Whether it’s the picturesque Caribbean islands or Mexico’s pristine coast that appeals most, each of these destinations is home to a selection of luxurious resorts. We take a look at the best beach resorts that are in easy reach for US travelers.
Carlisle Bay, Antigua
Situated on Antigua’s south coast, Carlisle Bay lies alongside a picture-perfect beach, amid swaying palm trees and with a backdrop of lush rain forest. Here, within classic Caribbean architecture, each of the contemporary suites comes with an ocean view, with floor-to-ceiling windows and their own private terraces to make the most of this setting. The award-winning Blue Spa, Yoga Pavilion and tennis courts, and four distinctive restaurants serving cuisine made with locally sourced ingredients, make every moment here one to savor.
The Buccaneer, St Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
Having been run by the same family for a number of generations, The Buccaneer is one of the longest running resorts in the Caribbean. The five-star resort combines its heritage with modern décor and a wealth of facilities. The coastal grounds encompass an 18-hole golf course, two pools and a water sports center, as well as three restaurants, a number of boutiques and a spa.
Grand Velas Los Cabos, Mexico
Boasting a prime spot on this coveted coastline, Grand Velas Los Cabos sits between Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo. Within the lavish hotel, each of the sprawling ocean view suites features a private terrace, with an outlook of the resort’s pool, palm trees and pristine shores. The spa spans two floors where treatments focus on Mexico’s blue agave plant and pre-Columbian wellness roots., with facilities including a eucalyptus-scented steam room, polar pool, sauna, Jacuzzi, multi-sensory pool, and a Spa Atelier where guests can join insightful workshops. Of the five restaurants here, the signature eatery is Cocina de Autor, which is helmed by two Michelin starred chef Sidney Schutte.
Related
Rosewood Mayakoba, Riviera Maya, Mexico
Tucked into the lush rain forest of Riviera Maya, on the white sand shores of this idyllic coast – just to the north of Playa del Carmen – Rosewood Mayakoba exhibits the natural beauty this region in celebrated for. The resort’s setting also affords exceptional exclusivity and privacy to enjoy the Mayan-inspired hotel, which is designed to blend harmoniously into its surroundings. Each of the luxury suites here features a private plunge pool, rooftop sundeck and garden shower, with Sense, A Rosewood Spa and a beachfront pool to relax in too.
Content from our partners
Necker Island, British Virgin Islands
This private island resort owned by Richard Branson has become synonymous with superlative luxury, exclusivity and fun, combining a breathtakingly beautiful setting in the British Virgin Islands with thoughtfully designed Balinese style villas, unique dining experiences – from dining on the beach to being served sushi on a floating sushi bar in the pool – and activities to take part in on the water, underwater and on land. The spa then provides a range of rejuvenating aromatherapy and Balinese treatments. Then, as the sun goes down, the parties Necker Island is known for begin.
Park Hyatt St. Kitts
While yet to officially open – the launch is scheduled for spring 2017 – the Park Hyatt is expected to be among the Caribbean’s most enticing resorts. It’s the prestigious Christophe Harbour development that’s home to the new resort, boasting an idyllic setting on Banana Bay at the foot of the hills this coastline is backed by. With the success of the Park Hyatt’s other hotels, expectations are naturally high. Within interiors that combine contemporary décor with influence taken from the heritage of St Kitts, the hotel will encompass a luxurious spa and three restaurants, with two pools outdoors.
Spice Island Beach Resort, Grenada
On Grenada’s Grand Anse Beach, the AAA Five-Diamond Spice Island Beach Resort encompasses a collection of low-rise villas housing beach-front suites, which are furnished with contemporary Caribbean décor with their own private terraces, gardens of lemon, almond and sea-grape trees, and private plunge pools. Gourmet dining, cocktails and wine, as well as use of the luxurious spa and a range of activities are all included in every guest’s stay, with the option to set out on island tours, scuba diving and sailing charters too. Janissa’s Spa is considered to be among the Caribbean’s best, using the island’s herbs and spices in relaxing and restorative treatments.
Ladera Resort, Saint Lucia
In its elevated setting on the forested slope leading up from St Lucia’s shores, Ladera Resort is the island’s only hotel that affords such an impressive view of the Unesco World Heritage Pitons. Once the setting for the Rabot Estate cocoa plantation, it now makes the most of these natural surroundings. Each of the resort’s signature suites is designed to most the most of its views, with one side opening out onto a terrace with a private pool. Each spacious suite reflects the island it’s on through its artworks and furnishings, while the restaurant offers a menu of dishes showcasing the authentic local cuisine. Guests here can relax in the spa, take a botanical garden tour, sail, snorkel and dive, and set out on hikes around the island.
One&Only Ocean Club, The Bahamas
It’s on the tranquil shores of Paradise Island that One&Only Ocean Club is situated, with palm tree-dotted lawns that lead down to sea, inspired by Versailles. The spacious beachfront suites here encompass luxurious living and dining areas, and scenic terraces, while the resort’s spa offers treatments combining ancient and contemporary wellness practices, along with the spices and minerals found in The Bahamas. These treatments can be experienced in the Balinese-style spa villas, which each have their own private open-air garden. And the culinary offering here is equally as exceptional, with Dune by Jean-Georges Vongerichten placing the focus on French-Asian cuisine while utilizing the local seafood and spices. The Ocean Grill serves fresh grilled seafood and light fare throughout the day, and the Pool Terrace Café provides fresh Bahamian fare and exotic cocktails in a relaxing poolside location.
