Paradise Calls: 12 Resorts with Direct Beach Access

The best beach vacations take place at a gentle and serene pace. From Doha to Cannes, keep things simple while enjoying some sunshine by booking a beachfront resort or hotel.

JW Marriott Mauritius Resort

JW Marriott Mauritius Resort (foto: Marriott International)

Wake for a wander along the sands before breakfast at the JW Marriott Mauritius Resort on the island of Mauritius, where the dreamiest suites come with direct beach access. And what a beach it is, its smooth golden sands stretching along the coast between verdant forest and coral reef. The Indian Ocean waters are warm and the backdrop to your total relaxation is the unmistakable silhouette of Le Morne Brabant Mountain, while days can be spent snorkelling on the reef, kitesurfing and windsurfing.

North Island, a Luxury Collection Resort, Seychelles

North Island, a Luxury Collection Resort, Seychelles (Photo: Marriott International)

Retreat to your very own private island at North Island, a Luxury Collection Resort, Seychelles, a paradise set amid the sun-warmed waters of the Seychelles and only accessible via helicopter. Each of the 11 villas here offers not only ocean views and a private plunge pool but also direct access to the white-sand beach. There’s wildlife aplenty to spot, too, from sea turtles to manta rays, while the hotel can organise activities including snorkelling, kayaking, fishing and paddle boarding.

The Ritz-Carlton, Doha

The Ritz-Carlton, Doha (Photo: Marriott International)

A city centre hotel with a wide sandy beach, The Ritz-Carlton, Doha stands on the waterfront of the Qatar capital and has signature suites that offer brilliant sea views. It’s hot and sunny in Doha year-round, so pack the beach gear and get ready to relax. There’s a serene feel here, with extensive landscaped gardens surrounding the pool and award-winning restaurants serving up everything from perfectly cooked steaks to Asian Fusion dishes, all with an ocean vista. You can also enjoy a variety of beach activities, from pedal boating to parasailing.

Hurghada Marriott Beach Resort

Hurghada Marriott Beach Resort (Photo: Marriott International)

Some of the very best rooms at Hurghada Marriott Beach Resort in Egypt look straight out to the beach and on to the Red Sea beyond. You’ll gaze at the ocean from the lagoon-like al fresco pool and Aquarius Diving Club – located directly on the beach at the hotel – offers boat trips out to dive with dolphins, reef manta rays and sea turtles. Back at the hotel, settle in to the Sunshine Bar for a cocktail with a Red Sea view.

JW Marriott Cannes

JW Marriott Cannes (Photo: Marriott International)

Located on the Boulevard de la Croisette in the very heart of Cannes, JW Marriott Cannes boasts one of the most sought-after locations in the south of France. You’re just 50 metres from the beach here, its soft sands tempting you to settle on a lounger and unwind, while the hotel’s suites and rooftop swimming pool offer wrap-around Mediterranean views. Don’t miss lunch at Palais Stéphanie Beach, where you’ll gaze out at the Lérins islands and Esterel mountains while dining on freshly grilled seafood.

Hotel Cala di Volpe, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Costa Smeralda

Hotel Cala di Volpe, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Costa Smeralda (Photo: Marriott International)

Speedboats cruise through the waters and a light breeze rustles the grass as you recline on your sun lounger at the Hotel Cala di Volpe, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Costa Smeralda. The lush setting lends a tranquil vibe to this Sardinian hotel, its jetty striking out across the shallow, clear waters of the Mediterranean as if nudging you to take a boat trip, perhaps to the hotel's private beach. Every bedroom comes with a terrace, many with a sea view.

The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina

The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina (foto: Marriott International)

At The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina you’ll stroll through gardens shaded by copious palms and emerge onto Jumeirah Beach, its golden sands dotted with loungers. Spend your day here gazing out at The Palm Island offshore and soaking up the Dubai sunshine, before wandering along to the Sand Bar for a sundowner, sipped while reclining on one of the cushions laid out on the sands.

Caresse, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Bodrum

The Caresse, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Bodrum (Photo: Marriott International)

It feels as if the entire building looks out over golden sands at Caresse, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Bodrum, an oceanside sweep where you can recline beneath thatched beach umbrellas. A wooden terrace alongside offers romantic lounging beds spacious enough for two, while the hotel deck runs along the water’s edge, inviting you to step in and enjoy a swim in the azure waters of Türkiye. You might find yourself tempted by the main infinity pool, of course, perched above the waters and dazzling with views straight out to the Aegean.

W Costa Navarino

W Costa Navarino (Photo: Marriott International)

The W Costa Navarino was the first W hotel to open in Greece, and the hotel certainly picked a prime spot for its debut, offering villas right on the beach and featuring private pools. Sun loungers and umbrellas dot the smooth, golden sands in front of the hotel, which stretch for 450 metres. For watersports fans, kayaking and sailing in the calm waters of the Bay of Navarino can be arranged.

Domes of Corfu, Autograph Collection

Domes of Corfu, Autograph Collection (Photo: Marriott International)-

Set on the beachfront of one of Corfu’s most highly regarded strands, the Blue Flag-winning Glyfada beach, Domes of Corfu, Autograph Collection is a superb five-star resort. The sands here are beautifully golden and the hotel will reserve your sunbed to ensure your lounging spot is ready when you are. Rooms are spacious and include two-bedroom suites, meaning there's enough space for all the family, and the outdoor pool has a separate splash spot for children.

The Ritz-Carlton Tenerife, Abama

The Ritz-Carlton Tenerife, Abama (Photo: Marriott International)

A striking pink palace on the shores of sun-drenched Tenerife, The Ritz-Carlton Tenerife, Abama‘s exclusive beach area will draw you in every morning. The calm waters here are ideal for a gentle swim or splash, and the view is straight out to neighbouring La Gomera island. You’ll find yourself staring out to sea from pretty much everywhere here, including your spacious suite and the large Lagoon Pool, while there are multiple gourmet options for dinner. Try one Michelin starred Kabuki for Japanese fusion and two Michelin starred M.B. for an inventive tasting menu that features the best Canarian produce. 

Pine Cliffs Hotel, a Luxury Collection Resort, Algarve

Pine Cliffs Hotel, a Luxury Collection Resort, Algarve (Photo: Marriott International)

Portugal’s Algarve is known for its extensive golden sands and Pine Cliffs Hotel, a Luxury Collection Resort, Algarve offers easy access to one of the region’s best beaches, Praia de Falésia, via panoramic lift and boarding walkway. The hotel itself perches atop the cliffs, which means you get panoramic views of the Atlantic from many of the suites as well as the Mirador Champagne Bar and the nine-hole golf course.

Published: November 12, 2024

Last Updated: February 17, 2025