Summer 2025’s Chicest Beachfront Retreats
When summer beckons, few invitations are as enticing as the soft whisper of a private shoreline and long, languid days shaped by nothing more than the sun’s path across the sky.
Across the globe’s most coveted coastal enclaves, these beachfront retreats reimagine barefoot luxury — offering not just unrivalled access to sea and sand, but an atmosphere where every detail feels both effortless and impeccably considered. Whether you’re drawn to the wild allure of the Indian Ocean or the timeless glamour of the Mediterranean, these hotels promise summer at its most elegant.
Cheval Blanc Seychelles — Félicité, Seychelles
The newest jewel in the Cheval Blanc collection, this Maison reveals an unspoilt corner of Seychelles on the serene island of Félicité, striking an exquisite balance between castaway charm and polished seclusion.
The villas spill directly onto pristine sands, where the only soundtrack is the gentle rhythm of the tide. Days drift by in a haze of snorkelling over technicolour reefs, beachside picnics curated by your dedicated Alchimiste, and indulgent rituals at the spa pavilions suspended above the Indian Ocean.
Culinary moments are equally noteworthy, with five distinctive restaurants offering everything from relaxed toes-in-the-sand dining to sophisticated soirées beneath the stars. At Cheval Blanc Seychelles, time slows and summer stretches out infinitely.
Belmond La Samanna — St. Martin
Tucked along one of St. Martin’s most unspoilt stretches, Belmond La Samanna is the embodiment of barefoot elegance, where Caribbean warmth is perfectly paired with European refinement.
The resort’s private crescent beach offers powder-soft sand and endless turquoise horizons, setting the scene for uninterrupted relaxation. Should you crave more than a sun-lounger, days can be spent paddleboarding along the coastline, setting sail on a private yacht charter, or simply drifting between the sea and the resort’s infinity pool.
Evenings at L’Oursin restaurant carry the same effortless sophistication that defines every corner of this tranquil island retreat.
Lily of the Valley — La Croix-Valmer, France
Hidden amongst pine-dotted hills above La Croix-Valmer, Lily of the Valley is where Riviera glamour meets wellness-led living. Its private beach, La Plage, is a haven of calm — a peaceful expanse of soft sand reserved exclusively for hotel guests, framed by the warm glow of the Mediterranean. Whether your day is spent lounging beneath a parasol, venturing out by paddleboard, or exploring the coves by boat, every moment here feels wonderfully unhurried.
Back at the hotel, the Shape Club offers tailored programmes designed for both body and mind, while the terrace restaurants provide the perfect spot to while away sunlit afternoons with seasonal Provençal fare.
One&Only Reethi Rah — North Malé Atoll, Maldives
A true icon in the Indian Ocean, One&Only Reethi Rah elevates the private island experience to exceptional heights. Set amidst lush tropical gardens, the villas offer direct access to immaculate stretches of private beach, where days are dictated by the soothing sound of waves.
Guests can dive into coral-filled waters, explore nearby atolls aboard a luxury yacht, or unwind with world-class spa treatments.
Dining is a journey in itself, from sushi and sake at overwater Tapasake to private beach barbecues under starlit skies. At Reethi Rah, every detail feels tailor-made for a truly cinematic summer escape.
La Réserve Ramatuelle — Saint-Tropez, France
Set high above the glittering Saint-Tropez coastline, La Réserve Ramatuelle offers a heady blend of Riviera glamour and serene seclusion. A private path meanders through fragrant gardens down to the hotel’s secluded beach — a slice of sand perfect for early morning swims or golden hour aperitifs.
The days are as restorative as they are indulgent, with tailored wellness therapies, morning yoga sessions and unhurried lunches at the hotel’s sea-view restaurant, Le Restaurant, where the Mediterranean inspires each plate. At La Réserve, it’s all about embracing the slow, sunlit rhythm of the Côte d’Azur.
Il San Pietro di Positano - Amalfi Coast, Italy
Perched dramatically on the cliffs of Positano, Il San Pietro is a masterclass in Italian coastal living. The hotel’s private beach, accessible only via a lift carved into the cliffside, offers the kind of secluded beauty that defines this iconic address.
Guests drift between sea swims and sunbathing before returning to the terrace for aperitivo hour, where Positano’s candy-coloured houses glimmer below.
As night falls, Zass — the hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant — transforms each evening into a culinary spectacle, set against the enchanting backdrop of the Amalfi Coast.
The Art of Seaside Living
From Seychelles’ wild tropical shores to the cinematic cliffs of the Amalfi Coast, these beachfront retreats transform summer into an art form. Here, luxury is not defined by excess, but by ease — the ease of waking up to the sound of waves, of days spent drifting between the sea and sublime cuisine, and of evenings wrapped in sunset hues. Whether your heart leans towards the barefoot elegance of the Indian Ocean or the timeless glamour of the Mediterranean, these hotels offer the perfect invitation to slow down and savour every sunlit moment.