Posted on June 22 2023
If you’ve ever shopped for an upcoming vacation in one of our stores in Toronto you’ll most likely recall being asked about where you were going or where you’ll be staying. We love hearing about all the beautiful beaches, fabulous resorts, and fun cruises where you’ll be wearing your new swim and resort wear! While we have a long bucket list of the many beaches around the world we want to visit, we also have a “dream vacation bucket list” of resorts we’d stay at if we won the lottery or were left a large sum of coin from a long lost Royal relative. We’ve narrowed our very long list of swoon-worthy, luxurious places down to 5. Here they are in no particular order!
Blending contemporary design with Caribbean charm, the Rock House boasts stylish accommodations, breathtaking ocean views, and world-class amenities. Stunning and luxurious, this boutique-like beachfront retreat features 46 accommodations spread across a limestone hill, ranging from cozy studios to 2-bedroom villas with private plunge pools. With pared down design and a breezy vibe contingent with the island life, the Rock House offers an exclusive and intimate escape for discerning travelers seeking tranquility and unparalleled beauty. If you are in the mood to socialize the common spaces include a 130-foot wooden jetty where guests can opt to take a yoga class, sip wine on a daybed, or enjoy an organized theme dinner as the waves pound on the private beach. Absolutely dreamy!
Fun Anecdote: According to travelandleisure.com: “Rumor has it Drake is a big fan of this venue, and occasionally throws private hangs with his friends after dinner service is over.”
The Nautilus transcends time. There are no clocks, no schedules, no opening or closing times. Here, every moment is fluid. Boundless freedom finds every guest…all in its own good time. - thenautilusmaldives.com
This 5 star resort is a UNESCO biosphere reserve and features a collection of 26 immensely private beach and ocean houses. This luxury-meets-bohemia resort claims that all the restrictions you’d usually find at a luxury resort in the Maldives, such as set times, rigid menus and services assigned to specific areas, are not applicable at The Nautilus. They delight in veering off script, eat when you’re hungry, drink champagne in bed, or enjoy the pristine sands perched over turquoise waters. Each residence includes a freshwater swimming pool, its own private butler, and a glass-floored room, which provide in-villa views of the reef’s teeming sea life! Whether you want to dive in to the world-renowned Hanifaru Bay and swim amongst whale sharks and manta rays, snorkle among vibrant marine life, embark on a sunset cruise, or take in a relaxing treatment at their on-site spa, The Nautilus offers unrivaled beauty, personalized service, and unmatched luxury. A true haven for those seeking an unforgettable Maldivian escape.
This 5 star resort is a UNESCO biosphere reserve and features a collection of 26 immensely private beach and ocean houses. This luxury-meets-bohemia resort claims that all the restrictions you’d usually find at a luxury resort in the Maldives, such as set times, rigid menus and services assigned to specific areas, are not applicable at The Nautilus. They delight in veering off script, eat when you’re hungry, drink champagne in bed, or enjoy the pristine sands perched over turquoise waters. Each residence includes a freshwater swimming pool, its own private butler, and a glass-floored room, which provide in-villa views of the reef’s teeming sea life! Whether you want to dive in to the world-renowned Hanifaru Bay and swim amongst whale sharks and manta rays, snorkle among vibrant marine life, embark on a sunset cruise, or take in a relaxing treatment at their on-site spa, The Nautilus offers unrivaled beauty, personalized service, and unmatched luxury. A true haven for those seeking an unforgettable Maldivian escape.
Fun Anecdote: Having only opened in 2019, The Nautilus was officially selected among the esteemed editors’ favourite hotels to earn a coveted spot within Condé Nast Traveller’s ‘The Gold List’ 2021. A list that features the absolute crème de la crème of luxury travel.
“Beautiful beyond my capacity to describe,” said Marlon Brando of Tetiaroa, an atoll in French Polynesia, which he bought on a 99-year lease in 1966 after filming Mutiny on the Bounty. It remained a retreat for the actor for 25 years. The Brando is a luxurious eco-resort that epitomizes tropical paradise. This exclusive retreat is nestled amidst pristine turquoise waters, lush vegetation, and powder-soft white sands. According to townandcountrymag.com, “The Brando had been awarded LEED Platinum certification for its carbon neutrality, the ultimate environmental accolade. And it had established a nonprofit on the island, the Tetiaroa Society, on whose advisory board sit eminent scientists and whose mandate is both to conserve, restore, and protect the atoll and to make it a model of sustainability that can be replicated elsewhere.” The resort features 35 exquisite private villas, each with its own private plunge pool, direct beach access, and breathtaking ocean views. Guests can indulge in gourmet cuisine crafted from locally sourced ingredients, pamper themselves at the world-class spa, and partake in a range of outdoor activities, including snorkelling, paddleboarding, and nature walks. With its commitment to environmental preservation and its serene natural surroundings, The Brando offers a truly unforgettable and environmentally conscious escape for discerning travellers seeking an idyllic tropical retreat.
Fun Anecdote: According to townandcountrymag.com: President Barack Obama, who could have gone anywhere to write his presidential memoir, picked this place to jump-start the first chapter of his post-presidency. He was rumoured to have said, “If Leo [DiCaprio] recommends a place, I listen. And if Leo has been able to come here on several different occasions with different girls and not a single photo has come out, that’s where I need to go.”—Barack Obama
A glamorous and enchanting retreat that captures the essence of this iconic island. Perched high on the cliffs of Fira, the capital of Santorini, this boutique hotel offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Aegean Sea and the renowned Santorini sunset. Celestia Grand offers seven luxuriously appointed villas, all with kitchenettes, spacious terraces, caldera views, and private, heated pools. All have indoor jacuzzi tubs; some add outdoor hot tubs. The hotel's elegant suites and villas are tastefully designed, blending traditional Cycladic architecture and incorporating the island’s natural geography with hand-sculpted ceilings, lava rock walls, and whitewashed stucco. Guests can unwind by the infinity pool, savor gourmet cuisine at the restaurant, or indulge in a soothing spa treatment. With its prime location, personalized service, and unparalleled vistas, Celestia Grand provides an unforgettable experience, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the beauty and magic of Santorini.
Fun Anecdote: The Kardashians stayed at the Celestia Grand in 2013 while filming their reality show, “Keeping Up With The Kardashians”. According to greekreporter.com: Local media reported that the first day the Kardashians arrived on the island they wanted to break plates during a party they held at their hotel but the management did not allow them. This resulted in a small fight with the owner, but their wish was finally granted the next day when they finally were allowed to break plates.
Espacio, The Jewel of Waikiki, is an exquisite luxury resort located in the heart of Waikiki, Hawaii. This opulent destination offers an unparalleled experience of indulgence and tranquility. With its breathtaking ocean views and world-class amenities, this place sets a new standard of elegance and sophistication. Espacio is Hawaii’s only property to earn double five-star ratings for its hotel and its restaurant Mugen, a gourmet French-Japanese fusion restaurant which is a destination unto itself, elevating Honolulu’s status as a culinary destination. According to travelmag.com: “the hotel features nine luxurious suites – each occupying an entire floor. The spacious multi-room suites offer an expansive living area, a fully equipped chef’s kitchen, and a private balcony with a Jacuzzi. Hotel amenities include butler service, a rooftop sun deck with an infinity swimming pool, and a state-of-the-art spa where treatments draw inspiration from the rich traditions of Polynesian culture.” According to Forbes.com: “The posh paradise hotel was designed to attract well-heeled travelers, VIPs and celebrities, with its ultimate service and security. Here, lucky travelers will find bespoke services and modern conveniences at every turn. For example, you can request private viewings of art, culinary experiences featuring hard-to-find, sought-after ingredients and libations, and private screenings with famed filmmakers.” Whether you seek relaxation or adventure, Espacio, The Jewel of Waikiki, promises an extraordinary escape in the tropical paradise of Hawaii.
Fun Anecdote: When the hotel opened in 2019, one of their first guests was actress Jenny Garth – because it is so private. She was the only guest at the hotel at that time, as it was so new. They are accustomed to accommodating high-profile clientele and feature a private elevator so you can enter and exit without being with other guests.
Thanks for stopping by Bikini Diaries to check out our list of dream vacation spots! When you visit us in person, don't forget to fill us in on your fave sunny destinations and help us add more to our future bucket lists!