USA

Hotels with Private Beaches: 8 Hotels Across the US for Premium Private Beach Access

Step out of your room and right onto a private stretch of sandy beach when you stay at these U.S. hotels from Florida to Hawaii.

Being able to step out of your room and directly onto a private sun-lounger or stretch of cabana-lined beach is a premium perk worth reserving a hotel for. With private beach access, you can sleep in, grab a leisurely breakfast and know you don’t have to jump in the car or fight with hundreds of other people for a spot when you finally make it down to the sand.

While there is no such thing as private ocean in the US — hotels can’t stop people from swimming in the sea in front of their property or even walking along the portion of the sand closest to the water — the main beach itself can be reserved for hotel guests.

Here we present our top 8 picks for hotels across the country – from Florida to California, and Texas to Hawaii – with private beach access.

Private Island Bliss on Little Torch Key, Florida

Elevating the private beach to a whole new level, Little Palm Island Resort offers its guests a private island experience. The resort can only be accessed by boat or seaplane, so the beach experience here is truly private. Popular with honeymooners, couples and quite a few celebs, it is an all-inclusive resort with a romantic ambiance.

The boutique property also has an intimate vibe, with just 30 thatched-roof bungalow suites. Each has a different look: one features a copper outdoor soaking tub, another an al fresco shower.

Spend your days on one of the cushioned sun-loungers fronting the sea or try one of the numerous activities that can be arranged (for an extra fee). Surrounded by the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, home to the world’s third largest barrier reef, there is consistently good snorkeling and diving just a short boat ride away. Book a spot on the resort’s dedicated dive and snorkel boat, Island Girl, which takes guests out twice per day (weather permitting) and provides all equipment.

Little Palm Island Resort & Spa

Top rated
Little Torch Key
9.7 Excellent (217 reviews)

Go Beyond the (Private) Beach with Activities Galore in North Carolina's Outer Banks

North Carolina‘s Outer Banks are a series of barrier islands where beaches, maritime forests, wetlands and dunescapes all collaborate to create some stunning scenery. Located in the town of Duck, Sanderling Resort sits on a pretty private beach and offers a mix of accommodation options, from contemporary beach luxe rooms and suites to larger vacation rentals.

These sleep between 8 and 16 guests in multiple bedrooms and offer all the amenities of the resort with more privacy. Each home is individual in décor and style – check out the six bedroom, octagonal shaped Caffey House for two floors of wrap-around balconies and an outdoor sand shower. Private chef service can be arranged.

Hotel Sanderling offers guests plenty of activities to stay busy. From sunrise to sunset, there is always something to do, either on the property or off. Set up an adventure to see wild horses or learn how to surf, lounge by the pool or take a jewelry design class – all are offered here.

Sanderling Resort Outer Banks

Top rated
Duck
9.0 Excellent (892 reviews)

Beachfront Cabanas on a Private Portion of Laguna Beach in California

Book a private cabana on the sand and spend the day watching the surfers play in the deep blue ocean fronting trendy Laguna Beach. The Montage Laguna Beach is a swanky resort done up in craftsmen-style and set on a 50-foot-high bluff facing the sea.

It can be hard to leave your room or suite at The Montage, since they are super comfy. All come with floor-to-ceiling windows boasting ocean views. The town of Laguna Beach is known as an artists enclave, with numerous galleries, and rooms here continue the tradition with museum-worthy art work.

If the ocean is too cold or rough to swim in, The Montage has two pools – both with lounger-lined decks as well as hot tubs. The resort also has an excellent spa onsite, with signature treatments like Pure Bliss, which is a total body experience inclusive of a full-body exfoliation and a nurturing massage. If you are traveling with your dog, pups are welcomed at The Montage.

Montage Laguna Beach

Top rated
Laguna Beach
9.4 Excellent (1313 reviews)

Dog-Friendly Retreat on a Prime Private Stretch of Miami's South Beach

There is no need to leave your pup at home when booking the Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel. The brand is dog obsessed, never charging pet fees or enforcing size limits.

The boutique hotel in a cool Art Deco building also boasts a location on a private stretch of sand in South Beach. Grab one of the plush sun-loungers on the beach or book a cabana by the swimming pool. You can order food and beverage service at both.

The newly renovated rooms and suites are stylish and pay homage to the Art Deco era with their décor, like the black-and-white patterned carpets and headboards. They are also extremely cozy, due to pillow-top beds draped in quality linens. The specialty rooms and suites go a step further, with private furnished balconies featuring faux grass underfoot.

Kimpton Surfcomber Hotel, an IHG Hotel

Miami Beach
8.0 Very good (2571 reviews)

Heavenly Honeymoon Destination on a Private Protected Marine Reserve Beach in Lanai, Hawaii

Honeymooners love the Four Seasons Resort Lanai on tiny Lanai Island, about 45-minutes by boat from Maui, which sees less visitors than other Hawaiian destinations. The five-star resort faces beautiful Hulopoe Bay and the private beach facing the Four Seasons is part of a protected marine reserve that boasts excellent snorkeling.

The romance factor is high in the rooms and suites that come with polished décor, as well as indoor and outdoor bathing spaces. The property is family friendly, but travelers without kids can opt for the adults-only lagoon style swimming pool with ocean views. Grab a bite to eat at the Nobu outpost onsite – it is one of multiple onsite restaurants.

Four Seasons Resort Lana'i

Top rated
Lanai City
9.8 Excellent (431 reviews)

Escape the Waikiki Hustle at this Private Beachfront in Oahu, Hawaii

In a posh residential neighborhood, The Kahala Hotel & Resort is just 10 minutes from the hustle and bustle of Honolulu’s Waikiki Beach, yet feels worlds apart. Set on its own small strip of sand, the luxury property caters to families and couples alike. There is a saltwater lagoon onsite with resident dolphins that guests can swim with.

Choose from sumptuously outfitted rooms and suites, many with ocean views from private balconies. Dining options are plentiful, with five restaurants to choose from. Activities include free surf and paddleboard lessons for guests. You can also book their signature Golden Glow Facial and Body Treatment at the spa or a workout in the state-of-the-art fitness center.

The Kahala Hotel and Resort

Top rated
Honolulu
9.3 Excellent (5922 reviews)

A Historic Private Beachfront Hotel on the Texas Gulf Coast

Originally opened in 1911, Hotel Galvez & Spa is the only historic beachfront hotel on the Texas Gulf Coast. Referred to as the “Queen of the Gulf,” it has quite a legacy — it once served as the temporary White House for Franklin Delano Roosevelt and has hosted legions of celebrities over the last century. Ghost hunters will want to stay in Room 501, which is said to be haunted.

Modern luxury meets historic charm in the rooms and suites here. Book one of the spa inspired rooms on the sixth floor for something extra – they feature rain showers and plush spa robes. There are also six individually decorated suites.

When it comes time for a meal, check out the casual seafood restaurant. It serves locally sourced seafood, as well as classic Lone Star State cooking in a dining room with soaring ceilings and giant picture windows.

Grand Galvez Resort, Autograph Collection

Galveston
8.0 Very good (4525 reviews)

Affordable Luxury on a Private Beach in Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Set on 400-feet of private beach on the Cape Cod oceanfront, Pelham House Resort offers a more affordable beach vacation than other properties on this list. Recently refreshed with a full renovation, the hotel has a fun, modern vibe throughout.

Make sure to pay a visit to the fabulous swimming pool. Overlooking the Nantucket Sound, it features a keyhole-shaped seating area with an electronic fire-pit set inside the pool. During the summer, there is also live music by the pool on many nights.

Book one of the ocean facing rooms or suites with a private balcony to make the most of your getaway; although all accommodations here are chic, with wood-style floors and neutral color tones. Other onsite amenities include a fully heated rooftop restaurant, 14 Sea Street, which is known for its fresh, locally influenced seasonal fare.

Pelham House Resort

Dennis Port
8.6 Excellent (335 reviews)