Science has proven that the sand and the sea are good for the mind and the body. While you’ll want to spend plenty of time outdoors on a beach vacation, enjoying an ocean view can bring those benefits while your’re indoors too. If you ever needed an excuse for indulging in a room that showcases the waves, enhancing your well-being is a good one. These resorts across the globe truly take that to a whole new level.
Katikies - Santorini, Greece
One of the most beautiful resorts in Santorini, Katikies boasts a stunning location 300 feet above the dramatic caldera and the azure Aegean Sea in Oia village, made up of cubist cottages, infinity pools and bridges. Offering the best of the best among boutique hotels on Santorini, you’ll enjoy jaw-dropping sea views from many vantage points. That includes the whitewashed rooms – all of which feature private balconies – the candlelit tables for dining, the sundeck and Jacuzzi. Book a higher category suite and you’ll get a whirlpool tub and separate living area – some have private pools and hot tubs.
Helena Bay Lodge - Whangarei, New Zealand
Often ranked among New Zealand’s top resorts, Helena Bay Lodge faces Helena Bay north of Whangarei, surrounded by breathtaking scenery in every direction. Gaze out at the aquamarine waters, lots of lush greenery, beautiful formal gardens and natural areas. The main lodge is focused around a huge heated pool and there’s also an extensive wing with a gym, spa, sauna, steam room and cold plunge pool, along with rooms for private dining with sea views. Accommodation is provided in the luxurious Villa Suites, each of which comes with a private terrace and binoculars for watching the whales and dolphins that pass by.
Post Ranch Inn - Big Sur, California
One of the world’s most magnificent ocean view resorts, Post Ranch Inn sits along the cliffs of Big Sur on the Central California coast overlooking the Pacific. Book the Pacific Suite and you’ll get a view no matter where you are in the room, including the floor-to-ceiling window that opens to enjoy the salty sea breeze. A full breakfast is included and other high-end perks like yoga, meditation and stargazing classes, along with loaner cars, are just some of the other perks. Get pampered in the spa and take advantage of a swimming pool, two cliff-top infinity pools, and ocean view dining.
Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa, Moorea
Sandwiched between two bays on Moorea, Hilton Moorea Lagoon Resort & Spa not only has a beautiful mountain backdrop but it offers stylish overwater bungalows where you can leap right into the crystal-clear aquamarine waters filled with colorful tropical fish from your private deck. They’re connected by meandering wooden walkways built on stilts over the lagoon, creating the ultimate Polynesian fantasy.
Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun - Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Secrets Maroma Beach Riviera Cancun is an adults-only resort that sits on a pristine beach in Playa del Carmen, with every one of its luxurious suites featuring private balconies or terraces that showcase the sparkling waters of the Caribbean. If you book the ultra-luxe presidential suite you’ll get direct swim-out access. Look forward to lounging on the private sands, dining on mouthwatering gourmet meals, including dinner on the beach, and enjoying multiple pools, one of which is an infinity pool with a gorgeous sea view.
Bianca Sands on Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos
Bianca Sands on Grace Bay boasts a prime location right on Grace Bay, often named among the best beaches in the world, and it’s only about a minute on foot from some of the island’s top dining and shopping spots. With its oceanfront suites providing unobstructed views of the dazzling Caribbean waters and colorful sunsets from large, private balconies, it’s going to be hard to tear yourself away, but you’ll be just steps from outstanding snorkeling and other water sports too.
&Beyond Mnemba Island Lodge, Zanzibar
Owned by &Beyond, an ecotourism outfitter that invests in community empowerment and conservation, Mnemba Island Lodge sits on a five-acre island in the Zanzibar archipelago of Tanzania. Expect stunning ocean views in every direction, along with idyllic beaches, with the entire island ringed by soft white sands. On one side there’s a snorkelers’ garden with calm waters for exploring the marine life, and you’ll find opportunities for kayaking and sunset cruises too. The only island inhabitants are the staff and lodge guests, and with a small collection of seaside cottages, you’re guaranteed plenty of privacy and seclusion. Set back from the water, each one is tucked edge of the shady forest, built on a platform over the sand while private verandas feature panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.
Montage Kapalua Bay - Maui, Hawaii
Overlooking Kapalua Bay, Montage Kapalua Bay offers lavish suites with floor-to-ceiling doors that open up to spectacular ocean views from a hardwood lanai. There is everything from one to four-bedroom options with gourmet kitchens and extra-spacious bathrooms with deep soaking tubs. When you can pull yourself away from the view and the comforts, opportunities for all sorts of water sports are available along with championship golf and a decadent spa. A variety of excursions can be arranged too, from horseback riding and hiking to zip lines.
Fogo Island Inn - Newfoundland, Canada
This unique all-inclusive resort is an escapist’s fantasy come true, located on Fogo Island’s windswept coast in Joe Batt’s Arm. Every one of its rooms showcases expansive ocean views and features luxuries like a giant soaking tub, handmade Scandinavian-inspired furniture, a wood stove or fireplace. Not only is it one of the world’s best hotels for bringing the outdoors in, but you can also watch for icebergs and whales with the in-room binoculars, and take advantage of one of the three rooftop hot tubs for soaking up the jaw-dropping scenery from outside. Meals are included and served in the highly-acclaimed sea view restaurant. The property also has a modern art gallery, cinema, gym and sauna.
Jules Undersea Lodge - Key Largo, Florida
You really can’t get closer to the water than being IN it, which means the Jules Undersea Lodge truly does take ocean view to a whole other level. The only underwater hotel in the United States, the rooms here are 21 feet deep, accessed by diving. You’ll swim past a tropical mangrove habitat to reach it, enjoying the comforts of most land-based hotels and then some, including a window where you can sip wine while gazing at the fish that pass by, a stocked kitchen, music, movies and books.
