The 15 Best Resorts for Snorkeling [2024]

Whether you’re into points or prefer to pay in cash, we’ve gathered some of the best hotels and resorts for snorkeling you can book. 

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1. St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort. Image Credit: St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort

Sitting atop the Dhaalu Atoll, to reach the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort you’ll need to take a 50-minute seaplane ride. Once you get to the resort, your butler will be waiting to hand you refreshments and give you a tour of the property before dropping you off at your villa doorstep.

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has  77 guest villas divided between three categories: Garden Villas, Beach Villas, and Overwater Villas. Standard rooms start with the 1,614 square feet Garden Villas.

Enveloped in a thick jungle canopy, these villas contain a 258 square foot plunge pool, a furnished terrace, and an airy open space inside. There’s a king bed, a sofa bed, comfy chairs, high ceilings, and a palette of sand and cream with touches of turquoise and gold. 

Ipad controls offer access to the lights and the drapes. There’s a flatscreen TV and a working desk filled with various sockets so you can transform it into a remote workstation while at the resort. Exquisite chandeliers and warm lighting enhance the wood and marble elements of the space too.

Inside the bathroom, guests have a private wooden deck for the outdoor shower while the indoor shower is housed in a fully-enclosed glass area. There’s a soaking tub and a stunning lighted mirror on the vanity. Laboratoire Remède toiletries (although Marriott has announced they will be replacing this soon) comfy robes and towels are also provided for each guest. 

For amenities, guests can melt their stresses away by indulging in a massage at the Iridium Spa. This overwater spa looks like a lobster when viewed from above and it’s one of the most celebrated in the Maldives. The resort also comes with a dive center.

Snorkeling around the island and beach is amazing. Because some areas are kept untouched, marine life has continued to flourish, making the resort perfect for offshore snorkeling. Other amenities include a kid’s club, free cooking class, a gym, a swimming pool, as well as a gorgeous beach. 

The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort has six restaurants on site. Alba Restaurant offers a delicious breakfast buffet while Crust is ideal for pizza by the beach. For Japanese, Indian, and Chinese dishes, head to Orientale. If you want Mediterranean meals, head to Cargo. Meanwhile, the Whale Bar is perfect for sunset cocktails and great wine. 

A Category 8 Marriott hotel, the St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort is one of a kind. It’s even considered one of the best hotels and resorts in the world you can book using points. On off-peak dates, you can redeem 70,000 points while on peak dates, you can exchange 100,000 points per night.

For cash bookings, the low season rate for a standard room starts at $2,359 per night while in the peak season, it goes up to $4,582 per night. The average season rate is $3,528. 

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2. Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa

Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa. Image Credit: Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa

Getting to the Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa involves a one-hour commercial plane ride followed by a 30-minute boat ride. While it’s not the easiest resort to reach, once on the island you’ll realize the long travel is worth it. 

The island itself is small, and while you do get a personal butler and can call a buggy to drive you around, there’s almost no need for it. The resort offers 50 villas with the Park Villas (no pool) serving as the entry-level space. 

Each villa is fitted with floor-to-ceiling glass windows, a spacious king bed, an armchair, and a desk. The interiors are decorated with wooden walls and furniture, injecting warmth to the space. However, the bathroom serves as the main highlight. It’s bright, comes with twin sinks, an indoor and outdoor shower, and a soaking tub. Toiletries are also provided, including robes, and towels.

For amenities, the entire island is surrounded by a white beach. Some parts are rather wild so if you want to stay on the picturesque side, then head for the beach opposite the restaurant. There’s also a swimming pool, a gym, and the magnificent Vidhun Spa. 

Snorkeling by the beach is fantastic thanks to the 360-degree reef surrounding the island. You can easily spot marine life just a few minutes offshore. Expect to see various shark species, colorful corals, moray eels, anemones, and a host of fishes. 

When it comes to food, there’s a good selection of restaurants here. The Dining Room is the main restaurant. Open throughout the day, the restaurant has a rotating à la carte menu so you don’t have to keep having the same thing twice. On the other hand, The Island Grill is perfect for BBQ night. It’s right on the beach and serves a BBQ buffet each night. For drinks, you can enjoy them at The Dhoni Bar.  

The Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa is a Category 7 World of Hyatt hotel. This means you can book a free night using 25,000 points on off-peak dates and 35,000 points on peak dates. Visit on the standard dates and you’ll only need to redeem 30,000 Hyatt points per night. It’s one of the best hotels and resorts in Asia you can book on points.

If you go for a paid booking, it’s $1,110 per night for a standard room in the low season. During peak season, the rate goes up to $3,062 per night while the average season costs $1,250 per night. 

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3. The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman

The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman. Image Credit: The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman

The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman is no doubt one of the most luxurious resorts in the Cayman Islands. Located right in the middle of Cayman’s tourist hub, the resort is split into both sides of West Bay Road. 

One side of the resort, the Ocean Tower, fronts the stunning Seven Mile Beach—famous for its calm waters and gorgeous white sands. On the other side, there’s the Resort Tower. It’s not beachfront but still provides easy access to the ocean via a pedestrian bridge.

With 365 rooms spread in different categories, there’s always room to fit every budget. Entry-level rooms start at 480 square feet. These can have an ocean view or a resort view depending on your budget. The oceanfront rooms are a favorite because they offer unbelievable views of the water and come with a balcony with seating. 

Typical of The Ritz-Carlton, the rooms echo elegant luxury but with an island flair. Expect a large king bed flanked by crystal lamps and a sky blue color palette. There are decorative flowers on the headboard echoing the island life.

A patterned carpet is underfoot with large sliding doors leading to the balcony with chairs. There’s a sofa, desk, and leather chair for work. In-room amenities include a Nespresso machine and a minibar. 

The bathroom is spacious with granite sinks paired with silver mirrors. There’s a dedicated glass-enclosed shower along with a spacious bathtub. Asprey’s Purple Water serves as the main toiletries while towels, robes, and more are also on offer. 

For food, guests can choose from five restaurants on the property. Seven Restaurant is great for a breakfast buffet. Its most acclaimed restaurant is Blue by Eric Ripert offers a multi-course tasting menu. You’ll need to dress up and reserve ahead of time though to make sure you get seats.

Andiamo serves Italian dishes while Taikun is where to go for sushi. Meanwhile, Bar Jack is perfect for casual sandwiches, tacos, and cocktails. 

The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman is a huge resort so it’s no surprise it offers a host of amenities too. There’s an extensive La Prairie Spa, one of the most luxurious on the island. The Greg Norman-designed golf course is the only one on the island. There’s also a kid’s club, a swimming pool, five tennis courts, and a basketball court. 

Another highlight here is the beach. Seven Mile Beach is one of the best in the Caymans. It’s known for snorkeling and watersports. Snorkeling equipment is free at the resort since it’s part of the resort fee along with various non-motorized equipment like kayaks, water tricycles, and kayaks. The resort is even considered one of the best beach hotels you can book with points. 

A Marriott Category 8 hotel, the Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman lets you book free rewards night using 70,000 points on off-peak dates. On peak dates, you’ll need to shell out 100,000 points per night. Meanwhile, on standard dates, it requires 85,000 points per night. 

If you opt for a paid booking, the low season rate is $1,129 per night while the peak season rate is $2,419 per night. The average season rate for a standard room is $1,597 per night. 

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4. Denis Private Island, Seychelles

Denis Private Island, Seychelles. Image Credit: Denis Private Island, Seychelles

If you’re after privacy, the Denis Private Island in Seychelles is one of those places you’ll love. The resort is on the northernmost part of Seychelles, about 52 miles from Mahé. 

The island was first discovered in 1773 by Denis de Trobiand. It was initially a farm area before it was transformed into a resort in 1978.

Denis Private Island comes with 25 beach cottages. These cottages are arranged in a staggered fashion so some cottages are true beachfront units while others are slightly behind them. Inside, the cottages are humongous at 968 square feet even for the entry-level spaces. 

It has a distinct living room area with comfortable sofas and chairs. The floors are made from wood and match the wooden base of the king bed as well as the other furnishings in the cottage. The bathroom is lavish, with the bathtub set in an open courtyard. There’s also an open-air shower along with a verandah and garden in each cottage. 

Even though the island is small, there are plenty of things to see and do. You can join the rangers for a guided tour. They usually tally the sea turtles and their eggs or scout the trees for robins or magpies since these are endangered birds. You can also bike around the island to get to know its inhabitants. 

Another highlight here is the waters surrounding the island. The waters around Denis are protected by the government so there’s no fishing or development. It’s a beautiful place for snorkeling since you can marvel at the gorgeous reefs harboring tropical fishes, turtles, and a host of other marine life. 

As for food, everything is fresh. All of the pork and poultry come from a small organic farm on the island. All of the fishes are caught offshore and the vegetables are also grown here. 

Denis Private Island, Seychelles is truly a gorgeous destination. There’s no option to book in points at the moment, however, you can do a cash booking. The low season rate is $1,216 per night while the peak season rate is $1,553 per night. However, when visiting in the standard season, expect to pay around $1,438 per night. All of the rates include the daily meals as well as non-motorized water activities. 

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5. Sunset House, Grand Cayman

Sunset House, Grand Cayman. Image Credit: Sunset House, Grand Cayman

The Sunset House is known as one of the best diving hotels in Grand Cayman. It’s a hotel created by divers for divers so if you’re after a great snorkeling and diving experience, this is the place to book. The hotel is located just 15-minutes away from the airport and right by Seven Mile Beach. 

Sunset House comes with 55 rooms. These are simple yet comfortable spaces with some of them offering gorgeous ocean views. Each one is fresh and cozy with all the standard amenities you can expect from a hotel. The standard rooms are on the smaller side at 242 square feet with a bath, coffeemaker, flatscreen TV, mini-fridge, towels, and Wi-Fi. 

Sea Harvest Restaurant is the property’s main eatery. It has a spacious outdoor patio and serves delicious Caribbean fare for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. My Bar is popular with the locals and ideal for drinks and light bites. 

For amenities, the Sunset House is known for its diving and snorkeling. You can book dives in the nearby reefs with qualified instructors from the resort. However, they also have fantastic snorkeling and diving just offshore with water temperatures at a constant 80-degrees all year long. You’ll easily spot marine life like nurse sharks, eels, turtles, and even manta rays. 

The Sunset House, Grand Cayman is one of the best resorts to visit if you want a memorable snorkeling experience in the Caribbeans. In the low season, a standard room rate is $1,510 per night while in the peak season, it’s $2,303 per night for double occupancy. 

Between middle April to middle December, the resort requires a minimum of 3 nights while from middle December to middle April, there’s a minimum of 5 nights. 

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6. Coral Gardens on Grace Bay, Turks and Caicos

Coral Gardens, Turks and Caicos. Image Credit: Coral Gardens, Turks and Caicos

A renowned spot for snorkeling in Turks and Caicos, Coral Gardens on Grace Bay is an ideal boutique hotel if you’re looking for a snorkeling-filled vacation. The resort is located right on Grace Bay, also known as Bight Reef. 

The resort has three main buildings that house their guest rooms. You can choose which type of unit you like depending on your budget. Entry-level spaces here are spacious at 950 square feet. It’s ideal for families on vacation or friends traveling together. These are fully furnished with dining balcony areas that offer a stunning sunset view over Grace Bay. 

A private bedroom is fitted with a king bed and a private bathroom which contains a closet, a safe, shower, and toiletries. There’s also a fully-equipped kitchen with a breakfast counter so you can dine comfortably from your room. The living room has a sofa bed and glass doors leading into the balcony. 

The Somewhere Café and Lounge is perfect for all-day dining by the beach. They also feature cocktails and tasty meals. 

For amenities, the highlight is the water. You’re just meters away from the beach and a few strokes from amazing swimming and snorkeling offshore. The beach is calm thanks to a large reef about a mile from the shoreline. Diving is another fantastic activity. The waters here are some of Jacques Cousteau’s favorite diving spots. 

For paid rates, you can book a stay here in the low season for $1,347 per night while the peak season rate is $2,450 per night. Meanwhile, the average season rate is $1,500 per night. 

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7. Rosewood Little Dix Bay, British Virgin Islands

Rosewood Little Dix Bay, British Virgin Islands. Image Credit: Rosewood Little Dix Bay, British Virgin Islands

It was back in 1958 when Laurance Rockefeller purchased a half-mile crescent bay right off Virgin Gorda, transforming it into what is now known as Little Dix Bay. By 1992, it became a Rosewood property and is now one of the most sought-after resorts in the area. 

When you visit, the hotel’s catamaran will pick you up from Tortola and take you on a 25-minute trip to the bay. Upon arrival on the island, you are greeted by your butler who will assist you in getting settled and help you throughout your stay.

Standard rooms start with the Ocean View Cottage. These are cozy little beachside escapes measuring 350 square feet. It has modern and chic styling, much like what you would see on a Pinterest board. The room has a king bed dressed in white Rivolta Carmignani Italian sheets, a convenient custom wood sofa at the foot together with a small table. 

The bathrooms are chic and beautifully laid out. Guests can enjoy complimentary robes and slippers as well as other necessary amenities. What’s great about the rooms is that everything is well-thought-out, from the placement of the sockets to where the amenities are situated. Rooms also come with designated chairs by the beach so you can expect to have your lounge area by the waters anytime you want.

Speaking of the beach, snorkeling is a must here.  What’s great about Little Dixie Bay is you get several nearby beaches to explore and fantastic snorkeling just offshore. You’ll find a lot of marine life in the area with calm, clear waters. You can also arrange with the resort if you want to go on more extensive diving or snorkeling trips, they’ll be happy to help you. 

Other must-try resort facilities include the Rosewood Spa. It’s located on the highest point of the property and overlooks the resort as well as the ocean. You’ll also find a tennis court, a kid’s club, and yoga/meditation spots. 

For food, Sugar Mill offers delicious tapas and other Caribbean-inspired dishes. Meanwhile, Reef House sits close to the pier where you can grab unique cuisine created from the island’s organic farm. Also, make sure to try out the wine and the cocktails. 

While you can’t book on points at Rosewood Little Dix Bay, you can do a paid booking. In the low season, a standard room is $1,020 per night while in the peak season, it’s $2,040 per night. The average season rate is $1,490. 

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8. French Leave Resort, Autograph Collection 

French Leave Resort, Autograph Collection. Image Credit: French Leave Resort, Autograph Collection

Secluded and private, the French Leave Resort is part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection. This small luxury hotel is found right on the waters of Governor’s Harbour on the island of Eleuthera in the Bahamas. 

The hotel is reachable from the capital of Nassau via a 20-minute flight into the Governor Harbour Airport. They also feature a marina so if you’re arriving by yacht, it’s also possible. 

Only 20-colonial style villas are available on the property. You can choose from one to four-bedroom options, depending on what you need. Twelve of the villas face the ocean. Each one is elegant and spacious with beautiful wood touches, white and soft gray shades, and pops of turquoise.

In the middle is a four-poster bed and all around are sofas and armchairs for relaxing. Each villa comes with a deck that has a full or partial ocean view. In-room amenities include a mini-fridge, flatscreen TV, safe, and air-conditioning. The bathroom is stocked with L’Occitane toiletries and includes walk-in showers and a private water closet. 

Dining is offered at the 1648 Bar & Grille where you can enjoy grits with guava duff muffin, a popular local specialty. You can also have poolside dining, in-room dining as well as beachside dining. 

For amenities, guests can experience exceptional off-shore snorkeling just meters away from the beach. You can also indulge in a host of water sports including kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. There’s also a swimming pool in case you don’t want to get into the ocean. 

The French Leave Resort is a Category 7 Marriott hotel. You can book a rewards night here by exchanging 50,000 points on off-peak dates. For peak dates, it requires 70,000 points while on standard dates, you have to exchange 60,000 points per night for a standard room. 

For a paid booking, a standard room in the low season is $1,038 per night. However, in the peak season, it can cost up to $1,580 per night and in the average season, it’s $1,310 per night. 

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9. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection. Image Credit: Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Autograph Collection

The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is like an institution in the Kona area. Since it was first built in 1965 by Laurance S. Rockefeller, it has continued to retain its appeal over the generations thanks to its consistent upkeep. 

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel was once the most expensive hotel built in the area. As new luxury resorts sprouted, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel kept its charm by maintaining a traditional old-luxury vibe.

The rooms feature bright white walls with deep red touches and charming island patterns. A king bed sits in the middle of the room with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors leading to the balcony and seating area. Comfortable touches like a sofa, chair, desk, flatscreen TV, coffeemaker, fridge, and safe are all within reach.

Each bathroom is immense with private shower areas fitted with rainfall showerheads. Comfortable bathtubs are great for soaking while convenient toiletries are also provided for guests. 

Golf enthusiasts will be happy here. The Mauna Kea has an 18-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Sr. It’s considered one of the best in the nation and a must-try for avid golfers. In addition, you’ll find a full-service tennis court, a swimming pool, and a small spa. 

There’s access to the Kauna‘oa Beach where you can snorkel just a few meters from the water. The water is just 10 feet deep near the beach so it’s a safe snorkeling spot even for kids. At night, resident manta rays feed right along the bluffs, you can book a snorkel adventure to get in the water with them or just watch them from the resort.

When it comes to dining, you have the option to go for fine dining or go for something casual. Hau Tree serves as the beach restaurant and it’s great for burgers and salads. Manta, the signature restaurant, is ideal for breakfast buffets. Copper Bar Café, meanwhile, is for coffee and pastries on the go. 

The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is a Category 7 Marriott property. You can use your Marriott Bonvoy points to book a free night here. A standard room is 50,000 points per night while it’s 70,000 points on peak dates. On standard dates, you can exchange 60,000 points per night. 

During the low season, the cash rate is $1,173 per night while in the peak season, it climbs to $1,819 per night. Meanwhile, the average season rate is $1,250. 

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10. Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa, Seven Mile Beach

Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa, Seven Mile Beach. Image Credit: Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa, Seven Mile Beach

A stylish, modern hotel, the Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa is a well-kept hotel that’s a favorite for both locals and vacationers. It first opened in 2016 so it still has a fresh feel with vibrant colors and lots of modern furnishings. 

Located off the popular Seven Mile Beach, the Kimpton is a bit on the quieter stretch of the beach so the atmosphere is more relaxed. There are 266 rooms in the resort, ranging from regular guest rooms to suites. 

Each room is well-appointed with plenty of space, bright Caribbean colors, lovely patterned details, and of course, amazing comfort. Rooms here feature bright pink throws laid on top of crisp, white bed linens. Lacquered patterned bedsides and blonde engineered wood floors inject warmth to the room. 

The bathrooms are equally impressive and come with frosted glass walls separating them from the bedroom. It’s fitted with walk-in showers, basin-style soaking tubs, and stylish windows that look out to the ocean. Some rooms have a balcony with glass-paneled walls that showcase seating and fantastic views. 

For meals, dine in any of the three signature restaurants in Kimpton Seafire Resort. Ave is the main restaurant serving Mediterranean dishes while Avecita is more exclusive with Spanish tapas and cocktails. Meanwhile, Coccoloba is a stunning open-air restaurant by the beach. It’s perfect for guacamole and cocktails. 

There’s a main swimming pool separated into different sections for everyone to enjoy. The beach area is beautiful and yes, you can snorkel right off the beach. Nearby coral reefs are perfect for spotting excellent marine life. However, there are also great snorkeling spots close to the resort if you want to venture out. 

Kimpton Seafire Resort & Spa lets you book free nights using 70,000 IHG Rewards points per night. In the low season, a standard room starts at $835 per night while in the peak season, it can go as high as $1,800 per night. The standard season rate is $1,081 per night. 

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11. Park Hyatt St. Kitts

Park Hyatt St. Kitts. Image Credit: Park Hyatt St. Kitts

The Park Hyatt St. Kitts delivers when it comes to luxury and modern amenities. This stylish resort is the only one on the southeastern peninsula. It’s just a 25-minute drive from the airport and you can reach Nevis in only 5-minutes via speedboat. 

Park Hyatt St. Kitts comes with 126 rooms with 48 suites. From the outside, most rooms look similar but once inside, each one is a pleasure to be in. The rooms feature simple, clean lines with a neutral color palette.

There are occasional spots of color to reflect an island flair. Comfortable sofas and chairs are all around. There’s also a minibar for you to indulge in as well. 

A king-sized bed sits on top of a blonde hardwood frame with a flat-screen TV mounted on the wall. Sliding doors lead to the main bathroom where you get twin lighted mirrors in front of over-the-counter sinks. Le Labo toiletries are provided. On the side is a safe with a shelving area where you’ll find more toiletries, towels, robes, hangers, an umbrella, and an iron. 

Most rooms include a massive balcony, complete with chairs and a sofa bed. It’s great for hanging out and even a great place to work. 

There are three fantastic restaurants on the property. Great House is the main restaurant and it’s designed to echo the sugar plantations once plentiful in the area. It’s open the entire day so you can dine and watch the spectacular views all around. The other two restaurants are the Fisherman’s Village and the Stone Barn. The latter is designated for adults only. 

When it comes to the Park Hyatt St. Kitts, the best thing to do is relax. There’s a two-part swimming pool, one level is the Ramparts Pool which echoes the Brimstone Hill Fortress in design. It’s for adults only while the lower level, the Lagoon Pool, is available for everyone to use. 

The beach area includes several loungers and is perfect for swimming and various beach activities. Snorkeling is great in the beach area. While there are no nearby coral reefs, there are plenty of things to see in these waters. You can also go paddle boarding and kayaking here.

Another relaxation spot is the hotel spa. You can grab a deep tissue massage or use the heated plunge pool for privacy. In the spa section is a modern gym with LifeFitness cardio machines and weights. Finally, those with kids will love the Island Fort Kid’s Club. 

Park Hyatt St. Kitts is a Category 7 World of Hyatt hotel. To book a free night here, you’ll need 25,000 points per night on off-peak dates while on peak dates, you’ll need 35,000 points per night. However, during standard dates, you’ll require 30,000 points. 

For cash bookings, the low season rate is $664 per night while in the peak season, the same standard room can cost around $1,433 per night. The average season rate is $1,079 per night. 

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12. Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort

Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort. Image Credit: Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort

Perfect for family vacations, the Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort is right by Seven Mile Beach. The surrounding area is also filled with restaurants, shops, and bars. You’re also within a 5-minute drive towards Georgetown. 

Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort has 295 rooms in both regular guest rooms and suites. While slightly generic, the rooms are perfectly decent. It comes with pale green shades together with light, neutral tones to create a relaxing vibe. A desk is off to one side with chairs as well as floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors which lead to the balcony or terrace. 

Inside the bathroom, you get a more modern decor including glossy sink surfaces and spacious storage. 

For the main attractions at the resort, the swimming pool is a must hang out. It’s not the biggest but it’s placed right in front of the beach, allowing for spectacular views. There are also lounge chairs in the area. For snorkeling, you can snorkel off the beach. The resort has built and grown an Artificial Reef Project in the area, and so far marine life has flourished in it. 

Other great amenities include several restaurants, including the popular Veranda, which serves casual dishes beachside. There’s also a small fitness center and spa to use. For small events and gatherings, there’s a 5,000 square feet event space available. 

The Grand Cayman Marriott Beach Resort is a Category 7 hotel. This means booking a free night in a standard room can be done using points. During off-peak dates, you can exchange 50,000 points per night while on peak dates, it requires 70,000 points per night. The standard dates require 60,000 points. 

During the low season, a standard room commands a cash rate of $546 per night while in the peak season, the same room costs $1,184 per night. The average season rate is $846 per night. 

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13. The Cove at Atlantis 

The Cove at Atlantis. Image Credit: The Cove at Atlantis

Considered as one of the most stylish megaresorts there is, The Cove at Atlantis is a truly luxurious resort. It’s the most exclusive of all the properties here so expect it to be a bit of a long way from various areas of the resort. However, there is a service shuttle you can use if you don’t feel like walking.

Atlantis is located on Paradise Island, which used to be called the Hog Island back in 1961. These days, it’s dubbed as the “Vegas of the Sea,” thanks to the extravagant Atlantis resorts and casinos on the island. 

Each one of the 600 suites at The Cove is fresh and modern. The tower itself is closer to the water, so you’re never far off from the beach or ocean. All the rooms are called suites and each one can accommodate up to four people and one small child. Each room is spacious with a king bed dressed in white sheets. There’s also a lovely living room area with full-length windows that lead to the balcony. 

There’s a desk, a sofa, as well as vibrant turquoise and red shades which go well against the cherry wood. The bathrooms are generous with twin sinks and mirrors. There’s even a walk-in shower and a gigantic soaking tub. 

Because it’s a megaresort, you’ll never run out of amenities to explore here. There’s a massive outdoor aquarium filled with aquatic marine life. It’s a great place to snorkel aside from the beach area. The resort also has Aquaventure, a huge waterpark with a lazy river. In addition, there’s a casino, several nightclubs, a 14-acre Dolphin Cay where you can swim with dolphins, a humongous gym, rock climbing, and six tennis courts. 

Finally, there are also several swimming pools as well as a private and secluded beach. Guests can also snorkel at the beach area. It’s quiet and free from vendors because it’s so private. 

When it comes to food, this resort is also a haven. It has Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grill as well as the luxury buffet, Mosaic. There’s also Nobu at the Marina Village along with more restaurants dotted around the towers of the resorts. 

The Cove at Atlantis is one of the most luxurious resorts in the Marriott portfolio. It’s a Category 8 property so you can book a free night here by using 70,000 points per night on off-peak dates. Meanwhile, on peak dates, you can use 100,000 points per night while on standard dates, it requires 85,000 points. 

For paid bookings, the low season rate is $622 per night while the peak season rate is $1,170 per night. The average season rate is $804 per night. 

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14. Grand Hyatt Baha Mar, Bahamas

Grand Hyatt Baha Mar. Image Credit: Grand Hyatt Baha Mar

Nothing says a grand vacation in the Bahamas than staying at one of the largest resorts in the country, the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar. In this large complex, you have three resorts to choose from: The Grand Hyatt, The Rosewood, and The SLS Baha Mar. 

The Grand Hyatt Baha Mar has over 1,800 rooms and suites occupying two towers. Standard king rooms start at 470 square feet with enough space for couples and families. Most rooms come with gorgeous blue walls and colorful art. All-white furniture with ornate headboards and rich patterned accents also injects an air of freshness to the room. 

Full-length glass windows and doors lead to the balcony area. For in-room amenities, there’s a flatscreen TV, minibar, safe, Wi-Fi, and coffeemaker. Inside the bathrooms, there’s a private walk-in shower and dimmer lights. 

Food is a highlight here. You can go for Japanese food at Katsuya or head to the Conch Shack for fresh salads. If you’re after gastro-pub fare, then head to the Swimming Pig. Meanwhile, El Jefe is great for burritos. 

Amenities are plentiful as well. Snorkeling is fantastic at the resort. The marine sanctuary is filled with amazing marine life that you can get up close and personal with. These include stingrays, nurse sharks, sea turtles, flamingos, and more. The beach area is also fantastic for snorkeling with various reef balls created by the resort to nurse the marine life in the area. 

Other facilities include a huge casino, a Jack Nicklaus signature 18-hole golf course, a tennis court, a kid’s club, and luxury shops. 

The Grand Hyatt Baha Mar is a Category 5 World of Hyatt hotel. You can enjoy a free rewards night here for 17,000 points on off-peak dates; 20,000 points on standard dates; and 23,000 points on peak dates. 

If you opt for a paid booking, the low season rate for a standard room is $528 per night while in the peak season, it goes up to $600 a night. The average season rate is around $550 per night. 

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15. Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort, Great Barrier Reef

Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort. Image Credit: Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort

Lady Elliot Island Eco Resort is ideal for anyone that wants a quiet, eco-friendly resort right in the southern portion of the Great Barrier Reef. This is a true coral atoll so you can expect lots of nesting birds and exquisite marine life all around the area. 

The island is only 111 acres in size, but it has everything you need for a getaway vacation. All of the 43 rooms are kept simple with genuine thought towards keeping it eco-friendly. There’s no television, radios, or phones. Most rooms are fan-cooled except for the two-bedroom beachfront units which are fitted with an air-conditioner. 

The Eco-Cabins and Glamping Tents serve as the entry-level spaces here. Located just meters from the lagoon, the Glamping Tents allow guests to watch migratory birds or nesting turtles up close when they’re in season. The room comes with a queen-sized bed, full-length glass walls, a private balcony, and an ensuite bathroom. There’s a tea and coffee maker as well as a mini-fridge. 

If you’re traveling with family, the Reef Units are a better choice while those who want more space can opt for the Two-Bedroom Beachfront Units. 

As you can imagine, snorkeling and diving are amazing here. Snorkeling at the protected lagoon is a favorite for guests. The lagoon is found on the eastern side of the island and the coral reaches right up to the edge of the beach. You’ll spot sharks, small rays, hundreds of fishes, and even moray eels. Of course, there are plenty of turtles to enjoy as well. 

For more advanced snorkelers, the western portion of the island is a bit deeper and has stronger currents. Right on the northern portion is the stunning Coral Gardens where you’ll find a popular manta “cleaning station.” There are also diving options offered at the resort for those who want to go underwater. 

When it comes to food, the resort has a restaurant and cafe on site. There are also guided tours by the rangers and plenty of amazing spots to check out. 

For paid bookings, entry-level rooms start at $382 for two adults on standard dates. But in peak season, the price climbs to $410 per night. You can also opt for their packages to make your stay even more worthwhile. 

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Wrapping Up

Snorkeling is one of the best ways to enjoy the water. If you’re craving a snorkeling vacation, these hotels and resorts are some of the best to consider. 

Have fun and safe travels!