The World’s Best Luxury Beach Resorts

I first wrote this list back in 2018—seven years ago now. A lot has changed since then. Except, well, almost nothing has. When I think about ultra-luxury beach resorts that have actually opened in that time, it’s basically just Kisawa and Soneva Secret.  Cheval Blanc Seychelles also arrived, but it’s not getting anywhere near this list—recommending a beach resort with that beach would probably get me charged with manslaughter.  Most of the new additions are really just places I’ve finally gotten around to visiting.  One absence, though: Iniala drops off. Its endless open/closed/ownership/direction saga finally caught up with it.

So here we are, 2025. I’ve been around the world, stayed at the best of the best, tested every beach, forensically analysed every drop of ocean, dissected every crumb of food, and, occasionally, enjoyed myself. Here’s what still makes the list of the best beach resorts in the world.

Amanpulo, Philippines

Amanpulo sits on its own private island, Pamalican, in the Philippines.  It’s a trek.  Fly to Manila, sit in a traffic jam that never seems to end on your way to the lounge, then hop on the private plane for over an hour flight.  But that’s exactly why it feels so wonderfully cut off. The beach is flawless and seems to go on forever, with calm, swimmable waters perfect for both kids and adults who’d rather not fight the ocean.  Although, on the other side of the island, you can do wind surfing, proving that location is everything.

But, Amanpulo now feels like the entry-level drug of luxury travel. It’s not too expensive, it’s extremely remote, and the location still feels special. But the hard product has definitely seen better days. Back when it opened, most of the other resorts on this list didn’t even exist, and it could justifiably call itself one of the best in the world. These days, that’s like being obsessed with Princess Diana memorabilia in 2025.

They’ve upgraded a few casitas—some even have pools now—but they’re still what we’ll generously call minimalist… and basic… and a bit shit. Get a villa and it’s not so bad, but still not so great that you won’t occasionally wonder why I sent you there at all. Like a few others on this list, it’s the setting that carries the weight. And what a setting it is.

I still think of this as the quintessential postcard property. The sand is blindingly white, the sea shifts through a dozen shades of blue, then disappears into the horizon. I had little intention of returning, or even including it on the list.  After all, it’s been thoroughly surpassed by other options on this list.  But it does make me nostalgic. And at my age, that’s a dangerous thing. Which, of course, means I’ll probably return soon.  Like an abused spouse, next time it will be better, right? Right?

Amanyara, Turks and Caicos

Amanyara is one of those resorts where the setting, the vibe, and Gathy’s architecture still carry the experience—even if the rooms (or pavilions, as they insist on calling them) have slipped into Amanpulo territory: basic and rather outdated for the price. The villas are another story entirely and can transform the stay. But if you want to be on the beach, that’s what you’ll have to book, and it comes with a significant price tag.

That said, the architecture has stood the test of time and really delivers on the “peace” part of Aman. The reflecting ponds, the absurdly large pool that looks more like an art installation, and the Asian design that should feel out of place in the Caribbean—but somehow doesn’t.

It’s tucked away on the northwest coast of Providenciales, backed by a marine reserve and perched above a beautiful, though narrow, white-sand beach. Getting there is easy: fly to Provo, short drive, but you’ll feel like you’ve arrived somewhere much more remote than the map suggests.

It’s a do-as-much-or-as-little-as-you-want kind of place. Snorkelling and diving in the Northwest Point Marine National Park, paddleboarding, sailing, deep-sea fishing. On land, nature hikes, decent tennis, an Aman spa, yoga, Pilates, and a surprisingly good fitness program. Families can use the Nature Discovery Centre—which is really code for “keep the kids entertained so I can finally get some sleep.”

Cap Juluca, Anguilla

I mean, it’s absolutely not one of the best beach resorts in the world, but it is on one of the best beaches. Cap Juluca sits on what might be the finest beach in the Caribbean—Maundays Bay—a perfect crescent of soft white sand and calm, turquoise water that somehow looks retouched even when you’re standing in front of it.

The resort’s been around for decades but had a major revamp when Belmond took over. Since our stay last year, they’ve also opened an entirely new flagship spa. The architecture is an odd Arabic-meets-beach hybrid that works. Maybe.  Probably.  Ok, it’s weird, but it’s fine.  White domes and arches frame the sea at every opportunity. Rooms and villas are at least refreshed following a recent refurb, but their real selling point is that they’re all spread along the beachfront, so almost everyone gets that postcard view without having to pay villa prices.

Service is very Caribbean—which is not a compliment. The gym is excellent, there’s a kids club, but the real showstopper (beyond that ridiculous beach) is the food. It’s superb across all their restaurants, which is rare, anywhere in the world.

Cheval Blanc Randheli, Maldives

Another Gathy design, another masterpiece. The villas are enormous and designed to impress—high ceilings, sleek lines, and fastidiously beautiful. All the villas are technically the same category, so even the smallest feels more like a house than a hotel room.

The setting is classic Maldives: overwater villas, impossibly clear lagoons, and sand so white it looks like someone bleached it for the brochure.  It’s a man-made island, so they did have the benefit of being god in how it looked.

There’s a Guerlain spa, which when it opened felt new and revolutionary, whereas now they seem to pop-up more than a Starbucks.  But it’s on its own island, which is a very cool as you take a boat to get there, even if it starts to feel inconvenient and the novelty wears off, at some point.

We always choose to stay on an Island Villa, which are the few beach properties available, mostly because I prefer being on the beach, but also because it’s closer to the main facilities.

Food is where Randheli really shines, especially the pastry department, which is genuinely world-class. The kids club is superb—far better than you’d expect for a property this size. Activities are plentiful (if you can be bothered): diving, sailing, tennis, a surfing machine – standard.

It can all feel a bit pretentious. You’ll be assigned an alchemiste, because apparently “butler” wasn’t quite French enough. They’ll organise everything without being overbearing. Everyone greets you with bonjour, even though you’re in the Maldives. And visually, it feels more Miami than Maldivian. It’s really for people who don’t care where they are, they just want the best. That sounds very judgey—but I’ve been four times myself. I love it. But it’s not for everyone.

Fregate, Seychelles

Ok, so it’s shut for a massive, massive, never-ending rebuild.  But I only update these lists every 7 years, so I’m playing the odds that it will open before the next one and it’s staying in the list.

Kisawa, Mozambique

Kisawa is on Benguerra Island in Mozambique. It’s remote but not hard to reach – fly into Vilanculos, then it’s a short helicopter or speedboat ride to the island. It’s not a private island, but Kisawa is so vast, with only 12 villas, you’ll think it is. Each villa is extremely private, with its own stretch of beach, indoor and outdoor living spaces, a private pool, and that dedicated electric mini-Moke for getting around.

The setting is stunning: Indian Ocean blues, wide white beaches, and sand dunes as far as the eye can see.  The architecture is what sets it apart. And the absolutely gigantic villas, which might be the best “entry level” room category I’ve ever seen. There are also three restaurants, which is impressive given you’ll probably be the only one eating in any of them. Kisawa is more about space, privacy, style, authenticity and the unique activities. It’s for people who want luxury but also care about design, nature, and not seeing another guest if they don’t want to.

Laucala, Fiji

Laucala isn’t a resort. It’s an entire private island in Fiji that just happens to have 25 ridiculously oversized villas scattered around it. At about 3,500 acres (roughly 5.5 square miles), it’s larger than Monaco. So when you say “private island,” this isn’t a Maldives sandbank with a few villas—it’s “you need a car, a horse and a submarine to get around.” It takes over an hour to jet ski around the island and every villa comes with a 4×4-style golf buggy.

The setting is outrageous even by private island standards: white beaches, volcanic mountains, rainforests, and turquoise blue ocean. Each villa comes with a private pool, absurd amounts of space, and design that somehow blends tropical, traditional Fijian with “we had a blank cheque.”

With so many activities on offer, you occasionally forget you came to relax. World-class diving, horseback riding, golf, sailing, water sports, snorkelling, and just swimming in the absurdly large main pool—so large it has its own pool.

The beach isn’t the soft, powdery white you might hope for—more pebbly—but sitting on a beach here feels self-defeating. Villas are so private you might not see another guest for days. It’s all-inclusive, they even throw in free nannies, and once you arrive, there’s absolutely nothing to think about.

The food’s generally good, and since they grow much of their own produce and raise their own livestock, it’s one of the few places that actually justifies the farm-to-table label most places abuse. I just wish they’d bring back the submarine. Time to start a petition.

Service operates on “Fiji time,” which means you’ll get what you want… eventually. Always later than you hoped, but always delivered with a grin, which somehow makes it forgivable—almost.

This is where we chose for our honeymoon. Every place on this list is here for a reason, but a few just feel that little bit more special. Not necessarily better, per se, but when I think about which places I’d be genuinely gutted to lose the day AI takes over and starts wiping us out, Laucala would be at the top of the list.

Last time I wrote about Laucala, I said:

The owner will not live forever, and he entirely subsidises the property with no desire to ever make any money from it.

Well, he’s now dead. And shame on you, as you didn’t listen to me and he died of a broken heart.  And now it’s a COMO. But the money-train continues to flow and early reports are positive about the changes.  We’re returning this July with our young children to see for ourselves.

Miavana, Madagascar

Accessible only via helicopter, in an incredible remote part of the already-remote Madagascar, Miavana came onto the scene in 2017 and promptly shat the bed.  But it tidied itself up and oh, how we fell in love at second sight.

Miavana has 14 villas, all right on the beach, each feeling completely private.  The setting is stunning, and if you time it right, you can see the humpback whales passing through.  But if your timing is really poor, you still have the lemurs, both on the island and available to see during excursions.

North Island, Seychelles

9 years since my first visit, and now onto my fourth time, nothing has really changed here.  But it’s still so unique, and the island so enchanting that it still definitely deserves a place on the list.  I’m not sure I’d have felt I could have added it back in if it were still part of a Marriott, but luckily that mistake is behind us and we can now enjoy that it went through its goth emo phase and is now back to being a human being again.  The island really is stunning, with the landscape so vast you can hike it, or just sit on a beach all day, or literally go get lost.  All 11 villas are besides the beach, with open views, but elevated that make them private and they’re incredibly spacious.  The food is great, service is lovely with a dedicated butler per villa, and there’s a lot to do activity wise.  Sure, it needs a refurb, but damn do I love that island.

Soneva Secret, Maldives

The newest entry to this list, having opened in 2024 on a tiny island with only 14 rooms (well, 13 at the time of writing).

For someone that notoriously does not love Soneva, I found myself loving Soneva Secret.  Yes, all the facilities are rather basic, as the island is so tiny.  It has them all, like a gym, and spa, and a kids club, but none that will impress you.  What will impress you is the huge villas, which are amongst the only I’ve ever stayed in where it didn’t feel like a waste to spend all day in them.  They have a private gym, spa and can be opened up, yet shaded, with endless seating areas, a huge pool, and direct access to the beach or water (depending your room type).  The food is superb, service is excellent, and the area is very, very peaceful and beautiful.

Thanda Island, Tanzania

It’s strange to have a list that includes North Island and for it not to be the most expensive. Thanda takes the crown—but in fairness, you do get the entire island, nine bedrooms, and serious remoteness for the price.

Thanda is the only true private option on this list. While you’ll probably have Soneva Secret, Laucala, or North Island mostly to yourself, there’s always a chance of running into other guests. Not here. No sharing. No awkward small talk at breakfast. Just you, whoever you bring, an army of staff, and one seriously impressive location.

Thanda Island sits off the southern coast of Tanzania, between the mainland and Mafia Island. It’s close enough to reach easily, but once you arrive (most likely via helicopter), it feels like the middle of nowhere.  Turquoise water, coral reefs, soft white sand, and, if you’re lucky, a few whale sharks to swim with.

The service is excellent, the food even better, and, best of all, it’s fully all-inclusive—which, at over $30k a night, you’d hope.

From a brochure perspective, the accommodation won’t wow, nor will the outdated gym, but the setting, endless water toys, easy access to whale sharks, and genuinely fun activities make this an unforgettable stay.

The Brando, French Polynesia

The Brando is a luxury eco-resort on Tetiaroa, a private atoll in French Polynesia. Unlike the more famous (and probably should-be infamous) Bora Bora, this does not suck. Other than some of the epic villa’s in Bora Bora, it’s the only reason I’d even suggest coming to this part of the world. Or if you happen to have a spare $1 million and can book Nukutepipi. I’ve no idea how Bora Bora ended up with the reputation it has while The Brando quietly flies under the radar, but I suppose that’s why more people know McDonald’s than Alain Ducasse.

The resort has 35 private villas and one residence. Yes, it calls itself an eco-resort. It doesn’t look like one, but it certainly takes the whole thing seriously. The villas use sustainable materials and blend traditional Polynesian design with modern luxuries—private plunge pools, direct beach access, and air conditioning, powered by some massive under water sucking device that showed how closely I listened to their briefing.

Activities lean minimalist (some might say boring): snorkelling, paddleboarding, and cultural bits like palm weaving. One of their big selling points is that they’ve eradicated mosquitos, which would be more convincing if I hadn’t still managed to get bitten.

The spa is tucked into the jungle, with treatment villas around a lily-covered pond. The facilities are just as impressive as the setting, with steam rooms, a yoga shelter, couples’ suites, and the same stylish design you’ll find everywhere else here.  Service is a bit so-so, but the food—Polynesian and French—is absolutely superb.

You’re really coming for the serenity, the spa, the food, and the setting. The beach? Fine. A bit grainy, but you’ll survive.

Velaa Private Island, Maldives

Velaa is what happens when a billionaire has the arrogance to think he can do it better than anyone else. And is right.

The island is ridiculous. It’s completely natural, flawlessly maintained, and somehow manages to feel both wild and manicured at the same time. You can walk the whole thing in 15 minutes, but everywhere you look it’s clear no expense has been spared—every palm frond seems to fall exactly where it should, the beaches are perfectly raked without looking artificial, and even the golf course looks like it was landscaped by someone who’d never heard the word “budget.”

Activities? Everything. Golf, tennis, watersports, two spas, a brilliant kids club, gym, jetpacks if you want them, and, of course, the Maldives staples like diving and snorkelling. Or you can do what most people end up doing: absolutely nothing and loving it.

Service is superb.  The food is even better.  My only complaint? The rooms. They’re fine. Maldivian in style, perfectly comfortable, and functionally luxurious. But they could be so much better. Everything else on the island operates at a level where money clearly wasn’t an object—the villas feel like they were the one place where someone said, “That’ll do.”

Honourable mentions

Necker Island. Stunning. Absolutely stunning. That they could take somewhere so beautiful and make it so bad.

Parrot Cay. I love that beach, but you can only truly enjoy the property if you stay in a villa or residence.  And never leave it.

Sirai Beach. Well, it’s not actually on a beach, but what a property.

And, of course, I reserve the right to be wrong about all of this.