What are the best beach activities on a luxury holiday?

Secluded, sandy beaches have their charm, but a luxury beach holiday should offer more than just lounging in the sun. Bronzing isn’t the only option – modern travellers want dynamic experiences, from beach yoga and fine dining by the waves to thrilling water sports.

Here’s everything you need to know about planning a beach holiday that blends adventure, wellness and relaxation.

What activities can you enjoy on a luxury beach holiday?

For luxury beach holiday activities, a trip to the Maldives is hard to beat. The snorkelling and diving opportunities are out of this world and the water clarity is superb. Swim alongside kaleidoscopic fish and graceful manta rays near vibrant coral reefs for one of the best underwater experiences on the planet.

Most people don’t equate Africa with snorkelling, but the coastlines and islands lapped by the Indian Ocean, like Mozambique, are home to an untouched underwater paradise. There you can spot a variety of marine life, including dugongs, humpback whales and whale sharks.

Barbados and St Lucia are just two first-class sailing locations. Slip the lines of a luxury catamaran to explore coastlines, watch technicolour sunsets over the water or search for playful pods of dolphins.

For land-based thrills,  Aruba has an off-road UTV driving tour that takes you to hidden natural wonders and historical landmarks that you won’t find on typical tourist routes.

A luxury beach holiday in Thailand wouldn’t be complete without a kayaking trip through serene mangrove forests. Other unmissable activities include a Thai boxing masterclass and guided jungle treks to waterfalls for a dip in a refreshing pool. 

How to plan your perfect luxury beach holiday

Planning a luxury beach holiday involves more than simply picking a beautiful beach. Start with choosing a destination that has all your favourite activities, whether that’s water sports, cultural experiences or wellness retreats. Book exclusive experiences like private yacht charters, beach picnics or cultural tours well in advance to make sure you don’t miss out. It’s also important to consider the season. Some places offer one-of-a-kind experiences like whale watching or local festivals during certain times of year.

Five of our favourite beach activities to try on your next holiday

Snorkelling

Island escapes often come with some of the best snorkelling locations in the world. Whether you’re an experienced diver or a first-time snorkeller, clear island waters offer a great intro to the aquatic world.

Head to the Indian Ocean, where vibrant coral reefs are within easy reach. In the Seychelles, discover hidden coves teeming with marine life. Meanwhile, Mauritius offers boat trips to its remote reefs, where you can snorkel with turtles, rays and exotic fish. For many, the Maldives is the ultimate underwater playground and many resorts have house reefs right on their doorstep. Snorkel at dawn to see the reef wake up or join a night snorkelling tour to witness bioluminescent plankton illuminating the waters.

Beach dining

We don’t know why, but food just tastes better on the beach. Imagine soft waves caressing the shore as you sit down to dine. The wind rustles the palm fronds. The setting sun spreads an orange glow across the sky. This is the stuff that dreams are made of.

At Six Senses Zighy Bay, candlelit dinners come framed by dramatic Omani mountains. StolenTime by Rendezvous in St Lucia offers gourmet beach picnics. For a Mauritian twist, indulge in a barbecue on Gran Zil at Zilwa Attitude, featuring spice-filled Indian and Creole flavours.

Kayaking and paddleboarding

Kayaking or paddleboarding on crystal-clear waters lets you explore hidden coves, mangroves and coastlines. You can also take a peek at what’s below the surface. Trust us when we say this is one of the most peaceful and serene ways to experience nature.

Phang Nga Bay in Thailand is a paradise for kayaking, with its emerald waters and towering limestone cliffs. Paddle through hidden lagoons and caves or explore the tranquil mangrove forests nearby. Rayavadee  is next to three national marine parks and provides a stunning base for water adventures. In Rhodes, guided paddleboarding tours offer a mix of coastal exploration and snorkelling breaks.

Beach yoga

After days spent lazing around on the beach or getting your adrenaline fix on the water, there’s nothing quite like a yoga session to bring you back to yourself. Practicing sun salutations to a rising or setting sun is a dreamy way to start or end the day, while nothing beats stretching out your body after swimming or sailing.

Niraamaya Retreats Surya Samudra in Kerala puts on tranquil sessions amidst swaying coconut palms. Over in Aruba, Manchebo Beach Resort & Spa offers complimentary morning classes on Eagle Beach, as well as Pilates and personal training.

Sailing, catamaran and sunset cruises

Sailing is a thrilling way to explore the coastline and get close to an array of marine life. With an experienced crew to handle the boat, you can relax and keep your eye out for dolphins.

In the Dominican Republic, a Saona Island tour combines snorkelling with beach games. Then Kuramathi in the Maldives hosts cruises where you can spot pods of dolphins zipping through the waves against a fierce orange sunset. Or how about a day-long cruise where you can snorkel with three species of turtles? A luxury catamaran trip along Barbados’s Platinum Coast also offers a buffet lunch and a snorkelling stop over a shipwreck frequented by colourful fish.

Top five resorts for active beach holidays

Casa de Campo Resort & Villas in the Dominican Republic is a top pick for golfers due to its three championship golf courses. It even has its own marina with a variety of water sports. Refine your shooting skills with a spot of clay pigeon shooting or ride a horse along the jungled tracks.

The beachfront resort of BodyHoliday, St Lucia is the place to go for serious pampering. During September, you’ll find great deals for solo travellers too. A stay includes multiple activities such as sailing, beach fitness classes, spa treatments and tailor-made wellness programmes. It’s also a great spot to detox, with healthy organic farm-to-table dining.

Kagi Maldives Resort & Spa is an idyllic getaway known for its holistic spa, which overlooks a turquoise lagoon. The resort focuses on wellness from dawn to dusk, while its cuisine, with dishes featuring fresh herbs from the garden, embodies the resort’s sustainable philosophy. Snorkel by day, then enjoy a yoga session before sitting down to dinner over the sparkling ocean.

andBeyond Benguerra Island in Mozambique blends traditional African luxury with Portuguese influences. A helicopter arrival sets the tone for your stay. Its location on the protected Bazaruto Archipelago means you’ve got world-class snorkelling and diving on tap, where you can spot dugongs, humpback whales (from mid-June to mid-October) and whale sharks (December to March). Set sail on a traditional dhow or stay ashore with a beach picnic followed by horse riding.

With its own championship golf course, Verdura Resort in Sicily is a great spot to practice your golf swing. There are hiking trails to explore too, as well as cycling through olive groves, windsurfing, SUP and boat rides around the Torre Salsa Nature Reserve. If you’ve still got energy to burn, learn to salsa dance or roll up your sleeves for a Sicilian cookery class.

This feature was created on 6th December 2024. The information within this feature is correct to the best of our knowledge at the time of print.