10 FAVORITE BEACH HOTELS FOR THE WINTER HOLIDAYS
Planning to escape the cold weather and spend the winter holidays in not just a warmer place, but in a fabulous hotel located on the most magnificent beaches on the planet? Here are our favorite 10 alternatives which might make you check the room’s availability instantly.
OK, so you are not a fan of the cold weather, not even on Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Guess what? You are not the only one! How about celebrating 2015 in a spectacular hotel built near some of the finest beaches around the world? Now that’s an excellent way to start the new year.
For the last days of 2014, but also for the beginning of 2015, Travel for Senses recommends 10 astonishing beach hotels:
ASIA
Anantara Kihavah Villas, Maldives
You will be in the middle of the Indian Ocean, surrounded by palm trees, fine white sandy beaches and blue water. This resort is located on the Kihavah Huravalhi Island, just 30 minutes flight by seaplane from Male airport. It includes 79 large private pool villas (260 to 2,730 square meters each), poised over the water or on private beaches.
Besides relaxing on the beach, by the pool, and enjoying the great cuisine, you will get the chance to snorkle through the reefs from a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve and admire the beautiful coral formations.
Check out the rates at http://kihavah-maldives.anantara.com/
The Oberoi, Bali
Described as a “tropical paradise”, The Oberoi resort provides 15 acres of beautiful gardens and water lily ponds, a natural stone amphitheater, large luxurious villas and unforgettable treats, such as Balinese, Thai, Western and Oberoi signature SPA treatments.
You can also enjoy activities such as surfing/boogie boarding and tennis lessons. The Oberoi is located just nine kilometers away from Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS).
Check out the rates at http://www.oberoihotels.com/hotels-in-bali/
AFRICA
Four Seasons Resort, Seychelles
Enjoy one of the best powder-sandy beaches on the island in a marvelous location. Tree-house villas are perched on a jungle hillside, facing the clear blue waters of the Indian Ocean.
Try the barefoot walks, hear the tropical birds serenade, smell the scent of the cinnamon and frangipani trees and go on an unforgettable adventure by exploring the jungle and the sea.
The Four Season Resort Seychelles includes 67 villas and suites located on the southwest coast of the main island of Mahe, close to the international airport and the capital, Victoria.
Check out the rates at http://www.fourseasons.com/seychelles/
Saruni Ocean, Kenya
Enjoy the serenity of the beaches located on Kenya’s south coast and the adrenaline of the real safari experience by choosing Saruni Ocean, newly opened this month.
You will be delighted by the beautiful villas with an astonishing sea seaview, the fine large 6 kilometer beach which is still untouched, health and wellness great retreats (thalassotherapy, yoga, Sarunity Thermae and SPA) and delicious fresh cuisine.
Never get bored as you can experience interesting activities such as snorkeling, diving, big game fishing, sky-diving, star gazing, cultural visits and one great safari experience. Saruni Ocean is located on Msambweni Beach, 20km south of Diani and Ukunda Airport.
Check out the rates at http://www.saruniocean.com/
AUSTRALIA
Hayman Island Resort, Hayman Island, Great Barrier Reef
One breathtaking location – at the heart of Great Barrier Reef, on One&Only Hayman Island (Whitsunday Islands off the coast of Queensland).
You will get the chance to accommodate in one of the four areas of the resort, each built with a different style and ambiance, Beach, Pool and Hayman wings, with almost half now configured as suites, villas or penthouses.
Balance your body-mind-and soul by experiencing One&Only Spa. It is a blissful sanctuary, with treatment environments inspired by the local surroundings and contemporary and state-of-the-art fitness servicess.
The Italian, contemporary Australian and modern Asian cuisine is sensational, provided by top chefs.
Conde Nast Award Winner and Travel & Leisure Award Winner, Hayman Island Resort is considered one of the most stunning resorts in the world.
From major cities in Australia you can take the plane to Great Barrier Reef Airport and from there the luxury launch, helicopter or seaplane to One and Only Hayman Island.
Check out the rates at http://hayman.oneandonlyresorts.com/
NORTH AMERICA
Thompson Miami Beach, Miami, USA
If you feel more comfortable in a big city, but still want to relax on a beach, Miami could be the solution for you.
The glass and steel Thompson Miami Beach tower was opened last month and features mid-century modern design with streamlined furniture, plenty of patterns, and bright pops of color.
Enjoy the large pools and the cuisine at the restaurant run by James Beard winner Michelle Bernstein and the cocktails from the high-energy ultra-lounge.
Interesting detail: the hotel uses turtle-sensitive lights, in order to protect the natural breeding process of the turtles which live on the beach.
Check out the rates at http://www.thompsonhotels.com/hotels/thompson-miami-beach
Malliouhana, Anguilla, The Caribbean
Malliouhana, member of Auberge Resorts, has been renovated and reopened last month. It provides 44 oceanview rooms with astonishing 360-degree views of the Caribbean.
Enjoy the white sands of Meads Bay and Turtle Cove beaches, the SPA treatments by Auberge-trained therapists, a large 18-hole golf field and cuisine by world-renowned chefs using the freshest local flavors at the resort’s signature Anguilla restaurant.
Get there by plane to the St. Maarten and Anguilla airports and, from there to the resort, by sea shuttle services.
Check out the rates at http://malliouhana.aubergeresorts.com/
Nizuc Resort&Spa, Cancun, Mexico
Located on a 29-acre nature preserve, Nizuc Resort&Spa provides a one of a kind experience on the Caribbean coast of Mexico and gazing at the great Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.
There are 29 Garden Pool Villas, 44 Ocean Suites, 201 Residence Suites and 6 signatures restaurants: Ramona (contemporary interpretation of Mexican gourmet), Terra Nostra (Mediterranean dishes), La Punta Grill & Lounge (grilled meat and fresh sea foods), Ni (Peru cuisine), Indochine (Asian), Cafe de la Playa (breakfast and brunch).
You can enjoy Sushi&Tequila Night Tasting, Wine Pairing Dinner, Private Dinners and SPA Signature Treatments such as the Nizuc Thermal Experience, Nizuc Renewal, Mayan Cacao and you can also take some great tripss to nearby archaeological sites and ancient Mayan ruins.
Check out the rates at http://www.nizuc.com/
SOUTH AMERICA
Belmond Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Built in 1923, Belmond Copacabana Palace is considered the most luxurious hotel in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Located on the famous Copacabana beach, facing the Atlantic Ocean, the hotel was designed by the French architect Joseph Gire who was inspired by two hotels, the Negresco in Nice and the Carlton in Cannes.
Famous international stars, such as Marlene Dietrich and Orson Welles stayed here. It is the first choice for VIPs and winner of several travel awards.
If you are planning to enjoy a relaxing holiday on the beach, at the same time close to the excitement of one huge and popular metropolis, Belmond Copacabana Palace could be the right place for you.
Check out the rates at http://www.belmond.com/copacabana-palace-rio-de-janeiro/
PACIFIC OCEAN
The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui, Hawaii
Want a classical Maui experience, with a modern twist, best dining experience around and a state-of-the-art SPA? Try The Fairmont Kea Lani, in Maui, Hawaii.
You will be accommodated in spacious 860 square feet villas with ocean and garden view. There is the award-winning Wailea Golf Club, one of the largest in Hawaii.
You can do snorkeling, sailing, kayaking, stand-up paddling and scuba diving in the ocean or relax at the Willow Stream Spa. Not to mention the incredible Wave Motion massage table, the Vichy Shower and the K-Lift facial.
Dining is at its best with four Hawaii restaurants, four bars, a bakery/deli, plus in-suite and personalized dining choices.
Check out the rates at http://www.fairmont.com/kea-lani-maui/