Yes, we know. Why would any homeowner with a breezy and beguiling beachside sanctuary want to vacation anywhere else?
The answer is easy: because the world is brimming with outstanding and spectacular luxury hotels, resorts, private islands and villas that will, quite simply, take your breath away.
In this crowded category, Ocean Home’s Platinum List 2015 winners take the concept of an exclusive vacation or romantic weekend away to a whole new level.
Our search for the Best Resort led us to the Indian Ocean and Cheval Blanc Randheli, a ravishing retreat nestled on Noonu atoll, about 40 minutes north of Male? in the Maldives.
Launched in 2013 by the French luxury goods giant LVMH (the owners of Louis Vuitton and Moe?t Hennessy), the resort consists of 45 tropical garden, overwater and island villas with panoramic views of chalk-white sand and aquamarine coral reefs.
Think French linens, personal butler service, private plunge pools, outdoor showers and an overwater seafood restaurant – plus an exclusive spa offering health and beauty treatments. Oh, and did we mention moonlit yoga sessions under a canopy of stars? chevalblanc.com
Our Best Hotel is much closer to home. The iconic Ocean House, perched on a bluff in Watch Hill, Rhode Island, delivers a consistently high level of luxury with its 69 guest rooms and suites, fine dining and attentive service in a majestic oceanfront setting.
The only Forbes Five-Star and AAA Five Diamond Hotel in the state, Ocean House has won several luxury travel awards from respected publications such as Conde? Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure and is a member of the prestigious Relais & Cha?teaux portfolio of boutique hotels and gourmet restaurants. oceanhouseri.com
For the second year in a row, and a winner at the 2014 World Travel Awards, Sir Richard Branson’s Necker Island is our choice of Best Private Island. This 74-acre slice of Caribbean paradise accommodates up to 30 of your closest (and dare we say luckiest) family and friends. neckerisland.virgin.com
We couldn’t narrow our Best Villas category to one winner, so we opted for three outstanding companies – Inspirato, Five Star Greece and Villas of Distinction – all of which offer exclusive and private villa rentals in some of the world’s most beautiful locations. inspirato.com, fivestargreece.com, villasofdistinction.com
Image Credits: Photo by Stefano Candito.