Take the Plunge

South Carolina:
Charleston offers some of the East Coast's best beaches, thanks to ideal water temperatures, soft sand and sunny weather. And while the historic town isn't typically considered "coastal", three magnificent options sit within quick drives from the city center. Sullivan's Island is the favorite among families or those looking for quiet relaxation in the sun. Folly Beach boasts a scene popular with teenagers and college-age kids, and Kiawah is known for its excellent golf courses. No matter which beach they choose, in-the-know visitors stay at the Market Pavilion Hotel, which features luxurious accommodations and gourmet dining, as well as the city's best rooftop bar scene.

Hawaii:
Waikiki Beach epitomizes Hawaii's white sandy beaches, tropical breezes and laid-back attitude. Honolulu's Halekulani, situated on five-acres of Waikiki, offers the amenities of a five-star resort-a luxurious spa, gourmet restaurants, expert concierge and even a stunning mosaic-tiled pool-located right on the famed swatch of sand. The hotel can arrange outrigger canoeing, sailing, snorkeling and surfing for those looking for a more active tropical experience.

Florida:

The boutique eighty-room Brazilian Court Hotel, located in a quiet residential area of Palm Beach, allows guests to feel like private homeowners in one of America's most exclusive communities. Complimentary pick-ups and drop-offs to the private Beach Club are available to guests, and beach chairs and umbrellas can be rented. The hotel can ensure guests are back home in time for the evening activities; after all, Palm Beach manages to combine elegance with beach time, allowing visitors to hang out in swimsuits by day and black tie by night.

Developed in the 1920s by the Vanderbilt family, Fisher Island Hotel & Resort sits on a 200-acre island three miles off of Miami's coast. Ideal for families with children of all ages, the property contains a nine-hole golf course, eighteen tennis courts, seven pools and two marinas. Unlike the nearby hotels of South Beach, the main mode of transportation in this community is golf cart, and beach activities are likely to include sandy soccer matches or sandcastle building contests. The Beach Club offers a luxury seaside experience, boasting a wide swatch of imported Bahamian sand and a wonderfully attentive staff.

As its reputation as a center for art and culture expands, Houston has revealed itself as more than just an oil hub. As such, every year it sees more visitors, many of them unaccustomed to the intense Texas heat. In-the-know travelers check into the Hotel Granduca, a cool oasis. With architecture inspired by a 16th-century Italian palace (the owner's nod to his heritage), offerings include afternoon iced tea in the Conservatory or frosty margaritas on The Veranda.

Korea's second busiest city, Busan is home to much of the country's shipping business. The Paradise Hotel & Casino is where to stay to add a little beachside elegance to meeting-heavy days. Besides having a stunning pool, the hotel has direct access to Haeundae Beach, a 7 ½ mile stretch of white sand. The hotel wellness area features natural springs as well as Le Bois Spa, which boasts private Jacuzzis and Hinoki baths, all ideal for starting or finishing a busy day.

Compared to Madrid, Barcelona's summer breezes can make the city feel downright temperate, but guests of the luxurious Grand Hotel La Florida are still relieved to have an opportunity to cool down after sightseeing or shopping. Sitting on a hillside twenty minutes from the city center, the hotel offers incredible views of Barcelona, particularly from its stainless-steel pool. The hotel has counted such big names as Ernest Hemingway as guests, unsurprising considering its old-world glamour.

Built in the 19th century by Marquis de Valle Flôr, Lisbon's Pestana Palace Hotel features indoor Scottish and Turkish baths, as well as a pool set amongst fairy-tale landscaping. Paths meander between secret gardens and pavilions that are adorned with frescoes and marble details. Amazingly, this castle-like property sits in the center of Lisbon.