The Breakers, Palm Beach
White sand or black, Tahiti or Thailand, the ocean is calming and energizing (not to mention an instant mood booster). And since so many travelers are staying close to home these days, we’ve assembled a list of 10 fabulous beach destinations within striking distance of New York City.
Acqualina Resort and Spa, Sunny Isles
At this intimate getaway, rooms offer sweeping views of the sea and the Intracoastal. Begin the day with kayaking or Jet Ski-ing (steps from your door), then relax at the huge Espa spa. Restaurants include a sushi bar and an offshoot of Il Mulino, and films are screened by the pool at night. 17875 Collins Avenue, Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, 305-918-8100
Banyan Tree Mayakoba
Few spots are hotter than Riviera Maya right now, and this all-villa resort is situated on waterways amid mangroves, so you can take a boat from the lobby to the beach. Each villa has its own free-form pool and some include a hot tub. Don’t miss the spa’s “rainforest trail,” a series of hydrothermal chambers from an aroma steam to an ice fountain. Carretera Federal Chetumal-Puerto Juárez Km. 298, Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, 800-591-0439
Boca Raton Resort
Another palatial Mizner grande dame, the Boca Raton Resort (part of the Waldorf=Astoria Collection) has undergone a huge renovation, including an upgrade of its beach club. Among the resort’s restaurants are outposts of Morimoto and the Old Homestead. 501 East Camino Real, Boca Raton, Florida, 561-447-3000
The Breakers, Palm Beach
An entire new beachfront area—five pools and cabanas that include showers, stocked refrigerators, personal concierges—is another reason to visit this elegant Palm Beach classic built by Henry Flagler. Watch light sparkle on the waves from your renovated room. (Jet Blue has frequent and inexpensive flights.) 1 South County Road, Palm Beach, Florida, 561-655-6611
Canyon Ranch, Miami Beach
It’s hard to imagine finding a tranquil spot in the midst of high-octane Miami, but Canyon Ranch’s new outpost is it. Rooms are all suites, classes range from oceanfront yoga to boxing, and there are even physicians, nurses and wellness experts on staff. Massages are strong and therapeutic; the cuisine delicious and guilt-free. 6801 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida, 800-742-9000
FROM LEFT: Canyon Ranch, Miami Beach; W South Beach
The Marriott Delray
Yes, this is a Marriott. But this Mediterranean-style oceanfront resort is all high-end, complete with a beautiful N Spa. Best of all, you won’t need a car— simply walk down the main strip of Delray for endless shopping and restaurants. 10 North Ocean Boulevard, Delray, Florida, 561-274-3200
Montage Laguna Beach
Thanks to Fox’s The OC, the real OC became trendy and more active than ever. Montage, on a dramatic bluff overlooking the Pacifi c, is the area’s chicest resort—huge rooms, panoramic views, a state-of-the-art spa and Studio restaurant. 30801 South Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA, 949-715-6000
One & Only Ocean Club, Paradise Island
Terraced gardens modeled after the ones at Versailles border the pool at this paradise, which has an 18-hole golf course and the Jean-Georges Vongerichten restaurant Dune. Though it’s an ideal romantic getaway, it also has a full kids’ program. P.O. Box N4777, Nassau, the Bahamas, 242-363-2501
Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos
Bruce Willis, Donna Karan, Keith Richards and Christie Brinkley are just a few of the celebrities who have homes on this breathtaking private island. From the spa to the cuisine, the influence is Asian, and American Airlines features a morning flight that will have you on the beach by lunchtime. Box 164, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 649-946-7788
W South Beach
The newest hotel in Miami, this W has oversize guest rooms designed by Yabu Pushelberg, a chic Mr. Chow restaurant and a Bliss spa. For nightlife, head into The Wall nightclub, where you can dance (almost) till the sun comes up— it’s open until 4 A.M. 2201 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida, 305-938-3000
