Best Beach Hotels in Asia

Built in 2012, this Thai-style resort is one of the best all-around luxury picks in the Maldives. Highlights include 108 attractive waterfront rooms, great food, a large infinity pool, and an excellent house reef. Dusit Thani is pricey (for good reason), but it also includes nice freebies such as snorkeling gear, kayaks, Wi-Fi, daily yoga classes, a kids' club, and in-room Nespresso machines. The resort’s biggest drawback is its out-of-the-way location, at least 35 minutes from Male Airport by plane.

The five-pearl experience of Constance Moofushi all-inclusive resort starts with one of the best private airport lounges around, establishing a luxe vibe before guests even board the seaplane in Male to reach the small, private island. Ideal for diving enthusiasts with money to spare, this chic -- but still comfortably casual -- resort is within 30 minutes of oodles of the world's best dive spots and has an excellent house reef. The 110 rustic-chic rooms are sophisticated, artistic, and well-equipped with premium minibars, top-notch entertainment systems, and stunning sea views -- some are even directly over the water. Along with an idyllic beach, a stay here comes with snorkeling and water sports, high-quality food and drink, and lounging by the pool. 

The Santiburi Golf, Resort & Spa, with its 45 acres of palm gardens, is one of the poshest, most pampering resorts on the island of Samui, and possibly in all of Thailand. This five-pearl property, with its pristine and lovely beachfront, is located on Mae Nam Beach in the northern part of the island. The villas and one- and two-bedroom duplexes are Thai-inspired and contemporary, and come packed with amenities. There's a huge swimming pool, a kids' pool, a sports complex with a tennis court, Thai boxing, billiards, mountain bikes, and yoga, plus three fancy restaurants and several bars. The resort also owns the nearby championship 18 hole Santiburi Country Club Golf Course, where resort guests get tee-time priority. 

One of the best resorts in Nusa Dua, The St. Regis Bali Resort is a luxury property with a lot to love. The classically elegant atmosphere is set by a style that blends Old World and contemporary accents, while luxe amenities include private butler service and a private beach with water sports. The children's education center and a lovely spa make this property as pleasurable for kids as it is for their parents, and dining and drinking are all top notch. The 123 spacious suites and villas include marble bathrooms, plush beds, large flat-screen TVs, and balconies -- some even have private pools and ocean views. 

The Four Seasons Resort Langkawi, Malaysia is an unrivaled five-pearl property, an exclusive beachfront getaway on the north side of the island, which offers tours through the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park mangroves. Luxurious Malayan beachfront villas feature lovely wooden designs, outdoor terrazzo bathtubs, verandas, and private pools. The vibe here is harmoniously balanced between romantic and family-friendly -- there are intimate beach dinners, spa pampering in waterside cabanas, and an adult-only pool but also kids' pools, pony rides, rock climbing, and an educational discovery center. The resort is isolated and not near Langkawi attractions, but it is self-contained, with restaurants, bars, pools, and a private beach, and it should appeal to travelers seeking a luxury getaway.

The Samabe Bali is an ultra-luxurious beachfront resort located atop a cliff a five-minute drive from central Nusa Dua. Its 81 suites and villas are elegant and stylish, with a gorgeous blend of contemporary and traditional Indonesian decor, top-notch amenities, and balconies offering expansive ocean views. Villas have private infinity pools and up to two bedrooms. With a private beach, a wonderful spa, two excellent restaurants, a gorgeous infinity pool, a kids’ club, and tons of daily activities, there is little guests can’t do on-site. Plus, all-inclusive rates cover everything from free daily spa treatments to cultural tours to beachside yoga classes.

Maafushivaru is an all-inclusive boutique luxury resort in the South Ari Atoll. The 48 villas have sophisticated decor, espresso machines, minibars, private decks, outdoor showers, iPod docks, and comfy king-size beds; some rooms have semi-private pools. Sandbags, crabs, reef sharks, and fish are common sights in the surrounding lagoon and the island's location is ideal for spotting whale sharks and dolphins year-round. Standout and unique features include a chic airport lounge, beachside infinity pool with large bar, laser light shows, large overwater spa and gym, and small wine bar. There's an all-inclusive option that includes alcohol -- not especially common for the Maldives -- but this former adult-only resort doesn't have much for kids to do. 

The Pimalai Resort and Spa is the grandest luxury property on Koh Lanta. It's hidden away near the southern end of the island, along beautiful Kantiang Beach and Bay. Sprawling across a hillside and onto the beach, the resort has two sides -- a hill estate and a beachfront. Most of the rooms are clustered on the beach side, although there are luxury pool villas up on the hill. All rooms are large and include teak floors, rattan curtains, daybeds, furnished patios and balconies, and plenty of privacy. The resort offers two swimming pools, one an infinity-edge pool overlooking the entire bay, plus a fitness center, spa, and tennis court. There are four restaurants and cafes, several bars, and secluded, lush grounds. The whole resort exudes exclusivity and romance. 

The 42-villa El Nido Resorts Pangulasian Island is the definition of a luxury tropical island getaway. With a beautiful wide beach abutting turquoise waters, plus stunning jungle surroundings, the resort begs for superlatives. The villas are spacious and elegant, with Balinese design plus modern features like flat-screen TVs and high-end coffeemakers. Activities are plentiful and include snorkeling, diving, kayaking, sailing, island tours, and hiking, while the on-site restaurant highlights local ingredients, and the pool and spa are ideal spots for relaxing.

Set on a private, 32-acre island off the coast of Doha, the Southeast Asian-style Banana Island Resort Doha by Anantara is a luxurious, amenities-packed property. Guests would have to stay a week to try all of the available facilities, like the spotless crescent beach, huge lagoon-style pool, holistic wellness center, diving center, and eight-lane bowling alley, to name just a few. The 141 rooms, suites, and villas all have airy layouts, tons of natural light, flat-screen LED TVs, and balconies or terraces with Arabian Sea views. Palm trees and palapa umbrellas shading cushioned loungers dot the wide, half-mile-long beach. The seven on-site eateries range from an American diner to an international tapas restaurant on a floating deck.

The Melati Beach Resort & Spa is a luxury beachfront retreat in a secluded spot on the northern end of the island, a 15-minute drive from the dining and nightlife options in Chaweng. The smallest of the 77 villas have balconies with outdoor soaking tubs, and most add private gardens with plunge pools. There are two communal outdoor pools as well (one is adult-only), along with a full spa and a yoga studio. The hotel also offers a kids' club, game lounge, and water sports at the beach, plus there are two restaurants and four bars, though some guests complain that they are pricey

Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa caters to adults looking for all the trappings of a beachfront resort, but in a more refined environment that makes serious attempts to corral small children and gym shorts in designated areas. The vast 30-acre garden grounds and adult-only Rasa wing make it even more inviting for romantic couples. Rates (and dress codes) are less restrictive in its Garden wing building, but guests there can't use all the facilities. Rooms in both sections are large and contemporary, but the views can be mixed.

Located on a remote beach in northeastern Palawan, the four-pearl El Nido Resorts Apulit Island is a stunning, intimate retreat for those looking to get in touch with nature. Its 50 rooms are housed in stand-alone thatched cottages built on stilts directly over the clear waters. Interiors are simple and in-room amenities are limited, but that only adds to the unplugged feel and tranquil vibe. The property offers a wide array of on-site activities, including water sports, a PADI diving center, and a beautiful infinity pool with beach and sea views. In line with the hotel’s many eco-friendly practices, the buffet restaurant serves a menu made with sustainable ingredients, and meals are included in the rate. Getting to the hotel can be quite an ordeal -- it requires a combination of air, land and sea transfers -- but the gorgeous setting and peaceful atmosphere are well worth it. 

Located on a small island 35 minutes from Male, this luxury resort has 33 high-end water bungalows and a peaceful, all-natural vibe. Cocoa Island is primarily geared towards couples, and children’s facilities are sparse. Property highlights include gorgeous beaches, an infinity pool, on-site reef, excellent a la carte restaurant, and a pricey spa with a hydrotherapy pool and free daily yoga classes. Rooms come at a fair price for this caliber of property, but food and extras can add up fast. 

The sprawling Shangri-La’s Boracay Resort & Spa is a five-pearl, 219-unit property located in a secluded spot amid lush tropical gardens in northern Boracay. All rooms are stylish and elegant, and villas have private pools or outdoor whirlpools, sweeping ocean views, and butler service. With an excellent spa, varied dining options, tons of activities for all ages, three striking pools, and access to two lovely beaches, there's little guests can’t do on-site. But those seeking to see the sights or experience the island’s famous nightlife can easily access Station 2 via the hotel’s free shuttle.

The Rayavadee Resort is a luxury beachside property with an idyllic locale that’s only reachable by boat. Set across 26 tropical acres inspired by a southern Thai village, each of the hotel's 102 stand-alone rooms are chic and private. They also include separate bedrooms and living rooms, large flat-screen TVs, and luxe bathrooms with separate showers and tubs. The setting is stunning, with a massive outdoor pool wedged between Krabi's signature cliffs. Remote as it is, the resort's beaches are public and can become crowded in peak season. Four restaurants, bars, a luxe spa, tennis courts, and water sports round out the features. 

The 52-room Samaya Bali is an all-villa, beachfront luxury property offering amazing ocean views throughout, with restaurants and attractions a five-minute walk away. Modern Villas have humongous bathrooms with jetted tubs and rainfall showerheads, private outdoor pools, free minibars, and 24-hour butler service, but some have minimum stay requirements. Hotel highlights include beach access and two outdoor pools, and there are two on-site restaurants and an included a la carte breakfast. Other features include a contemporary spa and a fitness center with free yoga classes along with free Wi-Fi and a free area shuttle. 

Tucked away on a private stretch of sand, Kayumanis Nusa Dua is an intimate and luxurious adult-only retreat that feels a world away from the large neighboring resorts. Each of the property’s 20 villas is housed in a beautiful pavilion with an indoor-outdoor design and tasteful, traditional Indonesian decor. All have private pools, outdoor bathrooms, and top-notch services such as personal butlers, and drivers for free private day trips to as far as Jimbaran. The on-site beach is not the prettiest around, but it is sandy and relaxing, and has padded lounge chairs and a beach club. The spa is small but excellent, and also offers in-room treatments. The on-site Italian restaurant is mediocre, but there's a great Indonesian restaurant on-site and plenty of other options within a short distance of the hotel. 

One of the only hotels in the Jimbaran Beach area that's directly on the ocean, the mid-sized Jimbaran Puri is a quiet Balinese escape with a luxurious yet relaxed vibe. Spacious, rustic-luxe rooms have patios or private pools, though the tradeoff for the high level of privacy afforded is that the majority lack ocean views. A large, chic pool with a poolside bar faces the ocean and sunset. The two on-site restaurants and 24-hour room service help ensure that guests are well fed, and the extensive breakfast buffet is typically included in the rate. There are spa services available on the beach, and the grounds are lush and tropical, with a temple and various statues offset by lots of native greenery. However, the beach can get a bit dirty and the property lacks a fitness center. 

The Racha is a five-pearl eco-chic resort on the small island of Racha Yai in the Andaman Sea. It's a 35-minute boat ride from Phuket to get there, and there's a charge for the transfer. Once guests arrive at the island they're greeted with the sight of white-washed villas built with clean lines, in harmony with the natural surroundings of the tropical landscape and water. The villas are clean and comfortable; some have private pools and spacious outdoor bathrooms. Recreation facilities are top-notch: ATVs, water toys, tennis courts, a spa, and more are all on offer. Be warned, though: The stunning sandy beach is a hot spot for tourist boats from Phuket and can often feel overrun with day-trippers.

The five-pearl Evason Ana Mandara Nha Trang offers 74 luxurious rooms at the only true beachfront resort in Nha Trang. The resort fuses traditional Vietnamese accents and contemporary design, and is set amid lovely tropical gardens. All rooms feature private terraces with garden or beach views, and some have outdoor showers and tubs. There are ample chances to relax or stay active, with a wide sandy beach, a spa, two outdoor pools, and activities like water sports, tennis, and biking. Two on-site restaurants have lovely sea views. 

The District Boracay is a laid-back, upscale boutique directly on White Beach and a short walk from popular nightlife and dining spots in Station 2. Its 48 rooms are sunny, clean, and contemporary, and all have furnished terraces, some with beach views. A lap pool complete with a whirlpool and lounge chairs, a rooftop bar with sunset views, and a spa offering body and foot treatments lend the property a relaxing vibe. Caruso serves tasty Italian cuisine and gets good reviews, and Star Lounge is known for its extensive buffet. Freebies such as breakfast or brunch, Wi-Fi, and airport transfers add value.

The 87-room Fusion Maia Da Nang is a luxury spa property located on the beachfront between Da Nang and Hoi An. Its focus is on health and relaxation, and spa treatments are included in the rates. The lovely villas are modern and spacious, and all come with their own private plunge pools and gardens. Breakfast is free, and guests can choose to have it whenever and wherever they want. Three restaurants include a fine-dining option for dinner, a tea lounge, and a bar by the pool. The infinity pool overlooks the beach and is a nice spot for swimming and relaxing.

The 78-unit Villas at AYANA Resort is a huge, opulent property on a private beach looking out over the sea. Villas are large and luxurious, with gorgeous bathrooms, garden terraces, and private plunge pools, but no kitchens. The property shares a plethora of amenities with the AYANA Resort and Spa, including a private beach, 11 pools, an 18-hole putting course, a spa, 15 restaurants serving a variety of cuisine types, and the famous cliffside Rock Bar, with beautiful ocean views. This resort is definitely a showstopper, with rates that reflect this.