Luxury Resorts Near World's Best Reefs
Some of the most spectacular reefs are also home to some of the world's greatest luxury resorts. Just in time for a presummer getaway, these luxury properties have a few new tricks up their sleeves and offer some of the world's hottest underwater amusement parks right in their own backyard.
Great Barrier Reef -- Australia
It's one of the most luxurious properties on the Great Barrier Reef, operated by Australia's Voyages Resorts, which also owns nearby
. The island oasis took a direct hit from Cyclone Larry in mid-2006, but Bedarra has reemerged with a new look and improved facilities across the island.
The beauty of Bedarra is its seclusion; one rarely bumps into staff or other guests. Open-air architecture and modestly luxurious décor creates a minimalist lobby area overlooking a teak-decked pool area that is rarely used, except by the creepy-cute prehistoric lizards.
Rooms are arranged in freestanding cabanas along a long beach with rainforest pat. Reef-divers traveling to the island should keep in mind that December through April is stinger (
) season, meaning that the water is virtually off-limits.
Outer Reef -- Bora Bora
Call it diving for beginners; the waters around Bora Bora are best enjoyed en route to Australia or New Zealand.
One of the most exotic and romantic places in the world to explore the undersea world, the island was once home to
Paul Gauguin
, and has served as a honeymoon getaway for
as well as numerous Hollywood couples since the 1950s. It's also home to a new Four Seasons Resort opening in October.
The Bora Bora Lagoon Resort lies in the backdrop of Motu Toopua, an ancient volcano that can turn even the most cynical businessman into a diehard romantic. Rooms are furnished in tasteful Polynesian design more tiki-chic than one would expect of an
Orient-Express
hotel.
The hotel recently refurbished many of its bungalows, the best of which are arranged along three walkways over the sea. For the faint of heart, fish can be fed through the glass-topped coffee table without ever leaving your room.
Barra Reef -- Mozambique
Those in search of Africa's most spectacular reef hotel will travel to Mozambique's
to find Indigo Bay Resort. Much like the natural beauty of
relished by Brad and Angelina, this seaside escape is located on an immaculately preserved national park that is home to over 180 species of birds and wildlife.
Mozambique has been savored by well-heeled Americans and Europeans for years, but largely saved from overdevelopment and mass tourism.
Attracting some of the world's top divers is the
Bazaruto Marine National Park
with pristine waters and coral reefs with barracuda, manta rays and reef sharks.
Once out of the water, guests bask in a tropical hideaway of indoor-outdoor architecture under thatch roofs and the gentle beat of island music. The native staff isn't intrusively attentive or stiff, instead taking a friendly approach to five-star service. Beach villas have high exposed ceilings and gleaming hardwood floors with airy furnishings.
All rooms offer private terraces with outdoor showers and splash pool -- perfect for watching the sun set over the African continent. There's also a new spa with native-inspired treatments to provide a local spin on the high-end beauty regimen.
Great Maya Reef -- Mexico
Much of the underwater sanctuary around Rosewood's new Mayakoba Maya Riviera is a protected marine park. The Great Maya Reef is the second largest natural reef in the world, measuring almost 225 miles. Divers from across the globe descend on the area for its crystal-clear waters and chance to view some of the world's most-endangered fish and marine species while never being more than a boat ride away from luxury.
It's as lavish a hotel as you'll find on the Yucatan peninsula, a new luxury resort that mimics Rosewood's Las Ventanas property in exclusivity.
Guest suites are arranged around a central lagoon or along an oceanfront beltway with teak decks and small plunge pools. Creamy limestone floors extend into extravagant bathrooms with step-in bathtubs and glass-enclosed rain showers.
An area of rampant development, the hotel is a stylish sanctuary equipped with three gourmet restaurants, nearby Greg Norman golf course and spa "island" with body treatments inspired from the sea.
Red Sea Reefs, Egypt
A secret of European divers for years, Port Ghalib on the Red Sea offers three top-10 dive sites (Brothers Islands, Daedalus Reef and Rocky Island) all within easy reach.
Recently developed by Kuwait's
for a staggering $1.2 billion, Sun International Resort at Port Ghalib offers yacht-hoppers between the Seychelles and Mediterranean a docking point within the largest privately owned marina on Egypt's Red Sea. The crystal-clear waters also provide divers with some of the best dolphin-observing waters and natural coral reefs on earth.
While all four of Sun International's resorts are splendidly posh, check into The Palace at Port Ghalib. The sprawling resort complex is architecturally inspired by a local folklore of a seaside fortress built for a merchant's (Ghalib) beloved wife.
The Palace is perched above one of the largest saltwater swimming pools ever built -- measuring almost a kilometer -- intertwining with the Red Sea horizon and manicured desert gardens.
Rooms are scattered within a series of desert-inspired buildings and 13 freestanding villas with private kitchens, plunge pools and on-call butler to help unpack your wetsuits.
Michael Martin is the managing editor of JetSetReport.com -- a luxury travel and lifestyle guide based in Los Angeles and London. His work has appeared in In Style, Blackbook, Elle, U.K.'s Red magazine, ITV and BBC.