If you think spring break is only for the college crowd, you’re missing out. No matter your age, you can—and should—take a spring break every year. The key is to avoid places where there aren’t drunk kids and hardcore partygoers everywhere you turn (unless that’s your thing).
Maybe the best part about being an adult, and a discerning adult of fine taste, is that you don’t have to take spring break on a set schedule. You’re likely done with school, so take your break whenever you want, and take it for as long as you want.
We’ll say that if you take your trip at some point between February and May, it qualifies as spring break. That’s the “Luxpitality Spring Break” for you (copyright, trademark).
Below, we rounded up some of the most elegant, private, and relaxing spring break hotels and destinations you can book across the globe. Among the list are a lot of beach boutique hotel options, but we’re staying far from the tourist traps. Check it out.
14 Spring Break Hotels the Tourists Won’t Be Visiting
1. Palazzo Avino
During the 12th century, Palazzo Avino was a private villa for an Italian family of nobles who enjoyed luxurious views of the Amalfi Coast. Fast forward a few hundred years and the building still stands strong, but it’s been turned into one of the world’s finest luxury hotels.
It’s perched high on the cliffs above the medieval village of Ravello and overlooks some of the most picturesque fishing villages on the Mediterranean (those nobles sure knew what they were doing). Some of the original rooms remain, like the entrance hall, but the rest of the hotel has been renovated with the works: 33 rooms, 10 suites, a lobster and martini bar (um, yes please), a spa, sundeck with jacuzzi, and an outdoor pool.
2. Alila Villas Uluwatu
As you travel along the Southern coast of Bali’s Bukit Peninsula, you’ll find Alila Villas Uluwatu only 30 minutes from Ngurah Rai International airport and 15 minutes from Jimbaran Bay, near the renowned Uluwatu Temple. On the edge of a cliff, high above the Indian Ocean, the property is surrounded by pristine white-sand beaches, coastal vistas, and views of the seemingly endless sky.
The architecture at Alila Villas was designed to seamlessly blend in with the surrounding natural environment as well, which provides a dreamy flow between inside and outside. As you wander, stop by The Warung for some top notch Balinese fare, CIRE for something a bit more upscale, Quila for some extraordinary gastronomy surprises, or take afternoon tea as you watch the sun sink on the horizon.
3. Annandale
You might not think a working farm would be the best place for our spring break hotels list, but there’s something incredibly special about Annandale. It’s nestled between the rolling hills of New Zealand’s Banks Peninsula and the sparkling shores of the Pacific Ocean, and features four luxury villas that offer truly unique experience (they call it “gumboot luxury”).
The Stables is a two-bedroom luxury loft apartment above the property’s original stables for four while Seascape and Shepherd’s Cottage house two guests in private quarters on the ocean and a high hill, respectively. Looking for something that can accommodate more? Homestead sleeps 12 in its massive, Victorian-inspired villa while Scrubby Bay can fit 14 individuals on a private bay guarded by two hills.
4. Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort
Sugar Beach, aptly named for the 18th-century sugar plantation that now houses the luxury hotel in St. Lucia, is located amid lush rainforests. The landscaped grounds lead directly to the brilliantly white-sand beach and Caribbean Sea.
While the beach is always a fun option, each room has its own private plunge pool. And each room is built as an indoor-outdoor room that opens up to the paradise of nature on all sides of the property. Make sure to head down to the Great House to share a cocktail with other guests as you lounge at Anse des Pitons.
5. An Lâm Retreats Ninh Van Bay
Nature, design, and luxury fuse together to bring life to An Lâm Retreats Ninh Van Bay, a boutique hotel that’s rooted in Vietnamese culture and tradition. It’s an adults-only resort that’s exclusively built for couples, honeymooners, and adults over 16-years old on a secluded jungle peninsula.
Part of the reason they operate this way is because they want their guests to detach from the hustle and bustle of city living to enjoy a sanctuary of nature and peace. Calm your mind as you laze near flowing streams, or spend your days lounging on the private veranda in your timber villa. Oh, also, you get a personal butler who caters to your every need (sign me up now).
6. Casa Malca
If you’re dying to go to Mexico, forget Cancun and go just a little bit further to Tulum. You’ll find the decadent Casa Malca sporting canvas hammocks tied to palm trees, access to pristine beaches, and gorgeous views of the water. It’s ripe for social media as it is one of the most Instagrammable hotels.
However gorgeous the views, you might be tempted to ditch your phone in favor of connecting with the natural landscape surrounding you. That, or you’ll be so swept up in the creatively engrossing dining options, meditative vibes of the spa, and exploring the various pieces of art around the hotel that you might forget your phone even exists.
7. Ibagari Boutique Hotel
Located in one of the most exclusive areas of Roatan, Honduras, is Ibagari Boutique Hotel. On one side you’re surrounded by verdant vegetation, while the other side offers white-sand beaches perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
From their infinity pool to the famous Luna Muna restaurant, every element of the hotel is a reflection of this surrounding beauty. And from the second you arrive you’ll feel as if you’re entering a sanctuary of tranquility that’s intimately tied into a purpose to simply enjoy every day.
8. Six Senses Krabey Island
Six Senses Krabey Island features 40 exclusively private, free-standing pool villas with living roofs perfectly meshed with the canopy of trees. Blending the accommodations into nature like this helps fulfill the hotel’s commitment to protect the local ecology. You’ll find that you have guests sharing your room with you: resplendent birds and gracious butterflies.
The private island that the hotel calls home is located three miles off Ream National Park in the Gulf of Thailand, which sets the stage for an unforgettable experience. Documenting the journey to the island is one way you can live the ethos behind their hashtag, #OutOfTheOrdinary, and discover your fun side living new experiences.
9. Belle Mont Farm
You won’t find any touristy crowds at Belle Mont Farms in St. Kitts. Instead, you’ll find a distinct luxury resort that caters to those looking for an unhurried, laid-back, and secluded travel experience. Case in point, all the residences are separated by large amounts of space to ensure you’re getting the maximum level of privacy.
To help you cover those distances, staff members are always on call to give you a golf cart ride if you don’t want to walk. However, whether you’re staying at the luxury cottages, spacious villas, or the famous Farmhouse, you’ll likely encounter the local, playful monkeys swinging in the nearby trees as you sunbathe on your wrap-around verandah.
10. Sublime Comporta
Head to Sublime Comporta in Portugal to bask in 42 acres of undulating umbrella pines, crafty cork trees, wild sand dunes, vast rice fields, and far-reaching beaches. As you make the one-hour journey from Lisbon to the property, you’ll find that time seems to stand still as the rich wildlife grows more abundant.
Once you’ve arrived, cultural experience, warm local populations, and great food and wine await. That and welcoming rooms with jaw-dropping design, like the Bio Pool Suite and Cabana Suite. As you experience the magic of Sublime Comporta around every corner, you’ll find it only draws you in more and more—it’s addicting.
11. Areias do Seixo
Another magnificent property only an hour from Lisbon, Areias do Seixo is surrounded by ocean views, whispering sand dunes, and mighty pine forests. The hotel has formed a true bond and partnership with its surrounding nature, which is evident in the beach driftwood used in construction and rooms that are built around trees.
Again, in partnership with nature, the entire hotel is powered by solar and geothermal energy. You’re invited to explore the sprawling on-site gardens,, travel to private beaches for a bit of adventure, and enjoy home-cooked meals accompanied with live guitar music. Finally, this is an awesome property to explore if you’re interested in booking an extended layover.
12. Como Cocoa Island
If you’re looking for an experience that’s personalized to your specific wants and needs, take a 40-minute speedboat ride (you had us at speedboat ride) from the international airport and check out Como Cocoa Island in the Maldives. Take a customized cruise to neighboring islands and beaches, plan private dinners at secluded locations, or enjoy private yoga sessions—fulfill the desires of your adventurous spirit.
Given the geographical location of The Maldives, it’s pretty much always spring break if you avoid monsoon season. You’ll enjoy a constant temperature of 86°F and a water temperature that rarely, if ever, falls below 77°F. All you have to do is kick back and enjoy life in your bungalow hanging over the lagoon.
13. Chablé Maroma
Cancun and Playa Del Carmen are both fine travel destinations, but I can guarantee they’re going to be overrun by high school kids getting drunk—super drunk—for the first time in their lives (trust me, I lived it). Instead, aim for Riviera Maya right between the two and book your trip at Chablé Maroma. No joke, this might be the epitome of spring break hotels.
Surrounded by thick, overgrown jungles and azure coastal waters, the property celebrates the Maya cultural heritage and way of life that existed in close contact with nature. It’s an adventure getting to the property as you watch the cities fade in the distance as greenery takes over, and spend your days relaxing at the top tier spa, inviting beach, or crystal cool pool.
14. Sir Joan
Ibiza: do I need to say anything else? If you’re looking to party, but don’t want to spend your vacation roughing it with the young ravers in Sant Antoni de Portmany’s spring break hotels, Sir Joan is a fantastic option. It’s a private paradise situated directly in the center of the island overlooking Ibiza’s port and Old Town district.
Unlike many other parts of the island, Sir Joan is an incredibly intimate and quiet retreat that still reflects the vibrant culture and sensuality everyone loves about Ibiza. The 38 rooms are built with wood stripped from yacht floors and stainless-steel wall panels that emulate glistening waves. And they’ve got amazing dining options in Izakaya and The Butcher.
When you think of spring break hotels, these options might not be top-of-mind. But we specialize in offering character-driven properties for our clients that you won’t find just anywhere.
If any of these options struck a chord with you while you read, reach out to us directly. We’d love to help hook you up with one of the most badass spring break experiences you’ve ever had.