As we huddle in our winter coats and beanies, all we can think about is how we’d rather be sticking our toes in the sand somewhere sunny. Here, eleven unforgettable beach trips worth booking now.
Homepage image: One&Only Maldives
Maldives: Gili Lankanfushi
We want to be anywhere in the world where the motto is "no news, no shoes," which is precisely what it is at this resort. The Maldives tops our bucket list—and is one of the places we've suggested you visit before it disappears. Gili Lankanfushi boasts the Private Reserve (the world's largest over-water villa), the largest floating solar panel in the Maldives, out-of-this-world photo opportunities, private butlers, excursions with marine biologists and much more.
Learn more about Gili Lankanfushi here.
Turks And Caicos: The Shore Club
If the Maldives feels a bit far-flung for you, we suggest you check out the Shore Club on Turks and Caicos instead. It's the only resort on Long Beach Bay in Providenciales, and it offers sweeping views, beachfront spa treatments, world-class dining, luxury suites and enough exclusivity to make it the perfect retreat for couples—but it's both accessible and accommodating for those traveling with children as well. A quick flight from New York will land you in paradise, where you can relax on the beach, participate in water sports, go whale-watching or just take a dip in the pool.
Learn more about the Shore Club here.
Los Cabos, Mexico: One And Only Palmilla
Jennifer Aniston is a big fan of this place, and that endorsement is the only real recommendation we need. The resort is the oldest in the area—it once belonged to the son of Mexico's president—and after being renovated a couple years ago has returned in better shape than ever. Expect romantic bungalows, private infinity pools, epic ocean views and more.
Learn more about the One and Only Palmilla here.
Cambodia: Song Saa Resort
Travel + Leisure has ranked the Cambodian coast as one of the top places to visit in 2017. And as long as you're traveling all the way there, we think it's advisable to stay on a private-island resort like Song Saa. The property's tagline is "luxury that treads lightly," which hints at its eco-conscious ethos. It spans the Sweetheart Islands (could you die?), which are accessible only by 45-minute speedboat ride from Sihanoukville. It rarely gets more remote than this—bonus points for leaving your phone at home, because you didn't travel all this way to stare at your feed.
Learn more about Song Saa here.
St. Barth's: Eden Rock
This has to be the It-girl beach destination of all It-girl beach destinations. Go to St. Barth's if you're looking to throw some serious partying into the mix, and we suggest you bring along your best beach attire, since this is no place for dingy cutoffs and ratty flip-flops. The 1% will be clad in designer goods, whether they're dancing on tables or drinking rosé on the beach, so you'll want to plan your packing list accordingly.
Learn more about Eden Rock here.
Los Cabos, Mexico: Mar Adentro
We recently visited this unique property and were blown away by its aesthetic. Although it doesn't have the typical beach vibes you'd expect from an oceanfront property, there's something to be said for its sophistication and modernity. El Nido, the "nest," pictured here, is one of the hotel's three restaurants, and it provides the perfect setting for some midday wine and sushi. If you're heading to Los Cabos but aren't looking for a party atmosphere, we highly recommend you check out Mar Adentro—the villas here will be available to rent soon on THIRDHOME, too.
Learn more about Mar Adentro here.
St. Lucia: Jade Mountain
Our well-traveled friends tell us that Jade Mountain is one of the most exceptional places they've ever visited. The landscapes surrounding it have a Jurassic Park feel, sweeping and epic in a way that makes this resort über-conducive to both romance and imagination. "Expect grand sweeping spaces where bedroom, living area and an extravagant private infinity pool glide into one another to form extraordinary platforms floating out into nature," hotel staff tells us. "With the fourth wall entirely absent, Jade Mountain's sanctuaries are stage-like settings from which to embrace the full glory of St. Lucia's Pitons World Heritage Site, and of course, the eternal Caribbean Sea." Consider us sold.
Learn more about Jade Mountain here.
Australia: Qualia Luxury Resort
We've mentioned before that the Whitsunday Islands in Australia are a must-visit, so we'd be remiss not to include this resort. Qualia is located at the secluded northern tip of Hamilton Island and is surrounded by the (sadly disappearing) Great Barrier Reef. It offers majestic views, incredible snorkeling, romance, privacy and more.
Learn more about Qualia here.
Dominican Republic: Sanctuary Cap Cana
Sanctuary Cap Cana is a remote cliffside resort adjacent to the picturesque Juanillo Beach in Punta Cana, which is an area encompassing 30,000 acres of sand and surf. There are plenty of water-centric activities to enjoy—the area includes a world-renown marina known for its fishing—but once the sunburn sets in there's still plenty to do in Sanctuary Town, where you'll find restaurants, shops and even a circus.
Learn more about Sanctuary Cap Cana here.
Miami Beach: EDITION
This picture is worth a thousand words when it comes to describing the Miami Beach EDITION, which is situated on a 3.5 acre enclave running from Collins Avenue to the beach. The resort features two pools, a ridiculously luxurious spa, a nightclub and even a skating rink and bowling alley.
Learn more about the Miami Beach EDITION here.
Aruba: Hilton Aruba
We don't know about you, but to us the word "Aruba" immediately elicits tranquil vacation vibes, thanks to our buddies the beach boys. You'll definitely want to "get there fast" and then "take it slow" with respect to this Caribbean paradise, which not only boasts beautiful beaches but also an exceptional spa. It's the perfect destination any time of year, too, as there's rarely rain.
Learn more about the Hilton Aruba here.
