guest post by Sherry Gray

Anything on the beach is going to have a certain amount of awe associated with it just by virtue of the natural environment.  But some beach hotels go the extra mile to make the most of their prime location.

Six Amazing Beach Hotels

The National Hotel on South Miami Beach, FL

The Naitonal - South Beach Miami hotel

Known for the elegance and luxury of a bygone era, the hotel sits right on the sands of Miami’s best known beach and features a unique 205-foot long infinity pool. The National was built in the late 1940s and boasts chic art deco style with all the amenities you expect in a luxury hotel.

itty bitty picture of big infinity pool

What’s to love: Style! Fully restored to its original glory in 1997, the National is loaded with charm and style.

The Sanctuary Beach Resort in Monterey Bay, CA

The Sanctuary Beach Resort in Monterey Bay

Built on the edge of The Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, this luxurious resort offers the kind of unspoiled nature you’d normally have to sleep in a tent to enjoy. The isolated location of The Sanctuary Beach Resort offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean or rolling dunes of seemingly endless sand alive with an amazing array of indigenous plant and wildlife. You can’t go wrong, either choice is simply breathtaking.

What’s to love: Put simply, raw nature. With the Marine Sanctuary just steps away, you’re surrounded by wilderness while being spoiled rotten by amenities.

The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort just off the coast of Charleston, SC

The Sanctuary

This five star resort hotel built in 2004 is designed to be reminiscent of an elegant seaside mansion, and to fit into the landscape as if it has been in place for hundreds of years. Sweeping, Gone With the Wind staircases dominate the expansive lobby, beautifully decorated in traditional southern décor accented by antiques, lending a homey feeling of casual elegance.

What’s to love: Gorgeous, oceanfront golf. Golf Digest ranks The Ocean Course at Kiawah Island Golf Resort at number 25 on it’s list of 100 Greatest U.S. Golf Courses and number 4 on the Best Public Course list.

The Wyndham Hotel Galvez in Galveston, TX

Tropical pool at The Wyndham Hotel Galvez

Recently restored to its full glory, the glamorous Wyndham Hotel Galvez dates back nearly 100 years. Dubbed the “Queen of the Gulf” when it first opened in 1911, the hotel was frequented by celebrities and public figures like Teddy Roosevelt, Frank Sinatra and the enigmatic Howard Hughes.

What’s to love: Aside from rich historical background, the incredible tropical pool complete with swim up bar is a sight to behold.

The Victorian at the Beachmere Inn in Ogunquit, ME

Beachmere Inn

This beautifully restored Victorian mansion built in the late 1800s was once a private residence. Comfortable, affordable rooms decorated in Shaker style and soothing seaside color overlook a panoramic view of the beach below.

What’s to love: Wood burning fireplaces in some of the suite-style rooms for cozy evenings in.

The Turtle Bay Resort in Oahu, HI

View from The Turtle Bay Resort

Forty-five minutes away from the high density overpopulation of Honolulu, the Turtle Bay Resort is an oasis of tranquility on nearly five miles of dazzling white sand beaches. Because of its unique construction, every room in the resort has a spectacular ocean view.

What’s to love: Surfing! The Oahu shoreline is home to legendary surfing spots including the Banzai Pipeline.

You might have guessed that I’m not a huge fan of cookie-cutter chain hotels. I look for unique factors that will make my beach vacation memorable. Fortunately it’s not that hard to find a hotel full of charm, grace and elegance. They key is to break away from the familiar and search for the original.

View from Artesa Winery in Napa

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, now is the time to start planning your romantic getaway. Thanks to our current Mayor of San Francisco, Gavin Newsom, you have this beautiful and upscale choice less than two hours from the city.

Carneros Inn Cottages

The Carneros Inn, a Plumpjack Resort is a jewel at the entrance to Napa Valley. It is a perfect escape and location for a weekend wine tasting or just relaxing. My husband and I stayed in a cottage soon after the resort opened a couple of years ago and had a very relaxing weekend – starting with sampling wines at the gorgeously modern hillside (and near by) Artesa Winery.

The second time we returned, we stayed in a two-bedroom cottage that is part of The Orchard, their small group of luxurious homes on the resort property that are for sale. Each time our experience just gets better and better.

As you pull into the property just past Domaine Carneros/Taittinger Winery, if you are coming from San Francisco, follow the signs to the Registration up on the hilltop. As you check in the staff offers you a chilled glass of local champagne, then gallantly escorts you to your cottage via a quiet electric golf cart.

Cottage patio and outdoor shower

One of my favorite features in their cottages is the outdoor shower. Inside your bathroom, your shower glass door opens to the outside allowing you to experience the slightly decadent and often romantic alfresco shower.  And the heated floor in the bathroom warms your feet as you dry off.

Each 450 square foot cottage comes with a wood burning fireplace for a romantic evening with room service or a lazy morning before check out.

The property has a few restaurants to choose from now, starting with the roadside Boon Fly Cafe, but I recommend The Farm for an intimate dinner for two – and ask for the table that faces the fireplace for a great view during your meal. Bring something warm to layer on after dinner then definitely consider having a night cap outside on one of the couches around the fire pit before heading back to your cottage.

The Carneros Inn is the perfect blend of warmth and luxury with an easy drive from the Bay Area – and a great romantic escape.