Beachy-keen

With its unrivalled views of the Aegean Sea from sun-dappled terraces and a name that alludes to the ocean—Kyma is Greek for ‘wave’—Myconian Kyma is a perfect launchpad from which to explore Mykonos’ southern coast. Rooted in its community and known for its long-standing ties to local farmers and fishermen, the hotel is also able to offer guests an authentic taste of the sea at NOA, a Greek restaurant that serves views of the ocean alongside Mediterranean cuisine and traditional Greek mezethes. On the same island, sister property Myconian Avaton overlooks Elia, Mykonos’ longest beach, presenting guests with direct access to aquamarine waters, fine sand, and hidden coves. Here, under a parasol and private lounger reserved exclusively by the hotel, guests can soak up the sun and the idyllic landscape for a real experience of paradise. Over in Halkidiki, Ekies All Senses Resort offers a similar vibe of barefoot luxury from its location on Vourvourou Bay in Sithonia, where a neighbourhood of islets takes beach hopping to a new dimension. Closer to home, Vourvourou beach is literal steps away from the hotel’s mix of rooms, suites and villas for an unrivalled level of immediacy to daily waterfront jaunts.

The crystal blue waters and white sand of the Mediterranean Sea is only a stone’s throw away from Almyra in Paphos, where standout design makes the sea appear as a natural continuation of the property’s own pools. Al fresco dining at Ouzeri, the hotel’s seafront taverna, brings diners even one step closer to the water with local cuisine served under flowering pergolas on the sand. At Praia Verde Boutique Hotel in Portugal’s Castro Marim, the elements come together in an unexpected way in a locale that straddles both forest and beach for a dramatic enactment of where land meets sea. Around 10km away the beautiful Fábrica Beach—a renowned highlight of the Algarve—adds another box to check on a list of must-sees for those wanting to explore the coastline. Further north in the off-radar historical city of Santiago do Cacém, Santiago Hotel Cooking & Nature combines close proximity to the Alentejo coast with top dining offerings and a gorgeous natural setting. On the rare occasions when they’re not embracing the cooling waves of the sea, guests are invited to take part in the hotel’s many cooking lessons and culinary experiences for full immersion in the flavors of the region.

All of the Cote D’Azur’s finest elements come together at Five Seas Hotel Cannes, where the glittering seaside landscape of the French Riviera is in touching distance, along with Plage du Festival—Cannes‘ oldest private beach, which is officially partnered with the hotel. Closer to home, Five Seas’ own rooftop infinity pool is joined by sumptuous white daybeds, live music, and pop-up brasseries for an equally thrilling beach alternative. A communal playground it may be, but the simple attributes of sun, sea, and sand still reign supreme at the Papaya Playa Project, Tulum’s see-and-be-seen hangout and home to a beachside luxury that features cabañas, swinging hammocks, and visiting DJs. Bordered by the jungle, the hotel now includes the newly reborn Beach Club where music curation by guest artists, original cocktails, and a breezy vibe all come together for the perfect Tulum experience. In Rovinj, Croatia, the concept at Hotel Lone places a similar emphasis on the unique natural landscape, with an unexpected positioning that places it between an ancient forest and the Adriatic Sea. Integrating views of the water with a design that reflects the color palette of the region’s beaches by way of white-beige stone, the property is just steps away from Mulini Beach, with its vistas of Lone Bay.