Regent Santa Monica Beach • Santa Monica, California, USA

Occupying a glamorous stretch of Ocean Avenue where palm trees frame wide Pacific horizons and the neighborhood’s relaxed buzz drifts in on a salty breeze, Regent Santa Monica Beach pairs Riviera-inspired polish with effortless California ease. Inside, stone, sculpted lighting, and lush arrangements set an elegant coastal mood that is low-key rather than formal. Floor-to-ceiling windows draw daylight deep into the lobby while terraces lead toward the pool deck and shore, inviting you to drift easily between sea air and sleek interiors.

Guest rooms and suites resemble modern beach residences with soft neutral palettes, tactile fabrics, and art that nods to Southern California culture. Generous layouts create distinct areas for sleeping, unwinding, and working, many with balconies that catch golden sunsets over the water. High-thread-count linens, layered textures, and individual climate control support rejuvenation after days filled with sand, shopping, and gallery wandering.

Dining centers around Orla by Michael Mina, where seasonal coastal ingredients inspire Mediterranean-inflected plates paired with California wines and creative cocktails. Nearby, Azure Bar keeps the poolside scene refined with chilled drinks and light, shareable dishes, while Sweet July Café brings an inviting daytime rhythm with coffee, tea, pastries, and grab-and-go fare. In-room dining turns late evenings or slow mornings into private, indulgent rituals.

Wellness takes a curated direction at the Guerlain Wellness Spa, which blends French skincare heritage with California’s coastal glow through exclusive facials, body therapies, and holistic rituals in a 10,000-square-foot sanctuary. A stylish fitness studio, cabana-edged pool, and nearby beachfront pathways encourage movement whenever energy rises. Evenings might unfold with Champagne on a terrace, a sunset walk along the sand, or a private celebration in one of the resort’s event spaces, all supported by attentive service that is warm rather than intrusive. Stays here suit celebratory gatherings, creative retreats, or coastal holidays equally well, balancing Hollywood sparkle with Pacific calm. The oceanfront setting rewards lingering strolls and soft twilights.

Gundari • Folegandros, Greece

On the secluded island of Folegandros, Gundari unfolds across wild cliffs and raw headlands that tumble toward the Aegean, wrapped in some 80 acres of spectacular nature on the island’s south-eastern coast. Suites and villas are scattered across the cliffside to preserve privacy and panoramic views, while low-lying, bioclimatic architecture built largely from local stone blends into the hillside, giving the property the quiet presence of a long-dreamed-of sanctuary.

Interiors take their palette from the surrounding terrain, with stone, timber, linen, and other natural materials creating areas that feel both refined and elemental. Each of the 27 suites and villas offers indoor-outdoor living, with private terraces and infinity pools that seem to merge with the sea below. Expansive openings frame the horizon from living areas and bedrooms, while lighting keeps evenings soft and atmospheric.

Wellness is central. The cliff-edge spa brings together ancient Greek-inspired rituals and native herbs with mineral-rich water, sound baths, energy healing, yoga, and meditation, often led by a curated roster of visiting practitioners. Mornings can begin with practice in open-air or indoor–outdoor spaces, followed by guided hikes along age-old island paths, boat trips to hidden bays and beaches, or simple hours watching the light shift across the Aegean from a shaded terrace.

Dining elevates Greek flavors through the vision of Michelin-starred chef Lefteris Lazarou, whose contemporary menus at Orizon celebrate seasonal island produce, the surrounding Aegean, and thoughtfully selected local and international wines. Long lunches and dinners often unfold on sea-facing terraces at an easy pace, letting conversation and landscape share the spotlight. Sustainability guides the resort’s approach to construction, energy, and landscape — reusing stone from the site, replanting native flora, protecting habitats for species such as Eleonora’s falcon, and pursuing third-party certification with the aim not only to preserve the island but to help regenerate it. Evenings bring a wide, star-studded sky and the sound of waves below, making Gundari a natural fit for those seeking solitude. Design lovers will be drawn to the resort’s understated luxury, while guests curious about authentic Cycladic culture will appreciate an island that remains blissfully unhurried.

Pan Pacific Melbourne • Melbourne, Austrailia

Pan Pacific Melbourne anchors the riverfront South Wharf precinct, giving everyone front-row access to the city skyline, Yarra River vistas, and a lively mix of dining, shopping, and cultural attractions. The hotel connects directly to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, making it an appealing base for conference delegates who prefer a retreat within easy reach of meetings, galleries, and waterfront promenades. From arrival, the mood balances contemporary style with a welcoming sense of ease that suits both business and leisure getaways.

Rooms and suites frame sweeping outlooks over the river, city towers, or Port Phillip Bay through floor-to-ceiling windows that fill spaces with ever-changing light. Interiors favor clean lines, plush bedding, and quietly luxurious finishes, while well considered work areas, storage, and intuitive controls support productivity and rest. Higher-category accommodations, including Pacific Club rooms and suites, unlock access to an elevated lounge where guests enjoy breakfast, all-day refreshments, and evening drinks and canapés in a more intimate setting.

Food and drink also shape the experience at Pan Pacific Melbourne. The award-winning Dock 37 Bar and Kitchen showcase authentic Italian flavors built around locally sourced Australian produce and seasonal menus, complemented by an impressive wine collection displayed in a dramatic walk-through wine gantry suspended above the bar. Café Orr keeps mornings and afternoons easy with coffee, pastries, light meals, and grab-and-go options, while the hotel’s weekend high tea experiences introduce a sense of occasion with three-tier towers of sweet and savory treats served against city and river views.

Staying active is straightforward thanks to a 24-hour fitness center and nearby riverside pathways suitable for running or cycling. Business travelers appreciate the Pacific Business Centre and flexible meeting rooms, while leisure lovers benefit from concierge assistance for theatre tickets, galleries, and neighborhood discoveries beyond South Wharf. Parking options, including self-parking and valet and packages that bundle savings on parking, plus straightforward transport connections, simplify arrivals and day trips around Victoria. Evenings often begin with a drink overlooking the water before guests head to nearby restaurants or events. Returning to Pan Pacific Melbourne feels like coming back to a refined urban residence, where thoughtful service, comfortable design, memorable views, and award-winning credentials combine for stays that suit short city breaks or longer visits.

Beach Enclave Turks & Caicos • Providenciales, Turks & Caicos Islands

With gated enclaves set along some of Providenciales’ most coveted stretches of sand, Beach Enclave brings a residential spirit to Turks and Caicos. Villas and beach houses sit directly above powder-soft shorelines or just steps from the water, giving everyone the feeling of occupying a private estate rather than a traditional resort. Architecture remains low and fluid, with expansive glass, large decks, and outdoor showers that blur boundaries between interior comfort and the tropical landscape.

Each residence is individually furnished yet united by a contemporary Caribbean aesthetic featuring pale woods, plush sofas, and calming artwork. Open-plan living spaces flow toward infinity pools and shaded verandas, ideal for families or friends who value both connection and room to spread out. Fully equipped kitchens and indoor-outdoor dining areas encourage shared meals, while multiple bedrooms and bathrooms support multigenerational trips without compromise.

Service shapes the experience. Dedicated butlers, trained and certified by the British Butler Institute, handle daily rhythms, stocking pantries with pre-arrival provisioning and grocery shopping, arranging excursions, and coordinating details with quiet precision. Private chefs design menus around local seafood, bright produce, and personal tastes, so breakfasts, picnics, and celebratory dinners feel effortless. Concierge teams curate boat outings, wellness sessions, and island exploration tailored to each party’s style.

Guests enjoy exclusive access to some of the most magnificent stretches of beach in Turks and Caicos – the private and secluded North Shore, breezy Long Bay, and the world-renowned sweep of Grace Bay – each offering a different mood throughout the day. Complimentary non-motorized water sports, daily beach and pool set-up with loungers, umbrellas, fresh towels, and coolers of drinks and snacks keep hours by the sea carefree. Whether you arrive for a milestone celebration, an overdue family reunion, or a restorative escape, Beach Enclave creates an environment where togetherness comes naturally and privacy stays protected, so long after departure you’ll remember starlit evenings, the taste of salt, and the attentive care experienced on every stay.

ME Lisbon • Lisbon, Portugal

ME Lisbon rises near Praça do Marquês de Pombal, bringing a bold lifestyle perspective to one of the city’s most central addresses. The property places guests within easy reach of Avenida da Liberdade boutiques, historic quarters, and newer creative neighborhoods while acting as a cultural hub in its own right. Architecture and interiors lean into contemporary lines, polished surfaces, and thoughtful art, creating an environment that feels more like a gallery-infused residence than a conventional city hotel.

Rooms channel Lisbon’s artistic energy with ceramics by local artists, sculptural lighting, and carefully chosen books and objects, including an Assouline Lisboa title that nods to the city. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame wide urban views, and layouts balance comfort with functionality through generous beds, streamlined storage, and integrated technology. Higher category ME+ suites expand the footprint with separate living areas, some with terraces or private patios, along with elevated ME+ benefits such as personalized attention and exclusive experiences.

Gastronomy highlights the social character of the address. Signature restaurants and bars, including Fismuler and Attiko, collaborate with acclaimed culinary teams to present inventive plates, seasonal ingredients, and crafted cocktails that attract both travelers and locals. Days bring relaxed breakfasts and lingering lunches, while evenings shift into a livelier rhythm as DJ sessions, visiting creatives, and cultural events animate public spaces.

Well-being takes center stage at KORPO Spa, where targeted rituals draw on wellness brands Thalion and Scens alongside facilities such as a heated indoor pool, Turkish bath, and sauna. A fully equipped 24-hour gym supports movement whenever it fits your schedule, and the rooftop pool terrace offers loungers, city panoramas, and a refreshing dip between explorations. Pet-friendly policies extend the welcome to four-legged companions with dedicated services and amenities.

Throughout each stay, the ME+ concept weaves in bespoke touches, from tailored experiences and insider recommendations to VIP-style attention from the guest-experience team. The result suits those who enjoy design-forward surroundings, cultural immersion, and a cosmopolitan crowd. ME Lisbon captures the momentum of the Portuguese capital at street level and lifts it skyward into a sky-brushed retreat, with art lovers, style seekers, and music fans all likely to find kindred spirits waiting.

Condado Vanderbilt Hotel • San Juan, Puerto Rico

Set on Puerto Rico’s Atlantic edge in San Juan’s Condado District, Condado Vanderbilt Hotel pairs old-world presence with an easy, beachfront rhythm. The landmark opened on October 16, 1919, developed by Frederick William Vanderbilt and designed by Warren & Wetmore, the firm behind Grand Central Station.

Accommodations span 317 guestrooms, including 100 suites, and the tone is quietly tailored — 300 thread-count Rivolta Carmignani linens, spa-inspired baths with marble showers and stone-topped vanities, and tech that stays out of the way, from Smart TVs with mirroring to complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi. Choose Heritage rooms in the Spanish Revival building (starting around 295 to 350 square feet) for French windows and views toward historic San Juan and the Condado neighborhood. Prefer the water? Tower Ocean View Two Queen rooms in the East and West Towers span about 460 square feet and look out over the water. For a more personalized stay, book a Commodore Oceanfront Suite with complimentary butler service; some layouts add an oceanfront terrace.

Wellness here is designed for both structure and escape. The Spa is open daily with access to facilities that include a stillness lounge, steam, sauna, and rainforest showers, while the oceanfront fitness center is accessible 24 hours with a guest key and features Technogym cardiovascular and strength equipment, plus personal training on request.

Dining keeps the pace flexible. Settle in at 1919 Restaurant, named for the hotel’s opening year, for contemporary fine dining built around local artisans and farmers. Go modern at STK Restaurant, or stay beach-adjacent at Ola Oceanfront, where Caribbean flavors meet Atlantic views. Tacos & Tequila adds a lively Mexican counterpoint, while evenings can drift between VC Lounge’s oceanfront terrace, Veritas Wine & Cognac Bar, Marabar by 1919 for caviar service, and AVO Lounge for cigars.

Outside the doors, the Condado district does the rest with boutiques along Ashford Street, La Ventana al Mar’s ocean-facing plaza, and easy access to the forts and historic streets that define San Juan.

JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa • Phu Quoc, Vietnam

On Phu Quoc’s southern coast, JW Marriott Phu Quoc Emerald Bay Resort & Spa sits on Khem Beach, where white sand and calm water set an easy pace.

Architect Bill Bensley frames the resort as the fictional Lamarck University, a reimagined 19th-century French campus with “departments,” witty signage, and playful details that turn short walks into small discoveries. Accommodations range from rooms and suites to private-pool villas, including a one-bedroom option of about 1,937 square feet and a three-bedroom option of about 4,304 square feet.

The narrative centers on Rue de Lamarck, a lane of low, heritage-style buildings that reads more like a seaside neighborhood than a single resort block. Chanterelle Spa by JW is part of this village-like layout, offering locally inspired massage, beauty, and wellness therapies for long, restorative afternoons. Appointments are required, which helps preserve the unhurried rhythm.

Active travelers can lean into the theme at the Department of Physical Education, the resort’s fitness center. To explore beyond the gym, the resort highlights daily bike tours to local attractions, including Phu Quoc Coconut Prison, or Sunset Town for sky-and-sea views at golden hour.

Back on property, the essentials keep days simple: outdoor pools, snorkeling, watercraft rentals, and a children’s recreation room, plus 24-hour room service, daily housekeeping, turndown service, and in-room Wi-Fi. Groups are also well served, with on-site meeting space that can host workshops, milestone gatherings, or incentive programs between beach sessions.

Dining keeps the variety broad and the pacing flexible. Reserve Pink Pearl by Olivier E. for a polished French evening, go toes-in-the-sand casual at Red Rum for Latin American flavors, or choose Tempus Fugit for Vietnamese and international all-day options. French & Co. covers café bites, while the Department of Chemistry Bar handles the “one more drink” chapter.

Phu Quoc International Airport (PQC) is 7 miles away, so the escape can begin quickly once you are on the island.