From Lonely Planet
Don’t waste precious travel time dragging your flip-flopped feet to the beach. We’ve rounded up ten places to stay on some of the world’s most beautiful islands – and they’re all a stone’s throw from the beach. Best of all, you don’t need to sell your granny to enjoy an island getaway, we’ve picked everything from luxe resorts to apartments to hostels, ensuring a beachside break for every budget.
Palm beach on Isla Mujeres. Image by Slow Images / Photographer’s Choice / Getty Images.
1. Thatch Caye Resort, Belize
Why we love Belize’s central coast: less crowded (and often less costly) than those in the north, the cayes off Belize’s central coast are smack in the middle of some of the country’s most amazing diving, snorkelling and fishing sites. Slackers take note: there’s no shortage of tropical breezes and palm-tree-slung hammocks.
Why we love Thatch Caye Resort: sitting eight miles off the coast, Thatch Caye is a privately owned island resort with environmental sustainability built into almost every aspect of its design. Eleven beautiful thatched-roof cabañas built from local hardwoods sit on stilts over the ocean, connected by paths winding through native mangroves. Electricity for both private and communal facilities is generated from solar and wind sources, with a single diesel generator kept as backup. Thatch’s excellent restaurant employs local chefs and serves organic Garifuna, East Indian, Maya and North American dishes, and in the evenings guests can sip drinks beneath the stars while watching tropical fish swim below their feet at the newly built Starfish Bar. Beachside campsites accommodate travellers on a budget.
2. Lahaina Shores, Maui, Hawaii
Why we love Maui: Maui is the postcard island where snorkellers pause for green turtles, zipliners swoop over jungles and early risers watch the sun punch through morning clouds from the top of a lofty volcano.
Why we love Lahaina Shores: they’ll have you at aloha at Lahaina Shores, where the staff seems genuinely happy that you’re visiting. The seven-storey property is the only oceanfront condo complex in central Lahaina operated hotel-style with a front desk and full services. The adjacent beach is a good place for beginner surfers.
3. Stermasi, Mljet Island, Croatia
Why we love Mljet: of all the Adriatic islands, Mljet may be the most seductive. Much of the island is covered by forests and the rest is dotted with fields, vineyards and small villages. It’s an unspoiled oasis of tranquillity that, according to legend, captivated Odysseus for seven years. We’re sure he didn’t regret a moment.
Why we love Stermasi: these apartments are ideal for those wanting to enjoy the simple life and natural beauty of the island. All nine places are well presented, bright and modern, sleep two to four people, and either have a terrace or private balcony. Sandy beaches are on your doorstep, and the family owners couldn’t be more helpful.
4. Birds and Bees Resort, Ko Chang, Thailand
Why we love Ko Chang: Bangkok Thais have long escaped the urban grind with weekend trips to the eastern seaboard. Some of the country’s first beach resorts sprang up here, starting a trend that has been duplicated wherever sand meets sea. Ko Chang and its sister islands offer the best ‘tropical’ ambience in the region but expect crowds.
Why we love Birds & Bees Resort: retreat into a tropical garden resort bisected by meandering paths and decorated with tongue-in-cheek artwork. There’s a semi-private beach and an incongruous wholesomeness for a resort affiliated with PDA, the Thai NGO responsible for the country’s successful adoption of condom-use and family-planning services.
5. Stavroula Palace, Kissamos-Kastelli, Crete
Why we love Crete: Crete (Κρήτη) is in many respects the culmination of the Greek experience. Nature here has been as prolific as Picasso in his prime, creating a dramatic quilt of big-shouldered mountains, stunning beaches and undulating hillsides blanketed in olive groves, vineyards and wildflowers. Crete’s natural beauty is equalled only by the richness of a history that spans millennia. Quiet Kissamos-Kastelli has a more Greek feel than other north coast resorts. Perhaps the distance from Hania has saved it from the extremes of package tourism. For beach lovers, it’s a great base; along with the fine sandy beach in town, there are nearby Falasarna and the beaches around Gramvousa (usually accessed by boat trip).
Why we love Stavroula Palace: this cheery and good-value waterfront hotel has breezy, modern rooms with balconies (some overlooking the sea). The town centre, the best beach and the top waterfront eateries and bars can all be reached within a few minutes’ walk. If you’ve got tots in tow you can lie by the pool and still keep an eye on them as they frolic around the recreation area out the back.
Read the full article from Lonely Planet.
