Retirement changes the shape of travel. For the first time in decades, the calendar is yours. You can go in the quiet months. You can stay three weeks instead of one. You can let a trip unfold at its own pace.
That makes retirement the perfect time for the beach trip you have been putting off. Below are five ways to do it well, with the resorts we would choose for each. Rates vary by season and room type, so your advisor will confirm current pricing and availability for your dates.
What makes a retirement trip different
Time is the real luxury now. Use it. Fewer hotel changes and longer stays make a trip calmer and more restful. Two or three bases are usually plenty, even on a long journey.
Comfort matters more than it once did, too. Think about the length of each flight and transfer. Think about stairs, especially in cliffside villages. And think about the season, since you no longer need to travel when everyone else does.
The Maldives: a long, slow stay by the lagoon
The Maldives rewards a long stay. The flight is long, so give yourselves ten nights or more to settle in. After a few days the rhythm takes over: swim, read, nap, watch the sunset, repeat.
Gili Lankanfushi in North Malé Atoll is about 20 minutes from the airport by speedboat, so there is no seaplane to schedule. All 45 villas stand over the water, and each comes with its own Mr. or Ms. Friday to look after the details. Shoes are optional, which says a lot about the mood.
Baros is another close-to-Malé favorite and a lovely choice if you enjoy snorkeling. Its house reef sits just 20 meters from shore, and you can wade out through the lagoon to reach it. Turtles are regular visitors.
When to go: The drier northeast monsoon runs from January to March, with December and April as transition months. Mid-May to November is wetter, but rain usually falls as short showers.
The Seychelles: island hopping at an easy pace
The Seychelles suits travelers who like a little variety. Granite islands sit close together, so you can move between two or three without long journeys. Many couples split their time between Mahé, Praslin and a smaller island.
Raffles Seychelles on Praslin is a comfortable base. It sits on a hillside above Takamaka Bay, a short walk from the beach. All 86 villas have a private plunge pool and an open-air balcony. From Praslin, a 15-minute boat ride takes you to Curieuse Island, home to around 500 giant tortoises.
When to go: April, May, October and November are the calmest months, between the two trade-wind seasons. January and February bring the most rain.
Bora Bora: the bucket-list trip, finally
For many people, Bora Bora has been on the list for forty years. Retirement is the time to go. Pair it with a few nights on Tahiti or Moorea to break up the journey.
Conrad Bora Bora Nui sits alone on Motu To'opua, a private islet. Most of its villas stand over the lagoon. The Hina Spa sits on a hilltop with one of the best views of Mount Otemanu on the island.
If you can travel between mid-July and late October, you may see humpback whales, which visit the islands in those months.
When to go: May to October is the dry season, with sunshine and highs around 82°F. April and November are pleasant shoulder months. December to March is warmer, wetter and quieter.
Bali: two weeks of culture and calm
Bali is ideal for a longer stay, because there is so much beyond the beach. Temples, gardens, rice terraces and craft villages give every day something to look forward to. Many retired travelers spend a week in the hills of Ubud, then a week by the sea.
The Oberoi Beach Resort, Bali in Seminyak is a gentle, unhurried place to end a trip. It sits on 500 meters of beachfront, inside 16 acres of tropical gardens, and is about 30 minutes from the airport. Some villas have private pools.
Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay is another lovely seaside base. Its thatched villas each have a private garden and plunge pool. Note that it is set on a hillside, so ask about villa location if walking distances matter.
When to go: The dry season runs from May to October. May and September offer good weather with fewer crowds. December and January are the wettest months.
The Mediterranean: Amalfi and Santorini in one trip
Retirement makes a longer Mediterranean journey possible. Two weeks on the Amalfi Coast and a week in Santorini is a beautiful way to spend a spring or autumn.
Both places are built into cliffs, so stairs are part of life. Choose your hotel with that in mind.
Hotel Santa Caterina in Amalfi is a good fit. A lift carries guests from the hotel down to its own sea-level beach club, so swimming does not mean a long climb back.
Grace Hotel Santorini in Imerovigli has one of the largest infinity pools on the caldera and is for adults only. It also has many steps and no elevator, so it suits travelers who are comfortable on stairs. If steps are a concern, tell your advisor. Some caldera hotels have elevators, and some rooms need far fewer steps than others.
When to go: April to May and September to October bring mild weather and thinner crowds. July and August are the hottest and busiest months. Many island and coastal hotels close in winter; Grace, for example, opens from mid-April to early November.
A few planning thoughts
Give yourselves a rest day after every long flight. Choose direct transfers where you can. Ask for rooms close to the restaurant or the beach if you would rather not walk far.
Above all, travel in the months that suit you. Shoulder seasons often bring kinder weather, quieter beaches and a more relaxed welcome.
Let's plan your retirement retreat
You have earned this trip, and it should feel effortless from start to finish. Build your retreat at luxebeachretreats.com/plan, and we will shape a journey around your pace and your wishes. For more ideas, download our complimentary destination guides at luxebeachretreats.com/guides.
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