The Best Ocean Views from Hotel Rooms Around the World

We visit properties all over the world, but we have to admit that most of our favorites fall into the “beach hotel” category. After all, few experiences can compete with a “toes in the sand” one…couple that with a “drink in hand,” and you’ve basically found paradise. During our travels, we have stayed in hundreds upon hundreds of ocean-view rooms, but today we’re sharing the truly show-stopping vistas from rooms and suites at hotels with some of the best oceanfront locations around.

Dusit Thani Maldives

The recipe for a perfect ocean-view hotel room? Putting the room right on top of the water. Located on its own private island, that’s exactly what Dusit Thani Maldives does. All rooms here have either direct beach or ocean access, and many come with butler service and private pools. If you’re really looking to splurge, we recommend the Ocean Villa With Pool.

Secret Harbour Beach Resort

Nestled on Nazareth Bay on the East End of St. Thomas, Secret Harbour Beach certainly has a fitting name—and great views can be had from many points throughout the property, including the Two-Bedroom Condo. Guests have a choice of Studios or One- or Two-Bedroom Condos, and each has updated decor (except for some bedspreads) and fully equipped kitchens, as well as great views of the beach, which is certainly the highlight; it is defined by palm trees, hammocks, loungers, white sand, and turquoise water.

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Hard Rock Hotel Cancun

With a gorgeous infinity pool featuring ocean views and two popular swim-up bars, five restaurants serving international cuisine, live entertainment, a great spa, and a wonderful kids’ club, the Hard Rock screams “all-inclusive Cancun megaresort.” But this property is of the upscale variety: All rooms feature contemporary decor with rock-n-roll-style twists, open bathrooms with double jetted tubs, balconies with either ocean or lagoon views, and modern amenities, like flat-screen TVs and iPod docks.

The Royal Palm, Miami-South Beach

A modern reincarnation of Miami’s first luxury hotel, also named The Royal Palm, this property provides direct beach access to a sandy stretch equipped with longboards, boogie boards, umbrellas, and chairs—all provided by the hotel (but thanks to a required daily “beach fee.”) Stylish rooms feature intricately tiled bathrooms, free Wi-Fi, fully loaded minibars, and one-of-a-kind “day paintings” made by professional artists in under one hour. Some have views of Key Biscayne or partial ocean views, so the best vistas can be found in the oceanfront rooms, like the Oceanfront King Room.

Seven Stars Resort

All of the extra-special amenities you’d have to upgrade to get at other resorts come standard at Seven Stars. Ornate tile mosaics, espresso machines, expansive terraces with ocean views, and beautifully dressed four-poster king beds can be found in all the rooms. With three dining options (one of which provides the free breakfast), a heated saltwater pool, spa, kids’ club, 24-hour fitness center, and sprawling beachfront, this resort is among the best in Turks and Caicos.

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Royal Lahaina Resort

A 15-minute walk outside Kaanapali’s main strip, the family-owned Royal Lahaina has what the Kaanapali mega-resorts lack—a quiet, isolated beachfront. Guests can either opt for Garden or Cottage rooms to be just steps from the sand, or choose a room housed in the main tower for sweeping ocean views from high-storied balconies.

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Trisara Phuket

Trisara Phuket is one of the most luxurious and private five-pearl properties in Phuket. Guests are met at the airport by an SUV and shuttled to the stylish resort, complete with a private sandy beach, infinity-edge swimming pool, and three restaurants. Each accommodation, from the least expensive room to the Six-Bedroom Villa to the over-the-top Boathouse, has a view of the ocean and a private pool. (Pools vary in size depending on room category.) A flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi, stocked minibar, air-conditioning, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and robes and slippers are standard in each as well, and the bathrooms are almost as big as the bedrooms.

Mount Hartman Bay Estate

The unique, artistic design of this 11-room boutique hotel helps it stand out against the upscale competition. The main building looks like something between a spaceship and a Hobbit mansion, and is meant to blend into the natural landscape. All rooms here take advantage of the setting with decks or terraces that look out over the ocean. The Owner’s Suite, however, is perhaps the most luxurious and features views from not only the terrace and bedroom, but also the living room and bathroom as well.

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Cozumel Palace

Cozumel Palace is a largely upscale, though relatively small, oceanfront resort situated on the west coast of Cozumel island. Its location means super-easy access from the ferry port and it is close to local amenities. Rooms are impressively spacious with large spa tubs, sea-view balconies, and plenty of free liquor. Although the resort caters to kids, the focus is far more on couples seeking a romantic getaway.

Carlisle Bay

Carlisle Bay offers understated luxury on Antigua’s southern coast. The resort has dedicated sections for both families and couples, and successfully appeals to both with its lovely white-sand beach, calm ocean, free non-motorized water sports, and impressive kids’ club. The 82 rooms are modern and sophisticated if not very distinctly Caribbean, but ocean views from balconies or terraces in all up the beach-y factor.

—Jane Reynolds

This article was originally published by Oyster.com under the headline The Best Ocean Views from Hotel Rooms Around the World. It is reprinted here with permission.

More from Oyster:

• You Won’t Believe These 17 Hotel Photos Are Real
• The Caribbean’s Cutest Bed & Breakfasts
• Everything You Need to Know Before a Trip to Turks and Caicos

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