Elite Traveler July-August 2018

Beaches White sand, aqua seas, clear skies, swaying palm trees and the ocean breeze —when it comes to beaches, clichés are never a bad thing. These suites and villas are the ultimate choice for when life’s a beach by Samantha Coles

RAHIMOANA EAGLES NEST, RUSSELL, NEW ZEALAND

PRESIDENTIAL VI LLA ROYAL BEGONIA, A LUXURY COLLECTION RESORT, SANYA, CHINA If you prefer your beach views with a regal touch, Royal Begonia’s Presidential Villa has you covered. The red-themed decor references the walls of China’s Forbidden City, and is paired with smooth marble details, Persian rugs and chandeliers. The three-bedroom, four-bathroom villa has a 10-person dining room and kitchen should you want to throw a dinner party (there’s butler service too). Venture outside to enjoy views of the South China Sea from the 2,045-sq-ft private pool and Jacuzzi, or stroll down to the beach— the villa has private access. Our favorite feature is the spa pavilion at the end of the pool — enjoy a soothing massage surrounded by lush foliage. From$9,000 per night. Contact Daniel Meier, hotel manager, luxurycollection.royalbegonia@ luxurycollection.com, +86 898 388 599 99, starwoodhotels.com

Situated on top of a peninsula overlooking New Zealand’s beautiful Bay of Islands, Eagles Nest is a private paradise. Rahimoana villa (Rahimoana meaning “sun god over the ocean” in Māori) is perched on a private headland with an 82-ft infinity pool and beneath, your own private beach. Inside, you’ll find four en-suite bedrooms, cinema, Jacuzzi, sauna, gym, high-tech office, fireplace and bar, and the glass walls flood the entire space with golden sunlight and allow for 300-degree views. The decor is minimalistic and modern with a fresh color palette of white, grey and blue to let the jaw-dropping views of take center stage. You’ll have the use of a Porsche Cayenne Turbo if you want to explore the surrounding area, or if you prefer to travel by air, the villa has its own helipad. From$13,000 per night. Contact AmyMunn, assistant manager, admin@eaglesnest.co.nz, +64 940 383 33, eaglesnest.co.nz

SEVEN SOUTH THE RITZ-CARLTON, GRAND CAYMAN, CAYMAN ISLANDS

At a grand total of nearly 20,000 sq ft, Seven South is the largest luxury suite configuration in the Caribbean. A combination of the three-bedroom Grand Cayman Penthouse and four adjoining two-bedroom suites, Seven South can sleep up to 22 guests. Occupying the entire top-floor wing of the Ritz Carlton’s Ocean Tower, the suite has uninterrupted views of the Caribbean Sea and the famous Seven Mile Beach. Take in sweeping scenery from the expansive and fully furnished terrace, or feel the sand between your toes at your private beach cabana. We love the master bathroom with oversized soaking tub and TV built into the mirrors. From $25,000 per night. Contact Jasmine James, travel industry sales manager, jasmine.james@ritzcarlton.com, +1 345 943 9000, ritzcarlton.com