Destinations: Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai

Where Are Best Beach Vacations In the World?

Posted on by Lenise Willis

Whether you prefer an aquatic adventure, the most colourful sunset or the tranquillity that comes from serene crystal waters, the world is full of opportunities to revel in paradise.

In seeking the best beach vacations in the world, we’ve compared your favourite stretches of sand, as displayed on social media, with our own beloved picks, from Bora Bora to Vietnam. These 12 beaches, selected from six regions around the world, are ideal for your next tropical getaway.

Best Beaches in the Pacific Islands

Amid away-from-it-all volcanic islands, the beaches of Indonesia and French Polynesia boast sapphire waters surrounded by emerald mountains.

Traveller’s Pick: Bora Bora

 

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On Instagram, Bora Bora is repeatedly deemed a favourite escape, even called the land of “50 shades of blue.” In addition to the seemingly endless waters, guests can soak in the sight of Mount Otemanu. The recently enhanced overwater bungalow suites at Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora take the beach vacation to the next level, offering 360-degree views and complete immersion in the aquatic life.

Editor’s Pick: Bali at Jimbaran Bay


Sundara, Bali at Jimbaran Bay

Sundara, lauded as the best beach club in Bali, sets this escape apart from the rest. Enjoy live music, sundown cocktails and fresh Jimbaran seafood while you lounge beachside.

The lure of the exotic leads us to another one of our favourite tropical escapes: the beach of Jimbaran Bay. With volcanic mountains visible in the distance, soft white sand and year-round warm temperatures characterize the Bali beach.

After relaxing in the sun, get active with catamaran spilling, stand-up paddle boarding and surfing Bali’s famous breaks. Linger for Jimbaran’s magical sunsets with a drink at Sundara beach club and fresh seafood at Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay.

Best Beaches in Latin America

Though typically known for its vivid rain forests, South America and Central America can also claim some of the world’s most beautiful beaches.

Traveller’s Pick: Costa Rica

 

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No setting sun is more gorgeous than one dozily sinking behind the ocean, which is why Costa Rica is one of your favourite beaches at day’s end. With warm gulf waters, pristine white sands and tropical trees swaying inland, the Gulf of Papagayo is a premier setting for beach photos – day and night.

Editor’s Pick: Punta Mita


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The Marieta Islands just off the coast of Mexico have hidden beaches perfect for a secluded escape.

With nearby golf courses and opportunities for surfing, Punta Mita is one of our favourite beaches for those who want to do more than just relax.

For a day excursion, visit Islas Marietas National Park, just a few miles west of Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita and relax on one of the world’s most unusual beaches. The islands, formed by volcanic activity, are rich in natural wildlife. From December to March, marvel at the power and grace of humpback whales during their migration through the bay.

Best African Beaches

Home to some of the best lesser-known snorkelling and diving spots, the islands off Africa are excellent options for your next beach getaway.

Traveller’s Pick: Seychelles

Just off the coast of East Africa lie Four Seasons Resort Seychelles and Four Seasons Resort Seychelles at Desroches Island, home to numerous beaches and nature reserves. Nature is awe-inspiring here. You may even catch a glimpse of a rare giant Aldabra tortoise.

“Nothing can beat Seychelles sunsets,” says traveller Tania Gae Mllitello. Besides the beautiful close of the day, she also loves the relaxed atmosphere and the great surfing waves. “On a Sunday afternoon you can go there and find many Seychellois and tourists together catching waves or having a picnic by the beach.

Editor’s Pick: Mauritius


Hidden enclave by ocean

Surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean and basking in nearly year-round sunshine, Mauritius is an island paradise.

The island of Mauritius, blissfully stranded in the Indian Ocean, beckons travellers who seek the serenity of being one with nature. At Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita guests can enjoy three private beaches, with their choice of a beach sofa, palm tree hammock or sun lounger on Ile aux Cerfs, the Resort’s exclusive private island.

Sail the turquoise sea, marvel at giant tortoises on the beach, play golf on a championship course, or just gaze at the glinting water outlined by the Bambou Mountains in the distance.

Best Beaches in Southeast Asia

With some of the world’s most varied coral reefs and year-round tropical climate, the “East Indies” offer travellers some of the most picturesque scenes for their beach vacation.

Traveller’s Pick: The Maldives

Guests seeking stillness and tranquillity often turn to the beaches of the Maldives, a nation made up of more than 1,000 coral islands known for their blue lagoons and underwater scenery. Katharina Horstmann claims the Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru as her favourite beach because “it reveals the perfect beauty of nature.”

“For me, [true happiness] is when I walk alone on the beach through the coral sand, while the shallow turquoise water tickles my toes.”

For the ultimate in peaceful seclusion, escape to Maldives Private Island Voavah at Baa Atoll.

Editor’s Pick: Hoi An, Vietnam


Beach at Hoi An, Vietnam

Enjoy direct access to Ha My Beach from your suite at Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai in Hoi An, Vietnam.

Lying in Vietnam’s cultural heartland, the tranquil kilometre-long stretch of beach in Hoi An has been deemed one of the world’s best beaches, and it’s also a relaxing perch from which to explore the country’s rich history.

In between bouts of lazing in the sun, take an excursion to any of the three UNESCO heritage sites nearby: Hue’s imperial city, the temple sanctuary of My Son and Hoi An’s enchanting lantern-lit streets.

Best Beaches in the United States

Whether you’re looking to ride a gnarly wave, sail the Atlantic or escape to the peaceful exotic, the United States of America has a beach for you.

Traveller’s Pick: Lanai, Hawaii

Though Lanai begs to be photographed for its Hawaiian sunsets, swaying palms and sweeping views of the Pacific, its starry night sky is what moved Mark Edward Harris to share the beauty of what has been long celebrated by guests as a favourite American beach destination.

Spend the day playing in the white sands of the secluded “Shipwreck Beach,” accessible only by 4×4 jeep, and snorkelling in the waters of Hulopoe Bay, a protected marine preserve. Then hike to Pu’uPehe (Sweetheart Rock), 20 minutes from Four Seasons Resort Lanai, and stare into the glittering nighttime.

Editor’s Pick: Palm Beach, Florida


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Make Palm Beach, Florida your perch to enjoy natural views and beach tranquillity.

With 47 miles of pristine golden beaches, Palm Beach, Florida, has a setting for everyone – from romantically private stretches of sand to family-friendly beaches with playgrounds, nature centres and beach parks that offer snorkelling, windsailing, fishing or paddleboarding. Catch a gleeful glimpse of a loggerhead turtle, or relax in a cabana with the complimentary service of personal beach staff at Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach.

Best Caribbean Getaways

Southeast of the Gulf of Mexico, the tropical Caribbean is home to more than 7,000 islands, islets, reefs and cays. How do you choose the best?

Traveller’s Pick: Nevis

 

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Called a “hidden gem” by guests, Nevis offers lovely beaches that are almost never crowded. “We spent every evening on this beach watching the beautiful sun set into the ocean,” says Anna Ng, who selected Nevis as her favourite beach getaway. “You truly feel like you’re on a quiet, remote island away from the rest of the world.”

On the north side of the island is a sweet spot, Lovers Beach, virtually hidden from the road. Its secluded location ensures guests optimal privacy. Locals agree that the best beaches on the island are on the northern and western shores. A more popular spot is Pinney’s Beach, running for about three miles near Four Seasons Resort Nevis.

Editor’s Pick: Anguilla


Anguilla hammock

Relax in your choice of a hammock or beach lounger while enjoying the laid-back atmosphere in Anguilla.

From hidden coves to long stretches of powdery sand, Anguilla is home to 33 breathtaking beaches. And with no cruise ships or casinos allowed, you’re promised a relaxing scene for unwinding. Bask in the low-key spirit of the British Overseas Territory while locals share their passion for boat racing, Caribbean music – and food.

Its impeccable scenery combined with a coastal dining scene like no other, Anguilla easily makes it to the top of our list of best beach vacations in the world. Its silky sand is highlighted by more than 100 restaurants, from rustic to luxurious, several of them right on the water. Enjoy a rum punch, a local lobster delicacy and the everlasting allure of the sea at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla.

YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

Your next beach vacation starts now

Overwater bungalows

Our Travel Intentions for 2025

Posted on by Jennifer Sanchez

This year, meet the anticipation of a new beginning with moments of appreciation. The meditative sound of crystal singing bowls at The Heart of The Earth Spa in Hoi An, putting your mind at ease. The way each dish of the seven-course tasting menu at Michelin-starred Auro takes you on a sensory journey through the current season in Napa Valley. The smile on the face of your favourite person as you learn to flamenco dance together in Madrid. When you travel with intention, every moment becomes quietly, sublimely extraordinary. At Four Seasons, wellness, connection and meaningful moments are what we’re looking forward to in 2025. Come set your own travel intentions with us.

Spa pavilion set along a topical lagoon

Travel to The Heart of The Earth Spa at Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An, Vietnam to attune with the natural world.

Massage therapist massages person laying face down on a table set next to large doors that open out onto a tropical lagoon

Whether you book a healing massage, a personalized wellness session or a private yoga class, your time at The Heart of The Earth Spa will a lasting impression.

Two people practice yoga on a raised outdoor platform with sail shades overhead and surrounded by a tropical landscape

Explore different styles of yoga through a variety of complimentary classes or bespoke yoga sessions.

Wellness: A focus on yourself

Travelling with intention starts from within. That means slowing down and staying present. That could be achieved through daily mindfulness exercises or a meditation practice that keeps you centred while you’re on vacation – or perhaps through travelling to a place where you know your well-being will be nurtured in a caring, intentional way.

With its overwater treatment pavilions set atop a lotus-filled lagoon, The Heart of The Earth Spa at Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An, Vietnam is a serene wellness retreat inspired by the teachings of Thích Nhất Hạnh – the Vietnamese Thiền Buddhist monk known as the father of the mindfulness movement, who believed that we are not separate from the Earth, but rather one with it. Here, you can attune yourself to the rhythms of nature through yoga, meditation rituals, healing massages and body treatments, sessions with visiting practitioners, and personalized wellness journeys. For a profound experience that will move body and soul, book the Spa’s signature Nam Hai Earth Song ritual, which includes a sound bath using eight synchronized, quartz-crystal alchemy bowls tuned to 432 Hz, the healing frequency of the Earth itself. Once you’ve realigned with yourself and the world around you, set out to explore the sacred sites, natural beauty and vibrant culture of Hoi An with one of the Resort’s immersive experiences.

Practise mindfulness in Hoi An

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Two people walk along a narrow wooden dock that leads from the beach to an over-water pavilion

AyurMa, the wellness retreat at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, is built on the four pillars of Ayurveda, yoga therapy, wellness and planetary well-being.

Four people sit in the round on a beach, two holding instruments and the other two singing

At AyurMa, a strong reverence for nature can be felt throughout each experience.

Four round islands punctuate a bright blue ocean

The Resort is located within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, creating plenty of opportunities for exploration.

For many, connecting with the natural world is the easiest path to reconnecting with the self. At Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru, the wonder of nature quite literally surrounds you. Set on a secluded island within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Indian Ocean, the Resort offers more than just a beautiful destination – it’s a place where innovation, conservation and wellness meet. Pay a visit to AyurMa, the Resort’s pioneering wellness haven centred on the four pillars of Ayurveda, yoga therapy, wellness and planetary well-being. “From Ayurvedic herbs to our daily rituals, we celebrate the Earth’s ability to heal us and our capability to heal her in return,” says Dr. Arun K. Tomson, Director of AyurMa. This reverence for nature can also be felt throughout the Resort, whether you’re exploring the lagoon after dark, helping the resident marine biologists at the Marine Discover Centre, or swimming with dolphins and manta rays in the crystal-clear waters of the Baa Atoll.

Feel connected in the Maldives

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Two marble statues stand in a plaza surrounded by a light-blue building

Four Seasons Hotel Madrid is located in central Madrid and within easy walking distance of shops, restaurants and art galleries.

Two people walk along a street with a historic red building in the background

Embark on a historical walking tour and get to know the history of this beloved city, from it’s ninth-century walls to the ornate buildings of Habsburg Madrid.

Two people smile as they share a dessert at a table at a rooftop restaurant

A meal at the Hotel’s Dani Brasserie is complemented by some of the best rooftop views in the city.

Connection: A focus on new cultures and authentic experiences

Immersing yourself in the culture of a destination does two things: It provides the joy of novelty and experiences that may be new to us, and it reminds us that there is a variety of infinitely beautiful ways to spend our days. More and more, the desire for authentic, experiential travel is at the top of the list of our vacation must-haves.

In Madrid, you’ll find history, art, food and festivals fueling the city’s cosmopolitan flair. Located in the historic Centro Canalejas building just a 10-minute walk from Plaza Mayor, Four Seasons Hotel Madrid puts you in the heart of Spain’s charismatic capital. Explore the shops at neighbouring Galería Canalejas and other nearby boutiques to see where fashionable Madrileños find their fits, join an expert guide on a historical walking tour, or dive deep into the culture of flamenco as you get to know the history of Spanish classical guitars and take in a flamenco show at a traditional tablao. Socializing with friends and family is also a huge part of day-to-day life in Madrid, so finish your day with dinner at the Hotel’s Dani Brasserie, a lively, welcoming restaurant featuring Michelin-distinguished Chef Dani García’s Andalusian dishes in a stylish rooftop setting.

Savour a taste of Spain in Madrid

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Exterior of National Museum of Qatar

The striking design of the National Museum of Qatar is just one of the things you’ll see on the guided Heart of Doha City Tour available only through Four Seasons Hotel Doha.

Person rising camel in the desert next to a row of black monoliths looks back over her shoulder and smiles

Set out on an adventure through the desert on the exhilarating Desert & Sea Safari half- or full-day experience.

Living room with a light-beige, L-shaped sofa and round wooden coffee table in the centre, next to glass sliding doors that open up to a balcony overlooking the water

If you’re travelling with family and friends, Four Seasons Resort and Residences at The Pearl-Qatar offers spacious, fully equipped apartments along the water’s edge.

Seeing a city transform in real time is a fascinating experience. Doha, the burgeoning capital of Qatar, is rapidly coming into its modern iteration while still sitting confidently with its historic past. So where do you start? When you stay at Four Seasons Hotel Doha, you can embark on a full- or half-day Heart of Doha City Tour to see the famous Doha Corniche, the Souq Waqif, the Museum of Islamic Art and the National Museum of Qatar, all under the knowledgeable care of an expert guide. Prefer to fully immerse yourself in the art and culture of the region? The Hotel’s Cultural Wonders Museum Tour is for you. And for a truly unforgettable experience, the full-day Desert & Sea Safari will take you on an adventure through the dunes to where the desert meets the sea. If you’re travelling with a larger group, the spacious apartments at Four Seasons Resort and Residences at The Pearl-Qatar offer full kitchens and optional extra rooms on the stunning human-made island, along with additional experiences you’ll only find through Four Seasons.

Explore the city, desert and sea in Doha

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Two wine glasses and a charcuterie plate sit on the centre of a small round bistro table set in the middle of a vineyard

From wine tastings to private dinners, the seasonal experiences at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley and the on-site Elusa Winery will keep you grounded in the moment.

A person wearing a white spa robe sits sipping a cup of tea while looking out the window next to a row of daybeds set along a stone wall

The Resort’s Spa Talisa offers a relaxing place to enjoy a little time for yourself in a beautiful vineyard setting.

Interior restaurant dining room filled with square wooden tables for four, a pitched wooden ceiling, and a wall of windows and glass doors leading out to a covered terrace

Set against the stunning backdrop of the sprawling Palisades Mountains, Auro offers a picture-perfect setting for Wine Country fine dining.

Meaningful moments: Focus on time together

Our fast-paced lives often leave us wanting to spend more quality time with the ones we love. By travelling with intention, that feeling of genuine connection tends to naturally take centre stage. Stronger connections are also formed when you experience new things together, which is why Four Seasons puts so much care into making sure the moments you have both on and off property are meaningful and memorable, no matter where you decide to travel.

When you first arrive at Elusa Winery, the on-site vineyard at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley, you get the sense that everything is moving at exactly the right pace. The grapes, after all, will not be rushed. Whether you’re on a romantic getaway, travelling with friends or on a multigenerational trip, this feeling of being fully in the present, in lockstep with the seasons, can be felt throughout your stay. From wine dinners and cocktail classes to vineyard picnics and relaxing spa treatments, it’s easy to find intentional ways to spend time together in Napa Valley. For an unforgettable evening, try the seven-course tasting menu at Auro, Calistoga’s only Michelin-starred restaurant, and experience hyper-seasonal bounty with Chef Rogelio Garcia’s signature touch.

Taste the season in Napa Valley

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Outdoor hotel pool surrounded by cabanas and lounge chairs

Unwind together at the legendary Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, Surfside, Florida, a serene seaside haven located just outside Miami.

A parent runs around a palm-fringed yard with three young children

The family-friendly hotel has plenty of activities for kids of all ages.

Two people ride down a palm-tree lined street in a black Moke

Get behind the wheel of one of the Hotel’s complimentary electric Mokes to cruise the streets in vintage style.

Sometimes, a little rest and relaxation are all you need to reconnect. At Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club, Surfside, Florida, spend your days lounging in one of the legendary poolside cabanas, the very same ones Winston Churchill used to spend time in to paint and unwind. With two pools and a quiet stretch of beach just a few steps away, this family-friendly hotel could be exactly what you need. Go for a ride together in one of the complimentary electric Mokes to take in the scenery or ride your bicycle in search of the perfect picnic spot, courtesy of an insider tip from the Concierge. Get the best of both worlds with a yacht and city tour of nearby Miami or see the coastline from the sky on a private helicopter tour before returning to the Hotel for a sunset beach picnic curated by the talented culinary team. Each moment, no matter how small, is an opportunity to create joyful memories. And Four Seasons will help make sure you don’t miss a single one.

Unwind together in Surfside

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YOUR JOURNEY BEGINS HERE

What are you travel intentions for 2025?

Two umbrellas on beach with turquoise water