Last updated September 2, 2024
Our curated list of North American beach retreats consists of the ten top-rated properties and destinations designed for the ultimate excursion—blending sun, sand and serenity.
Jump to:
- Naples Grande Beach Resort — Naples, Florida
- Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach — Sunny Isles Beach, Florida
- Shutters on the Beach — Santa Monica, California
- L’Auberge del Mar — Del Mar, California
- Andaz Maui — Maui, Hawaii
- Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort — Honolulu, Hawaii
- Palmaïa, The House of AïA — Playa del Carmen, Mexico
- One&Only Palmilla — Los Cabos, Mexico
- Meliá Punta Cana Beach Resort — Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
- Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort — Eagle Beach, Aruba
When you think of top-rated beach retreats, destinations like Fiji or Australia may first come to mind, right? But North America is home to some of the world’s most spectacular and frankly, underrated shorelines. Think the volcanic backdrop of Waikiki Beach in Honolulu or Punta Cana’s lush palms and clear Caribbean waters.
Ten Beach Retreats in North America
Enjoy the sunshine and sink into serenity at our top ten-rated beach retreats in North America. Read on to learn about our recommendations and how each retreat stands out among the rest.
1. Naples Grande Beach Resort — Naples, Florida
Florida isn’t nicknamed the Sunshine State for nothing. This peninsular paradise averages 237 days of sunshine a year, and home to 1,350 miles of spectacular coastline. Along the west coast, you’ll find Naples.
Naples is a sun-soaked paradise that blends natural beauty with high-class living. Here, you’ll find the Naples Grande Beach Resort, an upscale beachfront hotel that overlooks the white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters of this west coast Florida gem.
Naples Grande Beach Resort offers a private beach for guests to sunbathe in seclusion. You’ll also find countless swimming pools, fifteen tennis courts and—for those looking to hit the green—a private par 72 championship golf course, designed by acclaimed golf architect Rees Jones.
Guests can also take rest and relaxation to the next level with the resort’s world-class wellness amenities. Naples Grande claims their spa offerings are the heart and soul of their resort’s experience. The expansive spa and wellness center features 12 treatment rooms, a serene meditation lounge, a hair and nail salon, and much more.
The beauty of Naples Grande Resort is its central location. Experience the luxuriousness Naples has to offer and adventure to Fifth Ave where you can find a mix of boutique shopping, art galleries and fine dining. Head back to the resort’s private beach to catch an awe-inspiring west coast sunset.
2. Acqualina Resort & Spa on the Beach — Sunny Isles Beach, Florida
Located along Sunny Isles Beach, a barrier island in northeast Miami-Dade County, is the world-class beach retreat Acqualina Resort & Spa.
Acqualina, a Mediterranean villa-style resort is coastal elegance at its finest. Acqualina Resort offers both rooms and suites, each designed with luxury in mind.
The resort is home to some serious acreage, too. The property sits on 4.5 beachfront acres in coveted Miami Beach. The grounds are lush, featuring elegantly designed outdoor areas for kicking back and relaxing.
The property is equipped with a decadent adult pool experience, three oceanfront swimming pools, four dining destinations, a wealth of activities and get this—an innovative marine biology-based children’s program to educate the kids and keep them entertained.
Acqualina is a highly decorated beachfront haven, having earned Forbes Five-Star Award for the hotel and spa for 11 years. Don’t take our word for Experience Acqualina Resort for yourself.
3. Shutters on the Beach — Santa Monica, California
Santa Monica is a coastal Californian dream, embodying the laid-back, sun-kissed spirit of Southern California. It’s the perfect beach retreat destination mixing relaxation, cultural attractions and vibrant nightlife.
Along the beachside, and in the heart of Santa Monica, you’ll find Shutters on the Beach, a luxurious, top-rated, boutique beach retreat.
Shutters’ amenities consist of elegant rooms and suites, each with an airy coastal atmosphere. Get pampered at Shutters’ ONE Spa—body treatments, mani/pedis, massages, steam rooms and more, are ready when you are.
Get outdoors and meditate on the sound of ocean waves on the private beach. Walk along the shoreline and adventure to Santa Monica’s famous pier—featuring an amusement park with a historic Ferris wheel and a range of eateries.
Trek along Ocean Avenue, where you’ll find a variety of beachfront cafés and restaurants, offering delectable cuisine with breathtaking panoramic ocean views.
4. L’Auberge del Mar — Del Mar, California
Welcome to L’Auberge del Mar, a Californian dream beach retreat that takes SoCal oceanside luxury to the next level. Experience award-winning, high-end contemporary beachside living at L’Auberge del Mar, and prepare for your troubles to melt away.
L’Auberge is situated in one of Southern California’s most picturesque coastal villages and from the property guests can peer out and take in expansive views of the Pacific Ocean.
The beauty of L’Auberge del Mar is its variety of offerings, allowing guests to curate their stay. Seeking a rejuvenating experience? Their spa services are boundless, including 10 treatment rooms, eucalyptus saunas and a California open-air relaxation area, to name a few.
Or, for guests itching to crank up the adrenaline, L’Auberge offers guests a mix of adventure activities. Grab an Electra Go! Bike and cruise along the California coastline or explore the Seven Sea Caves in a kayak.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is just a stone’s throw away from the resort and provides hiking trails with awe-inspiring views perfect for photo ops.
5. Andaz Maui — Maui, Hawaii
Immerse yourself in the island spirit and say hello to a luxury seaside stay. Andaz Maui proudly offers guests an experience to explore the Polynesian culture and history of Maui through their resort luau experience.
The property and ambiance are spectacular (to say the least), situated on 15 beachfront acres.
The cuisine at Andaz Maui is noteworthy, too, with regional farm-to-table dining, featuring an authentic three course plated dinner and premium bar with handcrafted cocktails.
No matter the reason for your stay, Andaz has offerings to meet all guests need.
From outdoor activities like whale watching from canoes along the shores of Mokapu Beach to guided tours through Haleakala National Park, the beach retreat does a phenomenal job of ensuring guests experience the perfect combination of relaxed luxury and Hawaii’s natural beauty.
Andaz Maui is guaranteed to offer an unforgettable escape in an idyllic tropical setting—a true slice of Hawaiian paradise. What are you waiting for?
6. Outrigger Waikiki Beach Resort — Honolulu, Hawaii
Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, Hawaii, is renowned for its captivating blend of natural beauty and vibrant urban energy.
This iconic beach is nestled against the backdrop of the towering Diamond Head volcanic crater (the views are as dramatic as it sounds).
Situated along Waikiki Beach is the Outrigger Resort, a contemporary beachfront retreat rooted in Hawaiian culture. Here, guests are sure to experience the history, culture and cuisine that Hawaii has to offer.
While you’re there, considering taking advantage of Hawaii’s natural landscape. The Outrigger Resort offers adventures, excursions and tours, including waterfall hikes, snorkeling and bird’s eye views of the island via helicopter.
When you’re ready to switch up the scenery, trade in the ocean sights for skyrise views. The Outrigger Resort provides the perfect location for those seeking a varied vacation of both relaxation and city exploration.
7. Palmaïa, The House of AïA — Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Palmaïa, The House of AïA is a serene and secluded beach enclave and esteemed as Mexico’s premiere, award-winning, progressive wellness spa and resort.
Each inch of the beach retreat is thoughtfully designed, from its exquisite oceanfront suites to its unique spa experience. Step foot into the resort’s jungle spa curated for guests to experience the true relaxing and healing properties of Mother Nature.
Palmaïa, The House of AïA not only takes revitalization and their spa experience seriously but their nourishment and food offerings, too. Their Nourishing Biome is a concept designed by creating and offering dishes designed for optimal health.
The restaurants on property are stacked with Michelin-star-trained chefs who maintain the utmost respect for ingredients, processes and ethics—delivering both quality and taste.
Step outside of the resort, and you’ll experience Playa del Carmen, a breathtaking beach along the Riviera Maya strip of the Caribbean shoreline. Marvel at the palm-lined beaches or dance the night away at a beachside club—Playa del Carmen packs variety for all types of guests.
8. One&Only Palmilla — Los Cabos, Mexico
Are you ready for a Mexican beach retreat escape? Pack your bags and get ready for the One&Only Palmilla, located along the stunning Los Cabos peninsula. Experience dramatic cliffside views of the Sea of Cortez.
From whale watching and watersports to wellness therapies and world-class face and body treatments at the resort’s private spa, One&Only has everything to meet the needs of any guest.
In fact, the resort is family-friendly too—so whether you’re on a couples escape or you’ve got the kids in tow, One&Only is sure to provide an unforgettable experience no matter who’s tagging along.
Plus, while you’re in Los Cabos, be sure to check out the Arch of Cabo San Lucas, and iconic natural rock formation where the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean converge, creating postcard-worthy views, especially during sunset.
9. Meliá Punta Cana Beach Resort — Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
Meliá Punta Cana Beach Resort is an adults-only (18+), inclusive wellness resort located in the natural oasis of Punta Cana. Expect abundant white sand coastlines peppered with lush palms—a true Caribbean dream.
What sets Meliá Punta Cana Beach apart from other coastal beach retreats is the way the property is designed to facilitate guests’ wellness. Meliá Punta Cana is designed with five spaces that inspire wellness—Social Spaces, Silent Spaces, Sensory Spaces, Culinary Spaces and Personal Spaces. Each space is designed for a unique and purposeful transformational experience.
Additionally, guests can sign up for activities including paddle boarding, paddle fitness classes, “Energy for Life” workshops and even local cultural experiences.
The options for soothing your body and mind! Whether that be through transcendental meditation or opting for a cocktail at one of their swim-up bars, discover the journey to your best self.
10. Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort — Eagle Beach, Aruba
Crank up the good island vibes and say hello to Aruba, known as “One Happy Island.” Located along the northwest end of the island is Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort, a 4-diamond resort.
Bucuti & Tara specializes in wellness and romance. This adults-only oasis is passionate about creating the perfect romantic vacation for guests. In fact, their passion for creating extraordinary experiences has continually earned them tops.
Bucuti & Tara Beach Resort is located along Eagle Beach, which stands out as one of the most stunning stretches of coastline in Aruba. Its tranquil waters are perfect for swimming and the steady trade winds make it an ideal spot for water sports like windsurfing and kiteboarding.
Beyond the beach, Aruba offers captivating natural wonders, from the rugged terrain of Arikok National Park, where you can explore desert landscapes and hidden caves, to the stunning Conchi Natural Pool, a secluded oasis formed by volcanic stone.
The island’s unique blend of natural beauty, warm hospitality and diverse outdoor activities make it a dream destination for those seeking an unforgettable Caribbean getaway.
Beach Retreats Are Calling
From the Pacific to the Caribbean, each coastline—a haven of tranquility on its own—has something unique to offer. Whether you’re a sun worshipper or adventure-seeking, each of our top-rated beach retreats in North America are sure to not only cater to every guest’s desires but leave a truly indelible impression, too. Pack your bags—the coastline is calling!
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