6 Beach Villas and Suites to Level-Up Your Next Vacation

The evergreen appeal of a beach trip never seems to fade, but a stay at a beach villa truly ups the ante.

From the Caribbean to the Greek isles, these locales are so alluring that even those in your party who typically opt to hide under the shade of an umbrella may come home converted beach lovers…

Rocky beaches, white sand beaches, dramatic cliffs, or sandbars that stretch out to the horizon—for us, there’s a different beach for every mood. Add some residence-like accommodations to that perfect natural backdrop, and you’ve just planned a vacation that’s pretty hard to beat. Still, there are those among us who don’t consider themselves “beach people.” Perhaps you’re not a fan of the sand, sunburn easily, or just can’t get down with the open sea; rest assured that even for the beach adverse, we’ve got some tricks up our sleeves. We’ve rounded up six properties boasting beach villas and suites with accommodations memorable enough to make the trip worth it in and of itself. From the Caribbean to the Greek isles, these locales are so alluring that even those in your party who typically opt to hide under the shade of an umbrella may come home converted beach lovers—or, at the very least, they’ll adore the comforts of these beach villas and suites so much that they’ll be ready to give beach trips another try.

Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

Dorado, Puerto Rico

The former Laurance Rockefeller Estate on fifty lush acres of Puerto Rico’s northern coast, Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve has been making a splash on “best of Caribbean” lists for years. Rockefeller developed the property as both a hotel and a nature preserve, and in 2012, The Ritz-Carlton debuted Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve as the first of its kind in the Americas. It should come as no surprise then that the property has impeccable service, a championship golf course, and a five-star spa. The five-acre Spa Botánico pays homage to the resort’s natural setting with treehouse treatment rooms, an outdoor reflexology pool, private gardens for couples massages, and a picturesque apothecary ripe with plants and herbs to facilitate wellness and healing.

A private infinity pool, personal chef and embajador to arrange all the details of your stay, seal the deal.

While all of the 114 accommodations are spacious (the smallest is still an impressive 941 square feet) the East Five bedroom Villa makes an indelible mark — the villa feels more like an ultra-luxury apartment than a hotel, with modern indoor living spaces that can be fully opened onto the dramatic outdoor terrace. A private infinity pool, personal chef and embajador to arrange all the details of your stay, seal the deal. In fact, Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve was named the only Forbes Five-Star resort in Puerto Rico.

The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas

St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Following a $100 million renovation after 2017’s Hurricane Irma, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas is back and better than ever. Set on thirty acres overlooking pristine Great Bay, the resort’s ocean views are stunning (and we mean, stunning). Views aside, the property evokes traditional Caribbean architecture paired with memorable adventure and relaxation opportunities—like daily trips to nearby islands aboard the property’s fifty-five-foot catamaran Lady Lynsey, or massages in the seaside cabana right at the ocean’s edge. The 180 rooms and suites are neutrally and tastefully designed to complement nature, the designers knowing full well that there’s no way to beat the beauty of the oasis outdoors. Named the US Virgin Islands’ Leading Resort for four years running by World Travel Awards, it’s easy to see why buzz exists around this special property. 

The three large bedrooms—each decorated in woven fabrics with gleaming marble floors—provide sleeping space for up to eight guests.

When it comes to a ‘wow’ beach villa, the 3,000 square foot three-bedroom Presidential Suite is hard to beat. Its two outdoor balconies overlook the white sand beach and the Caribbean Sea, in addition to providing ample room to spend the day lounging with a daiquiri and a book in hand. The three large bedrooms—each decorated in woven fabrics with gleaming marble floors—provide sleeping space for up to eight guests. Those staying in the Presidential Suite are also given access to The Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge, often referred to as a “hotel within a hotel.” The Club provides access to a private stretch of beach only for use by Club guests, as well as unique in-room amenities (like complimentary ironing service), and a private concierge to work out all the details of your stay. Come for the Presidential Suite, stay for the Club. 

The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman

Cayman Islands

Set on Grand Cayman’s famous Seven Mile Beach, The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman is known for its white sand and perfectly clear waters. Plus, the resort offers the Caribbean’s only Forbes Five-Star restaurant, the delicious Blue by Eric Ripert. And speaking of Forbes, the hotel just won the Forbes Triple Five-Star Award for its hotel experience, spa, and Blue by Eric Ripert restaurant, making it the first and only Triple Five-Star Property in the Caribbean in Forbes Travel Guide’s 2024 Star Awards! This resort is also totally family-friendly, with lots of touches kids will love—like Starfish Cay, an impressive water-integrated splash pad and playground that comes in very handy for a change of scenery. When it comes to comfort, the property’s 369 accommodations are elegant and spacious with cozy interiors, huge windows, and outdoor balconies that take advantage of the views. The interior design includes subtle nods to the island aesthetic, like four-poster beds and palm leaf wallpaper; but the resort’s real accommodation showstopper is Seven South.

The nine-bedroom accommodation combines the 8,000-square-foot, three-bedroom Grand Cayman Penthouse, with four adjoining two-bedroom suites… 

Seven South is the largest luxury hotel suite configuration in the Caribbean. The nine-bedroom accommodation combines the 8,000-square-foot, three-bedroom Grand Cayman Penthouse, with four adjoining two-bedroom suites. The result is a massive 20,000-square-foot palace with indoor and outdoor living space, and sleeping room for eighteen guests. Seven South takes the entire top floor of the resort’s Ocean Tower which means panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea and a wraparound terrace. Inside, the rooms are tastefully decorated in neutral tones with accents of turquoise to match the sea. Seven South has a few other tricks up its sleeve: like private elevator access, a private outdoor shower, as well as a fire pit. When it comes time to leave the room, don’t worry, Seven South also comes with a private beach cabana.

The Miami Beach EDITION

Miami, Florida

Waves were made when a historic mid-century hotel was transformed into The Miami Beach EDITION. Renowned for its chic design and vibrant nightlife, the hotel is set on three and a half acres right in the heart of vibrant Miami Beach. Today, the resort acts as a Miami destination in and of itself, with unique features that range from an ice-skating rink to a bowling alley. Plus, there’s dining from Michelin-starred chef Jean Georges Vongerichten at Matador Room—a restaurant with a 1940s supper-club vibe that serves up locally sourced fish and vegetables with a Latin American flavor.

The Bungalow Penthouse also features 1,900 square feet of private outdoor space including a private plunge pool and terrace that overlooks the resort’s iconic pool…

With 294 guest rooms and suites, and twenty-eight private bungalows, the real pièce de résistance here is the Bungalow Penthouse. The penthouse is casual and elevated at the same time, think warm wood finishings and creamy white furniture—all of it ultra-comfortable. This bi-level suite has a private elevator and wrap-around balcony with both ocean and city views. The Bungalow Penthouse also features 1,900 square feet of private outdoor space including a private plunge pool and terrace that overlooks the resort’s iconic pool surrounded by palm trees, or the bustling Miami Beach.

W Costa Navarino

Costa Navarino, Greece

The first W Hotel in Greece, W Costa Navarino is set in the stunning Peloponnese region known for its fascinating history and natural beauty. Perched on the shores of the Ionian Sea, W Costa Navarino is a fusion of fun and wellness thanks to its world-class spa and natural geothermal hot spring. The resort features elegantly designed suites with private pools, expansive terraces, and stylish interiors that blend modern luxury with natural beauty. We should also mention the resort is exclusively for adults and children over the age of twelve, making it blissfully…devoid of kids splashing at the pool.

…the real show stopper is the EWOW Beachfront Infinity Three-Bedroom Villa. Every element of the villa is positioned toward the beach, so you can take in the unmatched views.

While all of the property’s 245 rooms, suites, and villas are thoughtfully designed—and a stone’s throw from the long white-sand beach—though, the real show stopper is the EWOW Beachfront Infinity Three-Bedroom Villa. Every element of the villa is positioned toward the beach, so you can take in the unmatched views. The villa also features a private infinity pool with direct beach access, a private terrace, and the perfect sunset positioning. Inside, the bedrooms, dining, and living rooms are decorated in gorgeous beach tones and natural fabrics, perfect to cozy up after a beach day or to spend the day relaxing amidst the comforts of the villa.

Santa Marina, a Luxury Collection Resort, Mykonos

Mykonos, Greece

Located on a private peninsula in Mykonos—notably the only private stretch of beach on this popular island—Santa Marina, a Luxury Collection Resort, Mykonos offers elegance paired with vast Aegean Sea views. The property has evolved over time, beginning as the home estate of Greek businessman Elias Papgeorgiou and slowly becoming the resort you see today. During your stay, you’ll note that a few residential touches remain, including the property’s original windmill and the whitewashed chapel. That said, there are also thoroughly modern additions, like the popular Buddha-Bar Beach which offers nightlife and dining that will have you returning home to tell friends, “You have to go here.”  

Extremely private, this elegant five-bedroom villa is set within a lush garden against gorgeous Ornos Bay.

Among the 101 rooms, and thirteen villas and cottages, the Five-Bedroom Turquoise Villa has our heart. Extremely private, this elegant five-bedroom villa is set within a lush garden against gorgeous Ornos Bay. For an option even more epic, the Turquoise Villa can be combined with the Crystal Two-Bedroom Villa to create a massive seven-bedroom boasting nearly 5,000 square feet of interior space and over 6,000 square feet of private exterior space. The villas also include butler service, along with a private terrace and pool. Inside, the rooms are the definition of cozy luxury with woven textures, plush furniture, and neutral shades. A home away from home? You very well may be returning to share inspo with your interior designer.

Ready to book your own beach villa or suite? Contact your SmartFlyer travel advisor to get started.