Many beach resorts are extremely pricey, with average nightly rates at some of the bigger chains starting at just under $400, and that’s per person. If you do find one within your budget, it often turns out to be less than desirable, or the beach is just too far away to enjoy it as much as you’d like. Fortunately, by doing some digging, you can find some great, more affordable beach destinations around the world – these top hotel properties not only offer inviting locales and amenities, but they’re also all under $200 a night, with some options quite a bit below that.
Rosalie Bay Eco Resort & Spa, Dominica
Rosalie Bay Resort is a luxury West Indies resort and eco-friendly property built by hand over the course of nearly a decade. It offers a tranquil sanctuary nestled among the wilds of Dominica, known as the Nature Island of the Caribbean. Since opening in 2011, it’s already received much acclaim, including being named a top resort across the Caribbean in the Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards. Set on 22 lush acres, you’ll find luxury cottages, each with carved mahogany and red-cedar four-poster beds, facing a rocky beach or the Rosalie River. Guests also enjoy organic cuisine, a nature-inspired spa, a personalized wellness program, a beautiful black sand beach where turtles safely nest and more. The property not only relies on solar panels, but it has its own wind turbine, spring-fed onyx colored pool and organic gardens.
Hotel Riu Negril, Jamaica
A beachfront all-inclusive resort in Jamaica for under $100? Hotel Riu Negril is a budget all-inclusive Caribbean resort located on the far western tip of the island in Negril. It sits right on the beach, although many guests enjoy hanging out on one of the umbrella-shaded loungers that surrounded the two massively-sized swimming pools, both over 3,000 square feet. This is an ideal property for those who want to get wild and let loose, with complimentary mini-bars and liquor dispensers in the guest rooms regularly re-stocked. Pacha nightclub offers lots of great reggae for dancing the night away, though guests can also enjoy tranquility in the solarium terrace.
Iberostar Costa Dorada, Dominican Republic
There are multiple hotels in the Dominican Republic operated by Iberostar, but this top all-inclusive resort just minutes from Puerto Plata, offers rooms starting at $69 per person, per night. Just minutes from Puerto Plata, guests at this budget-friendly couples resort can enjoy dining at its multiple restaurants featuring Mexican, Brazilian and international cuisine, as well as a buffet restaurant. When you aren’t hanging out on the beach or relaxing alongside the huge swimming pool, you can take part in all sorts of resort activities, including everything from diving and kayaking to tennis and archery.
Royal Decameron Golf Beach Resort & Villas, Panama
Royal Decameron Golf Beach Resort & Villas is an all-inclusive resort that is surrounded by lush gardens. It’s set upon a secluded, golden sandy beach, offering the chance to enjoy the glistening waters of the Pacific with complimentary kayaks, paddleboards and windsurfers as well as snorkel gear for taking in the spectacular underwater world. It’s also renowned for its stunning, 18-hole golf course that incorporates lush vegetation and lots of water. Guests will have their choice of multiple large pools, bars and a variety of dining and nightlife experiences with live music offered most evenings.
Azul del Mar - Key Largo, Florida
Key Largo is less than 70 miles south of Miami, just past the Everglades, and is home to this small, resort property ideal for those who are looking for lots of privacy. An all-adult boutique hotel, Azul del Mar has its own tranquil beach, and John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, which includes part of the largest living reef on the continent, is located just beyond its wood-paneled dock. Snorkeling trips, sunset cruises and wilderness kayak adventures are just a few of the activities offered to guests. Featured as one of Travel and Leisure’s World’s Greatest Hotels, Resorts and Spas as well as Best Hidden Gem in The United States by TripAdvisor users, Azul del Mar is known as the most exclusive all-adult hotel in Key Largo.
Ser Casasandra Holbox Mexico, Mexico
Located northwest of Cancun off the Yucatan Peninsula, Holbox Island is separated from the mainland of Mexico by a shallow lagoon that provides sanctuary to thousands of flamingos, pelicans and other exotic birds and creatures. In spite of its incredible natural beauty, being a bit more difficult to access, it has remained unspoiled by mass tourism. At Ser Cassandra Holbox Mexico, guests will enjoy more of a homey feel, with the luxe resort spread out over five compact buildings, each filled with one-of-a-kind regional pieces and bath products created by local artisans. There are spacious rooms and a luxury villa, each offering spectacular sea views, fluffy blankets and Egyptian cotton linens. The hotel will also arrange fishing excursions with its chef, Félix Diaz, who will prepare your catch for dinner, and in June, July and August, this is one of the few places on earth where you can swim alongside gentle, harmless whale sharks.
Magdalena Grand Beach Resort, Tobago
The Magdalena Grand Beach Resort offers a chance for the ultimate escape to paradise, set among lush tropical vegetation and a virgin mangrove forest. Guests here can enjoy the excitement of back-to-nature adventures along with the amenities of a large resort development, with all chic rooms featuring ocean-view balconies, high-def flat screens and marble baths. You’ll also find four fantastic dining options, three lavish pools and a full-service spa. Head to the beach and you can kick back on complimentary loungers, soaking in the sun and perhaps occasionally taking a dip in the cerulean water. The resort also offers a Kids Club that includes the chance to learn about the island’s leatherback, hawksbill and green turtles.
Oyster Residences Oludeniz, Turkey
Oysters Residences has donned the covers of legions of guidebooks for at least 30 years, so this resort isn’t exactly an unspoiled paradise, but it’s stunning nonetheless. Here you’ll have access to a brilliant turquoise lagoon and a one-mile expanse of powdery ivory sands set upon a tiny outlet along a beautiful stretch of the Turkish Riviera. You’ll find plenty to do, including swimming the tranquil lagoon waters or off the adjacent beach, as well as hopping aboard a boat to the picturesque beach at Butterfly Valley. This low-rise, lavish property evokes the town’s charming traditional architecture with stone walls and an olive tree-shaded courtyard, though what’s most memorable is the especially friendly, attentive staff.
El Sitio Hotel - Playa Venao, Panama
Travelers are increasingly discovering the wonders of Panama’s Pacific beaches as well as the opportunity for more affordable accommodations. The rustic but stylish El Sitio Hotel offers everything from rooms with bunk beds to oceanfront suites with private balconies. The property is set upon a picturesque beach surrounded by rolling hills and tropical vegetation. The region is known for its excellent fishing and surfing, and you can even enjoy sunset horseback rides, yoga and waterfall hikes nearby.
Aleenta Resort & Spa Hua-Hin Pranburi, Thailand
Just 20 miles south of Hua Hin, Aleenta Resort & Spa Hua-Hin Pranburi sits across a three-mile stretch of pristine white sands featuring luxurious thatched-roof villas and suites, ranging from studios with private plunge pools to loft-style bungalows near the azure, warm waters of the Gulf of Thailand. This small resort offers a very intimate feel with an especially relaxing atmosphere and lovely shaded beachside hammocks ideal for an afternoon nap. A culinary adventure of Asian flavors awaits in its restaurants and bars, while its bakery offers delectable fresh-baked goods served daily. Guests also enjoy access to a heavenly beachfront spa offering a variety of treatments.
Sunscape Dorado Pacifico Ixtapa, Mexico
Sunscape Dorado Pacifico Ixtapa is an intimate, luxury all-inclusive resort situated in the heart of Ixtapa, attracting travelers not only with its budget-friendly price but also for the soft sands of its private, pristine beach that sits at the edge of the Pacific. Although there are fewer than 300 rooms, you’ll find the choices typical of a much larger resort. Enjoy multiple bars and restaurants ranging from seafood to Italian and Mexican. Da Mario is renowned for its authentic Italian cuisine while the Bluewater Grill offers a fantastic international dishes alongside ocean views. You’ll also find two dazzling pools, including an activities pool with waterslides, three pool bars and a new spa.
La Veranda Resort & Spa - Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam
This quiet, palm-fringed island has become one of Southeast Asia’s most talked-about destinations – and, La Veranda Resort & Spa is one of the main reasons it’s become so popular. The luxury resort is known as the most lavish of the Phu Quoc’s dozen or so hotels and guesthouses, set among tropical gardens on a picturesque 12-mile stretch of soft sand. It boasts large terraces with sweeping sea views as well as multiple restaurants, a lounge bar, swimming pool, water sports and a day spa. Ask the concierge to arrange a snorkeling or diving excursion in the An Thoi archipelago, or head out on a nighttime squid fishing trip. You can also indulge in a surfside massage – and, rooms are affordable.
Bannisters Port Stephens - New South Wales, Australia
If you want to head Down Under, you can’t go wrong with Bannisters Port Stephens, set atop a Pacific Coast headland in Mollymook, a town popular for surfing as well as watching migrating whales. The recently refurbished rooms feature balconies that overlook the ocean and eucalyptus trees, while Mollymook Beach is just a short walk down the hill. The on-site restaurant is highly acclaimed for its fresh, local seafood, while the day spa offers incredible ocean vistas along with an extensive array of options including massage and couples treatments like the blissful Tibetan ritual for two. Rates are especially affordable in the low season.
Avani Bentota Resort & Spa, Sri Lanka
Avani sits along one of Sri Lanka’s best beaches on the southwestern coast offering spacious, contemporary rooms with rain showers and private patios or balconies. It has an 18th-century Dutch village feel with lush lawns and impressive ocean views. While the area is bustling with excitement, moving on from its protracted civil war, it hasn’t become overrun just yet. With budget-friendly accommodation options, now is the time to take advantage of its beautiful beach and variety of activities, including snorkeling and scuba diving, windsurfing and wakeboarding. Qualified instructors are right onsite if you need a lesson in getting started.
Holiday Inn Resort Beach House - Hilton Head, South Carolina
Holiday Inn Resort Beach House was recently updated and offers a refreshing coastal retreat just steps away from Hilton Head Island’s Coligny Beach on the most desirable strip of South Carolina’s shores. The island offers more than 50 miles of scenic hiking and biking trails, while 13 championship golf courses can be found within just a few miles of the property. The on-site restaurant serves up delicious cuisine, along with breathtaking views of the Atlantic.
Solmar Resort - Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
While Solmar Resort is relatively small for an all-inclusive property, guests can enjoy plenty of perks at affordable prices. Enjoy a more intimate environment right on the beach and within walking distance of both the marina and downtown. The property has a pool with a great swim-up bar, as well as a pool bar with light bites, plus, guests can also enjoy free dining at other Solmar eateries. And, if you want to put together some of your own meals (there are great local markets and even a Costco nearby), all rooms have kitchenettes.
Hotel Riu Palace - Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Hotel Riu Palace offers one of the best values for an all-inclusive resort and it even comes with the chain’s famous in-room liquor dispensers. This property has a more tranquil atmosphere for those who want to avoid the spring break crowd and enjoy a laid-back good time at a budget-friendly price. You’ll be surrounded by swaying palms that line a pristine white sandy beach while enjoying amenities like a gorgeous seaside swimming pool, a decadent spa and daily entertainment. There are themed international restaurants, a buffet restaurant and live cooking shows too.
Captain's Quarters Resort - Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
One of the most budget-friendly resorts you’ll find right on the beach, Captain’s Quarters Resort is ideal for families, with multiple outdoor pools, a children’s pool with a pirate ship, an indoor lazy river pool, and a large water park. There’s even an arcade and bowling alley. The adults can enjoy relaxing with drinks at the pool bar. It’s close to the famous Myrtle Beach attractions too, like the boardwalk and Family Kingdom Amuseument Park, along with plenty of restaurants and souvenir shops. The one- and two-bedroom efficiencies and suites all include full kitchens to help save on dining out.
