12 of the World’s Most Blissful Resorts for a Weekend Getaway

Need a digital detox, want to see more destinations or just long to spend a few days lounging on a silk-sand beach on your next weekend getaway? Taking a mini break — which can be easier to plan than a long trip — at a resort can be the perfect solution.

Read on to see some of the world’s top resorts for a weekend getaway. As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.

JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort in Marco Island, Florida 

With an expansive stretch of private beach, the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort and its beautiful surroundings are perfection for a weekend away. Whether you’re looking to relax or explore, you won’t run out of things to do at this dazzling resort.

Choose from among a dozen dining experiences, take a dip in the outdoor pool and whirlpool, play at one of two championship golf courses and indulge in a spa treatment — there’s something to suit every kind of traveler.

Not traveling with kids? Guests who are 21-plus can opt for the resort’s Paradise By Sirene, which features its own adults-only rooftop pool and dedicated dining area. 

W South Beach in Miami Beach, Florida 

A stay at W South Beach offers a luxe headquarters amid buzzy Miami Beach. The oceanfront property provides all the resort amenities, like guest rooms with private balconies and water views and direct beach access. The rooftop playground, which includes the WET Deck lounge and pool and basketball and tennis courts, is a true standout.

Spend your days and nights basking in South Beach’s legendary scene, and then return for dinner at Mr. Chow and cocktails and live music at The Living Room Bar. 

The Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler in Whistler, British Columbia

Every suite at The Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler is designed to feel like home, with a full kitchen and spacious living spaces, often with soaring mountain views and fireplaces.

Indulge yourself with a treatment at The Spa at Whistler, or soak in the indoor pool or outdoor pool with whirlpool. Either is an ideal way to end a rigorous day of mountain biking or snowboarding at Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. West Coast cuisine, like Canadian AAA steak and wild salmon, takes center stage at the Grill & Vine restaurant. Stop for après-ski cocktails and tapas at the FireRock Lounge.

The Westin Trillium House, Blue Mountain in Blue Mountains, Ontario

After an exhilarating ski or snowboard run or glorious hike in the prettiest of mountains, retreat to The Westin Trillium House, Blue Mountain. Just two hours from Toronto, this haven offers spacious rooms and suites featuring amenities like signature Heavenly Beds, fireplaces, up to three bedrooms, and kitchenettes or full kitchens, perfect for family groups or friend get-togethers.

Lounge on the hotel’s nearby private beach or beside the large, free-form, heated outdoor pool and hot tub (open year-round), and dine at the on-site Oliver & Bonacini Café Grill, which offers elevated mountain dining. Snag a table on the patio for some next-level views.

Turtle Beach by Elegant Hotels – All-Inclusive in Barbados

Barbados beckons golfers and surfers in equal part with great waves and gorgeous greens — and it’s a wonderful destination for your whole crew. For a family-friendly all-inclusive Caribbean getaway, set your sights on Turtle Beach by Elegant Hotels – All-Inclusive. 

Here on the island’s south coast, you’re in prime position to enjoy all Barbados brings to the tropical table. And this resort’s perks make it easy to feel truly out-of-office. A kids club, all meals and beverages, and nonmotorized water sports (such as kayaks, catamarans, boogie boards and snorkeling gear) are all included during your stay. 

The Santa Maria, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Golf Resort, Panama City in Panama 

Ogle the marvel that is the Panama Canal, wander the UNESCO World Heritage–listed Casco Viejo neighborhood or go night-clubbing till the wee hours — Panama City keeps the fun going around the clock for a memorable weekend away.

Let The Santa Maria, a Luxury Collection Hotel & Golf Resort, Panama City serve as your base. There’s a Jack Nicklaus–designed golf course, tropical destination spa and three fabulous on-site restaurants to enjoy when you’re ready to retreat back to resort life.

Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, Dubai in United Arab Emirates

Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, Dubai — the city’s first Marriott resort — leaves no stone unturned to impress. Located on the iconic Palm Jumeirah islands, facing the buzzy Palm West Beach, it’s a coveted address in this opulent city.

The hotel’s sprawling rooms offer captivating views of the waterfront area known as Jumeirah Beach Residence. Step out of Marriott Resort Palm Jumeirah, Dubai and onto the beachside promenade that draws crowds for its views and endless dining options. But with 10 restaurants at the hotel and additional lounges, there’s plenty to choose from in-house.

Al Samriya, Doha, Autograph Collection in Qatar 

On the outskirts of Doha, Qatar, and set on a working farm, Al Samriya, Doha, Autograph Collection is bound to surprise and delight. Head outside with family or friends and bond in tranquil settings where peacocks roam free and oryx graze with abandon.

To delve deeper into Qatari history and culture, walk to the Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani Museum, also situated on the Al Samriya estate. You can also visit the nearby Al Samriya Equestrian Centre to spend time with regal Arabian horses or sign up for riding lessons with an instructor guiding your way; no previous riding experience is necessary.

Malta Marriott Resort & Spa in Malta 

If a weekend of seaside cosmopolitan living is your dream, head to Malta Marriott Resort & Spa. Located in St. Julian’s, just north of the capital city of Valletta, the hotel invites visitors to a leisurely escape surrounded by art nouveau architecture and overlooking the clear waters of tiny Balluta Bay. 

Malta Marriott Resort & Spa has everything you need for a short holiday in the sun, from the hotel’s three pools (including an indoor spa option) to its five on-site restaurants (four of which offer outdoor dining). Plus, you can easily reach Balluta Bay Beach via a promenade. 

W Ibiza in Spain 

Santa Eulalia, a resort town with sleepier vibes than party-loving Ibiza Town, offers travelers a restful respite by the sea. On the south end of town, W Ibiza offers direct access to the Santa Eulalia promenade and is a short walk to the beach.

Enjoy peace-inducing views of the Mediterranean Sea from the ground-floor Wet DECK pool area and the adults-only Glow – Rooftop with an infinity pool. The guest rooms and suites have a relaxed, beachy vibe. You can continue the laid-back feel with in-suite AWAY Spa services, 24/7 FIT gym access, and alfresco meals and drinks while the sun sets.

Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Gold Coast in Australia

The Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort, Gold Coast is a water lover’s paradise. Set on Australia’s Southport Spit, it has Mirage Beach to the east and a harbor to the west. The area is known for its extensive stretch of golden sand beaches, but visitors can also enjoy the world-class theme parks, watersports, wildlife viewing and hiking.

Eco-friendliness is heavily emphasized at this Australian resort. Not only does it feature myriad energy-saving and waste-reducing practices, but you can also participate in hands-on curated experiences led by a marine expert and geared toward protecting the Gold Coast Seaway ecosystem. 

Courtyard by Marriott Bali Seminyak Resort in Indonesia 

If you’re looking to soak in the island vibes and browse boutiques, Courtyard by Marriott Bali Seminyak is a sure fit. Situated at one of Bali’s most upscale beaches, this peaceful resort is the perfect option for just chilling out.

The three-tiered pool is a focal point — the hotel’s Balinese-styled rooms and suites have either private balconies or terraces with direct access to the lounge-chair-bordered pool. To level up on relaxation, book a treatment at Zanti The Retreat, a top spa in Seminyak.