Beach Vacations: Stay in Overwater Bungalows or Beachfront Hotels
Let's go to the beach-each, let's go get a wave!
Beaches are great for family vacations, couples retreats, getaways with friends, or even a solo trip. Here you'll find beach vacations for cheap to some of the best coastline locations. Whether you're looking for the best beach vacations in the US, all-inclusive beach vacations to Costa Rica, or up for the long trek to a beach resort in Bali—this page is for you. Check back daily as we're always on the hunt for the next great deal to a beach destination.
Check out below our list of the cheapest overwater bungalows.
Looking for Inspiration on the Best Beaches to Visit Across the Globe?
25. Yonaha Maehama Beach - Japan
24. Balos Lagoon - Greece
23. Bavaro Beach - Dominican Republic
22. Nissi Beach - Cyprus
21. Magens Bay - St. Thomas
20. Nungwi Beach - Tanzania
10 Affordable Overwater Bungalows
Who hasn't dreamed of spending the night in an overwater bungalow? We've rounded up some of the most incredible—and affordable—overwater bungalows from around the world. Similar properties can cost as much as $2,000 a night or more, so get a taste of luxury amenities and incredible views without breaking the bank.
El Faro del Colibri – Bocas del Toro, Panama
Why Visit? Again, closer proximity to the US, free breakfast, private decks, private beach access, water sports, and an incredible price.
Details: 3-star resort | 4/5 on Tripadvisor
Price: from $90 a night (includes breakfast)
Eclypse de Mar – Bocas del Toro, Panama
Why Visit? Closer proximity to the States, private terraces, onsite restaurant, hammocks for relaxing, and above all else—the price makes this bungalow worth visiting.
Details: 4-star resort | 4.5/5 on Tripadvisor
Price: from $110 a night (includes breakfast)
Reethi Beach Resort – Fonimagoodhoo Island, Maldives
Why Visit? With 5 restaurants and bars, a 5-star PADI dive center, world-class spa treatments, and stretches of powder-soft beach, the Reethi Beach Resort is an excellent place for rest and relaxation. However, keep in mind that transfers in the Maldives can get a little pricey.
Details: 4-star resort | 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor
Price: from $230 a night (includes breakfast)
Punta Caracol Acqua Lodge – Bocas del Toro, Panama
Why Visit? Guests can watch dolphins from their private balconies at this eco-friendly resort. Bocas del Toro is also famous for incredible diving. Prices include breakfast and dinner each day.
Details: 3.5-star resort | 4/5 on TripAdvisor
Price: from $242 a night
St. George's Caye Resort – St. George's Caye, Belize
Why Visit? This resort offers packages that cater to different types of travelers, from friends to couples to adventure seekers. No matter your style of travel, you'll love watching the sunset from a hammock on your private porch. While it is the most expensive on our list, the overwater bungalows include all meals.
Details: 3-star resort | 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor
Price: from $328 a night full-board (minimum of four nights booked)
Tobacco Caye Paradise — Belize City, Belize
Why Visit? Looking for an off-the-beaten-path excursion in Belize? Tobacco Caye is a small island that is only reachable by boat. Travelers are advised to grab a ferry in Dangriga—a small coastal town that is less than two hours south of Belize City.
Details: 3-star resort | 4.5/5 on Tripadvisor and Winner of the 2022 Travelers' Choice Award
Price: from $89 a Night
Aqui Hoy Cabañas — Bocas del Toro, Panama
Why Visit? Features an on-site bar & restaurant, with nightly prices starting from $120 with a continental breakfast included with your stay.
Details: 3-star resort | 4.5/5 on Tripadvisor
Price: from $120 a Night
CocoVivo — Bocas del Toro, Panama
Why Visit? Is located on the Caribbean side of Panamá and has fantastic rates from $88 per night. This eco-friendly retreat runs 100% on solar power and features an on-site bar.
Details: 3-star resort | 5/5 on Tripadvisor
Price: from $88 a Night
Pangkor Laut Resort – Pangkor, Malaysia
Why Visit? 5-star amenities await guests, such as multiple fine dining restaurants, bars, yoga classes, jungle retreats, a fabulous included breakfast, and more. There are also three types of bungalow to choose from, depending on your tastes (and wallet).
Details: 5-star resort | 4.5/5 on TripAdvisor
Price: from $181 per night
Hotel Las Lagunas Boutique – Flores, Guatemala
Why Visit? A fantastic option for those who prefer a short flight, Hotel Las Lagunas Boutique offers world-class service, incredible views, complimentary breakfast, and flexible booking.
Details: 5-star resort | 5/5 on TripAdvisor
Price: from $287 a night (includes breakfast)
Top Tips for Your Next Beach Vacation
Whether you're going on your very first beach vacation or you go every year, we've rounded up our top tips and hacks so that you get the most out of your next beach trip.
From safe swimming to sun protection, here are our go-to recommendations for any beach vacation:
Select the best beach destination for you: Consider who you're traveling with and what you're hoping to do once you get to your destination. Want to do plenty of (safe) swimming or do you just want to laze on the beach with a cocktail in hand? Make sure that you choose a beach destination that offers what you're looking for!
Bring sun protection: It may seem like an obvious one, but it's one of the most important. Make sure you bring along high-SPF, water-resistant sun lotion, and protective clothing - especially for any little ones that might be coming along!
Consider safety: If safety is your number-one concern, make sure that you only go to beaches that are known for safe swimming conditions and decent lifeguard presence. Choosing a Blue Flag beach, which always have good safety features and top facilities, is an excellent idea.
Get the right gear: We're talking beach outfits, wetsuits for the kids, shade, and any extra comfort you might need. Make sure that you consider all the clothing and equipment you might need to make your beach holiday extra special.
Pack a first aid kit: Although any lifeguards on duty will have their own first aid supplies, it's worth bringing along your own kit just in case. If your beach destination is known for insects or mosquitos, remember to bring along any sprays and antihistamines you might need too.
It's not all about summer: Most people associate a beach vacation with the summer season, but you can still find plenty of sunshine throughout the year - if you know where to look! Save money this year by considering a winter sun destination!
The Best Beach Destinations in the World
For those seeking adventure and who are happy to fly long haul, there are so many wonderful beach destinations to visit around the world. From glittering island hideaways to bustling luxury beach resorts, all you need to do is pick your perfect match for a beach vacation abroad.
A beach vacation is a go-to for anyone busy planning their honeymoon, as well as anyone looking for a bit of relaxation and luxury during their time away. If you need a little inspiration, we've highlighted some of the best beach vacation destinations below.
Thailand
A popular choice for all sorts of vacations and for travelers of all ages, Thailand is a beachgoer's haven, with plenty of beaches that can be found on the mainland as well as the islands. Whether you fly into Bangkok or Phuket, you won't have to venture too far to find your own piece of beach bliss.
Some of the best beaches can be found in well-known spots like Krabi and Phang Nga; you can also find beautiful beaches on Ko Lanta, Ko Samui, and Ko Phi Phi. Just keep in mind that Thailand goes through its rainy season between July and October.
Mexico
With the Caribbean Sea on the one side and the Pacific Ocean on the other, a beach vacation in Mexico means that you have thousands of miles of sun-soaked coastline at your fingertips.
Cancun, Cabo San Lucas, Cozumel, Playa del Carmel, and Oaxaca are all hotspots, with a wealth of beach resorts and other accommodation types to choose from. In terms of unmissable beaches, Balandra, Playa del Amor, Akumal, and Playa Mazunte are all worthy of a leisurely day near the water.
South Africa
There's so much to love about a vacation to South Africa: the mountains, safaris, the vineyards - we can go on and on. But this country is also home to some seriously magnificent beaches, making it a very worthy contender as a destination for your next beach vacation.
Both Cape Town and Durban are popular bases for a beach trip, and both of these cities have a wide range of beaches to choose from, from buzzing cosmopolitan beaches to peaceful bays. That said, you can find spectacular beaches all along the South African coast; some of our favorites are found along the West Coast, the Garden Route, and in the Eastern Cape.
The Bahamas
If you're looking for a vacation destination that has some variety when it comes to its beaches, then the Bahamas sounds like your ideal fit. After all, this country is home to 700 islands, cays, and sandbars, meaning that you have heaps of choice. Some of the most popular places to stay include New Providence, Paradise Island, Grand Bahama, the Exumas, and Bimini.
But there are so many bucket list beaches to visit, no matter where you choose to stay. Visit the famous residents of Pig Beach, marvel at Pink Sands Beach, soak up the good vibes at Cable Beach, and swim in the clear waters of Treasure Cay Beach.
Greece
If turquoise water and hot, dry summers sound like your ideal combination for a beach vacation, then Greece will deliver every time. Filled with ancient historical attractions and home to gorgeous beachside towns and islands, the hardest part about having a Greek beach vacation is choosing where to go.
If you opt to visit one of the more far-flung islands of Corfu, Santorini, Halkidiki, and Zakynthos—which are some of the more popular beach destinations in Greece, you can even find some top beaches not too far from Athens.
Italy
Perhaps more famed for its rambling countryside villages and delicious cuisine, Italy also happens to be a stellar choice for your next beach trip.
Sardinia, the Amalfi Coast, Sicily, and Ischia are all fabulous choices for a summer beach vacation, but you can find beautiful beaches all along the Italian coastline, even near the major cities of Genoa, Rome, and Naples. Italy also conveniently caters for all budgets, so it'll be easy to find ideal beachside accommodation for you and your travel companions.
Beaches in North America & the Caribbean
With the Caribbean right at our doorstep, we are blessed with great options for beach vacations not too far from home and within easy reach with a short and cheap flight. Below, are some of our favorite beach destinations in North & Central America.