At Skylark Negril Beach Resort, in Negril, Jamaica, almost every studio offers views of the crystal-clear Caribbean waters. Here, guests can take a trip in a glass-bottom boat, enjoy Skylark Spa treatments in beachside cabanas, and dine beachfront at Miss Lily’s, the first Jamaican outpost of a beloved New York City restaurant known for its Caribbean fare and flair. Also overlooking the Caribbean Sea is Laluna in St. George’s, Grenada, the southernmost island in the Antilles archipelago. The tropical retreat combines Caribbean, Balinese, and Italian design elements, and each of the 16 cottages has its own plunge pool. The hotel’s main pool, meanwhile, is framed by a wooden deck and ocean views.

Aurea in Tola, Rivas, is situated next to the Pacific Ocean, directly along Nicaragua’s Emerald Coast, a 30-mile stretch of unspoiled coastline and dry tropical forest. The property seamlessly connects indoors and outdoors through wide glass enclosures, and the area boasts world-class surfing as well as sunset horseback rides on the shore. Further north, Santa Monica Proper Hotel in California is home to the only rooftop pool deck on the city’s Westside and offers unparalleled views of the Pacific. The beach, famous Santa Monica pier, and an abundance of health-conscious and fine dining options are within walking distance, and the city itself is known as the place “where L.A. goes to swim.”

At Finolhu Baa Atoll Maldives, 125 luxurious villas are set directly on the beach or on stilts above the UNESCO-protected lagoon. The Baa Atoll is one of the largest in the Maldives and is home to over 105 coral reefs and 1,2000 different species of marine life. Beyond the water, the hotel’s Fehi Spa treatments are crafted in tune with the local climate and include body wraps, peels, ritual applications, and a range of massages. At The Library in Chaweng Beach on Koh Samui, Thailand’s second largest island, a palm-fringed beach is accompanied by nearby coconut groves and mountainous rainforest. The minimalist resort provides ample space to read, roam, and reflect. It boasts a signature red pool—a hue given off by its orange, yellow, and red tiling—backdropped by soft waves breaking on the shore as well as a library with a curated collection of over 1,400 books.

Nestled between the sands of Guincho Beach and the picturesque fishing village of Cascais in Portugal, Farol Hotel repurposes the former seaside hideaway of Count of Cabral. Most guest accommodations and public spaces—including a saltwater pool—offer endless views of the Atlantic Ocean, and the design is equally as transcendent: Some of Portugal’s most renowned fashion designers were tasked with “dressing” each of the rooms. Elsewhere, on the shores of Italy’s renowned Lake Como, Filario Hotel & Residencies provides an unforgettable exclusive experience. The property is one of very few contemporary lakeside properties, and it also offers the rare luxury of private beach access. In addition, all guest rooms offer private terraces with views of Bellagio, Villa Balbianello, and Comacina Island, while the infinity pool gives the illusion of stretching out into the lake’s sparkling waters.