10 Top Beach Resorts Around The World

City weekends and mountain retreats have their place, but nothing says vacation like a beach resort escape. Startle.com compiled an ultimate list of 10 of the best resorts around the world—from Seychellesto Maui—with soft sand, crystal clear water and luxurious accommodations. Before you plan your next getaway, check out our list and daydream-inducing slideshow.

Click here for Forbes Travel Guide’s list of five of the best Southern California beaches on Startle.com.

Amanpuri, Phuket

Aman Resorts’ flagship property on the west coast of Phuket stays true to its name—meaning “place of peace.” Sitting on a coconut plantation overlooking the turquoise Andaman Sea, the resort hosts guests in 72 minimalist-designed pavilions and villas, some with private pools. When you’re not lounging on the crescent-shaped, white sand beach with a cocktail in hand, board one of the resort’s 20 boats and set out to explore—the nearby Phi Phi Islands offer great snorkeling and diving. You can also go windsurfing, sailing and snorkeling right off the resort’s private beach.

Cotton House, Mustique

With just 17 rooms (including a two-bedroom, butler-staffed villa), this beachfront resort is located on an 18th-century sugar plantation on the exclusive Caribbean island of Mustique. Soak up the sun on Endeavour Beach—one of the island’s best stretches of sand—and you’ll be treated to sorbet, chilled towels and cold water throughout the day. If you feel like venturing out, the concierge will set up a boat trip to neighboring Grenadine Islands such as Bequia and the undeveloped Tobago Cays archipelago. Don’t be surprised if you bump into a celebrity on your morning stroll through the island’s pastel-hued town—Mick Jagger has a house on Mustique.

Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita

Mauritius is known for its pristine white sand beaches—some of the best in the world—and Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita has three of its own, all lining a lagoon. Combining modern Mauritian style (open-air architecture, thatched roofs and wooden decks) with indulgent amenities (outdoor showers and private plunge pools), this Indian Ocean resort is situated on the east side of Mauritius—walk across a wooden bridge to reach part of the resort on a private island. When you aren’t spotting marine life from the glass-bottomed boat or attending a yoga class, take advantage of the 18-hole golf course—guests have complimentary (and unlimited) access to the fairway—and the overwater spa that uses ingredients such as aloe vera and lemongrass cut fresh from the garden.

Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

Maui’s only Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star hotel rests on the golden stretch of Wailea Beach. The 380-room resort has a laidback vibe with private lanais in each room and contemporary Hawaiian-inspired décor. The resort’s three pools—including a lagoon-style pool with a waterslide and a tranquil adults-only pool featuring Missoni-designed cabanas—are staffed by pool attendants offering perks from sunblock to Evian spritzes.

Viceroy Anguilla

Straddling a bluff between two bays, this Anguilla hotel is located on two of the island’s 33 powdery white sand beaches—with a total of 3,200 feet of beachfront. Most of the sophisticated Kelly Wearstler-designed rooms—complete with travertine marble floors, four-poster beds and balconies—have private pools. Revamped in 2011, the Anguilla resort offers five stylish restaurants, an 8,000-square-foot spa and a saltwater infinity pool set atop the bluff. The beautiful beaches feel deserted—despite the resort’s umbrella and towel service.