Imanta Punta de Mita
Set in the jungle off the coast of the Pacific, Imanta Punta de Mita is a hidden gem of a resort. With architecture inspired by Prehispanic temples, each of the stone-walled casas, villas, and even the main hotel blend the historic-looking outer shells seamlessly with the modern furniture and amenities inside. Along with fantastic views of the ocean and surrounding jungle, the property also offers a spa, multiple infinity pools — many of them private and connected directly to the room/suite/villa — two restaurants, and a rooftop bat that provides fantastic sunset views and multiple areas for lounging. Of course, there's also the beach, where the hotel releases baby turtles as part of its ongoing conservation efforts. [via]
Tsala Treetop Lodge
Judging by its solid stone construction, you'd be hard pressed to guess that the rooms at Tsala Treetop Lodge are actually, in fact, located amongst the trees. Located between the coastal towns of Knysna and Plettenberg Bay, this one-of-a-kind resort features stone-masonry details in the entrance and in each of the 10 suites and six villas, which also feature fireplaces, under floor heating, air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and comfortable, setting-appropriate furnishings. The resort also features a glassed-in lounge and dining room, large open decks above the forest floor, a restaurant, and a hidden wine cellar. But most importantly, it offers views that you simply won't find at your average, dirt-anchored hideaway.
Mauna Kea Beach Hotel
Situated on the Kohala Coast of the Big Island, the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel isn't just an ideal luxury beach resort — it's also a classic piece of architecture. Opened in 1965, its open-air design allows natural ventilation thanks to the trade winds, and has since been updated to allow for 258 rooms featuring more spacious floor plans and upgraded interiors. Also on-site is a golf course, multiple restaurants and bars, a tennis club with 11 ocean-side courts, a large fitness center, and, of course, the beaches, with soft white sand and beautiful views back up towards the mountain for which the resort is named.
Patmos Aktis Suites and Spa
Looking for an ideal beach getaway? Sure, you could head to Hawaii, or Bali, or Fiji, or the Bahamas, or some other super-obvious destination. Or you could book a stay at the Patmos Aktis Suites and Spa. Located on the Greek island of Patmos, this luxury resort offers deluxe rooms and suites, poolside suites, suites just steps from the Aegean Sea, and townhouse-like maisonettes offering room for up to 5 people. As the name suggests, there's also a spa on-site, as well as an excellent restaurant and a waterside bar. In other words, everything you need. [via]
CastleMartyr Resort
It can be difficult to breathe within the walls of some stodgy, high class, five star hotels. But when you visit CastleMartyr Resort in Cork County, Ireland, the fresh air is plentiful. The resort consists of a striking 17th century country manor house that sits adjacent to the ruins of an 800-year-old-castle. Hit the spa to relax, play golf on their Ron Kirby-designed course, or just stroll the grounds and take in the expansive, beautiful surroundings. They even encourage you to take their Irish Setters, who welcome you upon arrival, for a walk around the hotel acreage.
Sentosa Seminyak
Get all the privacy of a residence with all the benefits of a resort at Sentosa Seminyak. Located on the southwest coast of Bali within walking distance of tons of high-end shopping and dining options — and more importantly the beach — this all-villa resort features 43 three-, four-, and five-bedroom villas, making it an ideal spot for families or groups of friends. Each villa offers open-air spaces, a gourmet kitchen, and its own private pool, while you'll also find the brand new Salt tapas restaurant helmed by Chef Luke Mangan, a gym, a spa, a bar, and Wi-Fi on site — so while there's plenty to do right outside your door, you don't really need to go anywhere at all.
Gaya Island Resort
Accessible only by boat and set off the coast of Malaysia in the South China Sea, Gaya Island Resort is an ideal spot to escape the daily grind. This stunning resort features 120 villas and a two-bedroom suite, all with Sabahan elements, and bult using local materials so as to blend in perfectly with the surrounding natural environment. Other amenities include three restaurants, a bar overlooking the infinity pool and floating cabanas, a full-service spa, a library, a fitness center, and a host of outdoor activities including hiking through the rainforest, fishing, kayaking, birdwatching, or our favorite, floating in the pool doing nothing at all.
Reid's Palace
Perched on a private cliff, on an island hundreds of miles off the coast of Europe, Reid's Palace is an ideal escape in an unlikely spot. This luxury resort offers 35 suites and 128 bedrooms, as well as 5 seasonal restaurants, a cocktail bar with live music, heated sea- and freshwater pools, a sea-level pool, a children's pool, subtropical gardens, a sauna, a spa, a fitness center, two tennis courts, and a salon. Oh, and stunning ocean views.
Grotto Bay Beach Resort
Most "grottos" you find at hotels (or in the backyard of certain notorious mansions) are man-made additions to already spectacular pools. At Grotto Bay Beach Resort, they're the real thing. This waterfront resort features massive subterranean caves filled with crystal-clear water. Of course, it also offers beach access via its three private beaches and an outdoor pool, as well as non-aquatic amenities like two dining rooms, the Rum House Bar, a Spa, tennis courts, diving, sailing, and nearby golfing. As for the accommodations, they don't disappoint, with 201 ocean view or oceanfront rooms and 11 cozy cottages for a more secluded stay.
Dunton Hot Springs
Telluride is gorgeous, but it's also fairly busy. If you're looking for seclusion without missing the views, head to Dunton Hot Springs. Just over the ridge from the renowned resort down, Dunton is a reclaimed ghost town that's been transformed into a serene luxury getaway. The accommodations include 13 restored log cabins built in a circle around a saloon — itself restored, serving up fantastic food — and a dance hall, and just steps from the bath house. Just down the river are eight luxurious canvas tents, and you'll also an open air chapel, library, and, of course, natural hot springs on site.
Motu Teta
Forget the remote beach resort — if you want the ultimate in isolation, you need to rent out your own island. Motu Teta should do nicely. Located in French Polynesia, this islet features two houses — a three-bedroom main house and a one-bedroom guest house — both of which were constructed in a classic local style and sport large verandas just steps from the lagoon. There's also a staff on hand to help with meals, excursions and activities like kayaking, fishing, snorkeling, windsurfing, and more, and, as you'd imagine, plenty of private, pristine beach to enjoy — bathing suit optional.
Waldorf Astoria Orlando
Think a trip to Walt Disney World means a stay in the cuddling bosom of Mickey (or Minnie) Mouse? Think again. Surrounded by the resort, the Waldorf Astoria Orlando offers refined accommodations with many of the benefits of staying at a Mouse-owned hotel. On-site amenities include a world-class spa, luxury guest rooms and suites, gorgeous pools, a championship golf course, many of the renowned restaurants and bars from the NYC original, killer views of Epcot, and, when you're ready to head to the parks, complimentary luxury motorcoach transportation.
