The 26 Best Beachfront Hotels in Europe

"Saint-Tropez, France This relatively new arrival to the Cote d’Azur may share other five star hotels' cinematic Riviera views and cool, contemporary interiors, but its agenda is unique and, perhaps, prophetic. Philippe Starck’s walnut ceilings, daring marble bathrooms and offbeat rustic spaces high in La Croix Valmer play host to new thinking on luxury travel—where wellbeing is no longer confined to a Swiss lake but sits alongside tapas lunches and lazy pastry breakfasts. This is where the well-heeled (and well-tired) come to recharge without the Opus Dei flavor punishment, but equally without the heavy hangover of an overindulgent week. The spa has, therefore, had to up its game for this new breed of Riviera roller—who sign up for three holistic programs (weight loss, sport, and detox) or go at their own turmeric shot and Technogym pace. Shades and materials, both inside and out, feel as organic and nourishing as the plates of poached fish and seasonal salads. The pool lords over trippy, Mediterranean views and reminds the one-only cocktail crowd (who occasionally slip off the wellness wagon) that wellbeing and pleasure were always bedfellows. —Rosalyn Wikeley Distance to the water: On the beach Travel time: 1 hour 40 minute drive from Nice Côte d'Azur Airport Price: Rooms from around $520 per night" - Lauren Burvill