Summertime is a year-round thing for some destinations, but for others the warmer months may still seem like they’re somewhere off in the future. But that doesn’t mean you can’t start dreaming about lazing beneath a palm tree and splashing in warm, enticing waters. To get you in the mood, we’ve compiled a list of eight new beach resorts in the U.S. opening in 2023. From a surf-inspired spot on Hawaii’s iconic Waikiki beach to the U.S. Virgin Islands, you’ll be sure to find your perfect slice of coastal paradise.
1 Hotel Hanalei Bay
Kauai, Hawaii
Designed with wellness and sustainability in mind, 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay occupies a jaw-dropping tropical location on the North Shore of Kauai. Framed by the ocean and Mount Makana, this 252-room resort is a place to reconnect with nature, embark on adventures, and immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture. From surfing and slacklining to an educational kid’s club and therapeutic treatments at the Bamford Wellness Spa, the activities are varied and plentiful. Nourishment will never be far away at seven food outlets – a sushi, sake and sunset combo at Welina Terrace is a must. The resort is already open and, as an added bonus, it’s pet-friendly.
Beal House Destin-Fort Walton Beachfront
Fort Walton, Florida
Formerly the Best Western on Fort Walton Beach’s Okaloosa Island, Beal House Destin-Fort Walton Beachfront has been reimagined as part of the Tapestry Collection by Hilton. Open for reservations starting in August 2023, the hotel will blend contemporary touches with local history – the name is a homage to the pharmacist and businessman Dr. James Hartley Beal. Over half of the rooms will overlook the Gulf of Mexico, and there’s an outdoor pool with beach views. The Remedy Beachfront Bar provides the perfect setting for your morning coffee to sundown cocktails and has a menu inspired by coastal and Cajun flavors.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Already welcoming guests, the Embassy Suites by Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Resort is a new addition to the upscale, beachside complex called the Cavalier Resort. The resort boasts 157 ocean-facing suites and features indoor and outdoor pools. It provides complimentary made-to-order breakfasts and also has two onsite dining options, including a beachside taco and tequila shack. Just a 10-minute drive from top local attractions such as Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center and Ocean Breeze Waterpark, the hotel is a top spot for a family-friendly east coast beach getaway.
Frenchman’s Reef
St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands
Facing the Caribbean Sea and connected to Morningstar Beach, Frenchman’s Reef is a $425 million resort redevelopment consisting of two luxury Marriott hotels. Set above the water, The Westin Beach Resort & Spa at Frenchman’s Reef has 392 rooms and everything from hot tubs and watercraft rentals to scuba and snorkeling tours. Dining options range from Asian to Mediterranean fare and there’s an infinity pool-cum-cocktail bar. Linked to the resort via the beach and with full access to its amenities is the 94-room Buoy Haus Beach Resort. An Autograph Collection Hotel, it’s the epitome of St. Thomas beach living and geared toward those craving extra privacy. An infinity pool, swim-up bar and beach grill are big lures. Both hotels have scheduled openings for spring 2023.
Kona Village, A Rosewood Resort
The Big Island, Hawaii
The Kohala Coast on the northwestern side of the Big Island is the location for the first Rosewood resort in Hawaii. Opening in July 2023, Kona Village Resort will feature 150 standalone hale (traditional thatched bungalows), all set amid swaying palm trees and golden sands. Guests can take advantage of free bicycle rentals and upmarket perks like evening turndown and butler service (in top suites). Two pools overlook the deep-blue waters of the Pacific and the Asaya Spa presents unlimited opportunities to relax and reconnect. There’s also slated to be five dining concepts serving eclectic Hawaiian dishes.
The Moxy
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Marriott-owned chain Moxy Hotels is planning to unveil a new 134-room oceanfront hotel in the hip and trendy south end of Virginia Beach. The chain prides itself on an ability to blend stylish and industrial designs with a fun environment to both work and play, plus accessible pricing. One of its key features is a complimentary drink at check in. Guests at the Virginia Beach edition will enter via a horseshoe-shaped entrance and have a selection of cool bars at their disposal. It’ll have a waterfront swimming pool and, in keeping with the youthful ambiance, a slide between the second and first floors. An opening is expected for summer 2023.
The Twin Fin
Honolulu, Hawaii
Affectionately named after a two-fin surfboard that’s ideal for riding mellow waves, The Twin Fin encapsulates Hawaii’s laidback beach and surf culture. Steps from the legendary Waikiki Beach, the contemporary rooms and suites (over 600) have views of either the ocean or Diamond Head volcanic tuff. Guests are invited to sample the five dining options, which include a tiki grill, shave ice shop and gelato parlor. Among a bunch of other great perks here are free beach and resort activities, a swimming pool and unrivaled sunset vistas. And if you’re here for the surf, you can check out real-time conditions and live streams of other famed Hawaii breaks on big screens courtesy of Surfline.
White Elephant Nantucket
Nantucket Island, Massachusetts
For its 100th anniversary, the White Elephant Nantucket has undergone a multi-million dollar renovation. All 66 rooms and suites at this opulent harborside resort on Children’s Beach have been given a bespoke design inspired by the island’s colors and natural landscapes. In turn, the 11 cottages will take on themes influenced by the local flora. Another new and dominant aspect is the artwork displayed throughout the hotel, which is the result of an Artist in Residency program launched in 2022. Scheduled to be ready for the summer 2023 season, the hotel offers complimentary cruiser bikes and courtesy car shuttle. Visiting families can make the most of a poolside ice cream cart, board games, boogie boards, scavenger hunts and plenty more.