The 10 Best Island Beaches in the World
During these unprecedented times, a vast number of activities that involve traveling were put on hold or were placed on the threshold, indefinitely. When the quarantine period has started in 2020, most of us have tried to be productive while staying indoors by enhancing our life skills or learning new ones. Some have mastered the sumptuous art of culinary, others have become health and fitness experts, while an optimum amount of travel enthusiasts have quenched their thirst for wandering through reconnecting with their favorite destinations in the world, online, that is.
Ever since The Luxury Network International has been founded over a decade ago, most, if not all, activities we have successfully accomplished were in partnership with the biggest hotel and resort chains in the world. Our awards and networking events will never be possible if not for the assistance of our hotel affiliates. We can all agree that one of the most heavily affected industries during these uncertain moments is the hospitality sector. However, we will always feel proud to have been given the opportunity to be associated with the world-class hotels that went above and beyond to recalibrate their policies and safety measures, in order to accommodate high net worth individuals and to offer them peace of mind on their journey. While not all establishments have fully-recovered and re-opened yet, we are delighted to witness a number of hotels that have welcomed the public once again and opened new opportunities to boost the economy of their respective cities. Adapt and innovate–these are how the world is managing its recovery.
Condé Nast Traveler has recently announced the results for its 33rd annual 2020 Readers’ Choice Awards. It was a special kind of edition since, for the first time, the voters made their selection during a time when almost no one was traveling.
“These are the enduring gems that can withstand the test of time and the vicissitudes of circumstances. So while it is always an honor to be on this list, in this strangest of years it is a special honor, indeed. Many readers have told us that when we emerge from this pandemic, they want to turn their attention to the classics, whether that means personal favorites or places they know have brought joy to others.”
“THE BEST CURE FOR THIS SOCIAL SICKNESS IS VITAMIN SEA”
Following the winners’ list decided by the CNT Readers’ Choice Awards voters, we are sharing with you our own selection of the resorts you can stay at once you visit the top 10 island beaches in the world:
10 | Seger Beach, Lombok, Indonesia
Seger Beach is just a short drive to the east of Kuta Beach and shares the same coastline. The easiest way to access the beach is by hiring a scooter for the day, with clear signs leading you there. Seger Beach brings an array of colorful and active underwater life, making it a hotspot for snorkellers.
Where to stay: Katamaran Hotel & Resort
Katamaran Resort is located right on the beachfront of the exquisite Mangsit Beach in Senggigi, Lombok, Indonesia. Inspired by its name – a yacht with two hulls to steady its sail – Katamaran Resort takes guests on an unforgettable journey to rejuvenate with the balance of body and soul.
9 | El Nido, Palawan, Philippines
El Nido, a small village north of Palawan, Philippines, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world at the moment. It is regularly a subject for reports with often typified titles “they have left everything to live on a paradise island”.
El Nido is an incredible place that every traveler should see when visiting the Philippines. It has been declared one of the best tourist destinations in the Philippines and is one of the top-ranked tourism destinations around the planet’s numerous bucket lists.
Where to stay: El Nido Beach Spa & Resort
El Nido Beach Spa & Resort is a pioneering project of a comprehensive 5-star resort scheduled for completion in 2022. Its first phase will feature 55 luxury pool villas with picturesque ocean views and 20 overwater pool suites with extraordinary amenities for idyllic living. The villas are inspired by traditional designs, the land’s wealth, and sea activities.
8 | Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Kiawah Island boasts 10 miles of beaches, preserved maritime forests, sand dunes, marshes, and endless activities. It is an oasis of untouched natural beauty and renowned hospitality for those seeking a retreat into adventure and luxury. Enjoy perfectly preserved maritime forests, sand dunes, and marshes where turtles, whitetail deer, and seabirds abound. From the wooded uplands to the beaches, animals thrive in the rich natural environment of Kiawah Island.
Where to stay: The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort
The Carolina coast offers countless vacation destinations and places to stay. But none equal to The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort. Just 21 miles from Charleston, this South Carolina luxury beach resort hotel delivers Forbes 5-Star service and unequaled accommodations. Meticulous attention to detail, distinguished service, and unparalleled luxury paired with a truly sumptuous setting. This 255 room hotel, awarded the AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Five Star, features fine dining, Spa, oceanfront and ocean view rooms, a variety of suites, meeting and event space, reflects the history, charm, and spirit of the beautiful south.
7 | Marco Island, Florida
Marco Island, just a short ride from the Florida Everglades and close to Naples, is the largest and only developed land in Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands. This Gulf Coast retreat offers luxury resorts, beautiful beaches, and unspoiled parks. Marco Island’s tropical climate and proximity to the ocean are huge lures.
Where to stay: JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort
Enter a world of utter paradise at Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort, Golf Club & Spa. This world-class resort on Marco Island offers an exhilarating retreat from the ordinary and an unforgettable experience whether traveling for business or leisure. Immerse yourself in sophisticated luxury at JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort. Situated along three miles of pristine private beaches on the Gulf of Mexico, this resort balances relaxation with elevated fun and entertainment on Marco Island.
6 | Maundays Bay, Anguilla
Maunday’s Bay, an excellent sandy crescent Anguilla beach and is the home to Cap Juluca Resort. Although the Cap Juluca Resort is lined along the coast, like all Anguilla beaches, Maunday’s Bay Beach in Anguilla is available for public use.
Where to Stay: Cap Juluca
Belmond Cap Juluca is a dream-like escape, spread across the Caribbean’s most beautiful beach. Feel the breeze blowing across your private terrace. Every room is a beachfront haven. Be positioned to discover an island famed for pristine sands, broad coral reefs, and an unmissable culinary scene.
5 | Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos
Parrot Cay is the largest of the small islands between Providenciales and North Caicos. This private cay is home to a spectacular beach, the secluded luxury COMO Parrot Cay Resort, and exclusive rental villas and residences. Parrot Cay Turks and Caicos offers a unique private island resort experience.
Where to Stay: COMO Parrot Cay
COMO Parrot Cay is an award-winning Turks and Caicos luxury resort set on its own private island. With 1,000 unspoiled acres and over four miles of beach, we deliver foot-in-the-sand luxury. All rooms, suites, and beach villas have soothing interiors along with COMO’s service ethic, holistic therapies, yoga, diving, and world-class cuisine.
4 | Reethi Rah, North Malé Atoll, Maldives
Many people regard the Maldives islands as some of the few remaining wonders of the world. The Maldives is not the only country that has white sandy beaches. But, what makes the Maldives so unique and popular? There are many factors and there is no other island destination like the Maldives. Specks of emerald green enveloped by dazzling turquoise waters like scattered beads in the ocean; white powdery beaches, tall palms lean on towards the sea, crystalline white sands giving way to crystal clear waters, shades of turquoise blend flawlessly with deeper hues of blue; pristine coral reefs and some of the most incredible underwater life on our planet.
Where to stay: One & Only Reethi Rah
One & Only Reethi Rah is the only resort located in Maldives’ North Male Atoll. This luxurious tropical getaway overlooks the Indian Ocean and offers an infinity pool and a peaceful private beach. The elegant villas at One & Only Reethi Rah are located either over the lagoon or by the beach to enjoy beautiful ocean views.
3 | North Island, Seychelles
North Island features just eleven private guest villas, offering each guest an unparalleled sense of exclusivity and luxury. North lies only a few kilometres north of Silhouette and is the smaller of two visible in the distance from the beach at Beau Vallon on Mahé. North Island is among the forty inner granitic islands of the Seychelles archipelago, and perhaps the most exclusive private island destination in the world often considered to be among the most beautiful islands on Earth.
Where to stay: North Island Lodge
The North Island Lodge is located, as the name suggests, on North Island in Seychelles. The grounds of the lodge consist of the entire island, on which there is no further infrastructure besides the resort; not even paved roads or shops. The villas of the lodge were built on the beautiful north beach of the island. Lush green nature, snow-white beaches, palm trees as far as the eye can see, and wonderfully glittering, light blue water make this private island, part of the Wilderness Collection on which the North Island is located, a gem in Seychelles. Rare birds and giant turtles are under special protection here, so that the island is always filled with wonderful chirping, and every now and then a turtle comfortably crawls past the beach.
2 | White Beach, Boracay, Philippines
Boracay is a small tropical island that is part of Aklan Province, which is located in the western Visayan region of the Philippines, here you will find beautiful white-sand beaches. There is a total of thirteen (13) Boracay beaches that surround this small island paradise, however, the main attraction for Boracay is its 2.5-mile long beach with powder-soft white sand, and of course the cool.
Where to stay: Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa
Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa is the first 5-star resort that was built in Boracay, setting a high bar for all the other luxury resorts that followed. For a moment, the peace and solitude take your breath away.
Ahead, the clear blue waters from Puka Shell Beach fan out to meet the sky in an endless expanse. Your view is fringed by the foliage of Boracay’s lush hillside set in an eco-reserve. Shangri-La is the best choice if you enjoy
1 | Gouverneur, St. Barts
luxury, quiet surroundings, and private beaches set in an expansive eco-reserved area.
Anse du Gouverneur is a quartier and beach of Saint Barthélemy in the Caribbean. It is located in the southern part of the island. Gouverneur Beach is one of the top beaches on the French island of St Barths. This area is next to Saline and just beyond Lurin. What striking about Gouverneur is its beach. Truly a stunning stretch of sand that is literally home to billionaires.
Where to stay: Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa
Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa is recognized as the No. 1 Resort in the Caribbean and among the Top 15 Best Resorts in the World by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler. Le Barthélemy Hotel & Spa is a proud member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Here you will find timeless elegance, warm authenticity, and stunning beachfront settings. At Le Barthélemy, interiors reflect the sea and natural beauty of its spectacular St. Barth’s setting. Supremely luxurious, comprised of natural materials and bathed in light, the 44 rooms and suites are serene and stylish, designed by Sybille de Margerie with a deft hand to conjure an emotional response that complements and never competes with its island backdrop.
We hope that we helped you get through your wanderlust. Which among these destinations will you be eager to visit soon?