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Paradise Found: 10 Top Beach Clubs

Forget crowded resorts or villa rentals minus the amenities. From Hawaii to the Caribbean, read on for our top 10 Member-favorite Exclusive Resorts beach destinations — private residences away from the crowds, complete with all the perks of resort amenity access.

Ocean views, plumeria-scented breezes, and soft sand between your toes — paradise is calling. As winter approaches, sun seekers head for warmer weather. With Exclusive Resorts, a luxury beach vacation is more than a crowded resort or villa stay without the amenities. Members enjoy the best of both worlds: spacious private residences with room for everyone to spread out and enjoy the ocean views, plus resort access to top amenities such as private beaches and pools, fitness centers, kids’ clubs, and spas. Places to truly get away from it all — safe, worry-free, all-exclusive vacations. This season, don’t just daydream about a tropical escape, make it a reality. Here are our Members’ top ten favorite global beach destinations.

Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica

PORO PORO BEACH CLUB

With 23 miles of jagged coastline and 1,000-plus animal and bird species, Peninsula Papagayo is one of Exclusive Resorts’ most popular beach destinations — and one of our flagship locations — ideal for thrill seekers and relaxation enthusiasts alike. Zipline through the treetops amid monkeys and don a snorkel to discover the underwater world, or lounge at the beach or pool with a cocktail in hand.

While staying at The Club’s ultra-luxurious vacation residences, you’ll have access to the Exclusive Resorts owned and operated, Members-only Poro Poro Beach Club complete with an 80-foot infinity pool and poolside bar, fitness center, game room for the kids, and restaurant serving up gourmet cuisine and stand-out smoothies. When the ocean beckons, wander toward the beach located just steps past the Clubhouse. Pass white-faced monkeys and gigantic iguanas meandering down the road as you arrive at The Club’s two- and three-story residences, all of which boast breathtaking views of the surrounding rainforest and peeps of the ocean through the leaves.

When you are ready to explore, venture to Tamarindo — a 1.5-mile stretch of beach with a downtown packed with local boutiques. At just 32 square feet, The Shrimp Hole, a local favorite restaurant, is tiny by design yet big in flavor.

Residences: 17 | Bedrooms: 4 | Bathrooms: 4.5 | Square Feet: 3,765 - 4,030

Maui, Hawaii

MONTAGE KAPALUA BAY

Maui, the “Valley Isle,” is the second-largest Hawaiian island. The landscape varies from breathtaking beaches to lush jungles, towering volcanoes, and deep valleys. The Montage Kapalua Bay Resort, located north of Lahaina in West Maui, sits along the picturesque waters of Namalu Bay. Relax poolside or walk along the beach, and dine on fresh seafood and traditional Hawaiian fare at one of several restaurant and bar options. Care for your body and soul with a variety of spa and wellness treatments and a calendar full of fitness classes, including cardio H.I.I.T. and sunset restorative yoga.

Prepare to immerse yourself in tropical luxury. Each of The Club’s three-bedroom, ocean-facing vacation residences at Montage Kapalua Bay feature a state-of-the-art AV system, chef-grade kitchen, and spacious lanai with dining table and outdoor grill. Best of all, the beach is just a five-minute walk away along a scenic paved trail.

Residences: 7 | Bedrooms: 3 | Bathrooms: 3.5 | Square Feet: 2,554 - 3,221

Islamorada, Florida

THE ISLANDS OF ISLAMORADA

Located in the upper Florida Keys and situated on a private stretch of a white sandy beach, The Islands of Islamorada is an intimate, well-appointed enclave. Members have direct access to a variety of ocean activities including snorkeling, paddleboarding, sailing, and fishing. The community’s high-end amenities include two pools, a fitness center, pickleball and volleyball courts, a private beach, and a private marina. Whether seeking a relaxing beach getaway or adventurous outdoor pursuit, The Islands of Islamorada is a promising beach experience for families and couples alike.

The Club’s tri-level beachfront vacation homes are open, airy, and light, featuring local art and fabulous views of the pool, marina, and ocean beyond. Think of them as your launchpad to paradise with all of the comforts of home, including fully-equipped kitchens, laundry rooms, bedrooms for the whole family, open floor plans, and a spacious dining area and gathering space.

Residences: 4 | Bedrooms: 4 | Bathrooms: 4.5 | Square Feet: 3,137

Anguilla, British West Indies | Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla
Anguilla, British West Indies | Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla

Anguilla, British West Indies

FOUR SEASONS RESORT AND RESIDENCES ANGUILLA

Nestled in the Eastern Caribbean, the island of Anguilla boasts gorgeous, unspoiled tropical terrain. The Four Seasons Resort plays host to plenty of amenities, making it the perfect launchpad for your tropical escape. Visit the Sea Centre, the resort’s private beach club, for all beach adventure needs — from paddleboards to snorkeling gear to beach umbrellas. And, when in need of some quiet time, slip away to the Sunset Pool — an adults-only infinity pool overlooking the bluffs. A variety of events and activities will keep friends and family entertained, including bootcamp fitness classes, island painting with a (rum) punch, cooking classes, and rock climbing.

Exclusive Resorts’ four-bedroom bluff-top luxury villas at Four Seasons lie along the beach at Barnes Bay and feature two private pools, expansive outdoor living areas, spa-inspired en suite baths with ocean views, and outdoor showers.

Residences: 4 | Bedrooms: 4 | Bathrooms: 4.5 | Square Feet: 3,760

Miami Beach, Florida

1 HOTEL SOUTH BEACH

South Beach, known for its colorful Art Deco buildings, nightlife, and long stretches of white sand, is home to The Club’s three, three-bedroom residences, all at 1 Hotel South Beach. Its prime beachfront location, four pools, and rooftop cabana pool deck set the standard for a SoBe-style getaway. Visit Little Havana for authentic Cuban restaurants and colorful murals, shop notable local boutiques for souvenirs at Bal Harbour, or wander funky galleries and home décor stores in the Design District. Stick around the hotel for farm-to-table dining, wellness spa treatments, and rooftop pool sunbathing. Young ones will love to make memories of their own at the Seedlings Kids Club.

When you’re not out exploring or relaxing at the pool or beachside, enjoy the oasis of your Exclusive Resorts’ residence in 1 Hotel South Beach. Oversized windows and sliding glass doors lead to private balconies where you can take in the ocean breeze. The nature-inspired interior is welcoming and peaceful with organic tree trunk tables and driftwood sculptures. Designed to be energy efficient and eco-friendly — right down to housekeeping services — each luxury residence features a Bosch washer and dryer, three large bathrooms with vanities created by Italkraft, and custom kitchens with stainless steel appliances by Sub-Zero and Bosch.

Residences: 3 | Bedrooms: 3 | Bathrooms: 3 - 3.5 | Square Feet: 1,834 – 1,950

Los Cabos, Mexico

ESPERANZA

Situated on the beach in Los Cabos, Esperanza Resort and Spa is designed for guests seeking a private vacation with all of the comforts of home — and then some. Enjoy world-class dining at one of five options ranging from a casual bar and lounge to high-end cuisine, an award-winning spa and fitness program, private infinity pools, and a soft sandy beach. The Southern Baja subtropical desert climate offers a blissful 350 days of sunshine a year with warm temperatures and temperate breezes, making Cabo an ideal year-round travel destination.

The Club's 13 condo-style luxury residences exude elegance, with comfortable outdoor living spaces and private plunge pools just a short walk from the beach and resort amenities. Local-inspired décor welcomes you home, and windows let in the sunshine and impeccable ocean views. Each kitchen is equipped with chef-grade appliances for those wishing to prepare their own meals, or leave them to a private chef. Spacious private patios are perfect for enjoying the sunset with chips and guacamole — and a margarita — in hand.

Residences: 13 | Bedrooms: 4 | Bathrooms: 4.5 | Square Feet: 3,500

Newport Beach, California

THE RESORT AT PELICAN HILL

Located hillside within the private Villa Enclave of Pelican Hill, Exclusive Resorts luxury villas bring the essence of the Italian hillside to Orange County with Tuscan-inspired décor including travertine flooring, wood-beam ceilings, and an Italian limestone fireplace. Each three-bedroom residence offers an expansive terrace and stunning ocean views — perfect for al fresco meals or sunset cocktails.

The Villa Enclave offers its own Villa Pool. Nearby, two world-class golf courses designed by Tom Fazio feature some of the most dramatic landscaping in the world. The Forbes Five-Star Spa at Pelican Hill rejuvenates weary travelers. Members can also unwind at the dramatic, circular Coliseum Pool, or simply enjoy hiding away at one of North America’s most acclaimed coastal retreats.

Residences: 5 | Bedrooms: 3 | Bathrooms: 3 | Square Feet: 2,573

Abaco, Bahamas

THE ABACO CLUB

This 130-mile long chain of barrier cays and small islands in the northern Bahamas offers some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean — and may be its best-kept secret. No matter where you land, you'll find smiling locals, dreamy beaches, rum-fueled stories, and colorful surprises. Try your hand at bone fishing, spend an afternoon sipping a Bahama Mama and chatting with the locals at one of Abaco's most famous beach bars, Pete's Pub, and challenge yourself to take in the sunset from a different beach each evening.

The Abaco Club is an unforgettable private retreat set on a two-mile crescent-shaped stretch of beach. It boasts a state-of-the-art fitness center and full-service wellness spa, infinity pool, all-weather tennis courts, and an 18-hole Scottish-style golf course ranked one of the ten best courses in the world by The Golfer magazine. Enjoy a gourmet meal at The Cliff House with views of the bay or lighter fare at Flipper's Beach Bar. The kids’ club will make certain your little ones always have a magical time. The Abaco Club also has complimentary non-motorized watersport equipment at their beach club including kayaks, paddleboards, Hobie Cat sailboats, FunCat electric catamarans, water hammocks, and snorkel gear.

Residences: 6 | Bedrooms: 4 | Bathrooms: 4.5 | Square Feet: 3,000 - 3,340

Laguna Beach, California

MONTAGE LAGUNA BEACH

Discover where tranquility and curiosity meet on the rugged California coastline in Laguna Beach. Its hidden coves, rocky bluffs, and blissful weather have long captured the imagination of the expressive and the admiration of the adventurous. Golfers, surfers, and artists are drawn to its shores. Enjoy full access to the resort’s upscale amenities, including the much-celebrated Spa Montage. Budding Picassos can relish in the Paintbox Petite Kid’s program, and The Loft features an interactive cheese gallery where talented fromagers turn a tasting plate into a work of art.

The Montage Laguna Beach is perched on a bluff above the Pacific, just steps from the beach. Outfitted in coastal Californian elegance, The Club’s two- and three-bedroom suites feature oversized marble bathrooms with deep soak tubs, expansive patios, and are within walking distance to the private beach entrance. Step out onto the private terrace to take in the spectacular sunsets and ocean views.

Residences: 8 | Bedrooms: 2 – 3 | Bathrooms: 2 – 3.5 | Square Feet: 1,500 - 2,000

Maui, Hawaii

HO’OLEI VILLAS AT GRAND WAILEA

Wailea, located in South Maui, is known for its luxurious resorts and golf courses. Its beaches, made of golden sand and gorgeous water, boast spectacular sunsets that have drawn visitors for decades. Here, the amenities of the world-class Grand Wailea are right next door, including upscale boutiques and trendy restaurants, three championship golf courses, and the world-class Spa Grande and fitness center. Kids can swing from a Tarzan rope into the massive 25,700-square-foot Wailea Canyon Activity Pool, which features waterslides, a sand beach and waterfalls, caves, and a swim-up bar. Adults will enjoy the quieter Hibiscus Pool and cabanas on Wailea Beach.

The Club's eight stunning three-bedroom townhome-style vacation homes are located in the gated community of Ho’olei, nearest to the beautifully-landscaped Ho’olei Beach Club, which offers a large resort pool, two Jacuzzis, and a fitness center. Just a short stroll away from Grand Wailea, Members have access to a wealth of family-friendly amenities. Back at your residence, a spacious lanai awaits, perfect for enjoying the beautiful sunset and partial ocean views.

Residences: 6 | Bedrooms: 3 | Bathrooms: 3.5 | Square Feet: 2,554 – 3,293

Pack your sunscreen and a bathing suit, it’s time to explore. View the rest of our Residence Collection Guide — featuring even more of the world’s most spectacular beach destinations — and plan your next getaway.