Lady LUX

There’s a reason beach resorts are such popular tourist destinations. As winter is upon us, and many search for a temporary escape to sunnier climes, for your next sun-and-surf getaway, think beyond Hawaii. LadyLUX has compiled a list of luxurious options to consider when searching for that fab beach spot in which to lean back, relax and let the world go away.

Ko Samui, Thailand

Ko Samui, or “island of the coconut trees,” is Thailand’s third largest island and is increasingly seeing traffic as nearby Phuket swarms with tourists. With emerald-green water and coral reefs, plus its famous international fare, this place is quickly getting on the map.

A 55-kilometer-long road rings the island, making it easy to travel from beach to beach, and you can also add a visit to neighboring sister islands. The largest beach on the island, the 3-mile long Chaweng Beach, offers water adventure such as kayaking, jet skiing, parasailing and wind surfing. Don’t miss the curious sights: the 80-foot tall gold-tiled Big Buddha, the beautiful rocks at Lamai Beach, the Snake Farm and the numerous scampeing monkeys.

Check out the luxe lodgings featuring private beach access, which offer so many attractions you may never leave the hotel. Our luxe accommodation of choice is Silavadee Pool Spa Resort, located on a bolder-laden hill overlooking the Gulf and offering villas, each with private pools. Just don’t get too relaxed to miss out on the abundant nightlife options in Chaweng.

Sources: New York Times; Lonely Planet; KohSamui.org; TripAdvisor; FatPassort

Maldives

Situated in the middle of the Indian Ocean, the islands are a string of low-lying coral reefs that sprung up on the sides of ancient volcanoes that have sunk into the ocean waters. The water, a superior shade of blue, is perfect for snorkeling or just splashing around. Enjoy typical water activities, such as windsurfing, catamaran sailing, parasailing, banana boating and waterskiing in the nation’s 26 natural atolls and huge lagoons. Rent an underwater camera and capture the beauty, or view it through glass-bottomed boats.

Maldives is not only one of the world’s top diving and snorkeling destinations, it also has some of the world’s best fishing grounds. Choose from big game fishing, nightfishing or just go the “regular” route. Another unforgettable experience is visiting one of the Maldives’ many uninhabited islands; the country is made of about 1,190 islands and only 200 are populated. These islands are straight out of “Gilligan’s Island,” filled with tropical forest and palm trees – and you can stay overnight.

When you have finished sunbathing on the beach, head to Male for the Mulee-aage palace; the National Museum, full of a stunning artifacts; the 17th-century Friday Mosque; and the Islamic Center, topped with a magnificent golden dome.

Our favorite luxe accommodation, the exclusive Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, is located on the private island of Dhuni Kolhu.

Sources: TripAdvisor; Lonely Planet; World Travel Guide; iExplore

Tulum, Mexico

Near Cancun, but far away enough from the crowds to truly relax, lies Tulum, Mexico, the perfect beach stop to combine with soaking up some history at Mayan ruins. Check out this Mexican Caribbean stop before it gets too discovered. Tropical jungle is within walking distance.

The ruins of Tulum were once a busy commercial walled city, and enough remains today to see the burial sites, a tall pyramid and more. Be sure to pay a tour guide to learn all the history behind the ruins, and don’t forget to browse the selection of handicrafts – the spot includes a large craft market—and see some pole flying by the Mayan Pole Flyers.

Get adventurous and explore the most extensive system of underwater caves and caverns on the planet through a diving expedition. For the tamer at heart, you may snorkel and still experience the huge stalagmites, stalactites and other rock formations of the caves.

Looking for a place to stay that will knock your socks off? Check out Dreams Tulum Resort & Spa, with a colonial hacienda-style façade, full ocean views and your very own patio hammock.

Sources: About.com; TripAdvisor; TravelYucatan; Hidden Worlds; GranCenote.com

Boracay Island, Philippines

Situated about 350 kilometers south of Manila, Boracay Island is merely 7 kilometers long. Its fantastic beaches have put it on the map – the island has made several lists (including Yahoo Travel) as one of the world’s best beaches.

White Beach is considered one of Boracay’s biggest tourist attractions due to its white, powderlike sand and cobalt water. To see and be seen, White Beach is the “it” spot; traverse the hotels, food options, stores, and more.

While Boracay offers the requisite diving, horseback riding, sailing, golfing and other leisure activities, it also boasts some fairly unique snorkeling. Check out Laurel Island to snorkel amid the fish and the coral in partly flooded cave that is open to the ocean.

While the top draw is the white sand beaches, Boracay boasts some other attractions that are worth your time. Mount Luho provides some top-notch hiking or mountain biking, with a panoramic viewpoint. The Dead Forest, a former mangrove swamp full of twisted mangroves, is alleged by locals to be haunted. Or see the KAR-TIR Seashell Museum and the Boracay Butterfly Garden with its rare butterflies.

Looking for a luxe staycation? Be sure to check out Discovery Shores Boracay Island, with a 45-foot high waterfall and a two-level clubhouse that offers restaurants, bars and a world-class spa.

Sources: Lonely Planet; Yahoo Travel; Boracay Online; eTravel Pilipinas; Boracay Beaches
Seychelles

Composed of 115 islands off the east coast of Africa, Seychelles is a stunning archipelago boasting both the oldest mid-oceanic granite islands on the planet and low-lying coral atolls and reef islands on its outer edges. Fine white sand and sparkling blue-green waters surrounded by tropical hills – and, as Lonely Planet reports, few tourists – make for a top getaway. Seychelles’ pristine beaches have won the nation the title of one of the world’s best beaches.

Mahe, the main island, is the hub and harbors the best cultural options, plus is covered in about 65 beaches. But those who venture beyond the sand will be rewarded with lush forests and mountain peaks filled with exotic flora and fauna; pastoral villages; and bustling shopping. We recommend those looking for luxe accommodations check out Mahe’s Cerf Island Resort, where guests can choose a private villa with all the modern amenities and take advantage of the full service beach and nature spa.

One of Seychelles’ big claims to fames is its ecotourism: It is home to many rare species of plants and animals, and nearly half of its area is covered by national parks. And don’t forget the fins. As the largest coral atoll in the world, Seychelles offers some prime scuba diving, with diverse, colorful species swarming through the waters.

In addition, more than 1.4 million sq. km of fishing grounds await the would-be fishermen out there, with large catches frequent and 5-kg catches the usual. Seychelles is also known as “the” place for saltwater fly-fishing.

Sources: Lonely Planet; Seychelles.travel; New Adventures; World 66; VirtualTourist

Tagged in: travel, vacation, resort, beach, boracay island, maldives, mexico, philippines, seychelles, tulum, ko samui, thailand,