Great Beach Retreats: Private Villas With a Beach View

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In search of the perfect, water-front hideaway for your next relaxing escape? We’ve gathered 15 of our favorite luxury private villas from all over the world. The breathtaking views of the water and all the amenities calm the senses and leave you speechless.

Australia, Qualia Beach House

Surrounded by the Great Barrier Reef, Qualia’s private beach house is set on 30 acres of garden landscape at the northern-most tip of Australia’s Hamilton Island. It’s designed to draw the outside in. To begin with, an open layout with a wall of glass doors can be completely pushed open. This effectively blurs the line between indoor and outdoor spaces. From the secluded pool that stretches the length of the dining room and entertaining area, enjoy panoramic views of the Coral Sea and Whitsunday Islands. The house and guest pavilion each have one bedroom with en-suite facilities and private sundecks.

Oman, Six Senses Zighy Bay, Beit Musandam

Rocky mountains juxtaposed with serene beaches define the inspiring landscape of Six Senses Zighy Bay. Take in the dramatic views from the private villa Beit Musandam, nestled on a stretch of beach that looks out onto the Gulf of Oman. Traditional Omani architecture lends itself to the design of the villa, with four ensuite bedrooms, each with outdoor showers. A wine cellar, private gym, yoga studio, swimming pool and live-in butler round out the amenities of the villa. During your stay, enjoy a tasty in-villa barbecue, relax in the spa complete with Arabian hammams, and explore the tranquil beaches of the Musandam Peninsula.

Private Villas in Mozambique, Azura Retreat

Unobstructed sea views, unspoiled white sandy beaches, and total privacy characterize the Infinity Beach Villas at Azura Retreat on Benguerra Island. Designed to reflect the traditional Mozambican style, the villas have white walls and pitched thatched jekka roofs. They were built by hand in partnership with the local community. Interior rooms open onto outdoor terraces, maximizing space and bringing in the outdoors, creating a tropical sanctuary of peace. From the daybed, watch fishing dhows sail by while sipping on a cold cocktail. Bathe under the outdoor shower before dining on fresh, local produce in only the company of stars in the night sky.

Abu Dhabi, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel & Villas, Royal Villa

In a city with a growing population and skyline that is constantly changing, finding a slice of solitude proves difficult. However, the Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas accomplished just that with its completely private Royal Villa. It sits tucked away from the hustle and bustle. Located on five miles of naturally protected white sand beaches on Saadiyat Island, the villa is outfitted with all the modern amenities one would expect from a five-star luxury retreat. These include a spacious terrace with a plunge pool and sunbeds. Through the floor-to-ceiling windows in the villa or from your private terrace, see the unobstructed views of the grand Arabian Gulf.

Cambodia, Song Saa Private Island Resort

On a secluded deck delicately perched over the South China Sea, a sun lounger beckons guests to escape the speed of everyday life. Find tranquility that only Song Saa Private Island Resort can provide. Located in the Koh Rong Archipelago, Song Saa is Cambodia’s first and only private island resort. It is setting standards in sustainability and environmental integrity for future building projects without compromising on luxury. For example, locally sourced materials define the architecture of the thatched roof villas. Additionally, each villa is furnished with Ploh linens, handcrafted furniture made by the region’s artisans, oversized baths, and outdoor showers.

The crown jewel of Song Saa is unquestionably the two-bedroom Royal Villa, located on the island’s most discreet location. It is accessible by boat to the villa’s private jetty. Sip cocktails from the private pool. Lounge in the sun on the expansive sun deck in the total privacy of the thatched villa paradise. Or rather enjoy the sight of breathtaking turquoise waters as they merge with Cambodia’s clear blue skies. In addition to Song Saa’s dedication to ecotourism, its founders Rory and Melita have established Cambodia’s first Marine Protected Area, ensuring that future visitors enjoy the clear waters and vibrant coral reef for years to come.

South Africa, Grootbos Villa

Grootbos Villa is, without doubt, a haven for travelers seeking refuge off the beaten path, and only two hours from Cape Town. Surrounded by pristine fynbos in the Grootbos Nature Reserve, the villa is located in a prime whale-watching position. Enjoy 180-degree views that look out over the rolling waves of expansive Walker Bay. Available for exclusive use only, modern architecture draws guests in to relax in one of the six suites. The hope of spotting a southern right whale keeps them lingering at the bay June through November. A private guide accompanies guests on excursions. Meanwhile, a personal butler and chef attend to guests’ every need.

Italy, Villa Tre Ville

For famed opera and film director Franco Ziffirelli, the idyllic village of Positano on the Amalfi Coast sets the perfect theatrical backdrop for his former home the Villa Tre Ville, now a luxury boutique hotel. Located on the winding Via dei Limoni, one of National Geographic’s most beautiful roads in the world, the estate-turned-hotel includes four villas outfitted with the highest quality Italian finishes. Still, Ziffirelli’s décor remains virtually unchanged. The whitewashed walls, hand-painted mosaic tiles, and original antiques add to the hotel’s charm, which once entertained the Hollywood elite, including legends Laurence Olivier, Elizabeth Taylor, and Liza Minnellli.

It is fitting that the historic home of the famous opera director would look out onto the dramatic scenery of the Amalfi Coast. From the terrace, watch the sunset over stepped gardens and limestone cliffs leading down to the sea while sipping limoncello. Enjoy the smell of wisteria, jasmine, and bougainvillea while sitting under a pergola in the garden. Each villa is a masterpiece in its own right—individually decorated and supplied abundantly in every detail, such as binoculars and a humidor in every room.

Thailand, Soneva Kiri

Spread over 102 acres of ancient rainforest and pristine beaches, the 29 private villas of Soneva Kiri sit on the peaceful island of Koh Kood. It’s about 250 miles from bustling Bangkok. Designed to blend into the landscape, the chic villas range from one-bedroom suites in the rainforest and on the beach to the palatial six-bedroom private reserve. The latter includes a personal gym, spa treatment room, and swimming pool complete with a water slide. Coconut palms provide shade on the expansive decks while private swimming pools wrap around each villa. For a truly unique dining experience, head 20 feet up in the tree canopy. Dine on traditional Thai cuisine from the bamboo-dining pod.

Seychelles, North Island

Nestled between large granite outcroppings within an inner group of islands in the Seychelles Archipelago, the 11 villas of North Island Seychelles enjoy quiet isolation from the outside world. For ultimate privacy, the sprawling multi-tiered Villa 11 is tucked away in the Takamaka Forest. Take in nature-packed views of land and sea in all directions. It provides the perfect vantage point to watch the sunset over the Indian Ocean. Additionally, a sunken deck and private gazebo, outdoor shower built into a rock, and spa deck create a personal paradise enveloped by white beaches, blue ocean, and lush green vegetation.

Maldives, Soneva Fushi Villas

The 65 private villas of Soneva Fushi range from one-bedroom suites to an exclusive four-bedroom Jungle Reserve. They sit among a dense jungle of shady palm trees on a large island in the Maldives. The resort offers diverse activities including swimming with bottlenose dolphins in the Baa Atoll—named a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for its rich marine life—and snorkeling with manta rays at Manta Point. The most notable vantage point, however, is the Soneva Fushi Observatory, equipped with the most powerful telescope in the Indian Ocean. With the help of experienced astronomers, identify constellations in the night sky and gaze at 200 billion stars dancing in the distance.

France, Cap Estel Villas

Originally built in the 19th century as a summer house for a Russian prince, the historic Cap Estel mansion was converted into an elegant hotel in the 1950s. It has been a top vacation spot for celebrities ever since. Located on a peninsula in Côte d’ Azur, Cape Estel sits in the heart of the French Riviera, between Monaco and Nice. The estate comprises four independent and equally private villas. Each takes advantage of their breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea from tucked-away terraces. Swing through the fragrant five-acre garden to the private dock leading to the sapphire sea.

Turkey, Amanruya

Owing its comfortable year-round climate to its location on the northern coast of the Bodrum Peninsula, the Amanruya Resort possesses an incomparable view of the Aegean Sea and pebble-beach-lined coast. Although they are not private villas in the traditional sense, 36 well-appointed pool terrace cottages sit tucked among olive trees. Furnished with four-poster beds, traditional Turkish “mangal” charcoal fireplaces, and underfloor heating, they offer quick beach access. Additionally, hand-woven rugs and throws speak to its understated opulence. Take in the views of the crystal sea from the daybed of your private garden. Or rather cool off with a dip in your personal marble pool.

Fiji, Laucala Island Resort

For nearly a century, Laucala Island functioned largely as a coconut plantation. Then the Forbes family used it as their private island retreat. Today it is home to an exclusive tropical paradise. The 25 villas are spread across the island among the tropical vegetation and beaches. Additionally, generously apportioned indoor and outdoor spaces transition seamlessly from one to the other. The island is, by and large, essentially self-sustaining. The coconut also features prominently in the daily operations of the resort—a nod to its former coconut plantation days. Chefs cook with the meat and milk and the spa uses the milk during treatments. Meanwhile, local villagers sell baskets woven from the palm fronds.

Interested in booking these private villas for your next getaway?

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