The ocean might be the world’s oldest wellness treatment. Research suggests that spending time by the sea can improve our sense of wellbeing, and a new generation of beach hotels is making the most of it, with open views, outdoor living and nature at their doorstep. Tapping into our growing desire to disconnect and spend more time by the water, the latest openings go beyond a beautiful beach setting, bringing together ambitious design, destination dining, wellness and a stronger sense of place.
Image Credit: CN Traveler
Don Carlos Marbella, Spain
Since 1969, Don Carlos has perfected Marbella’s art of living outdoors. Set among lush subtropical gardens beside the golden sands of the Costa del Sol, the beachfront icon has been reimagined by designer Jaime Beriestain. Sol y Sombra champions local produce and market-fresh fish, Oasis Kitchen offers vibrant plant-led dishes, while Lucia Marbella brings its Cuisine du Soleil, bar and pool directly to the shoreline.
Mondrian Gold Coast, Australia
Just steps from one of Australia’s most famous surf beaches, Mondrian Gold Coast brings contemporary design and destination dining to Burleigh Heads. Mornings begin with espresso and coastal Italian plates at LiTO before the scene moves upstairs to Haven’s surf-to-plate seafood, ocean views and poolside DJ sets. Below, CIEL Spa resets the pace with touchless therapies, a high-performance fitness studio and two magnesium plunge pools.
Image Credit: Four Seasons Hotel
Four Seasons Hotel Mykonos, Greece
Mykonos has a new whitewashed village, cascading across six cliffside hectares to a private beach. Designed by Greek architect Nicos Valsamakis, Four Seasons Hotel Mykonos reinterprets Cycladic architecture. Corbu serves coastal Italian cooking all day; after dark, Álef brings premium cuts, fresh seafood and Greek and Old World wines to its candlelit Mediterranean grill.
The Red Sea EDITION, Saudi Arabia
Set on Shura Island amid pristine beaches, crystalline waters and coral-rich landscapes, The Red Sea EDITION takes its palette from the surrounding dunes. Its 240 rooms and 53 suites are layered in natural oak and coral stone, with selected suites featuring private plunge pools. Central reimagines American comfort food with local ingredients, while Jiwa Terrace serves poolside ceviche and fresh juices. The Recovery Dome completes the experience with snow therapies and infrared saunas.
Image Credit: CN Traveler
Rosewood Mandarina, Mexico
Between rainforest, mountain and Pacific shoreline, Rosewood Mandarina scatters 134 suites and villas across three distinct ecosystems. Every accommodation has a private plunge pool, terrace and bespoke pieces created with Wixárika and Cora artisans. La Cocina cooks handmade tortillas on a traditional comal, while mountaintop Toppu combines Japanese technique with Mexican ingredients around an open irori grill.
.Here Baa Atoll, Maldives
.Here unfolds across two private islands, Somewhere and Nowhere, linked by a sandbank. Somewhere holds seven two-storey residences with beach and overwater bedrooms, plus infinity pools stretching up to 47 metres. Nowhere adds two residences and can be reserved entirely. At lagoon-side SAFAR, global flavours, fire-led cooking and island influences meet beneath a design inspired by Bodu Beru dancers.
Image Credit: NIHI Rote
NIHI Rote, Indonesia
At Indonesia’s southern edge, NIHI Rote opens onto Bo’a Beach and its legendary barrel wave. The remote retreat comprises 21 thatched villas and duplex estates crafted from carved wood, rattan and local materials, each with a private plunge pool. Nammo Beach Club brings together ocean views, a beachfront pool and relaxed dining shaped by Rotenese flavours, local farms and the daily catch.
Salterra, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, South Caicos
Shaped by South Caicos’ salt-harvesting history, Salterra sets 100 oceanfront rooms and suites along a secluded 3,000-foot beach. Six dining venues range from Latin-inspired Cobo Bar & Grill to Brine, where the concept draws on the island’s “white gold.” An eight-treatment-room spa and four pools slow the pace, while reef snorkelling, kayaking and guided bonefishing reveal the island from the water.
Image Credit: Landezine International Landscape Award
BLESS Ibiza The Site, Spain
On the beachfront of Playa d’en Bossa, BLESS Ibiza The Site brings contemporary design to Ibiza’s livelier shoreline. Ten COYA rooms and suites, the restaurant brand’s first accommodations worldwide, carry its colourful identity beyond the dining room. COYA serves vibrant Peruvian cuisine, Leña reimagines wood-fired cooking, and Sublimotion combines haute cuisine with immersive technology and performance. A rooftop for sunset cocktails and Soulful Spa offer two very different ways to slow down.
Cheval Blanc Seychelles, Seychelles
Between the jungle and the white sands of Anse Intendance, Cheval Blanc Seychelles unfolds across 22 hectares of Mahé. Architect Jean-Michel Gathy designed its 52 beach and hillside villas as a contemporary tribute to Creole traditions, many with 13-metre pools. Five restaurants move from French gastronomy at Le 1947 to Japanese cuisine beside the lake at Mizumi and Creole flavours on the sand at Sula. The Seychelles’ first Guerlain spa brings a wellness dimension to the wild setting.