Holiday Type / Beach & Spa Holidays

There is a distinct Mediterranean air to this secluded beachfront resort on the exclusive southern tip of Palm Beach. Combining European elegance with Floridian décor, guest rooms feature custom made furnishings with the latest technology, whilst balconies engage the senses with refreshing ocean breezes. Luxurious suites have separate living rooms, deep soaking tubs and rain showers, with Lanai Suites complete with lush verandas. Club Level rooms offer complimentary culinary presentations in the Club Lounge and a dedicated concierge. A spectr...

At the heart of the exclusive Mayakoba development, Banyan Tree brings all-pool villa living to the Riviera Maya. Chic freestanding spacious private villas set amongst lagoons, mangroves and canals feature private swimming pools, gardens and outdoor living areas – some also having heated jet pools and sunken baths. Feast on contemporary Thai cuisine at Saffron, fresh seafood at beachfront Sands, Mexican flavours at Oriente or Western fine dining at Tamarind. Cocktails and tapas are served at rooftop lounge La Copa where signature Riviera Lemon...

The beautiful Anse Louis beach in Mahé is the beguiling location for this all-villa luxury resort where an ambience of stress-free seclusion prevails. At Anantara Maia Seychelles Villas, the villas nestle within lush scented gardens and boast uninterrupted views of the Indian Ocean, deluxe bathrooms with outdoor sunken baths, private infinity pools and interiors fusing local materials with opulent Thai silks and Balinese inspired teak furniture. Each villa has its own butler who will tend to your every requirement – from child minding arrangem...

Meaning ‘Queen’ in classical Greek, Anassa sits majestically on one of the finest beaches in Cyprus. The design of this member of The Leading Hotels of the World is that of an authentic Cypriot village, featuring a central square and a small traditional church with a bell tower. For atmospheric dining and fine fusion cuisine, wind your way down the stone steps to Basiliko, sample local specialities at Amphora or the gourmet delights of Helios. White walls and pastel fabrics create a sense of cool Mediterranean elegance in the spacious rooms, ...

There’s a distinct Cypriot feel to life in Pissouri Bay, the setting for this expansive resort on the bay’s two kilometre long Blue Flag beach. The property has recently reopened after a gleaming top-to-toe refurbishment. Delve into the comfort of spacious suites featuring large bathrooms with bathtub and separate shower, sleek wooden furniture and welcome touches such as a Nespresso machine and Molton Brown toiletries. Selected suites have a fireplace and private plunge pool, with an air-conditioned elevator to deliver guests to Executive Sui...

Passing through beautiful bucolic olive groves sits a citadel-inspired playground of whitewashed stone walls; inside, content couples and fun-loving families coexist in harmony. There are few things more Italian than a family-run labour of love that took over a decade to design and complete; however, considering the nature of Borgo Egnazia it is no surprise its origins were quintessentially Apulian. Easily mistaken for a quaint village among the centuries-old olive groves of the Itria Valley, it defies the traditional conceptions of a resort h...

Boasting a private lake and surrounded by world class golf courses, Domes Lake Algarve in the heart of Vilamoura balances Portuguese tradition with family-orientated stylish modernity. Bringing their heartfelt philosophy and dedication to being the most luxurious of names, Domes have stamped their upscale look and deep-rooted values all over this Algarve gem. Here, contemporary rooms are inspired by the ecosystem of the resort’s private lake and feature verandas to maximise the panoramic views across either soothing gardens, nearby Vilamoura o...

Since its opening in 1961 Sandy Lane has acquired a regal status among other Caribbean resorts and it’s not hard to see why. A Bajan institution synonymous with conspicuous luxury, Sandy Lane exists in its own Palladian-style microcosm made up of chauffeured Rolls-Royces and celebrity patrons who treat it as a home-away-from-home. And yet, despite all this grandeur, the homely atmosphere ensures its enduring popularity is ever tangible. Committed to a certain kind of traditional service where no detail is overlooked, life here is so intrinsica...

Carlisle Bay, Antigua is a privately owned enclave that has raised the bar for contemporary excellence in the Caribbean, set upon a backdrop of rolling hills and lush tropical rainforest. Firstly, there’s the ravishing beach setting, where each end is dedicated either to couples or families. Then, there’s the true sense of arrival, as guests are welcomed into a magnificent open plan lobby. And not least, there are the spacious suites, with cool, calm interiors, a sitting area or bedroom that faces the sea and a private terrace or balcony, most...

Set on its own dot of an island a six minute boat ride off the coast of Antigua, this estate’s reputation often precedes it, and for good reason. Much like the Antiguan word that inspired its name (jumbee meaning ‘playful spirit’), the laid-back feeling of Jumby Bay Island is tangible from the moment you step onto the welcome dock. The fortunate few who make it here are encouraged to roam wild and free. A destination in its own right, this is an alternative bolthole from the flashier hot spots in this part of the world, like chichi St Barths a...

The site of a former 18th Century sugar plantation, the aptly-named Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort has attracted quite the celebrity following, counting Matt Damon and Gwyneth Paltrow amongst its fans. And for good reason. Yes, the sand is exceedingly white and powdery, the service is genuinely superb and the location between the majestic Pitons within a UNESCO World Heritage Site makes this the premier address on St Lucia, but there is much more to this exceptional beachfront resort than first meets the eye. From sampling gourmet fare in the ...

An A-listers’ favourite, this private island paradise includes celebrity-owned private estates with a select few available for rent. Although the spa is the real star here. An escapist’s wonderland with an emphasis on rejuvenation, COMO is renowned the world over for its wellness offerings; and Parrot Cay is the place to come if you want to fully focus on your physical and mental health. A daily hour’s yoga, Pilates, fitness or meditation session or signature treatment is included as standard. The COMO Shambhala Retreat spa itself is mind-blow...

Relaxation and rejuvenation are the order of the day at recently refurbished BodyHoliday, St Lucia – a leading all-inclusive wellness resort perched directly on Cariblue Beach. Voted one of the Caribbean’s top luxury resorts for couples and individuals in Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards, BodyHoliday is continually at the cutting edge of health and wellness, offering everything from Tai Chi and Pilates to waterskiing and abseiling plus daily spa treatments are included in the price. However, there are no hard and fast rules at this ...

A hideaway for halcyon days beside the beautiful Bay of Mirabello, this glamorous all-suite hotel is a favoured haunt of Europe’s glitterati. Spacious suites offer breathtaking Aegean views, the Peninsula Collection suites providing double-storey accommodation ideal for families and groups of friends – each with a private pool – while Presidential Suites feature direct access to a jetty or the hotel’s private beach. For additional space and privacy, a number of Diamond Residences come complete with a fully equipped kitchen and outdoor pool, so...

A bewitching welcome awaits you at The Datai – one of the premier resorts on this magical isle, which is swathed in legends of romance and mystery. Get close to nature as you tread footpaths through centuries-old rainforest or head for a white sand beach by the shimmering Andaman Sea. Perfection is all around and begins in your chosen accommodation – a Suite with an expansive private balcony, elegant villas within the lush tropical rainforest, or the contemporary Beach Villas with generously sized private pools and dedicated butlers. Here, th...

Cradled between forested hills and inviting Pantai Dalit beach, Borneo’s leading hotel is supremely placed to explore the island’s incredibly rich natural environment, and lush gardens surround the attractive accommodation. Guests staying in the Ocean Wing will be cosseted by opulently furnished sea-facing rooms and a rich array of facilities, including an exclusive free-form swimming pool. There’s a distinctly Malaysian flavour to the décor with its soft earthy tones and intricately carved panels, and if the flavours of authentic Indian and I...

Surrounded by tropical gardens and set right beside the Indian Ocean on Seminyak Beach, the Legian remains one of Bali’s most sought after resorts. Wind down on your balcony daybed to the sound of the waves, or read a book over a cup of jamu - a refreshing herbal drink. Here you can completely enjoy spacious living in your individually furnished suite with its rich woods, cool marbles and state-of-the-art amenities. Across the road, The Club at The Legian boasts a selection of private villas, each with its own pool and the added services of a...

One of Australia’s most desirable island resorts, accommodation is split between three areas – the Pool Wing, Beach Wing and Lagoon Wing – all with beautifully appointed rooms, suites and penthouses featuring balconies or terraces with unrivalled island views. Should you want to make the island feel more like home, the three bedroom Hayman Beach House offers three private pools and direct access to the beach. Indulge in world class cuisine from one of the resort’s four restaurants; signature restaurant, Pacific, serves modern Australian, savo...

Beautifully located and refreshingly modern in design, the resort is centred around the unique Thalasso spa, where spa aficionados can experience therapies which employ water pumped from the deep ocean. Overwater villas provide the wow factor with panoramic private sun decks and pontoons. Savour tantalising gourmet cuisine at Le Reef or dine at The Sands, set on its own enchanting stretch of beach. For evening relaxation, musicians play in the bar accompanied by views of spectacular Mount Otemanu. For a unique experience, the hotel can arrange...

Cradled within the exclusive enclave of Laguna Phuket, bordered by Bang Tao Bay and the Andaman Sea lies the legendary Banyan Tree Resorts, Phuket. Set in over six hundred acres of lush tropical gardens, coconut groves, tranquil lakes and lagoons is a magnificent collection of luxurious appointed one to three bedroom private pool villas within three distinct resorts. Freestanding villas are designed to reflect the spirit of Thai architecture complemented by every modern amenity and an unrivalled service. Dining options encompass eight restaur...

Fronting Phang Nga Bay, easily one of the world’s most surreal seascapes, this is a place that is unfailingly flawless when it comes to mellowed island discovery. Mix friendly island locals, a brand dedicated to authenticity, traditional Thai thatched bamboo villas and humbling views of limestone pinnacles, and you have the conscious, rustic essence of Six Senses Yao Noi. A small but mighty institution of intrinsically incorporated villas clinging to the rocks, its widespread social and environmental impact means it feels almost impossible to ...

Cascading serenely down a forested hillside on the north west tip of Koh Samui lies a ravishing resort within a hidden cove. From here, the views across the Gulf of Siam and surrounding islands are simply breathtaking. Settle into your freestanding villa or private residence - raised on stilts in the traditional local style - to bask on your spacious deck with its private infinity-edge pool, perhaps working up the energy to slip down to the Coco Rum Bar or to the porcelain-white beach complete with a 50 metre pool. Five individual spa salas (c...

Imagine yourself on a picture-perfect peninsula which can be reached only by boat, whiling away glorious days beside a private sandy beach in idyllic Ninh Van Bay. This is the romantic setting for the recently renovated Six Senses Ninh Van Bay which nestles amidst a backdrop of mountains and impressive rock formations. Accommodation is provided in spacious private pool villas that blend harmoniously with the natural environment either on the hillside, beachfront, the water’s edge or over the rocks – all with spectacular views. Villa interiors ...

Nestled on the largest island of the Con Dao archipelago off the south east coast of Vietnam, the resort exemplifies the Six Senses ethic of luxurious pampering underpinned by environmental responsibility; Con Dao has been built with the very lightest ecological footprint. The thinking is innovative, beginning the moment you arrive in the main guest area, which resembles a local fishing village complete with market stalls. From here, guests cross a stream via a wooden bridge to the sand dunes where the villas and spa are located. Each villa ha...

Set on a colourful garden island just a short speedboat ride from Malé, Four Seasons Resort at Kuda Huraa is an international resort that reflects all the charm and intimacy of a traditional Maldivian village. Dolphin-rich waters and countless nearby surf spots fringe the sugar white sands of this petite private island, meaning that lazy days and exhilarating experiences are never far away. Beach Bungalows and Water Villas sit along the edge of this secluded island, with restaurants and recreational facilities arranged around a central promen...

A healthy dose of Four Seasons-style seclusion in an UNESCO biosphere reserve; home to manta rays, the country’s widest selection of water sports and mid-ocean dinners. The spa alone is worth the journey. Some islands in the Indian Ocean go for a low-key, wild beach shack vibe, and others for a blow-out party luxe; but Landaa Giraavaru charts its own path as a grown-up sophisticated refuge for people who want options. The island itself feels larger and grander than others, with bicycles to help all guests get about and an incredibly helpful te...

COMO Cocoa Island is a nirvana for anyone who appreciates the pleasures of luxurious seclusion. A private island, known locally as Makunufushi, it is located in the less developed South Malé Atoll, flanked to the west by a superb diving channel and to the east by a quiet snorkelling reef. Overhanging the water are a number of thatched Dhoni Suites in bleached wood with kajan roofs, along with a selection of one to four-bedroom villas and a number of enchanting white-finished Loft Villas featuring private sundecks and full-length windows overlo...

Powder white sands, unusually rich vegetation, crystal clear waters and understated luxury is what the original desert island hideaway is all about. Soneva Fushi is fifty seven vast villas and private residences, ranging from one to nine bedrooms, all hidden amongst dense foliage within touching distance of a pristine, UNESCO protected Biosphere Reserve. If the experiences are magical, the philosophy is simple: No news, no shoes. Intuitive service is provided by Mr./Ms. Friday private butlers who know what you want before you want it. Every v...

Located on privately owned Olhuveli Island in the Laamu Atoll, this impressive resort deftly blends out-and-out luxury with impeccable eco-friendly credentials. A large stretch of beachfront has been left untouched enabling guests to feel close to nature. With the emphasis on natural materials, Beach Villas have a garden and direct beach access, whilst the Water Villas are replete with a sunken bath and roof terrace. Both have a refreshing outdoor rain shower and raised dining deck for romantic meals under the stars. Chill to the relaxed soun...

Located on the stretch of Al Ghubra and backed by dramatic mountain scenery, The Chedi Muscat blends naturally with its surrounding environment. Lying low within the immense grounds and having its own private beach, the attractive rooms and suites are designed in the style of traditional Omani architecture mixed with Asian Zen-style. Serai Superior Rooms are located in the three story Serai Block, some looking to the Hajjar Mountains and a few towards the Gulf of Oman whilst Deluxe Rooms overlook the water gardens or the mountains. Guests seek...

A secluded fishing village on the Sultanate’s northern Musandam Peninsula is the location for these stunning Pool Villas and Pool Villa Suites fronting an expansive sandy beach. The design is an authentic Omani village, bathrooms extend to an outdoor shower area, and all suites and villas have a private pool and butler service. Guests can choose one of three unforgettable arrival experiences: a scenic ten minute speedboat trip; a drive down from the mountains, or choose to travel as a companion passenger with the resort’s professional paraglid...

Full-blown modern Arabian splendour is the watchword at this wellness hideaway. Couples check-in for boutique hotel levels of attention, but with all the luxuries and advantages of a larger resort. You’ll wonder that such calm and solitude can be experienced in one of the world’s most dynamic and fast-paced cities, but this intimate sanctuary – within a glamorous beachfront resort it shares with two other One&Only properties – provides all that and more. The most exclusive of Royal Mirage’s accommodation choices (including spacious, ornately d...

The epitome of Mediterranean cool, Sun Gardens Dubrovnik commands a panoramic seafront location on the Dalmatian coast, 11km from Dubrovnik. There’s accommodation for every desire, be it an upper floor Club room with guest access to a range of exclusive Club Lounge privileges or a Club Suite complete with chocolates and sparkling wine on arrival. Taking luxury to the next level, the resort’s private Residences offer one to three-bedroom living featuring an open plan sitting/dining area and kitchenette, with terraces and balconies affording emo...