The Perfect Coastal Destinations for Luxury Escapes

There’s no better place to truly relax and unwind than somewhere overlooking the beautiful coast. These destinations provide guests with unrivalled scenery, a laid-back vibe and utter privacy. Think hidden coves, private terraces and luxury villas overlooking the sea.

To help you choose the perfect place for you, below are five coastal destinations that do luxury escapes just right. From the rugged glamour of Spain to the timeless elegance of Italy, plus a few surprises in between, you’ll get ideas, not itineraries.

French Riviera: Côte d’Azur

You might think you know the French Riviera with its glitzy yachts, glossy champagne bars, Cannes film festival glamour, but beyond the postcards, there’s hidden elegance that feels more exclusive than ostentatious. 

Small hilltop villages like Èze or Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat let you breathe. The light bouncing off the water in the mornings, the smell of pine and salt mingling, and the soft hum of luxury cars winding up coastal roads are all part of the tapestry. 

Villas here often feature private gardens, terraces with panoramic views, infinity pools, and sometimes private access to pebble or sand beaches. Whether you’re in pursuit of evening strolls along promenades or dinner at bistro tables nestled in shaded corners, the French Riviera delivers in spades. If you want that blend of French sophistication and coastal charm, this is a prime spot.

Spain: Marbella 

Spain hits the sweet spot when you want warm Mediterranean light, stylish settings, and beachside escapes. Marbella, with its palm-lined promenades, cliff-top golf courses, exclusive beach clubs, and designer boutiques, offers the perfect spot for those in pursuit of the best coastal destinations in Spain. 

When looking for the perfect place to stay in Marbella, The Luxury Villa Collection offers an outstanding collection of luxury beach villas. These Spanish rentals provide an ideal spot within easy reach of the sea, ranging from small family pads to Spain’s most luxurious Platinum Villas directly on the beach in Marbella.

Perfect for romantic escapes for couples, holidays with the whole family or even solo escapes, Marbella has something to suit an array of travellers. Spend your days strolling around the picturesque old town or indulge in some high-end shopping at the glamorous Puerto Banus marina. Whatever your preference, Marbella won’t let you down. 

Greece: The Cyclades 

Greece is all about white-washed houses tumbling down cliffs, romantic sunsets, and shimmering blue water. This makes it an ideal destination for those in pursuit of a luxury coastal escape. 

Many travellers choose island hopping in Greece, and for good reason. The Cyclades islands offer both buzz and serenity, depending on where you go. Stay away from the busiest ports and you’ll find secluded villas with sea-facing terraces, private steps to the water, small coves for swimming, and nights so dark you see every star. 

Experience quaint villages and picturesque landscapes during your time in the Cyclades, and be sure to check out the local tavernas serving fresh seafood and local cuisine. Want privacy? Go for cave houses or cliff-side mansions. Want culture? Mix in old churches, sun-lit ruins, and friendly locals who treat you like an honoured guest. 

One of the best things about Greece is that the variety here provides something for an array of travel itineraries. Whether you’re in pursuit of a romantic escape by the sea or plan to explore the islands with the whole family, you’re sure to find something here for everyone. 

Italy: Amalfi Coast 

If luxury has a postcard, it might just be the Amalfi Coast. Think steep cliffs tiled with lemon groves, villas perched above turquoise bays, pastel villages clinging to cliffs, and terraces that feel like private stages for dawn and dusk. 

Among the best coastal villas in Italy, you’ll find properties with classic frescoes, handmade tiles, infinity pools that seem to drop into the sea, and gardens heavy with jasmine and citrus. And, not far off are the island havens, Capri, the islands of Sicily, and Sardinia, where nights are fragrant, food is fantastic, and the sea glows under moonlight. 

Italy is a masterclass in combining luxury with history, art, and food, so staying in one of these coastal villas isn’t just about comfort. It’s about feeling like you’re living a rich story. Plus, once you’ve watched the sun set over Positano from your terrace, it’s hard to go elsewhere.

Thailand: Andaman Coast & Islands like Phuket, Krabi

Switching hemispheres: Thailand isn’t just about jungles and temples. The coasts are also seriously dreamy for luxurious escapes. On islands off the Andaman Sea (Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta), you’ll discover villas built into cliffs, lagoons, private beaches, and staff who seem to anticipate your every need. Imagine waking to the sound of tropical birds, lapping waves, salty breeze, then wandering to your pool with a smoothie in hand. The warm air smells of frangipani, spices, and lemongrass. Food is fresh, vibrant, and sometimes spicy. 

Days might be spent kayaking in quiet bays, having massages at sunset, and dining lit by lanterns by the sea. What makes it luxurious here isn’t just big beds or fancy décor, but harmony between nature, calmness and service. And off-peak, the crowds drop, so it feels almost like you have your own private paradise.

Summary

Luxury escapes by the coast aren’t just about expensive hotels, they’re about places that make every sense work. Sight, sound, taste, smell, and feeling. Spain and Italy deliver richness in architecture, view, food and ambience; the French Riviera brings elegance and cultural polish; Greece gives you sea, sky and serenity; Thailand surprises with tropical beauty and warmth. 

Depending on your mood, you can pick one or more of these and surrender to the magic. Whatever you decide, you’re sure to find a place brimming with magnificent coastal landscapes and exceptional experiences in abundance when exploring any of the destinations above.