Our favourite hotels right on the beach

If your idea of luxury involves wearing shoes, then this list might not be for you. But if you believe five-star living starts where the sand meets your doorstep and the beach is quite literally your backyard, then welcome to your next dream escape. From the castaway-chic shores of the Seychelles to emerald drops of paradise in the Maldives and Costa Rica’s jungle-fringed sands, these are the world’s best beachfront stays where the only thing between you and the sea is… well, absolutely nothing.

Ozen by Atmosphere at Maadhoo Island

Maldives

With glamorous villas right on the beach (or over the water, if you fancy), Ozen by Atmosphere is a private Maldivian island and the definition of sun, sea and bliss. It has all the credentials for a sun-soaked getaway, including mini-submarine trips, diving expeditions amid baby black-finned sharks and tropical fish, an underwater restaurant (one of five!) and of course, blindingly-white beaches and crystalline ocean. 

Golden Triangle, Tigers & Beach

Before relaxing into the Maldives, experience the icons of India on a trip around Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, as well as a tiger-filled adventure in Ranthambore. 

Azura Benguerra

Benguerra Island, Mozambique

Prime beachfront real estate awaits at Azura Benguerra, located on pristine Benguerra Island just off the coast of Mozambique, and relaxation has never been so easy. Every single thatched villa, be it a Luxury or the fabulous, four-bedroomed Presidential Villa, has direct access to the beach – simply wander past your private pool, through the palm trees in your garden and you’re in the ocean.

Mozambique & South Africa: Bush, Beach & City

Fall in love with bustling Cape Town, the idyllic scenery in the Cape Winelands, and the wildlife of the Kruger on the South African leg of your trip, before a short flight straight into the Mozambican sunshine.

Amanwella

Tangalle, Sri Lanka

At home on Sri Lanka‘s balmy south coast, the spacious suites at cool-as-a-cucumber Amanwella survey the near-private crescent of beach below. Here, days are punctuated with yoga in the hushed coconut grove, barbecues on the beach and sundowners overlooking the 47-metre infinity pool to the sand beyond. Dreamy…

Classic Sri Lanka

Combine a few days of bliss at Amanwella with a jaunt around Sri Lanka’s highlights: the Cultural Triangle, tea-laden Hill Country and Yala National Park for a chance to spot an elusive leopard…

Denis Island Lodge

Seychelles

The sole resort on an untouched island in the remote northern Seychelles, Denis Island is castaway-chic down to a tee. All the cottages are on the beach with private sun loungers on “your” stretch of sand. And when you can drag yourself away, explore the conservation-led island by bike or on foot or snorkel in the pretty lagoon.

Bush & Beach in Botswana

You can’t go wrong with a classic bush and beach duo, so why not spend some safari time in Botswana’s most iconic destinations, the Okavango Delta and Linyanti, before the delights of the Seychelles beckon?

Four Seasons Resort at Peninsula Papagayo

Guanacaste & Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica

Perched on a rocky outcrop, surrounded by flaxen sands and lush forest, the Four Seasons at Papagayo makes the most of its private peninsula location. But the best bit? There are two beaches to choose from right on the doorstep, both perfect for sunning, surfing and swimming. You just need to decide which one…

Costa Rica from Coast to Coast 

Travel from the Pacific to the Caribbean–and everywhere in between–and discover Costa Rica’s drop-dead gorgeous beaches, where you can swim, snorkel or surf to your heart’s content.  

Pimalai Resort & Spa

Koh Lanta, Thailand

Translated as “little patch of heaven”, Pimalai is just that. Set on low-key Koh Lanta island, just off the coast of Thailand, you’ll enjoy dazzling sea views from bed, an award-winning spa, no less than two outrageously-pretty infinity pools, picnics on palm-strewn beaches and exquisite dive spots. 

The Wilder Side of Thailand

Get to know a unique and different side of Thailand on this journey from the beautiful Chiang Mai to the sizzle of Bangkok, the wilds of Khao Sok National Park and the shoulder-sinking sands of Koh Lanta.