Real luxury is all about exclusivity. In hospitality, this exclusivity translates to travelers enjoying stellar experiences filled with personalized touches, comfort, and amenities designed to surpass expectations. By incorporating stunning natural locations, breathtaking sea views, private beaches, and meticulous attention to detail, you’ll fully comprehend the luxury coastal vacations featured in this article.

Spanning classic locales with timeless charm to emerging destinations carving out a reputation for pampering their clientele, these waterfront vacation spots will undoubtedly make you feel like royalty.

Monte Carlo, Monaco

Few destinations rival Monte Carlo in terms of opulence, exclusivity, and excessiveness. Renowned for its world-famous casino, luxurious five-star hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants, picturesque Mediterranean views, marina, and designer boutiques, it remains the ultimate locale for affluent travelers seeking extravagant amenities and unparalleled service.

The Diamond Suite Prince Rainier III at the iconic Hôtel de Paris features 9,000 square feet of sophistication and nearly 4,000 square feet of private outdoor space, where a heated infinity pool boasts possibly the best Mediterranean view in all of Monaco.

Additionally, this extraordinary suite’s décor includes personal items and memorabilia from Monaco’s royal family, enhancing the prestige of your stay. For sailing enthusiasts, the famous marina provides 26 superyacht berths, with nightly rates ranging from 1,351 euros to a staggering 74,933 euros during the renowned Formula 1 Grand Prix.

Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica

Known for its rugged landscape, biodiversity, and yoga retreats, Costa Rica also caters to affluent travelers seeking to relish its unspoiled natural beauty without compromising luxury. The luxurious community of Peninsula Papagayo, located in Guanacaste along the North Pacific Coast, spans 1,400 acres and offers access to miles of secluded beaches, exclusive real estate, a 180-berth marina, a beach club, and world-class golfing opportunities—most notably, the Arnold Palmer-designed Four Seasons golf course.

In November, the region will debut a wilderness outpost within the Palmares Preserve, featuring hanging bridges, challenge courses, zip lines, and over 12 miles of hiking and biking trails accessible exclusively to guests. That same month, the Four Seasons will unveil a magnificent new six-bedroom residence ($30,000 per night), complete with a stunning 150-foot swimming pool and breathtaking views of the beach and jungle.

Bodrum, Turkey

Often referred to as the “St. Tropez of Turkey,” Bodrum possesses a unique character yet offers a level of luxury that can easily compete with its French counterpart. Nestled in southwestern Turkey along the Aegean and Mediterranean seas, Bodrum delights visitors with its rich history and stunning landscapes. The region is home to a variety of world-class resorts, including the Mandarin Oriental, Edition, Le Méridien, Six Senses, and Jumeirah.

Preferred by celebrities and royals, Bodrum presents some of the Mediterranean’s best views and five-star amenities, such as private helipads, marinas, and high-end shopping experiences. The renowned Yalıkavak Marina earned the title of World’s Best Superyacht Marina for several seasons, while boutique shops from esteemed brands have set up locations in the area. Visitors can also indulge in luxurious spas featuring hammam services, private beaches, and top-tier nightlife options.

Côte d’Azur, France

This sun-soaked region of southeast France stretches between St. Tropez and Menton, historically attracting aristocrats seeking a respite from harsh northern climates. Over the years, celebrities and dignitaries have discovered the allure of Côte d’Azur, transforming its tranquil fishing villages into affluent seaside resorts rich with sprawling villas, grand hotels, private beach clubs, and Michelin-starred restaurants.

Today, iconic accommodations like Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Antibes have become synonymous with luxury. The hotel’s latest offering, Villa Sainte-Anne, features breathtaking Mediterranean views, a swimming pool, a sauna, a gym, and exclusive access to the resort’s Aquariva Super boat. Rates reach $14,000 per night, encompassing a butler, chauffeur, and a reserved cabana at the beach club.

Amalfi Coast, Italy

The Amalfi Coast is uniquely recognizable, with its enchanting cliffside towns, fragrant lemon groves, and breathtaking beaches, framed by the azure waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Its stunning beauty became a favored getaway for British nobility in the early 20th century, continuously attracting the jet-set crowd.

As summer days arrive, private yachts crowd its serene waters (Marina Coppola’s Porto di Amalfi is among Europe’s best superyacht marinas), while charming villages come alive with influential figures from various sectors. The Amalfi Coast boasts a collection of ultra-luxurious hotels, including the legendary Caruso, A Belmond Hotel, set within an impressive 11th-century palazzo. Rates here reach over $5,000 per night and include exclusive experiences like a two-hour private boat ride along the coast. Recently, the Amalfi Coast welcomed a new luxurious property, the exquisite Borgo Santandrea, built into the cliffs and providing guests with a private beach and spectacular ocean views from the pool suites.

Hamptons, New York

The East End of Long Island has long attracted New York’s elite, who come in search of beautiful beaches, world-class wineries, and a vibrant cultural scene. Historically, the charming towns were inhabited by farmers and fishermen, but they have since evolved into some of the country’s most coveted zip codes.

East Hampton hosts glamorous boutiques like Cartier, Prada, Chanel, and Valentino, alongside popular eateries such as Tutto Il Giorno and 75 Main in Southampton. These hotspots often require bookings well in advance during peak summer months. Accessing the Hamptons typically involves traveling by helicopter or private plane, while those who don’t have oceanfront homes can opt for sophisticated boutique hotels, like Canoe Place Inn and Cottages, Marram Montauk, or the area’s first wellness retreat, Shou Sugi Ban House.

Palm Jumeirah, Dubai

Even by Dubai standards, which are characteristically extravagant, Palm Jumeirah exemplifies human ingenuity, serving as a luxurious home to some of the world’s most exclusive resorts and estates. Visitors to this remarkable man-made island enjoy breathtaking views of both the Arabian Gulf and the ever-evolving Dubai skyline, complemented by exceptional amenities.

One&Only The Palm features a private peninsula with a marina, along with an enormous 9,149-square-foot temperature-controlled swimming pool adorned with palm trees and private cabanas. Meanwhile, the beachfront Kempinski Hotel & Residences boasts 24-karat gold ceilings and 6,400 chandeliers—including an awe-inspiring fixture in the grand lobby comprised of 40,000 Swarovski crystals—as well as Dubai’s largest indoor pool and multiple exclusive rooftop pools.

Lizard Island, Great Barrier Reef, Australia

This secluded island, embraced by Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, is a hidden gem for those yearning for privacy and natural beauty. As the only island resort in this region, Lizard Island has hosted celebrities seeking geographical remoteness. With just 40 rooms and villas, plus two dozen private white-sand beaches, the resort offers unrivaled snorkeling experiences.

The resort’s most recent high-end accommodation, The House, opened earlier this year, presenting a three-bedroom, three-bathroom beachfront residence that costs $10,000 a night. This exclusive location promises a rooftop with daybeds and an infinity pool overlooking one of three private beaches. Guests of The House benefit from a dedicated staff, including a chef, evening boat cruises, and daily spa treatments when reserving for a minimum of three nights.

Bora Bora

Surrounded by a stunning lagoon, this French Polynesian island evokes images of elegant overwater villas and pristine beaches, set against lush tropical backdrops and the iconic silhouette of Mount Otemanu.

Top-tier resorts like the Four Seasons, St. Regis, InterContinental, and Le Méridien have established their roots in Bora Bora. However, the Conrad Bora Bora stands out uniquely with its recently added floating helipad situated in the mesmerizing lagoon. This resort offers exclusive access to a private island that guests can reserve for special occasions or merely for relaxation.

Fogo Island

Having opened nearly a decade ago, Fogo Island Inn remains one of the globe’s most exclusive destinations. This remote retreat, located on an “island off an island” in Newfoundland, might not fit the traditional view of luxury—but that’s precisely the charm that sets it apart. Perched on stilts at the “farthest edge of the Earth,” the Fogo Island Inn features 29 uniquely designed rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, offering stunning views and experiences reminiscent of iceberg tours and whale watching.

The guest rooms and suites are remarkable, with prices starting at $1,875, but it’s the legendary dining room that truly captivates. With vaulted ceilings and wildflower-inspired chandeliers, the dining experience focuses on local plants and seafood exclusively sourced from the area, curated by chef Timothy Charles, making each meal a special occasion.