas beach is especially popular with families with young children as its shallow waters gently slope down to the sea.
Where to stay
Zakynthos has many fantastic resorts for adults only so you can relax without the noise of children. Most of these resorts are all-inclusive and have restaurants, spas, fitness centers and outdoor pools on site. Some even have access to private beaches, so you don't have to fight for the last lounge chair.
Lesante Blu. Escape to your own private paradise at this exclusive five-star resort. It's the perfect choice for a luxury beach vacation, as you'll have access to a private, guest-only beach, allowing you to enjoy the Greek sun and the beauty of Zakynthos without the crowds. There's also a cool infinity pool, three restaurants and a spa on site.
Zante Maris Suites. Another adults-only option, this chic five-star hotel offers suites with bathtubs, so you can step out your front door and cool off in an infinity pool. Some suites have access to a private pool, and most offer an ocean view. The hotel also has a restaurant and a fitness center.
Olea All Suite Hotel. An 11-minute walk from Tsilivi Beach, this five-star hotel has an outdoor infinity pool, a fully equipped fitness center with yoga and exercise classes, a spa with steam room and sauna, and three fantastic on-site restaurants. With so many offerings, you can truly relax and unwind.
When to go
Summer in Zakynthos brings temperatures of up to 33 degrees Celsius and sunshine. The good weather also attracts many visitors, with the high season running from June to August. If you are looking for a quieter beach vacation, we recommend you to visit outside this period. The shoulder seasons of April through May or September through October are fantastic times to visit the island, as they are quieter, but the weather is still pleasant.
The Florida Keys
If you're looking to retreat to a tropical paradise, the Florida Keys are an excellent choice. The Florida Keys are an archipelago of over a thousand islands, all with beautiful white sand beaches. You can spend your days lounging by the turquoise and azure waters, sampling local seafood or even exploring the third largest barrier reef in the world. Most vacationers head to Key West, known for its charming pastel-colored old town, fantastic restaurants, art galleries and vibrant nightlife.
Things to do
Most people come to the Florida Keys to lounge on the beaches and enjoy a slower pace of life. However, there are also some great, more active activities. Below are our favorite activities:
Scuba diving. With the third largest barrier reef in the world off the coast, scuba diving and snorkeling are popular options. The Great Florida Reef is home to more than 400 species of tropical fish, including dolphins, eagle rays, reef sharks, turtles and manatees.
Bahia Honda State Park. Located in the lower Florida Keys, Bahia State Park has some of the best beaches in the area. The beaches have long stretches of soft white sand, lined 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 preserve protecting more than 80 critical species of plants and animals and with more than 60 miles of hiking trails. You might even spot an endangered American crocodile.
Where to Stay
The Florida Keys have some excellent four- and five-star luxury resorts. Most have direct, even private, beach access and a range of facilities, including spas and wellness centers. With so many offerings, you may never need to leave your hotel.
Playa Largo Resort & Spa. This four-star resort is located on 14.5 private oceanfront acres. You can enjoy the outdoor pool, private cabanas, Jacuzzi, fire pits and water sports facilities. There are also two on-site restaurants, a rum bar, an exclusive spa and a fitness center. You can even book an in-suite massage for ultimate privacy.
Margaritaville Key West Resort & Marina. Located in Old Town Key West, the Margaritaville is the place to stay if you're looking for fun. This four-star beachfront hotel features a heated outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, on-site shopping and water sports facilities. You'll also find an on-site restaurant serving American cuisine and a pool bar for drinks and poolside snacks.
Casa Marina Beach & Resort Club Waldorf Astoria. The Waldorf Astoria is one of Key West's five-star resorts and offers some of the finest luxury amenities. It has a private beach and is located in a historic 1920s complex. On-site, you'll also find a spa offering ocean massages and two oceanfront pools. You can also sign up for water sports activities or dine at the hotel's two restaurants and rum bar.
When to Go
The Florida Keys are an excellent luxury beach vacation destination any time of year. Temperatures remain relatively constant, with the coldest months recording temperatures of 25 degrees Celsius and the hottest temperatures of 30 degrees. The sun is also present all year round. Throughout the year, you'll also find a number of fantastic festivals like the Key West Food & Wine Festival in January or Key West Pride in June.
