The best beach vacations take place at a gentle and serene pace. From Doha to Cannes, keep things simple while enjoying some sunshine by booking a beachfront resort or hotel.

As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.

The St. Regis Le Morne Resort, Mauritius

Wake for a wander along the sands before breakfast at The St. Regis Le Morne Resort, Mauritius on the island of Mauritius, where the dreamiest suites come with direct beach access. And what a beach it is, its smooth golden sands stretching along the coast between verdant forest and coral reef. The Indian Ocean waters are warm, and the unmistakable silhouette of Le Morne Brabant Mountain is a stunning backdrop for days spent in total relaxation or exploring the reef, kitesurfing, or windsurfing.

The Ritz-Carlton, Doha

A city center hotel with a wide sandy beach, The Ritz-Carlton, Doha stands on the waterfront of the Qatar capital and has signature suites that offer brilliant sea views. It’s hot and sunny in Doha year-round, so pack the beach gear and get ready to relax. There’s a serene feel here, with extensive landscaped gardens surrounding the pool and award-winning restaurants serving up everything from perfectly cooked steaks to Asian-fusion cuisine, all with an ocean vista. You can also enjoy a variety of beach activities, from paddleboating to parasailing.

Hurghada Marriott Beach Resort

Some of the very best rooms at Hurghada Marriott Beach Resort in Egypt look straight out to the beach and on to the Red Sea beyond. You’ll gaze at the ocean from the lagoon-like alfresco pool, and Aquarius Diving Club — located directly on the beach at the hotel — offers boat trips to dive with dolphins, manta rays, and sea turtles. Back at the hotel, settle into the Sunshine Bar for a cocktail with a Red Sea view.

JW Marriott Cannes

Located on the Boulevard de la Croisette in the very heart of Cannes, JW Marriott Cannes boasts one of the most sought-after locations in the south of France. You’re just across the street from the beach here, its soft sands tempting you to settle on a lounger and unwind, while the hotel’s suites and rooftop swimming pool offer wraparound Mediterranean views. Don’t miss lunch at Palais Stéphanie Beach, where you’ll gaze out at the Lérins Islands and Esterel mountains while dining on world cuisine with Japanese flavors.

Hotel Cala di Volpe, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Costa Smeralda

Speedboats cruise through the waters and a light breeze rustles the grass as you recline on your sun lounger at the Hotel Cala di Volpe, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Costa Smeralda. The lush setting lends a tranquil vibe to this Sardinian hotel, its dock striking out across the shallow, clear waters of the Mediterranean as if nudging you to take a boat trip, perhaps to the hotel’s private beach. Every bedroom comes with a terrace, many with a sea view.

The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina

At The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina you’ll stroll through gardens shaded by copious palms and emerge onto sun-lounger-dotted Jumeirah Beach. Spend your days here gazing out at The Palm Island offshore and soaking up the Dubai sunshine before wandering to the beach bar for a sundowner, sipped while reclining on one of the cushions laid out on the sands.

Caresse, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Bodrum

It feels as if the entire building looks out over the beach at Caresse, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Bodrum, an oceanside sweep where you can recline beneath thatched beach umbrellas. A wooden terrace alongside offers romantic lounging beds spacious enough for two, while the hotel deck runs along the water’s edge, inviting you to step in and enjoy a swim in the azure waters of Türkiye. You might also find yourself tempted by the main infinity pool, of course, perched above the waters and dazzling with views straight out to the Aegean.

W Costa Navarino

W Costa Navarino was the first W hotel to open in Greece, and the hotel certainly picked a prime spot, offering villas right on the beach and featuring private pools. Sun loungers and umbrellas dot the beach in front of the hotel, which stretch for almost 500 yards. For water sports fans, kayaking and sailing in the calm waters of the Bay of Navarino can be arranged.

Domes of Corfu, Autograph Collection

Set on the beachfront of one of Corfu’s most highly regarded strands, the Blue Flag Glyfada Beach, Domes of Corfu, Autograph Collection is a superb five-star resort. The sands here are beautifully golden, and the hotel will reserve your sunbed to ensure your lounging spot is ready when you are. Accommodations are spacious and include two-bedroom suites, meaning there’s enough space for the whole family, and there’s a splash pool for the kids, too.

The Ritz-Carlton Tenerife, Abama

A striking pink palace on the shores of sun-drenched Tenerife, The Ritz-Carlton Tenerife, Abama has an exclusive beach area that will draw you in every morning. The calm waters here are ideal for a gentle swim or splash, and the view is straight out to neighboring La Gomera island. You’ll find yourself staring out to sea from pretty much everywhere here, including your spacious suite and the large Lagoon Pool, while there are multiple gourmet options for dinner. Don’t miss M.B., which has two Michelin Stars, for an inventive meal that features the best Canarian produce.

Pine Cliffs Hotel, a Luxury Collection Resort, Algarve

Portugal’s Algarve is known for its extensive stretches of beach, and Pine Cliffs Hotel, a Luxury Collection Resort, Algarve offers easy access to one of the region’s best beaches, Praia de Falésia, via a glass elevator and boardwalk. The hotel itself perches atop the cliffs, which means you get grand views of the Atlantic from many of the suites, as well as from the Mirador Champagne Bar and the nine-hole golf course.