Seaside Summer Travel Ideas Sure to Inspire Bliss

Seaside Summer Travel Ideas Sure to Inspire Bliss

Several studies have shown numerous well-being benefits when we’re by the ocean.  Most recently noted in Blue Mind Works, by best-selling author and marine biologist, Wallace J. Nichols, the study found that being closer to a body of water promotes overall mental health and happiness. With summer right around the corner, here are eight seaside escapes sure to inspire bliss all season long for all kinds of travelers.

For Families

Katikies Garden – Santorini, Greece

An unforgettable family holiday awaits in Santorini with its picturesque caldera views, scenic hiking trails, storied history, cultural museums, beaches and more. Katikies Garden, a new luxury boutique hotel opening June 15, 2019 in Fira, will be geared towards just that - families. Created from an old Catholic Monastery, Katikies Garden will include 40 rooms and suites, each with its own private garden or veranda with a sea view, pool or hot tub, rooftop pool with a large sundeck overlooking the caldera, gourmet cuisine, wines tastings, spa and exclusive island excursions as part of the Katikies Club. Families staying at Katikies Garden can take advantage of kid-friendly amenities such as special dining menus, turn-down service with kids robes, slippers and bath amenities, as well as pool toys and daycare, all while visiting one of the most breathtaking islands in the world.

For Eco-Buffs

Kasiiya Papagayo – Costa Rica

Eco-conscious travelers can enjoy a getaway in Costa Rica guilt-free at Kasiiya Papagayo. The new eco-retreat opened January 2019 overlooking the Pacific Ocean and represents the vision of a zero-impact wilderness retreat come to life by renowned architecture firm AW². Each structure throughout the property is environmentally-friendly, resting on timber platforms and constructed solely from natural materials (think: no nails or concrete) while the flora has been meticulously preserved to leave no trace of disturbance on the surrounding landscape. Kasiiya’s accommodations include five tented suites evoking a luxury camp experience with all the amenities of a luxury hotel. The grounds include a beach cabana, sunset deck, two dining venues, library, spa cabin and three-level fitness platform where guests can participate in yoga, meditation, and movement exercises. Additional activities on property include snorkeling, paddle boarding, tree climbing, canopy zip line or relaxing on one of two private beaches, while off property excursions can be arranged for horseback riding, ATV tours, sailing, surfing, deep sea fishing, sunset catamaran sails and more.

For the Ultimate Splurge

Banwa Private Island

After 10 years in the making, the long-awaited opening of Banwa Private Island has made its debut in the Northern Palawan region of the Philippines. The ultra-exclusive resort becomes one of the world’s most lavish private island retreats with a price tag of $100,000 per night available for exclusive use for the ultimate splurge. The 15-acre private island is comprised of six beach-front villas, twelve garden rooms and one residential 360˚ suite located at the highest point on the island, brilliantly designed to complement the views over the transparent ocean waters and white sands; floor to ceiling windows, a private infinity pool and Jacuzzi deck. Once on-island, guests can enjoy unlimited treatments in the massage suite, tennis, golf or simply relax on the beach, and will have access to the island’s private fleet of boats and water sports equipment. Other activities include beach volleyball, table-tennis, pool, soccer and fitness studio.

For the Privacy Seeker

Musha Cay – Exuma Bahamas

Ideal for those looking to go ‘off-the-grid’ and disappear David Copperfield-style, Musha Cay and the Islands of Copperfield Bay embodies the ultimate private island escape. Brought to life by the legendary illusionist, the tropical retreat is available for exclusive rental only, offering dream-like experiences for up to 24 guests of your selection, or as few as two. Comprised of 700 lush acres spread on 11 islands with 40 secluded sugar sand beaches, Musha Cay offers the utmost privacy with a bespoke holiday customized to each guest’s individual request.

For a Girls’ Getaway

Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve – Krabi, Thailand

Girls just want to have fun, and where better to enjoy time with one another than at Phulay Bay, the world’s first Ritz-Carlton Reserve property, in Krabi, Thailand. Set along the scenic shores of the Andaman Sea overlooking karst islands in the distance, Phulay Bay offers boundless activities for friends to enjoy together in one of the most remote corners of the world. The property features 54 spacious villas with private plunge pools, rainforest showers, indoor and outdoor baths and showcases scenic tropical garden or ocean views. Friends can enjoy a day of pampering in the spa followed by a soak in the vitality pool, as well as a selection of formal and casual dining options, infinity pool overlooking the islands in the distance, and an array of local attractions, including white-sand beaches, coral reefs, lush rainforests, caves, waterfalls and exploration of the nearby Similian Islands.

For Romance

La Casa Que Canta – Zihuatanejo, Mexico

Ranked as the most Romantic Hotel in the World by Travel + Leisure, La Casa Que Canta is a luxury boutique hotel on the shores of Zihuatanejo Bay. Surrounded by coconut groves, the adults-only hacienda hideaway, which made its movie debut in the romantic drama ‘When a Man Loves a Woman,’ was designed to inspire romance. The property boasts 25 spacious suites and two ultra-luxe distinctive private Villas available for exclusive use. Made up of three terracotta-hued villas stunningly sculpted into the hillside overlooking La Ropa Beach, each terraced suite is purposefully secluded, perfect for those seeking to ignite a new spark or rekindle an old flame. Additional standout facilities include an infinity swimming pool overlooking the serene bay, a salt water pool and Jacuzzi, a fully equipped fitness center, meeting spaces, and the only Spa by Clarins in all of Mexico.

For Families with Young Children<

Carlisle Bay – Antigua

Bring the little ones to Carlisle Bay this summer for a low-key family escape on the tranquil south coast of Antigua.  Recently renovated, the resort is set on a quiet cove with the rainforest at its back and is known for its ability to seamlessly accommodate couples and families simultaneously.  During the summer, the resort offers its lowest rates of the year and free age-driven activity programs for children, tweens and teens. At the Cool Kids Club – the resort’s club house for kids 2-6 – little ones can enjoy fully supervised activities, a jungle gym, sand pit, paddling pool, mini tennis court and more. Kids and Tweens 7-13 can swap iPhones for active pursuits like five-a-side football on the beach, sailing clinics, mocktail workshops, paddle-boarding, kayaking, and sea turtle spotting. Kids of all ages can join round-robin tennis tournaments on the resort’s nine courts and watch movies in the resort’s newly-refurbished cinema.

For Animal Lovers

The Farm at Cape Kidnappers, New Zealand

Ideal for animal lovers, The Farm at Cape Kidnappers is a luxury lodge with a working sheep and cattle farm, channeling rural New Zealand with a modernly rustic twist. Accommodations include 22 luxurious suites as well as one four-bedroom Owner’s Cottage. An experience like no other and exclusive to Cape Kidnappers, guests can discover the rare, endangered kiwi bird in its own, natural habitat, enjoy a shepherding tour at Cape Kidnappers Station and take the reins of a gentle, well-trained horse and head out across the picturesque, vast 6,000 acre station. Guests can discover all that Cape Kidnappers has to offer with rolling hills, deep ravines and expansive views both across the Pacific Ocean and out over thousands of acres of working farmland. Horseback is also a wonderful way to visit the Cape Kidnappers Black Reef gannet colony, and see the life and workings of this rugged coastal sheep and beef station.