Finding the perfect escape

This article has been taken from Equinox Autumn 26 – the full version can be found here.

Not all luxury beach holidays are the same, and the right destination depends as much on how a traveller hopes to spend their days as it does on what the postcard promises. For some, it is about easy flights and a lively resort 

scene; for others, complete seclusion. Some dream of doing nothing at all, while others prefer a beautiful beach to return to after a day of exploring. Here, we look at what four of the world’s most desirable beach destinations offer and the type of traveller each suits best. 

1) The Caribbean – Variety, within easy reach 

Best for: multi-generational groups, first-time luxury beach travellers, honeymooners who still want some buzz

No other region packs so much difference into one flight radius.

Barbados, Antigua, St Lucia and Jamaica each have their own character, from lively beach clubs to quiet, adults-only hideaways, so a group with mixed tastes can usually find common ground on one island.

The range of hotel styles, from big family resorts to intimate boutique properties, makes it a forgiving choice for a first venture into long-haul luxury. 

Notable stays: Jade Mountain, St Lucia · Sandy Lane, Barbados · Carlisle Bay, Antigua 

2) The Maldives – Total, uninterrupted escape 

Best for: honeymooners, milestone anniversaries, divers, anyone wanting to switch off completely 

Most Maldivian resorts occupy an island of their own, so there is no wandering into another hotel’s stretch of sand and rarely any reason to leave the water villa’s deck.

Reef life often starts right beneath the room, making it a natural fit for snorkelling and diving.

There is little to do beyond the resort itself, which is precisely the appeal for travellers who want their holiday to feel fully removed from daily life. 

Notable stays: Soneva Fushi · Anantara Kihavah · Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi 

3) Mauritius – Beach, plus everything else

Best for: families wanting activities beyond the sand, golfers, longer stays

Mauritius pairs its beaches with a genuinely varied interior: mountains, tea plantations, waterfalls and a handful of championship golf courses, so a stay here rarely feels predictable.

The food reflects the island’s Indian, Creole, Chinese and French influences, and kids’ clubs are well established at most resorts, making it an easy choice for three-generation trips. With more to see and do beyond the beach than almost anywhere else in the region, it rewards a longer stay. 

Notable stays: One&Only Le Saint Géran · Constance Prince Maurice · Shangri-La Le Touessrok

4) The Seychelles – Nature, and nobody else 

Best for: privacy-seekers, nature and wildlife lovers, couples wanting a true castaway feel

Spread across 115 granite and coral islands, the Seychelles limits development by design, so beaches backed by giant boulders and dense jungle rarely feel crowded.

A number of exclusive private-island resorts take seclusion further still, often hosting only a handful of guests at a time. Giant tortoises and rare bird species add a genuine sense of wilderness.

It’s a destination for travellers who want barefoot luxury without compromise, not for those who want much beyond the beach.

Notable stays: North Island · Fregate Island Private · Six Senses Zil Pasyon 

At a glance