This lovely and romantic eco-friendly resort is ideal for couples or a group of friends. Aptly named, the Sanctuary Beach Resort is burrowed into the Marina Dunes of Monterey Beach and presents amazing opportunities from whale-watching trips to learning from local artisans.

Housing is in water-facing bungalows where rooms start at 380 square feet and come with a private patio or deck, as well as French slipcovered chairs, and binoculars for the aforementioned whale and other wildlife watching. Warmth is provided by a natural gas-fueled fireplace, and beds are dressed with Harbor Linen's Monocle Collection to ensure a restful night's sleep.

Tour around town on specially made Dutch-inspired Republic bicycles, and revel in complimentary nature walks, led by local guides through the Marina Dunes Preserves, every Saturday and Sunday. You can complete the experience with a picnic basket on the beach from the hotel's signature restaurant, Salt Wood Kitchen & Oysterette.

Category: Boutique
Location: Monterey, California
Typical starting/peak prices: $269/$499
Best for: Couples, friends, eco-conscious travelers

Booking: https://bom.so/hVZ0fb

Tower23 Hotel gets its name from the nearby lifeguard tower, which is sleek and futuristic with a distinct minimalist architectural style. Tower23 Hotel takes its role as a sleeping establishment seriously as well. White goose-down duvets nearly guarantee that you'll have trouble getting out of bed in the morning. The rooms are simple and decorated in rich blues and aqua, while suites have living spaces.

Regardless of whether you begin or end your day with a sea-inspired spa treatment, the courteous resort staff understands that their mission is to get you to the beach. The proximity to those Pacific Beach sands and the roaring surf is a big part of the hotel's attraction, which is why the rooms face west and bikes and beach gear are provided. Even the prestigious JRDN has a 70-foot-long "wave wall" that every night mirrors the beautiful sunset.

Category: Boutique
Location: San Diego, California
Typical starting/peak prices: $279/$409
Best for: Friends, couples
Booking: https://bom.so/CJAfM2

Dependable and reliably upscale without being pretentious, the Loews hotel brand always performs well in popular markets. Parked on Santa Monica Beach next to the Pacific Park Amusement Park, the Loews Santa Monica is no exception. The contemporary interior design couldn't say "Southern California" more. The floor-to-ceiling windows in the double-story foyer showcase every inch of beach and ray of sun. The 347 recently renovated rooms and suites are decorated in milky white and tan tones with wave-patterned carpets and sky-blue accent cushions. The views change between the ocean and palm trees and the fourth-floor pool terrace and fire pits.

Have a light meal next to one of those 13 oceanfront fire pits, or take advantage of a more elegant al fresco opportunity on the terrace of Ocean & Vine, the celebrated coastal California cuisine restaurant. The daily resort charge includes beach and pool facilities, so make sure to let the pool concierge pamper you with fruit smoothies and spray you with Evian mist as often as you need.

Category: Luxury
Location: Santa Monica, California
Typical starting/peak prices: $428/$595
Best for: Families, couples, friends

Booking: https://bom.so/aVR8Sb

South Seas is a combination 330-acre wildlife sanctuary and resort. It's a family-friendly Gulf Coast resort that offers a variety of rooms, multi-bedroom villas, and private houses where you very much feel at home — if your home comes with sea turtles, manatees, dolphins, and long-legged water birds of various hues.

This former key lime plantation now caters to a variety of families, groups, and couples all looking for the same things: relaxation and beachside entertainment. Fortunately, it's easy to find, as the Harbourside Hotel's rooms are adjacent to nine restaurants, the resort's dynamic pool complex, the Gulf-side golf course, the marina, and the beach. Jet-Skis, fishing charters, sailing lessons, banana boat rides, parasailing, and kayak tours are just a few of the on-site activities that are available to book. If that's not enough adventure and exercise, check out the beach and paddleboard yoga classes.

Category: Luxury
Location: Captiva Island, Florida
Typical starting/peak prices: $178/$231
Best for: Families, couples, big groups

Booking: https://bom.so/g9aVWe

This opulent Hollywood resort is situated between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, crossing the ground between the beach and the Intracoastal, so it's essentially surrounded by water. The hotel reopened in 2017 after a $100 million refurbishment, with 1,000 rooms and suites, the majority of which have views of the surf. Depending on which side of the resort you are on, the color palette in your room will be either dawn or sunset. The lobby is spectacular, with floor-to-ceiling windows at the back, which house the indoor-outdoor wraparound Hotel Bar. There are also eight notable restaurant concepts in the lobby, ranging from Geoffrey Zakarian's Point Royal to the Diplomat Prime Steak House.

While the beach offers jet skiing, ocean kayaking, and paddleboard rentals, younger family members also appreciate the Dip + Slide water park, where the slides end in a lagoon pool. Parents may keep an eye on their children while enjoying the poolside spa and lunch service. The kids' club, Ocean Ambassadors, relieves parents of duty so that they can enjoy The Diplomat Golf Club and The Diplomat Tennis Center, too.

Category: Boutique
Location: Hollywood, Florida
Typical starting/peak prices: $219/$329
Best for: Families, couples, friends

Booking: https://bom.so/UrS8C7

The versatility of the well-named Omni brand is a legend. It may be used for a corporate retreat or a destination wedding just as easily as it can for a couples' getaway or a family holiday. This is because the resort, which has 402 oceanfront rooms, sprawls around the point of the barrier island and contains everything from a conference center to a chapel. The rooms, which are decorated in pastel blues, aquas, and creams with a patterned or red accent, start at a generous 425 square feet. The decor is beachy (think cane back chairs) and extends to the balconies. The beds are particularly comfortable, with 330-thread-count Egyptian cotton sheets over pillow-top mattresses.

If you don't want to take advantage of the 3.5 miles of beach just outside your door, check out the venue's "multi-tiered pool deck". The infinity-edge pool is appealing to adults only, but the 10,000-square-foot splash pool and water park are equally appealing to families. On cool nights, cozy up to two oversized fire pits. Omni Amelia Island Resort is renowned for its two golf courses, one designed by Tom Fazio and the other by Pete Dye. If you have children, leave them at Camp Amelia and go for a round or two. Alternatively, you can bring them with you, there is instruction accessible for people of all ages.

Category: Luxury
Location: Amelia Island, Florida
Typical starting/peak prices: $256/$416
Best for: Families, couples, business

Booking: https://bom.so/JQiavL

WaterColor Inn & Resort is located in the most beautiful region of the Florida Panhandle, where the award-winning beaches are so white and fine that they remind you of cake icing. The resort, which was renovated in 2019, also serves local seafood, Southern, and family-friendly cooking at FOOW (previously known as Fish Out Of Water) and a fantastic selection of craft beers, wines, and cocktails. The spa and fitness center provides plenty of distraction, as do beach bonfires and outdoor movies.

David Rockwell designed the 60 rooms starting at 500-square-feet with Adirondack chairs on the balconies and cabana showers on the patios. The 500-acre property has hiking and biking trails through long leaf pine forests, a coastal dune lake for kayaking and canoeing, and a 1,400-square-foot private beach. The hotel is also just close to Grayton Beach State Park, where you may take use of the hotel's complimentary bicycles, kayaks, and canoes.

Category: Boutique

Location: Santa Rosa Beach, Florida

Typical starting/peak prices: $392/$612

Best for: Families, couples

Booking: https://bom.so/6Kvckp

With a bowling alley, an ice-skating rink, and a nightclub all on the lowest level alone, this hotel practically screams fun. But that doesn't imply it's devoid of luxury. The lush tropical flora and sleek midcentury contemporary design take your breath away from the instant you come into the opulent foyer.

Custom and exclusive are two adjectives that guide you through the EDITION experience, from the La Labo bath products to the hotel's exclusive aroma. Matador Bar serves unique artisan cocktails and fashionable snacks, while Tropicale serves them outside. Follow with a dip in the serene pool to soak up Miami's Art Deco feels and beach breezes. Finish with an exquisite pan-Latin meal at Jean-Georges Vongerichten's Matador Room.

Standard rooms are tastefully decorated in driftwood and white with marble bathrooms, wood paneling, and a variety of natural textures, and are larger than average for the region. A good night's sleep is ensured with feather mattresses with pillow toppers and duvets.

Category: Luxury

Location: Miami Beach, Florida

Typical starting/peak prices: $369/$759

Best for: Families, friends, couples

Booking: https://bom.so/rN5X0z

Ideal for a romantic getaway, this award-winning resort is known as Kauai's closest waterfront lodging. "Po'ipu" translates to "crashing waves", and this south shore beach resort is one of the island's sunniest sites, constantly recognized by Trip Advisor and travel magazines for its 121 rooms just steps from the beaches.

The Spa at Ko'a Kea incorporates island clay, indigenous nut oils, locally grown sugar, coffee, and floral essences in products. You'll never want to go back to an indoor spa after trying a treatment in the outdoor coastal cabana area. In addition, if you upgrade to a suite, the spa can deliver an exceptional in-room floral bath treatment meant to rejuvenate and enhance your immune system.

With executive chef and Kauai native Noelani Planas at the helm, the highly-rated Red Salt restaurant provides local and seasonal dishes, including ahi tartare and vanilla-scented Mahi. Sushi nights are available at Red Salt Lounge as an alternative to the usual menu.

Category: Luxury

Location: Kauai, Hawaii

Typical starting/peak prices: $365/$609

Best for: Couples

Booking: https://bom.so/HxYiCM

This 22-acre playground is a fantastic family-friendly beach resort, whether you're taking a ride down Maui's longest water slide (325 feet!) or sitting at the adults-only infinity pool that overlooks waters so blue you want to paint them. Bypass the pools to walk to Wailea Beach and Ulua Beach Park.

Rooms with private balconies (also known as lanais) start at 437 square feet and are calming with marble baths and white and wheat palettes rather than clichéd tropical hues. The views are spectacular from anywhere on the property, but especially from the Mandara Spa, which overlooks the Molokini crater and the island of Kaho'olawe. You can also experience the grandeur of the three championship 18-hole golf courses — the Wailea Golf Club is considered one of the best in the country — or get SCUBA dive-certified.

Category: Luxury
Location: Maui, Hawaii
Typical starting/peak prices: $479/$729
Best for: Families, couples

Booking: https://bom.so/qCPdDu

The embodiment of the Hamptons, Gurney's is the only hotel in Montauk that's open year-round. Stylish, sexy, and focused on service, the resort is a crowded, see-and-be-seen hot spot during the summer season when prices spike. But booking May through September gives you access to the 1,000-square-foot private beach, with its array of lounges and daybeds, as well as The Beach Club for food and beverage service. However, certain sitting is reserved only, so make sure to enquire about where you can sunbathe.

Standard rooms feature natural cotton and linens and a crisp, nautical palette of white, beige, gray, and navy. Don't be fooled by the bathroom's old brass fixtures; the rainfall showerheads are as modern as they come. If you like steam rooms, you'll love the Finnish Rock Sauna, Russian Steam Room, and Roman Bath at the Seawater Spa, which offers Thalasso therapies. The indoor-outdoor seawater pool is a draw, too, as are the five dining-and-drinking options, including a sibling to Manhattan's renowned Scarpetta.

Category: Luxury

Location: Montauk, New York

Typical starting/peak prices: $305/$740

Best for: Couples, friends

Booking: https://bom.so/bbTXPR

Cape Cod has a certain captivation that exerts a pull like a magician on a rabbit's ears. And the 22 ancient buildings that make up Wequasset Resort and Golf Club are pure Cape Cod, with beachfront rooms and villas outfitted with plush sofas, white wicker dining sets, gas fireplaces, and marble bathrooms.

Not only is Twenty-Eight Atlantic the resort's signature restaurant, but it also draws foodies from all over the Cape. Chef James Hackney's fluke Crudo with salmon roe or his lobster carbonara served on Limoges porcelain demonstrate why. Following that, sip cocktails under a pergola at LiBAYtion, which has great views of the water.

The neighboring par-72, 18-hole Cape Cod National golf course is one of those courses that is always and forever beloved by serious golfers. But for casual players, it's also one of the prettiest places to play (even if you will tee off into the trees). Four Har-Tu tennis courts are also available as another option. But don't lose sight of why you're here. If you want to get out on the water, Down Cape Charters & Boat Rentals will arrange a kayaking, sailing, or fishing excursion or charter for you.

Category: Luxury

Location: Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Typical starting/peak prices: $400/$675

Best for: Couples, families

Booking: https://bom.so/kps4Ir

Located in Cape Elizabeth, just seven miles north of Portland, Maine, the ecologically friendly Inn by the Sea commands a mile of sand on Crescent Beach that guests access by strolling through lush nature. The entire 61-room and suite complex is manicured with natural flowers and plants, attracting native birds and butterflies and being an Instagram lover's dream.

Because Crescent Beach is spacious and the property limited, the beach never gets crowded, though there is also a pool. On cooler evenings, relax out on the spacious patios and balconies that ring the rooms and suites, which are adorned with a combination of luxuriant textiles, metallic accents, and marble counters.

A spa provides ocean-inspired treatments that use seaweed, salts, oils, and marine peptides. Dinner at Sea Glass is an innovative seafood excursion, one of the area's greatest restaurants, especially if you order the tasting menu. The chef is also an expert in vegan cuisine, as well as gluten-free, dairy-free, and egg-free foods.

Category: Luxury

Location: Cape Elizabeth, Maine

Typical starting/peak prices: $312/$732

Best for: Couples, families, travelers with pets

Booking: https://bom.so/jTguwN

Kiawah Island is more known for its stately residences than hotels, but one of the few luxury hotels available is the elegant Sanctuary Hotel. It's also the only hotel immediately on the island's 10 miles of shoreline. King bedrooms begin at 520 square feet with custom-made mattresses with matelassé bed covers. Lounge on them in the Italian linen robes provided, or just savor the stunning bathrooms with marble walk-in showers, double vanities, and soaking tubs.

If the beach begins to pall, visit two separate pools, one for adults and one for families, which are tended by beach concierges. Enjoy LCD flat-panel touch screens on cardio equipment, followed by a plunge into the indoor pool, to continue your workout regimen. Alternatively, private Pilates and yoga sessions with personal instructors are available. Play outdoors on any of the five world-class golf courses or tennis on the 22 courts in the famous Roy Barth Tennis Center, now directed by Roy's son, Jonathan. As guest after guest notes, you get what you pay for at The Sanctuary Hotel. A room might not come cheaply, but the experience lingers.

Category: Luxury

Location: Kiawah Island, South Carolina

Typical starting/peak prices: $346/$605

Best for: Couples, families

Booking: https://bom.so/PXsDwM

With a manicured lawn in front and a beach in the back, this LEED-certified, pet-friendly resort represents both the south and the raw beauty of Jekyll Island to a T. Lushly landscaped with palm trees and tropical plants, the hotel offers nature, tranquility, and immediate access to seagrass dunes and sandy beaches, where birds, sea turtles, and other wildlife abounds. The business-accessible rooms are clean and modern, with current equipment and complimentary Wi-Fi, and provide at least a partial view of the ocean and a balcony. However, some rooms have inland views but no balconies, so are sure to specify while booking. Westin's trademarked Heavenly bedding is especially comfortable, and the rainforest showerheads are comforting.

Dining options include The Reserve Steak House, which features native Georgia seafood in addition to meat. Perch at Harry's Lounge for a specialty beverage and a view of the dunes before or after dinner. A 20-mile bike route that runs directly in front of the hotel is an excellent option for working out at the WestinWORKOUT Fitness Studio, which is well-equipped and open 24 hours a day.

Category: Boutique

Location: Jekyll Island, Georgia

Typical starting/peak prices: $189/$389

Best for: Families, couples, businesses, travelers with pets

Booking: https://bom.so/K0AD8e