Recently Travel + Leisure published a list of best beaches for your winter vacation. One thing they forgot to include was where to stay.
So in this issue, we’ve found the best hotels and the top suites and villas so you can plan you escape from the cold. The list spans from Australia to Oman with stops in Mexico and the Caribbean.
1. Eagle Beach, Aruba
2. Tulum, Mexico
3. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
4. Musandam, Oman
5. Negril, Jamaica
6. Sunshine Coast, Australia
1. Eagle Beach, Aruba
T+L says, “Aruba claims to have the sunniest days per year of all the Caribbean islands, so you’re sure to get great sunbathing weather.
While away breezy, 82-degree days on the 20 powdery white beaches, including, often ranked as one of the best beaches not only in the Caribbean but also in the world.
Backed by many low-rise resorts, timeshares, and restaurants, Eagle Beach is outfitted with loungers for sunbathing and watersports equipment for rent.
For a bit more adventure, head to the rugged northern coast where you can hike, go on an ATV excursion or horseback riding tour, or head inland and explore the arid desert-like landscape of Arikok National Park.”
The Ritz-Carlton Aruba, Ritz-Carlton Suite
The Ritz-Carlton Aruba is about three miles from Eagle Beach, and its 1-bedroom, 1.5-bath Ritz-Carlton Suite gives you 2,390 sq. ft. of space, Club access, and panoramic ocean views.
Located on the 7th floor, there’s a full dining area, a wrap-around balcony, and a private outdoor shower as well.
2. Tulum, Mexico
T+L says, “The secret’s been out about for several years now, but we’re still pretty enamored with the boho-chic beach town. Here, ancient Mayan ruins crown seaside cliffs, and there are miles of soft white beaches backed by Instagram-perfect resorts and boutique hotels.
With a strenuous schedule of morning yoga followed by afternoon margaritas and ceviche under palapas, it’s easy to see why people continue to come back for second, third, and fourth visits.
Tulum’s after-dark scene is arguably as much a draw as its beaches: The main road is a hit parade of stylish restaurants, including the much-lauded (keep an eye out for celebrities) and, from Diego Hernandez, one of Mexico’s top chefs. Finish the night by bar hopping to the fabulous watering holes which specialize in Mexico’s smoky spirit, mezcal.”
Papaya Playa Project, Casa Palapa
The Papaya Playa Beach Club, part of Design Hotels, combines a double-decker bar overhanging the beach advances toward the ocean with a 360° wooden “skyscraper” observatory rising above the property offering a vantage point private table area; and a generous stretch of beach appointed with sunbeds and shaded hanging beds palapas.
The 6,479 sq. ft. Casa Palapa features five bedrooms, each with private bathrooms. Combined with ancient Maya building techniques and contemporary decoration and furniture, this villa is a literal playground for friends or families looking to enjoy a space together that is entirely their own.
There’s a Master Suite with Double King Bed, three more Kings and a Double bedroom. There’s a rooftop terrace with stunning ocean and jungle views, a Grand Palapa Salon ideal for weddings and parties, living room and large dining room, outdoor kitchen, a private chef on request, 24 hours butler service, and direct access to the beach
3. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
T+L says, “It’s rare combination of beaches, rainforest, and mountains — all within a busy urban setting — must be seen to be appreciated…Just don’t expect seclusion. Copacabana, Ipanema, and Leblon will all be packed with tanned and toned locals sunning themselves in barely-there swimwear, vendors peddling fresh coconuts, and tourists nursing their caipirinhas. It’s a scene — but that’s just what makes Rio one of the best beach destinations in the world.”
Belmond Copacabana Palace – Penthouse Suites
The Belmond Copacabana Palace will bring you back to Rio’s historic position as an epicenter for jet setters from around the world. Now owned by luxury conglomerate LVMH (think Louis Vuitton, Bulgari, Fendi, Dior, Hublot, Dom Perignon, Krug, and so on), you have a prime on-beach location.
The seven 1,076 sq. ft. Penthouse Suites are located on the 6th floor. There is one city view and six ocean-view suites.
The floor is closed off to only guests staying in these suites. Each suite boasts a king bed with a separate living room and a private terrace and a personal butler.
Interiors are finished with works of art and fine French fabrics. Large marble bathrooms feature a bath and a separate shower.
The penthouse floor also has its own private black-tiled swimming pool and wet bar (above).
4. Musandam, Oman
T+L says, “Still totally under the radar, Oman makes for a spectacular introduction to the Middle East. It’s politically stable, the people are gracious, and it boasts an impressive range of landscapes, from modern city to desert to mountains to — you guessed it — beaches.
The country’s massive coastline (nearly 1,300 miles long) has unspoiled sands…Even the beaches right in the country’s capital, Muscat, are beautiful and serene, and you can go diving just south of the city, where the popular Al Munassir wreck lies.
But for the most spectacular beaches, head to Musandam peninsula in the northernmost part of the country. Zighy Bay has clear, aquamarine waters and white sand that rival the Caribbean, with mountains rising straight from the shoreline.
Six Senses Zighy Bay, Beachfront Reserve
The 3,330 sq. ft. Four-Bedroom Beachfront Reserve at Six Senses Zighy Bay includes your own private 60-ft. pool. Located on its own private beach, the complex includes three buildings, including a ground floor living room. There are a dining room and a private cinema.
Your Master bedroom on the first floor has its own large living room balcony and full bathroom with copper bathtub, and outdoor shower.
5. Negril, Jamaica
T+L says, “This famously laid-back island is a great place to de-stress, especially in January when the weather is warm and breezy, and there’s no threat of hurricanes. Head to Negril, where seven miles of soft golden sand beckon; rent kayaks and sailboats to explore the turquoise waters further. The sounds of live reggae and the ocean vistas will lull you into the “don’t worry, be happy” mindset as you sip rum punch (or a Red Stripe, if you prefer) and chat up the friendly locals. Stay at the legendary Rockhouse Resort, which boasts cabanas with private plunge pools built right into seaside cliffs.”
Rockhouse Resort, Ocean View Suites
The 800 sq. ft. Ocean View Suites offer sunset views, although some visitors prefer the low rise 460 sq. ft. Premium Villas (pictured above) set right above the water.
6. Sunshine Coast, Australia
T+L says, “With a name like Sunshine Coast, it should come as no surprise that this stretch of Queensland is decorated with beautiful golden beaches and frequented by happy, laidback locals. At the heart of the Sunny Coast is a chic beach village with excellent boutique shopping and trendy eateries. Noosa’s Main Beach is often touted as one of Australia’s best, as it’s protected by a reef and offers gentle, calm waters year-round.”
On The Beach Noosa Resort
The Beachfront Spa Penthouse features split level luxe living with your own private spa, rooftop entertaining and panoramic views of Noosa Main Beach and North Shore.
There are a well-equipped kitchen and dining area. The combined bedroom/bathroom overlooks Main Beach and includes king bed, TV, shower and Apelles products.
Watch the sunset from your large rooftop with spa, sun lounges and alfresco dining with BBQ, fridge, and mini-kitchen. If you prefer eating out, Noosa’s renowned restaurants, Bistro C and Boardwalk Bistro are just downstairs.
