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Indagare’s Most-Booked Beach Resorts
By Arabella Bowen
Sun destinations ranked high among Indagare Member’s most-booked getaways in 2021. Not surprisingly, domestic beach destinations ruled the picks, with Florida, Hawaii and a handful of California beach resorts netting the lion’s share of winter beach bookings during the pandemic. Indagare members also booked into both coasts of Mexico, select Caribbean islands and a singular Costa Rica property. Family-friendly properties with excellent kids’ clubs were popular in equal parts as couples’ getaways with luxe amenities, as well as a few notable eco-friendly choices to boot. Below are the most-booked beach resorts by Indagare members in 2021, grouped by destination, from Florida to Mexico. Contact Indagare or your Trip Designer for assistance planning your beach getaway at one of these resorts. Our team can match you with the island and activities that are right for you, and provide information on covid travel safety, destinations that are open to travel, Covid-19 hotel policies, transportation options and more.
Most-Booked Florida Beach Resorts
Four Seasons Hotel at the Surf Club, Surfside
Guests are ensconced in luxury and style at this discreet enclave situated on nine Atlantic Ocean-facing acres, just 20 minutes up the coast from Miami but seemingly a world away. The elegant resort reopened in 2017 under the Four Seasons flag and hits all the right notes for travelers seeking relaxation, delicious culinary options and lush surroundings. So much so, it also ranked among our most-booked hotels in the world in 2021.
1 Hotel South Beach, Miami
Courtesy 1 Hotel South Beach
The sprawling, beachfront hotel—also among our most-booked overall in 2021—sets the standard for eco-luxury in Miami, with stylish rooms, a hip scene and wellness-focused dining venues. At 700 square feet, the rooms are the largest in South Beach. Outside, guests appreciate 600 feet of beautiful beachfront, a private beach club and four large pools—including an epic rooftop one and separate family-friendly and adults-only options. Indagare Tip: The resort’s two New York sister properties were also top draws for members in 2021. White Elephant Palm Beach
This chic Palm Beach hotel by the same team behind the glam White Elephant Nantucket mixes New England sophistication with South Floridian corals and aquamarines in an historic 1920s Spanish Colonial-meets-Italianate building. At its center, the hotel’s popular courtyard restaurant, Lola 41, draws a see-and-be-seen crowd for lunch and dinner under striped umbrellas. And while the hotel itself isn’t oceanfront, guests enjoy complimentary BMW shuttle service to the sands, just a few minutes away, where they can lounge with chairs, towels, an umbrella and a well-stocked beach bag.
The Colony, Palm Beach
For those who prefer to walk to shops and restaurants, and for families seeking an alternative to the area’s larger resorts, this easy-going, just-renovated Palm Beach hotel features colorful antiques and floral patterns reminiscent of old South Florida. Its central location near Worth Avenue, the beach and some of Indagare’s favorite local restaurants, mean you can leave the car with the valet for the duration of your stay. Like the White Elephant Palm Beach, The Colony is not directly on the water. The team here can easily arrange for beach picnics on the sand (just 500 feet away) with chairs and umbrellas in the resort’s signature pink.
Miami Beach EDITION
Exuding 1950s Mad Men glamour in a restored Miami Beach modernist icon, this hip retreat overlooks the sprawling sands of Mid Beach. Its expansive garden area hosts two pools, where the vibe is decidedly relaxed. Inside is a basement bowling alley, ice skating rink and a bar. The food is stellar too, thanks to chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, who oversees the hotel’s fabulously retro Matador Room.
No. 1 Most-Booked: The Breakers, Palm Beach
This storied Palm Beach grande dame built on 140 acres of private Atlantic beachfront continues to make a lasting impression. The Indagare Index resort, which also ranked among our most-booked hotels in 2021 and in 2020, was inspired by the villas of the Italian Renaissance and many oceanfront suites feature one or more balconies. There is a lot to do here, but the guests-only Beach Club is the most desirable place to be, with its four pools, day-use bungalows, three restaurants, rooftop terrace and an ultra-luxe spa.
Most-Booked California & Hawaii Beach Resorts
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Big Island
Families and couples alike enjoy lovely views and open space in every bungalow-style room at this full-service Indagare Index resort on Hawaii’s Big Island. Moreover, the beautiful grounds feature multiple pools, tennis courts and a championship golf course; the state-of-the-art gym hosts several workout classes per day; and there’s a cultural center, where you can try your hand (or hips) at hula. Excellent, sustainable restaurants and an award-winning spa round out the offerings.
Rosewood Miramar Beach, Montecito
This glamorous Indagare Index resort fronts a coveted swathe of sand in chic Montecito. Its 161 bungalows and suites showcase residential vibes, largely because the developer brought in his personal decorator to helm the interiors. There are two sleek pools on either side of the Great Lawn which, if you put your back to the sea, has dramatic views towards the Santa Ynez Mountains behind the resort. Sunsets here are a daily celebration, where locals and guests mingle over cocktails at the outdoor, yacht-inspired Beach Bar.
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
This expansive Indagare Index resort in Maui’s exclusive Wailea community has access to multiple golf courses, pools, tennis courts, restaurants and, should you ever wish to leave the property, the best concierges on the island. Indeed, the roster of amenities and activities is so complete, guests often choose to stay put for their entire stay. Most rooms and suites have ocean views and the wonderful spa with thatched treatment huts invites guests to relax to the sounds of the sea. If it all looks a little familiar when you’re checking it, that’s because this resort served as the filming location for HBO’s 2021 hit mini-series, The White Lotus.
Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection, Big Island
This calming retreat effortlessly juxtaposes its surrounding natural landscape: Vast collections of deep-black volcanic rock lie side by side with a well-kept golf course, while the stunning coastline greets the hotel’s manicured entryway. Attractive interiors combine Japanese minimalism with breezy, island vibes. A year-round children’s camp hosts daily activities that keep everyone active and entertained.
No. 1 Most-Booked: Four Seasons Resort Lanai
Indagare’s most-booked beach hotel overall in 2021 is also among our top picks for a romantic winter getaway. The beloved Indagare Index resort on Hawaii’s intimate Lanai is sleek and minimalist, with Zen-ed out interiors and a stunning setting overlooking Hulopoe Bay. Golfers will also love the terrific Jack Nicklaus-designed, 18-hole Manele Golf Course open to resort guests and island residents only, making it feel like a private club. Related: 19 Romantic Winter Getaways for a Couple's Trip
Most-Booked Caribbean Beach Resorts
Jumby Bay, Antigua and Barbuda
Photo by Romain Réglade, courtesy Jumby Bay Island
One of Jumby Bay’s greatest charms is the setting: A secluded, car-free private island off the coast of Antigua. Guests drive around its 300 acres on one-speed bikes and golf carts, which contributes to an air of timelessness and seclusion, and makes it much beloved by families. Kids feel independent here and parents can relax. The water is shallow and calm, ideal for little ones.Cheval Blanc Isle de France, Saint Barthélemy
During its 20-plus-year tenure on St. Barth’s, this Flamands Bay beach resort has mastered what it calls L’Art de Recevoir (the art of welcoming). The property’s “alchemists” concoct an entirely personalized experience for each party: Families will discover kid-sized flip flops and children’s menus in their rooms; couples might find theirs adorned with flowers from the garden or scented by handcrafted candles. Repeat visitors return year after year. Related: St. Barth’s Travel Cheat Sheet: What’s New In 2022
Cap Juluca, a Belmond Hotel, Anguilla
Most guests come to this sophisticated Indagare Index resort for days with nothing more on the agenda than reading; strolling the strand of Maundays Bay, one of Anguilla’s most beautiful beaches; and cooling off in the sea or pool before lunch or dinner at Cip’s or The Cap Shack. But there is also plenty to do, too, including sailing, snorkeling, scuba, golf, tennis, croquet or treatments at the Arawak Spa.Related: Indagare Index: Top 10 Beach Resorts
Amanyara, Turks and Caicos
The secluded Indagare Index estate tucked away on Providenciales welcomes guests with a calming presence from the moment they arrive and cast their eyes on the 164-foot-long infinity pool made of Indonesian black volcanic rock. There are no set meal times, no dress code and no checks to sign. It’s ideal for couples who are into design and who seek a secluded location where days are all about lounging, reading and spending quality time with one another.
The Ocean Club, a Four Seasons Resort, Bahamas
This grand old property, formerly a private estate, brings reliable luxury and service to a pretty Bahamian beach along with access to nearby Atlantis Paradise Island, but without the scene. Couples and families can exist in their own spheres, because the beach is so large and one pool by the gardens is reserved for adults and children over the age of 14. It regularly sells out months in advance of the winter season, so be sure to book early.
No. 1 Most-Booked: COMO Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos
This popular Indagare Index property on a private island in Turks and Caicos continues to rank among Indagare’s most-booked properties each year, netting top spots in 2020 and 2021 alike. The barefoot-chic resort epitomizes understated luxury: The perfect day here is all about lounging on a muslin-draped daybed, joining a yoga class, snacking on fresh seafood in bare feet, and sunning on the glorious sand beach.
Most-Booked Mexico & Central America Beach Resorts
One & Only Palmilla, Los Cabos
Picture a chic hacienda-style property on the Sea of Cortez that checks all the boxes, whether you’re after an adult playground or a family-friendly enclave. Families with younger children will enjoy this Indagare Index resort’s kids’ club and family pool, while couples can opt for more privacy and pampering. There’s no shortage of activities, including golf, surf and sea excursions. And it’s all surprisingly laid-back but with excellent service.
Rosewood Mayakobá, Riviera Maya
Water is the main theme at this modern retreat located in a luxury Mayan Riviera compound between Tulum and Cancun and outfitted with a championship golf course. The restaurants, pools and reception areas are located around a lagoon, and the suites, each with private plunge pools and rooftop patio or private garden, follow a network of canals bordered by mangroves. Parents rave about the complimentary kids’ club, which accepts children as young as age three. Related: Indagare Matchmaker: The Best Resorts in Mexico for Every Traveler
Montage Los Cabos
Montage’s first international hotel sits in a private cove with one of the few swimmable beaches in Los Cabos. The luxury full-service resort blends seamlessly into the natural scenescape, thanks to beautiful landscaping and cool, contemporary interiors that open up onto the bay. Multiple onsite restaurants and complimentary kayaks, paddle boards and snorkeling gear provide ample entertainment for multi-day stays; flexible interconnected room options make it exceptionally well set up for large families and groups.
Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica, Costa Rica
This full-service, family-friendly resort on the northwest tip of Costa Rica offers a perfect balance of downtime and action, thanks to a multitude of pools, beaches and activities (surfing, cooking demonstrations and spin classes, to name just three). It’s also extremely eco-friendly and socially conscious, with programs that benefit the community and the environment. In 2020, the resort added private luxury residences ideal for accommodating large families or groups. Related: Spring Break Vacation Ideas for 2021
One&Only Mandarina, Riviera Nayarit
One of Indagare’s best new hotels in 2021, this lush jungle-meets-beach resort mixes leisure and adventure in a remote location about an hour from Puerto Vallarta. Guestrooms occupy treehouse and cliff-top villas (each with a private plunge pool); there’s a private, mile-long swimmable beach; multiple restaurants and a massive kids’ club. Horseback riding, snorkeling, sailing, zip-lining and hiking as well as infinity pools, two beach clubs and an open-air spa, are all integrated within the resort’s palm-fringed coves, volcanic reefs and jungle canopies.
No. 1 Most-Booked: Las Ventanas al Paraíso, A Rosewood Resort, Los Cabos
Sleek, chic and undeniably sexy, Las Ventanas is a jewel in the crown of Ty Warner Properties, whose other holdings include the Four Seasons New York and Santa Barbara’s San Ysidro Ranch. Indagare’s top-booked hotel in Mexico in 2021 has 71 sumptuous guest suites, all of which are huge (the smallest is 960 square feet). A romantic vibe runs throughout—there’s even a dedicated Department of Romance on hand—and the celeb-heavy clientele makes for great people-watching. Related: 19 Romantic Winter Getaways for a Couple's TripContact Indagare or your Trip Designer for assistance planning your beach getaway at one of these resorts. Our team can match you with the island and activities that are right for you, and provide information on covid travel safety, destinations that are open to travel, Covid-19 hotel policies, transportation options and more.
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