These Coastal Stays Are Worth Getting Salty For

This one’s for the upscale surfer.

Some rooms at Hotelito on Mexico’s west coast lead directly out onto the beach, and after a short paddle you’re at a cruisy little wave called La Bonita. Coast on this ’til your heart’s content, then come in and take a shower in sleek surrounds that straddle the line between luxury and minimalism… like that really cool, attractive and talented person you know who somehow manages to remain really humble.

Nearby are some more iconic waves that are accessible with a private lift from staff, and there’s brilliantly fresh, paddock-to-plate Mexican food on offer all day at Alba, the on-site restaurant. Beach borders the property from the back, and lush jungle from the front. The best of both worlds.

From AU$552 per night

Sometimes the stays in this section veer more toward the weird than the wonderful. And sometimes they’re more wonderful than they are weird. The latter is certainly the case when it comes to the rand new Deos Mykonos, a slice of heaven carved out of stone and placed delicately on a Myconian hilltop, overlooking sea, islands and windmills.

It feels less like a hotel here, and more like a private residence… if your private residence is a small Greek villa with marble bathrooms, a terrace and either a pool or a jacuzzi facing the water.

The promotional video for Deos features a madly-in-love couple swanning about the hotel, intimately embracing in various locations around Deos. This kind of gives us the impression they’re targeting couples at this place.

And while the romance levels are high, it’s also a beautiful spot to invest in yourself and revive your senses in exquisite luxury.

From AU$906 per night

The renovation of the perfectly placed Namore was only completed in 2023 by architect Helena Miler and her team. Namore is situated on the island of Brac, which is known for providing an authentic experience thanks to nearby islands attracting more tourists.

While enjoying the secludedness of the area you can take advantage of the bustling town of Bol which is just 3 kilometres away. Within Namore are nine uniquely designed units that have been well crafted and have optimal use of space and within one of the units – a cave! The cave has been transformed into a luxurious living area for you to relax in… or take lots of photos that you can show off on your socials. With the al fresco BBQ area and outdoor jacuzzi, there’s plenty to enjoy.

From AU$165 per night (Minimum 4 night stay)

Vancouver Island was already one of the coolest places on planet Earth, and then the Nami Project came along.

A boutique hotel with just four suites, plus four cabins, the project is small scale, at least in terms of numbers and size. It’s built where a lush forest meets a rocky coastline, and does that thing great accommodation does — blends into the landscape around it. A Scandinavian style design (inside and outside) blends nicely with some more Canadian influences, like the Cedar Saunas – great for warming up after whatever epic adventure you’ve just tackled. Situated 40 minutes south of Canadian surf mecca Tofino, and within striking distance of epic hikes and rivers, this is an incredible place for people to come and be a part of a great wilderness.

From AU$475 per night

Between us, the get lost team has stayed at a lot of hotels. Like, a lot. But you know what The Twelve Apostles has going for it (besides its ridiculous sea view terrace, swimming pool, fine dining and pillow menu)? Arguably, the world’s best hotel robe. Gosh, it was luxe. Heavy and comforting, the perfect lounge robe.

The Apostles is the very definition of 5-star luxury. Perched above the Atlantic Ocean and with a backdrop to Table Mountain, this boutique hotel offers up breathtaking sunsets, access to incredible cape beaches and an award-winning spa. Not to mention you can choose your soap/ skincare. We went with rooibos, hbu?

From AU$340 per night.

It’s time to put Mauritius on your travel radar.

Honestly, this place is heaven. In fact, all of Mauritius is heaven, but SALT of Palmar is the cherry on top. Why? Firstly, look at it. It’s a colourful pastel wonderland, an aesthetic feast for the eyes. It’s also adults-only, now don’t get us wrong we love kids and babies and small humans, but trying to relax by the resort pool while there’s a game of Marco Polo in progress isn’t… well… relaxing. At SALT, it’s grown-up time, all the time.

Whether you’re doing sundowners on the resort rooftop, laying by the private beach, getting a (literal) salt treatment at the spa or eating your way through their locally-sourced menu.

The ethos here is all about creating a sustainable, welcoming vibe for their guests and they’ve nailed it. On a recent stay, we were invited into the kitchen to learn how to make Mauritian curry—now if that’s not bloody welcoming, what is? The curry was perfection, FYI. We ate two servings and rolled into our ocean-side bed slightly sunburnt and satisfied.

From AU$183 per night

We love a private island here at get lost. And Song Saa is up there at the very, very top. Best part? The hullabaloo of Phnom Penh (and your regular life) feel a world away when at Song Saa.

This resort takes the average overwater bungalow and turns the dial up a notch (or seven). The thatched-roof huts seem humble from the outside, but inside they’re packed with luxury. Think cushy day beds, indoor and outdoor showers, and private pools. Plus you’ve got that south-east Asian cuisine to feast on, and the knowledge that you’re contributing to a hotel that invests majorly into nearby rainforest and mangrove regeneration. Mull that over while you’re floating in your choice of luxe body of water.

From AU$900 per night.

Lombok, Innit? Sounds a little like a Londoner picking up a cabbage in China and asking the seller its name. BUT in great news for Indo-lovers, this is an epic stay in Ekas Bay, an idyllic stretch of Indonesian coastline.

There are only seven villas on this island resort, but they’re sleek, they’re made of bamboo and they’re hot damn beautiful. Everything you imagine a low-key trip to Indonesia to be. Each villa has two levels, so you can move about the different areas as if you’re in your own house. That is if your own home also contained a stunning infinity pool looking out over the Indian Ocean. Paradise, innit?

From AU$699 per night

Cornwall has been a favourite holiday destination for Brits since before King Henry VIII was chopping off heads, but there’s a brand-new stay in the southern seaside town that would surely satisfy even the big man himself.

‘The Island’ is the unimaginative name for what is actually a pretty imaginative place to stay – a nautical bolthole perched dramatically above a beach on its own little island, only accessible from the mainland by a private suspension footbridge (vehicle access is impossible).

The place is perfect for small groups, for romance, for artists seeking inspiration or anyone who enjoys being up close and personal to the roaring symphony of the ocean crashing into the rocks below. Spectacular storms is one of a number of things Cornwall is famous for, and we can’t think of anywhere we’d rather be than the deck of The Island as Mother Nature gets to work.

Rather than most seaside accommodations, where you are looking out over the water, at The Island it actually feels as if you’re a part of the ocean.

From AU$708 per night, minimum three nights.