Recent travel trends have shown that more than two-thirds of Americans are planning to go big on their next trip with international destinations taking the lead. With this travel trend in mind and ahead of the celebrated National Beach Day, here are some suggestions on where to plan a trip.
MALDIVES & FINLAND
Coco Collection, Maldives (pictured)
Comprised of two different boutique island resorts, Coco Bodu Hithi and Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, each authentically Maldivian settings create the perfect dreamy beach escape. Whether travelers are looking for one more summer getaway or use National Beach Day to plan for the ultimate getaway to beachfront bliss on one of these island resorts, there is no better way to celebrate the holiday than by planning a stay at Coco Collection. From simply relaxing in your villa or along each of the islands’ shores, delighting in incredible cuisine, indulging in an edible spa menu, enjoying water activities both below and above (i.e., SUP boarding), Coco Collection is a dream-come-true luxe island escape. With a vibrant underwater life teeming with sea turtles, manta rays, schools of fishes, and more, the destination is a prime location for divers and snorkelers. The in-house diving team and marine educators are onsite to provide guests with guided experiences right off-shore.
Hanko, Finland
Although Finland is a northern European country, it has numerous charming beaches that are perfect for a restful summer holiday close to the shore! Hanko, the southernmost and sunniest city in Finland, is a summer paradise for those who love beaches – it has almost 20 miles of sandy beaches and 80 miles of coastline. The atmosphere of this historic beach and spa town makes it a great day-trip destination from Finland’s capital city, Helsinki. For a small town, Hanko has an impressive number of restaurants as well as events like Poker Run, Finland's largest motorboat event, and Seahorse Week, an annual horse jumping competition. There are plenty of beaches to choose from while in Hanko, ensuring none of them are too crowded; from beaches in the town center to quiet beach nooks amidst nature. Pro tip, locals choose their beach based on the direction of the wind that day, as this sometimes determines the temperature of the sea in the summertime. While in Hanko, visitors can check out Bengtskär Lighthouse, the tallest lighthouse in the Nordics; cruise through the Baltic Sea and see the seals in the outer archipelago; or visit the historical rock carvings at Hauensuoli. For novice birdwatchers and professional ornithologists alike, Hanko is the top spot to visit – about 270 bird species are spotted annually on the cape of Hanko.
CARIBBEAN
Champagne Reef, Dominica
Named for the warm bubbling waters rising from the volcanic thermal springs on the ocean floor, Champagne Reef is a stellar choice to celebrate National Beach Day. A huge diving and snorkeling attraction, enthusiasts from around the world visit Dominica to experience the reef’s plummeting cliffs, towering volcanic formations, vibrant reefs and marine wildlife. Some colorful marine life includes octopus, trumpet fish, parrotfish, seahorses, sea snakes, eels and more. And if you’re lucky, you may even encounter the remains of a 17th century Spanish shipwreck. Celebrating National Beach Day doesn’t get any better than this!
Hampstead Beach, Dominica
Located west of the Calibishie Village along the northeast coast, you may recognize this picturesque beach from the blockbuster franchise hit, Pirates of the Caribbean, Dead Man’s Chest. Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow is seen running form natives on a deserted beach and well, Hampstead Beach was the prime location to shoot these iconic scenes – with its shimmering gold and black-speckled sands, crystal blue waters and mountain sights! Hampstead Beach is also a popular nesting site for several species of turtles including hawksbill, leatherback, and green turtles.
Frangipani Beach Resort, Anguilla
Frangipani Beach Resort is an award-winning family-owned and operated luxury boutique resort on the island of Anguilla. Set on Meads Bay, one of Anguilla’s premier beaches, the resort boasts 23 guestrooms and suites. Offering the ultimate in beachfront personalization and private island-like experience, guests can enjoy luxury amenities, daily breakfast, access to beach hopping experiences aboard the FrangiCat catamaran, complimentary motorized and non-motorized water sports, a beachfront infinity pool, an on-site tennis court, a fitness facility, and a Balinese Spa, making the resort the perfect escape for a Caribbean vacation and for enjoying days in paradise exploring Meads Bay and some of Anguilla’s iconic beaches. The resort also has an impressive 5,000 square foot four-bedroom beachfront villa, designed to host special beach escapes in a private sanctuary for families and groups. Frangipani’s award-winning restaurant, Straw Hat, offers beachfront setting dining featuring locally inspired cuisine. The resort’s newly launched Deluxe Ocean View Rooms and the Grand Penthouse Suite provides ultimate luxury accommodations with unparalleled ocean views. Visitors can extend their Caribbean getaway and celebrate National Beach Day by taking advantage of the Endless Summer Special, offering guests a 15% discount on stays of 10 or more nights in any suite category.
Mount Cinnamon, Grenada
There’s no better place to celebrate National Beach Day than Mount Cinnamon Resort. Tucked away on the hillside atop the white sand beaches of Grand Anse Beach, the eco-luxe hideaway features 37 luxury villas and suites, each with their own veranda of sweeping views of natural unspoiled beauty. With one pool, two restaurants and bars and an exclusive Beach Club that offers non-motorized water sports visitor have truly found paradise. Mount Cinnamon offers a handful of activities and special packages for guests of all ages to enjoy the beautiful beach in a variety of ways. Including the “Dive in Grenada Scuba Diving Package” where guests can experience why Grenada has been ranked as one of the top 10 dive locations in the world. Explore Grenada’s pristine marine environment, home to several policed and protected coral reefs, an extensive diversity of tropical fish and the world’s first underwater sculpture park. After the dive, enjoy a private three-course beach dinner for two.
Ocean Club Resorts, Turks & Caicos
Perfectly situated along the award-winning Grace Bay Beach on Providenciales, Turks & Caicos, Ocean Club Resorts are the ideal setting to escape reality along a dreamy coastline. Both all-suite resorts provide an open-air setting with décor and design that pay tribute to the relaxing atmosphere, along with endless viewpoints, direct access, and signature pink umbrellaed loungers to soak in the rays and allow travelers to experience for themselves why Grace Bay Beach continues to be named one of the best beaches in the world. Complimentary kayak and stand-up paddle board rentals are included in each stay, enabling guests to explore the vast array of underwater life thriving right below the crystal clear surface. Future visitors to the resorts can celebrate National Beach Day by taking advantage of the resorts’ current up to 25% discount, valid on new reservations made now through December 17, 2022.
Saba Rock, British Virgin Islands
The reimagined Saba Rock has placed breathtaking viewpoints and a vibrant island lifestyle at the forefront of the design and guest experience. A lively atmosphere, which often frequents performances from local musicians, combined with craft cocktails makes for an unforgettable getaway set to the background of breathtaking scenery. With Saba Rock boasting an intimate yet fun-loving setting, there is not a bad vantage point on the boutique island resort. One of the best spots, and one that travelers should be making arrangements to experience themselves in celebration of National Beach Day, is the sand-filled oceanfront area where lounge chairs, hammocks, and the perfect Insta-worthy backgrounds can be found. Having reopened October 2021 following a complete redesign, Saba Rock is the ultimate island getaway for those looking to enjoy a toes in the sand adventure – while making friends along the way. Saba Rock’s new modernized look and feel boasts nine rooms and suites, an oceanside restaurant, sunset lounge and bar, dive shop, retail store, boutique spa room, fun-loving scene, and more making it ideal for beach island travelers.
FLORIDA & MEXICO
Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, South Walton, Florida
While Florida is known for providing an unforgettable getaway, the emerald coastline along the Northwest panhandle in which Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa sits along seems to still be a hidden gem. The all-encompassing resort caters to providing guests with a unique Caribbean-esque experience without the need to drive or fly very far – let alone leave the country. From loungers, to a newly expanded deck along the coastline, to a restaurant sporting all of the best oceanfront views, celebrations of the beachfront atmosphere can be felt throughout the resort during each stay. In celebration of National Beach Day the resort will be launching a special 24-hour flash sale of a 22% discount on two or more nights booked on Tuesday, August 30. Complimentary daily beach chairs will be included as part of this offer. Valid only on new bookings made on August 30 for stays from September 6 through December 30, 2022. Call 888-519-0048 to book.
Grand Residences, Puerto Morelos, Mexico
Located about a half an hour outside of Cancun, Grand Residences Riviera Cancun’s private beachfront along with relaxing setting and hacienda style accommodations make for the perfect place to celebrate National Beach Day in simple yet elegant fashion. The all-suite resort’s secluded oceanfront setting includes loungers with pool/beachside food and drink service, a swim-up pool bar that also doubles as a prime location for seaside viewpoints, a toes in the sand style restaurant, and a balcony included with accommodation to enjoy the coastline from a more intimate angle. Grand Residences allows the naturally breathtaking surroundings to take center stage while incredible dining options, spa experiences, onsite activities, and unique amenities help to round out the dreamy experience. The resort’s new Sun, Beach and Relax all-inclusive offer enables travelers to save up to 20% on their total stay when booked by August 31, 2022. There is no better way to celebrate National Beach Day!
