Waterfront Reverie

Tucked just inland from the Adriatic amid centuries-old olive groves, Masseria Torre Maizza channels the soul of coastal Puglia, where every breeze carries a hint of the sea. The 16th-century farmhouse has been reimagined with contemporary Italian touches, evoking the dreamy calm of a waterfront retreat even from its hillside perch. Days here unfold slowly: long lunches beneath pergolas, golden-hour aperitifs under bougainvillea and moonlit walks scented with salt and fig. Down by the shore, the hotel’s beach club, Lido Bambu, mirrors that same understated elegance, serving up seasonal dishes infused with the sun-drenched flavors of the region.

Housed in a pair of 19th-century stone warehouses, named after the rabelo boats that once ferried barrels of port through Porto’s historic heart, The Rebello wears its industrial heritage proudly on its sleeve. Situated directly on the River Douro’s edge, the space has been gracefully transformed into loft-style rooms and suites, many of which feature sun-drenched balconies and light-flooded window seats perfectly positioned to drink in the Douro views.

Windswept and untamed, Tofino is a place where nature reigns, attracting surfers, storm chasers, whale watchers, fishermen and anyone seeking a deeper connection to the great outdoors. Tucked between ancient rainforest and the crashing Pacific, Wickaninnish Inn offers unmatched access to this rugged stretch of Vancouver Island. Rooms feature deep soaking tubs, fireplaces and balconies made for watching the waves roll in.

A 16th-century monastery turned hotel, Splendido has long been known as a hideaway for the glamorous, but above all, this showstopper celebrates its distinct sense of place. Fresh from a much-anticipated grand reopening, its terraced gardens, wisteria-draped walkways and sweeping sea vistas are nothing short of spellbinding. There are also two restaurants, a heated saltwater pool, tennis courts and a spa—but the spirit here is that of a simpler era, and the coastline commands the spotlight.

On the secluded shores of Mozambique’s Benguerra Island, Kisawa Sanctuary is a serene waterfront retreat where sustainability and barefoot luxury go hand in hand. Spanning 300 hectares of sand dunes, coastal forest and pristine beachfront, the sanctuary’s thatched bungalows incorporate 3D-printed interiors crafted from sand and seawater, creating spaces that feel like a natural extension of the island and the sea beyond.

The article’s cover shot features Kisawa Sanctuary.

Set in a former sleepy fishing outpost, now a haven for surfers and sunseekers, Fairmont Taghazout Bay captures the easy rhythm of life on Morocco’s Atlantic coast. The design is remarkably sunny and free-flowing, in stark contrast to the intimacy of traditional Moroccan riads. Locally sourced fabrics, metalwork and glassware reflect the country’s rich craft traditions, while floor-to-ceiling windows and breezy open-air spaces blur the lines between inside and out.

With its whitewashed walls, Greek-inspired architecture, fresh-caught seafood and shimmering turquoise waters, Isla Bella Beach Resort brings a slice of the Mediterranean to the heart of the Florida Keys. Stretching along a mile of private coastline, this sun-drenched waterfront retreat feels like a tropical daydream brought to life—white sand underfoot, palms swaying overhead and every care drifting away with the ocean breeze.

Cradled on the banks of Lake Lucerne, Park Hotel Vitznau evokes the charm of a storybook castle, complete with stone turrets, grand balconies and lush manicured gardens. Here, every experience is anchored around its magnificent lakefront setting, whether you’re cruising aboard the hotel’s private boat, savoring elevated cuisine on the waterfront terrace or taking a dip in the dazzling Alps-facing infinity pool perched right on the water’s edge.

Surrender to your senses at Titilaka, an immersive experience lodge located 4,000 meters above sea level on the remote shores of Lake Titicaca—South America’s largest lake. Days unfold drifting across its sacred waters, while evenings bring golden sunsets with a pisco in hand, followed by quiet moments beside the fire. Revered as the birthplace of the Incas, this high-altitude haven seamlessly threads rich cultural heritage into the raw, cinematic beauty of the Andes.

Overlooking one of Southern California’s most striking stretches of coastline, Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas captures the spirit of laid-back SoCal living from its dramatic clifftop perch. Elevated yet unpretentious, everything here flows to the rhythm of the waves. Rooms and suites echo the tones and textures of the shoreline, while sunset yoga sessions on the bluff offer a front-row seat to the horizon—and the occasional dolphin swimming by below.