As the temperature in our part of the world heads south and we plunge headlong into winter, who doesn't day dream about a beach holiday? Sparkling aquamarine water, infinity pools and dreamy stretches of beach are somehow all the more enticing when it's cold outside and your skin has faded to a shade somewhere beyond pasty.
Unfortunately, swanky tropical getaways these days often come with a hefty price tag, along with hidden extras, especially so with the fluctuating Australian dollar, but there are bargains to be had if you do your homework (as well, of course, reading Traveller's useful guide, below, to the best resort bargains).
Tom Walley, executive general manager of Flight Centre Australia, says avoiding peak season (Christmas, New Year and school holidays) tops the list of money-saving advice. He recommends planning six to 12 months out to secure the best deal, while being flexible with dates can put more cocktail money in your pocket. "And be sure and take note of happy hour to enjoy big savings on drinks."
Elle Clarke, national marketing manager for Escape Travel, a division of the Flight Centre group, says a big part of an island getaway is the cost of the airfare to get there, which makes buying a bundled air and land package though a travel agent a competitive way to book. "All-inclusive resorts can be a good investment too as everything has been accounted for, meaning fewer day-day expenses to budget for during your stay," Clarke said.
Here we've scoured the world to find 25 luxe beach and island resorts under $US250 per night (the rates here are in $A and were correct at the time of writing). Now that's sure to make you relax and start dreaming of pina colados long before your feet hit the sand.
TELL ME MORE It's the quintessential tropical island with sultry, palm fringed with a feel of Bali or Phuket before the throngs arrived. Here on the main island located off peninsular Malaysia's north-western coast, Temple Tree Resort offers eight restored antique Malay houses. There's a jade-coloured lap pool surrounded by white sun lounges and shady umbrellas with a backdrop of coconut palms, lush wetlands and Mount Mat Cancan. All rooms have beautiful antiques, Straits Chinese cabinets, free wi-fi and warm-hued rugs. Both Temple Tree and the adjoining and original Bon Ton Resort fund the Langkawi Animal Shelter and Sanctuary Foundation; so expect lots of friendly felines.
DON'T MISS Australian resort owner Narelle McMurtrie's knockout fried rice and the excellent coffee and her wonderful collection of rescued cats.
ESSENTIALS From $270 a night including a continental breakfast. See templetree.com.my
TELL ME MORE A boutique, refurbished 11-room beachfront property on little known Kawau Island 50 minutes north of Auckland. Beachfront rooms are decked out in beachy tones with whitewashed floorboards, king-size beds with crisp white linen, kitchenettes, modern bathrooms and neutral decor. Watch boats bobbing on the tide, join the locals for a swim and see friendly weka birds foraging in the bush.
DON'T MISS Host cum chef Andrew Cullen's South Pacific cuisine with a twist, served in the dining room or alfresco under a magnificent pohutukawa tree.
ESSENTIALS King rooms start from $317 a night including cooked breakfast, pre dinner drinks and canapes. See kawaubeachhouse.co.nz
TELL ME MORE Quy Nhon is an undiscovered Vietnamese fishing village, and home to the intimate beach resort Avani Quy Nhon. Travellers arrive at a picturesque private beach, flanked by orchard-covered mountains. Guests can reach the resort's private island by kayak or have a local fisherman ferry them across for a day of swimming and exploring.
DON'T MISS Daily afternoon tai chi and private meditation. For a true taste of Vietnam, traditional cooking classes and an orchard tour introduce the vibrancy of local life.
ESSENTIALS A junior suite is priced from $260 per night. See avanihotels.com
TELL ME MORE This adults-only boutique resort on a coveted stretch of beach along the Gulf of Thailand is located in Hua Hin where the Thai royal family take seaside holidays. There are 40 spacious rooms that either look out on the 120-metre canal-like swimming pool or come with their own "moon deck" for romantic stargazing. The wonderful Moon Deck suites enjoy great views over the wide expanse of beach with comfy day beds – the perfect spot for a vanilla martini as the moon rises over the seven-kilometre stretch of beach. There are huge oversized tubs and separate rain showers for two in all rooms.
DON'T MISS The open-air fitness garden, with adult size swings, a slippery dip, a uniquely designed see saw, and a warm seashell massage in the Gaia Spa.
ESSENTIALS From $278 in a moon deck duplex suite including a la carte breakfast, wi-fi and mini bar allowance. See letussea.com
TELL ME MORE Located north-west of Lombok, on the tiny island of Gili Meno, Karma Reef is the epitome of bohemian chic and offers direct access to one of the world's most beautiful coral reefs. Stay in charming, two-storey, lumbung-style villas complete with rustic stone and tropical hardwoods, contemporary furnishings and an upstairs air-conditioned double bedroom with private balcony overlooking the Indian Ocean. Days at Karma Reef revolve around leisurely catnaps, hanging out at the beach club with its sustainable bamboo architecture and hammocks, as well as swimming and snorkelling in the clear, turquoise sea.
DON'T MISS A barefoot dance party at one of Karma Reef's legendary sunset chill-out DJ sessions and a massage in the breezy Sea Spa to the sound of lapping waves.
ESSENTIALS Karma Reef's 10 beachfront bungalows are priced from $310 a night including breakfast. See karmabeach.com
TELL ME MORE The entire 92-room resort, with its stylish main hub featuring bi-fold doors opening onto six-metre wide verandahs overlooking the rainforest canopy, was designed by Brisbane architect Ed Haysom to blend in with its surrounds. Oversized cane lounges and slow-turning ceiling fans evoke the feel of a stylish Asian resort, yet the Byron at Byron is firmly stamped with a contemporary Australian flavour. The apartment-style rooms meanwhile include every luxury imaginable, from a king -ize bed to a freestanding bathtub big enough for two. Mesh-enclosed verandahs make you feel as if you are part of the rainforest and at night a glorious chorus of frogs can be heard, along with the soothing sound of distant waves crashing upon Tallows Beach.
DON'T MISS The Thursday night market menu. Feast on an evening menu prepared by the head chef from local produce sourced at the farmers market.
ESSENTIALS Rooms in winter are $315 per night inclusive of breakfast for two each day and a bottle of house red wine when dining in The Restaurant. See byronatbyron.com.au
TELL ME MORE The Coral Coast wraps around the south-western corner of Viti Levu's coastline, and is one of the largest fringing coral reefs in the world. It is also home to the affordable Crusoe's Retreat offering all-bure accommodation. The remote Crusoe's bills itself as "Fiji's best-kept secret". It's a little like staying at a Fijian village (Namaqumaqua Village, where many of the staff live, is next door) but with all the luxuries throw in, including seaside bures, pool, water sports, restaurant and bars all facing the palm-fringed beach.
DON'T MISS Taking a walk around the neighbouring village to see how the locals live.
ESSENTIALS From $117 per night including breakfast. See crusoesretreat.net
TELL ME MORE This brand spanking new beachfront resort offers 171 contemporary rooms featuring wood from the owner's Surabaya factory, four pools (including a shady atrium pool and an infinity pool), restaurant, fitness centre and a fun, circus themed kids club. A flash new Tea Tree Spa and beachfront Nudi Bar, built in a two-storey traditional style lumbung, will open in the next couple of months.
DON'T MISS Try the traditional Balinese rijsttafel (spiced rice dishes) at the renowned Bumbu Bali, and take in a Devdan Show, a 90-minute energetic dance and acrobatic journey through the Indonesian archipelago at the nearby Nusa Dua Theatre.
ESSENTIALS Opening room rates start from $144 a night including daily buffet breakfast for two, kids club, wi-fi. Kids stay and eat free. See balibenoa.holidayinnresorts.com
TELL ME MORE The charming Aore Island Resort, provides easy access to the best of the Northern Vanuatu province of Sanma, while still maintaining the feel of a far-flung island paradise. The 18-bungalow resort sits just off Vanuatu's second-most popular island, Espiritu Santo. Guests can partake of kava while watching the sun slip into the channel from the large open-air nakamal, which houses the restaurant and bar.
DON'T MISS Divers can explore what is considered the premier wreck of the Pacific, the SS Coolidge nearby; while everyone should take a swim in the Blue Holes with their fresh water the colour of sapphires.
Essentials: A studio garden view room is priced at $220 including continental breakfast. See aoreresort.com
TELL ME MORE Flanked by black volcanic cliffs overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the Sheraton Keauhou Bay sparkles after a recent makeover. The oceanfront resort features naturally landscaped grounds once the birthplace and playgrounds of Hawaiian kings. The resort's 575 rooms, divided into four wings, are decorated in calm, neutral tones with private lanais overlooking either the ocean or mountains. There's also an open air spa, restaurants with ocean views and what's widely regarded as the island's best pool with a 200-foot lava tube water slide, hot tubs, sprouting fountains and sandy-bottomed children's play area.
DON'T MISS snorkelling at night with the resident manta rays that come in to feed on the plankton attracted by the lights in Keauhou Bay. Or stay high and dry enjoying live music at Rays on the Bay, while observing the majestic creatures feeding offshore in their natural habitat.
Essentials: From $242 a night. See sheratonkona.com
ASIA
ANANTARA SI KAO RESORT AND SPA, THAILAND
Based off the Andaman coast in Thailand and south of Krabi, Anantara Si Kao Resort and Spa offers an idyllic waterfront setting. Explore the coral reefs at Koh Kradanor take an excursion to Koh Kradan, Koh Mook and Emerald Cave and the local Had Chao Mai National Park with its towering limestone cliffs and coastal rainforests. From $235 a two-night stay. See sikao.anantara.com
THE DAMAI, LOVINA, BALI, INDONESIA
Located in the jungle hills overlooking Bali's unspoilt North Coast with distance views of Java volcanoes this boutique resort offers an award-winning restaurant, eight spacious villas with four-poster beds and private terraces from $301 per night. See thedamai.com
INDIGO PEARL, PHUKET, THAILAND
An incredible fusion of post-modern architecture and Thai tradition, right on Phuket's Nai Yang Beach, Indigo Pearl's industrial look (inspired by Phuket's tin mining past) is juxtaposed with raw Thai silk, striking floral art, huge oversized baths and quality linen in its 177 guestrooms, pearl-shell suites and sprawling pool villas. From $193 per night including breakfast. See indigo-pearl.com
LAYANA RESORT AND SPA, KOH LANTA, THAILAND
An adults-only five-star resort in the southernmost district of Thailand's Krabi Province, Layana Resort and Spa won Thailand's No 1 hotel at the TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards. Accommodation is in 51 luxurious guestrooms and suites fronting the pristine Klong Tob Bay. Don't miss the resort's new Salt Spa. From $225 per night in a garden pavilion including breakfast. See layanaresort.com
PACIFIC AND INDIAN OCEANS
SHERATON RESORT & SPA, TOKORIKI ISLAND, FIJI
Sheraton's new Fiji resort in the south-western corner of Tokoriki Island features 101 guestrooms and suites, including 30 swish Tokoriki Retreats with private plunge pools. Apart from its idyllic beachfront location, the resort offers a swimming pool, tennis courts and Sri Lankan chef and restaurateur, Peter Kuruvita's Flying Fish restaurant. From $325 a night. See sheratontokorikiisland.com
SEEBREEZE RESORT, SAMOA
The unsung Pacific paradise of Samoa offers remote, pristine beaches peppered with coconut palms, welcoming locals and warm languid waters. For the ultimate in amorous stays, check into the couple's only Seabreeze Resort where every breezy villa comes with a reef, lagoon or ocean view, from $345 a night. See seabreezesamoa.com
MURI BEACH RESORT, COOK ISLANDS
Muri Beach Resort, located in the Cook Islands on Rarotonga's best stretch of beach, has 20 self-contained villas and apartments in lush gardens on the lagoon. Rooms from $255 a couple a night. See muribeachresort.com
KAANAPALI BEACH HOTEL, MAUI, HAWAII, US
Located in the heart of Maui with a plum spot fronting the flawless three-mile stretch of world-famous beach, Kaanapali Beach Hotel offers an authentic Hawaiian experience with a liberal dose of old school charm. Rooms from $255 a night. See kbhmaui.com
TAHITI PEARL BEACH RESORT
The Tahiti Pearl Beach Resort, formerly the Radisson Plaza, with sweeping views overlooking Moorea and Matavai Bay is a terrific budget option with rooms from $303 a night near downtown Papeete. See tahitipearlbeach.pf
SHERATON NEW CALEDONIA DEVA RESORT
Located in the little known and little developed Deva region, the 180-room Sheraton New Caledonia Deva Resort and Spa faces a UNESCO World Heritage-listed lagoon and reef. It features Melanesian architecture, great food, a kids club and 18-hole championship golf course from $224 per night. See sheratonnewcaledoniadeva.com
THE OUTRIGGER MAURITIUS BEACH RESORT, MAURITIUS
The Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort offers an absolute beachfront location alongside the turquoise lagoons of the Indian Ocean. The refurbished 181-room property offers the charm of an early 17th century Mauritian sugar cane planation, combined with all today's modern cons. From $256 a night. See outriggermauritius.com.
AUSTRALIA
PALM BAY RESORT, LONG ISLAND, QUEENSLAND
The 23-room beachfront Palm Bay Resort is located on a pretty curved inlet on Long Island, the closest island to Airlie's Shute Harbour. The option of self-catering makes this boutique property an affordable Whitsunday Island's option. From $190 a night. See palmbayresort.com.au
BANNISTERS POINT LODGE, MOLLYMOOK, NSW
Perched spectacularly on a clifftop overlooking Narrawallee Beach to the north and Mollymook Beach to the south, Bannisters Point Lodge offers an infinity pool, luxury day spa, 32 recently refurbished rooms and is home to Rick Stein's Australian restaurant. From $250 a night including breakfast. See bannisters.com.au
THALA BEACH NATURE, PORT DOUGLAS, QUEENSLAND
Thala Beach Nature (formerly Thala Beach Lodge) is a deluxe eco retreat on 58 hectares of beachfront native forest with bungalows concealed in the treetops and walking trails through forest and mangrove woodlands. From $319 a night, or $255 a night for stay five, pay four deals. See thalabeach.com.au
RENDEZVOUS HOTEL, PERTH, WA
The iconic beachfront Rendezvous Hotel Perth Scarborough overlooks the soft white sand and sparkling blue water of the Indian Ocean, from $137 per night. Don't miss the Twilight Flyers, a giant circus trapeze steps from the hotel. See tfehotels.com.
You can save a motza (up to 25-30 per cent) by booking accommodation 21 days or more in advance, even more if you pay in full.
STAY LONGER
Stay four, pay three, stay five pay four deals are offered by many resorts and can save you big bucks.
STAY EVEN LONGER
Many hotels and resorts offer discounts on extended stays – the longer you stay, the less you'll pay.
BE SOCIAL
Follow your preferred resort on social media to receive special offers. Enrolling in a resort's loyalty club can also save you money and reward you inclusions and upgrades.
HOW LOW CAN YOU GO
Prices typically plummet in the low or off-season: it may be wet season where you'll experience tropical showers though perhaps only towards the end of the day. Alternatively, it could be a tad on the cool side meaning it's not ideal beach weather.
MAKE THE GRADE
Ask for a room upgrade upon arrival, as typically it costs less than pre-booking.
PACKAGE MENTALITY
Investigate pre-purchase options such as meal, spa, dive and drinks packages, which are often cheaper to buy before you arrive. Some resorts offer free meals for kids under 12 when eating with parents.
FLAT OUT VALUE
Apartment accommodation and self-catering resorts can keep costs down as travellers aren't paying a premium for services they may not access, while having a kitchen means you can save money on meals.
HOUR OF POWER
Take advantage of a resort's happy hour with discounted drinks and two-for-one deals, and look out for complimentary cocktail nights where you often get to meet the general manager and other guests.
FEEL FREE
Make the most of free inclusions – from free use of water sports equipment, bicycles, yoga and tai chi, kids club, through to fruit carving, towel art classes and shuttle services.
ABOUT THE WRITER
Sheriden Rhodes' love of beach and island resorts stems from her first visit to Hawaii as an eight-year-old. She says: "I'd never seen water that blue before. My brothers and I spent the entire day swimming in the ocean, and afterwards we'd swim some more in the resort pool while our parents sipped on Mai Tais. A holiday at the beach, with a good book, a hammock swung between palm trees and the waft of frangipani on the breeze, still does it for me."
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