The beach, in itself, is a wonderful thing. But there are times when you want more than just sand and surf. Instead we’ve got our eye on some beach destinations where the local life is as enticing as the water.
GEEJAM
Port Antonio, Jamaica
This north coast town has a history as a discreet Caribbean escape. Today it's as well known for its natural charms as for Geejam, a boutique hotel with a world-class recording studio.
BE TULUM
Tulum, Mexico
It’s well on its way, to be sure, but at the moment this village on the Riviera Maya still strikes just the right balance between rustic charm, far-flung isolation and a certain low-key glamour.
THE LIBRARY
Koh Samui, Thailand
It’s been some time since Koh Samui was an unspoiled little hippie paradise, but all that activity means there’s never a dull moment — and you’ll appreciate the Library’s quiet.
THE NAM HAI
Hoi An, Vietnam
Compared to its neighbor Thailand, the beach towns of Vietnam are still relatively low-key. The well-preserved village of Hoi An, with its Japanese-style footbridges, bustling markets and French patisseries, has to be the most enchanting example.
ALILA MANGGIS
Manggis, Bali, Indonesia
Parts of Bali have been a little too thoroughly developed for our tastes, but the island’s east coast mixes traditional ways of life with low-key, low-impact designer hospitality.
IMANTA RESORTS PUNTA DE MITA
Punta de Mita, Mexico
Punta de Mita, on the Pacific coast, is a model of splendid seclusion, but a few miles up the coast is Sayulita, a colorful little surf village that serves as the antidote to Mexico’s big resort towns.
THE CHEDI MUSCAT
Muscat, Oman
Oman’s coastal capital could hardly be more different from its flashy Emirati neighbors — here historic architecture and a vibrant local culture complement the charms of the beaches.
ETNIA POUSADA & BOUTIQUE
Trancoso, Brazil
Forgive us, but we find we just can’t say enough about Trancoso, a beautiful beach town that’s managed to preserve its local character even as it’s become a world-class destination.
Le Sereno
St. Barthelmey
Lauded as "France in the Caribbean", St. Barth's stands out among its island neighbors as a bastion of european glamour. Fortunately, this also translates into exceptional fresh food, delivered via boat from France once a week, excellent shops and a thriving nightlife.
LA PASSION HOTEL
Cartagena, Colombia
The colonial city of Cartagena is like a Caribbean time capsule, a particularly lovely window into the region’s past. The best beaches are out of town, but easily accessible by ferry.
