by Adrian Northrup & Julia Spiro

Surf’s up! You may live in an arctic (or close to) climate, but your heart belongs to the ocean (key the Titanic soundtrack). Cool breezes, soothing sounds of crashing waves and the salty scent of the ocean are your idea of a perfect vacation. Your home, wherever it is, has tiny mementos of the beach; seashells, a piece of driftwood , photographs of the ocean. Your mind relaxes at the thought of that pool of endless blue.

But just because you’re a beach bum doesn’t mean you don’t love the water!

Your destinations tend to be tropical and warm. You like accommodations that are (or close to) waterfront, allowing access to hang ten on a wave or snorkel and awe over the rainbow colored tropical fish. If you’re in a lazy mood, a good book, bottle of sunscreen, your iPod and a Pina Colada can occupy you for hours. As long as water is near, it’s fun in the sun! Here are some of Tango Diva’s picks for beach resorts and vacations.

Bermuda: 9 Beaches Resort

The 9 Beaches Resort is located on the western-most tip of Bermuda, making it the closest Bermuda resort to the United States and the perfect spot for a quick getaway. With 18 acres of private waterfront land, the resort is surrounded by water on three sides. The 84 private cabanas, which sit on stilts, are scattered throughout the resort’s grounds, with several on the beach and a few right on the water. The cabanas on the water are connected by a boardwalk and feature glass floors to view the passing tropical fish. Although cabanas are equipped with bathrooms, and amenities such as refrigerators, living at 9 Beaches is like living at an upscale beach. Guests keep busy with sailing, kayaking, and snorkeling, or just lounging on the white shores. Food options range from fresh local fish to hand-delivered hot pizza, and the beach bar and grill offers guests a place to enjoy a cocktail with a beautiful view.

For more information and to make a reservation, visit the
9 Beaches Resort Web site.

Maui, Hawaii: The Four Seasons Resort Maui

For the absolute most lavish beach vacation, the ultimate destination is the Four Seasons in Maui. Gals looking to sunbathe in the lap of luxury will find everything they need here for total relaxation and indulgence. Although the resort is pricey, guests enjoy spacious, high-tech rooms with ocean views, private white-sand beaches, access to a world-class spa, and a variety of fresh, gourmet dining options. Despite the hotel’s incredible luxury and outstanding personal service, it is the beach itself that makes this such a coveted destination. Cool down on the velvety white-sand beaches with personal “soothing spritzes” or cocktails, or take a dip in the clear blue Pacific waters that reach over 80 degrees. For those who want to keep busy at the beach, the hotel offers snorkeling, scuba diving lessons for certification, and access to kayaks, boogie boards, sailboats, jet skis, surfing lessons, and whale watching expeditions. Guests can also play golf, tennis, and head to the spa or fitness facilities. This resort is the perfect fusion of spectacular natural beach and ultra-modern, luxe accommodation.

For more information and to make a reservation, visit the
Four Seasons Resort Maui Web site.

Bali: Puri Bagus Lovina

This hotel is on the outskirts of the Lovina resort area on the northernmost tip of Bali, away from the noise and bustle of many tourist resorts. The hotel’s 40 villas are built in traditional Balinese-style architecture, featuring thatched roofs, open air verandahs, and interior gardens. While the rooms are luxurious and include fully modern amenities, this resort’s rates are lower than many of its neighbors. The restaurant serves fresh, international cuisine and the bar specializes in unique tropical cocktails. The quiet beach looks out onto the Indian Ocean, full of coral and dolphins, which guests can spot swimming in the morning. The hotel offers sailing, paddleboats, snorkeling, scuba diving, and windsurfing, but the beach’s unspoiled beauty is enough to keep any real beach lover occupied.

For more information and to make a reservation, visit the Puri Bagus Lovina Resort Web site.

More Beach Vacations


Kauai, USA: Magical Hanalei Bay

The Dominican Republic: An Escape to the Caribbean


Croatia: Hvar from Heaven

Hotel Review: Azul Blue in Tulum, Where Hollywood Sips Margaritas

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