High roller Lifestyle

My top 5 luxury beachside resorts

Written by The Eagle

This article first appeared in the Jul/Aug 2015 issue of WGM.

Holidays mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people. For some, the perfect getaway takes them to the great cities of the world; for others it might be skiing down the powdery white slopes of the French Alps or something as simple as a road trip across the United States

But when it comes to sheer relaxation, nothing beats a week or two chilling out at a tropical beachside resort. The mix of silky white sand, deep blue ocean and glorious sunshine is the perfect combination to forget the woes of the world with no shortage of options available – from the family friendly resorts of Hawaii or Fiji to the private extravagance of Musha Cay in the Bahamas, where you can rent an entire island for a mere US$40,000 a day!

The Eagle’s criteria is a bit simpler, the only three “musts” being a sense of luxuriousness, breathtaking views and privacy. With that in mind, here are my top 5 luxury beachside resorts.

1. Four Seasons, Maldives
The only thing better than a resort located right next to the water is one sitting above it. Overwater bungalow resorts have become increasingly popular in recent years with more than 90 to be found around the globe but as home to two-thirds of those, the Maldives does it best.

Four Seasons, Maldives

Four Seasons, Maldives

Around seven hours by plane from Hong Kong and Macau, there are at least half a dozen luxury resorts in the Maldives we’d happily skip away to but the Four Seasons at Landaa Giraavaru is our pick of the bunch. Located on, and in, a two kilometer lagoon of the most spectacular turquoise color and with the deep blue ocean sitting just beyond, the luxurious but restrained design of the Four Seasons utilizes this stunning expanse of water better than any resort in the world.

The 38 water bungalows built out over the lagoon are nothing short of spectacular, with large wooden decks on each to take in the views and in some cases your own private pool if the sea surrounding you isn’t enough.

Taking in one of the most beautiful locations on earth from the comfort of your infinity edge pools or following the steps from your deck straight into the lagoon? These are the decisions we want in life!

From US$1,100 per night

2. Song Saa Private Island, Cambodia
Located on two tiny islands and with the distinction of being the only resort in Cambodia’s Koh Rong archipelago, Song Saa Private Island is the very definition of a “getaway”. Accessed by a 30-minute boat ride from Sihanoukville and with just 27 villas either on stilts above the water or built into the lush green hills above, Song Saa is all about peace and relaxation. It’s also a great destination for those with a love of the water.

Song Saa Private Island

Song Saa Private Island

Sitting in the middle of a 100-hectare marine reserve, guests can enjoy snorkelling around the coral reefs that surround the island or kayaking through the nearby mangroves accompanied by the resident marine biologist.

Of course, if that sounds like too much effort you can simply sit in your villa’s private pool and watch the sun set on the horizon.

From US$1,600 per night

3. Raffles Praslin, Seychelles.
Renowned for its palm trees and spectacular ocean views, the Seychelles – an archipelago of over 160 islands off the east coast of Africa – has become a favorite playground of the rich and famous in recent times. While there are dozens of resorts to choose from, we can’t go past Raffles for sheer indulgent luxury. Located on Praslin Island, the second largest in the Seychelles, Raffles covers 12 hectares and being set on a cliff, comes with spectacular views of the local beaches and ocean.

Raffles Praslin

Raffles Praslin

The 86 villas have been well planned with floor to ceiling windows, large decks and private infinity pools from which to take in the jaw-dropping surrounds. But it is the opulence of Raffles Praslin that sets the bar highest. The resort itself is stunning with sleek, modern finishes, two 45-metre infinity pools and one of the world’s great spa complexes.

From US$450 per night

4. Qualia, Australia.
With so many amazing resorts around the world, naming the best is very much subjective. But one property definitely in the mix is Qualia in Australia’s tropical Whitsundays. Some might call it cheating when your resort is located in one of the world’s most beautiful regions. The bright blue waters of the Whitsundays also happen to be home to The Great Barrier Reef – the world’s largest coral reef system and one of the seven natural wonders of the world – while there are few more romantic experiences than walking along the water’s edge on Whitehaven Beach. You guessed it, Whitehaven is also considered one of the world’s top five beaches!

Qualia

Qualia

The question is, can you pull yourself away from Qualia long enough to enjoy any of them? So impressive are the 5 star facilities that it scored a perfect 100 out of 100 for its rooms, service, food, location, design and activities when voted world’s best resort in 2012 by 2012 Conde Nast Traveler. As for this Eagle, you’d be hard pressed dragging me out of the private infinity edge plunge pools that come with some of the best views in the Whitsundays.

From US$800 per night

5. Four Seasons Bora Bora.
If, for some strange reason, you have an aversion to the color blue you might want to steer clear of the world famous Four Seasons Bora Bora. It’s not just that the aqua-blue waters here are so glowingly alluring but that there seems to be so much of it. This place is an explosion of color and one that simply must be seen to be believed. Like a number of resorts on our list, the key feature of Four Seasons Bora Bora is its overwater bungalows – 100 of them in total – which allow guests to dive straight into the lagoon from their deck.

Four Seasons Bora Bora

Four Seasons Bora Bora

Eight of the bungalows also come with a private plunge pool sunken into the deck while top of the lot are four Otemanu Bungalows which are bigger than the others and also provide great views of nearby Mount Otemanu.

From US$900 per night