Six of the best beach retreats + islands to visit from the US

Luxury Beach Destinations

We have the inside track on the most idyllic seaside boltholes, heavenly beach retreats and private islands to visit in May and June. From the Maldives to the Galápagos Islands, we have selected the best luxury beach destinations that are ready to welcome you now, where we can design extraordinary itineraries tailored to you, so get in touch with one of our experts and start planning your next beach vacation without delay.

The Pacific Islands

Travel to the Pacific Islands to enjoy their seclusion, tranquillity, breathtaking beaches, marine experiences and some of the most idyllic hotels on earth. Set on an island on an emerald lagoon, Four Seasons Resort, Bora Bora, enjoys uninterrupted views of the dramatic peaks of Bora Bora. Home to landscaped gardens, incredible beaches and a colourful coral reef, it is fantastic for families and watersport lovers alike.

“We recommend going scuba-diving with a resident marine biologist and enjoying the rejuvenating treatments on offer at the Te Mahana Spa,” says Penny Buckley, Head of our Asia, the Middle East + Australasia team. “A highlight for us is the service, which is exceptionally good.”

 

Alternatively, The Brando, on Tetiaroa Private Island in French Polynesia’s Society Islands, is also wonderful. This stunning ocean hideaway has 35 villas with their own pools beside beautiful, pristine shores. There is a huge infinity pool, a tennis court, a library, a fabulous spa and two great restaurants, serving delicious, Polynesian-inspired and French dishes.

The Galápagos Islands

The months of May and June are great months to go to this nature lover’s paradise, as the weather is cooler and the wildlife is very active at this time of year, particularly the birds. We will take you on an incredible island-hopping adventure, taking in some of the prettiest, white-sand beaches, bays and islets in the Galápagos, on one of our favourite expedition yachts: Theory and Origin. Chartering a boat is an unbeatable way of exploring these biodiverse isles and getting friends and family together again. It is also a very good way of ensuring total privacy on your vacation.

“The Galápagos is one of the world’s most exciting destinations for complete immersion in the natural world. With only 10 cabins, we love Origin and Theory for the abundance of space and comfort onboard and their profoundly knowledgeable and passionate guides,” says Jenny Wilkinson, Head of our Central+South America team. We can secure you a fantastic 25% off private charters on these two boats from May to November.

 

The Maldives

If you’re searching for utter peace and paradise, nothing beats the powdery beaches, gin-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs and marine life of the Maldives. Each glorious retreat is its own private island, with its own appeal, and our Destination Experts know them back to front so can select the best one for you. Some of our favourite boltholes include Six Senses Laamu, Baros, Vakkaru, Kudadoo, Constance Moofushi and Soneva Fushi. The latter has amazing private villas, which sleep from two to 20 people and have huge pools and plenty of space. Wherever you’re staying, we can organise unforgettable experiences for you, such as a surprise picnic on a deserted sand bank, stargazing with an astronomist or scuba-diving with a marine conservationist.

 

The Seychelles

With its picture-perfect beaches, turquoise Indian Ocean waters and exquisite island lodges, this East African archipelago is a tropical paradise, a brilliant place to rest and recuperate. Some of our favourite retreats include North Island – an otherworldly spot for those looking for a Robinson Crusoe vibe combined with decadence and unparalleled service – the glamorous Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island, the wildlife-rich Fregate Island and the stylish Six Senses Zil Pasyon on Félicité Island, famous for its oceanfront spa. Each island has its own personality and allure, and our Destination Experts know them inside out and will match the right one to your taste.

 

Mexico

Now is a lovely time to travel to Mexico‘s magnificent Pacific coast – one of our luxury beach destinations, for surfing and other adventures – and the country’s sublime Caribbean shores, home to chalk-white beaches and warm, crystal-clear waters. We can suggest some outstanding, small hotels, including an off-grid escape at Las Alamandas, tucked away on the wild Pacific coastline, and Hotel Esencia, Jashita and Chablé Maroma on the Mayan Riviera. We also have access to a superb selection of carefully handpicked private houses and villas on both coasts, so you can have a heavenly Mexican home from home all to yourselves.

 

Turks + Caicos Islands one of our luxury beach destinations

With their diverse marine flora and fauna and fabulous places to stay, these far-flung isles are perfect for couples, families and groups of friends who are looking to get away from it all. We will recommend the best hideaway for you, such as Amanyara, on the north coast of Providenciales, or COMO Parrot Cay, set on its own private island and with lovely beach villas with their own butlers, pools and direct access to the sea. Here, we can arrange for you to go stand-up paddleboarding through the mangroves, scuba-diving and island-hopping.

 

TAKE OVER A PRIVATE ISLAND

Tanzania

Thanda Island is a truly off-grid island where your family and friends can gather. Situated in the tropical waters of the Indian Ocean, this idyllic place is surrounded by a marine reserve. There is a five-suite villa and two beach bandas, which together sleep up to 19 guests, as well as a swimming pool, tennis court and a fully equipped gym. There is also a boat house with sailing boats, kayaks, paddleboards, wakeboards, waterskis and snorkelling equipment. We will tailor all your experiences to you – from visits to uninhabited isles to sundowners on a sandbank that disappears with the tide.

 

Belize – a luxury beach destination

Coral Caye, on the Belize Barrier Reef, is a tiny isle eight miles off the mainland. Sleeping up to 10 people in a charming house and two rustic cottages, everything is decorated in a light, airy and seaside-inspired style. There is a small, sandy beach, gently lapped by the Caribbean Sea and backed by mangroves. Privacy and solitude are the name of the game here, and the island’s staff are on hand to serve you a tasty breakfast, light lunch and fresh fish on the barbecue in the evening, Creole style. If you would prefer to stay on the mainland, we also love Turtle Inn for its perfect combination of Caribbean beach and a treasure-trove of inland culture.