We could all use a beach vacation every now and again, but taking a long trip to a far-flung destination isn’t always possible. Enter: long weekend beach getaways. When you’re in need of some sand and surf, but short on time, a rejuvenating long weekend trip is the perfect way to get your fix before heading back to work on Monday (or Tuesday, if you can squeeze in a four-day weekend).
From the calm Caribbean waters to the breezy shores of Nantucket, the best beach destinations combine calm-inducing natural scenery, inviting waters and a true sense of escape. We’ve searched the globe for destinations with the best chance for ideal weather – sunny, dry, comfortable days – in August, September and early October. These quieter months offer the perfect opportunity to enjoy beach bliss without the peak-season crowds.
With so much digital noise and constant movement in daily life, people are craving places where they can unplug and simply be. Here are our favourites – from Turks and Caicos and Mexico to Costa Rica – we’ve rounded up 9 of the best long weekend beach getaways.
1. For Romantic Couples: Turks and Caicos – Where Tranquillity Reigns
Courtesy of Turks and Caicos Tourism
Turks and Caicos continues to be one of the world’s most serene and romantic beach destinations. Its sugar-white sands and clear turquoise waters provide a setting that feels almost untouched by time. Couples looking for an escape will find quiet luxury here, with private beachfront dinners beneath starry skies, sailing between small, peaceful cays and relaxing in spacious resorts designed for privacy and calm.
The appeal of Turks and Caicos goes beyond its natural beauty and lavish surroundings. It’s a place where couples can find space to breathe for moments of genuine connection at a pace that allows intimacy to grow without distraction. The islands’ relatively low summer crowds and year-round warmth make it an ideal destination for travellers who prioritise sleep, silence and personal space. In a world of noise and expectation, Turks and Caicos offers a rare kind of tranquillity – a chance to rekindle connection in a setting where calm reigns.
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WHERE TO STAY: South Bank by Grace Bay brings contemporary design to the water’s edge with 92 rooms offering a boutique-style atmosphere. Nautical architecture and natural tones echo the coastal surroundings, while dune-side villas and boat-house accommodations make it feel like a secluded retreat. Sailors will appreciate the on-site marina and boat concierge services, while private pools and breezy terraces provide effortless comfort.
The Boat House Pool. Courtesy of South Bank Grace Bay Resort
EAT: Book a table at Lua, the resort’s signature beachfront restaurant, where al fresco dining meets elevated island fare. (Make sure to reserve a table overlooking the tranquil lagoon.) The menu blends Mediterranean and international cuisines, featuring dishes such as wood-fired pizzas, fresh seafood and inventive small plates. Guests can enjoy their meals in the elegant indoor dining area or on the open-air terrace, perfect for sunset views. Lua also hosts themed evenings like “Oysters & Champagne Saturdays” and “Sours and Wings Sundays,” adding a vibrant and lively energy to the oceanside ambience.
Courtesy of Lua Restaurant
2. For the Wellness Seeker: Nosara, Costa Rica – A Sanctuary for Mind, Body and Soul
Nosara, Costa Rica. Courtesy of Photo by Frames For Your Heart on Unsplash
Nosara is where the lush jungle meets the Pacific Ocean, creating a serene backdrop that supports deep rest and rejuvenation. Known for its world-class yoga retreats and holistic wellness centres, this beach town offers a slower pace that allows travellers to reset their rhythms, nourish their bodies and reconnect with nature.
The community here is deeply committed to sustainability and mindful living, making Nosara a leader in eco-conscious travel. Whether you’re flowing through sunrise yoga sessions, enjoying organic farm-to-table meals or simply soaking in the quiet beauty of the beach, Nosara encourages presence and balance in every moment.
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WHERE TO STAY: The Harmony Hotel is a boutique wellness resort designed to support restorative sleep and holistic health. With architecture that embraces natural light and ocean breezes, the hotel features open-air spaces, calming neutral tones and thoughtful details that promote relaxation. Rooms are furnished with natural, non-toxic materials and blackout curtains to encourage deep rest. The hotel’s wellness programming includes guided meditation, sound-healing sessions and bespoke spa treatments using locally sourced botanicals.
Courtesy of Harmony Hotel, Costa Rica
EAT: Dining at The Harmony Hotel’s restaurant showcases organic, plant-based cuisine with influences from Costa Rica’s rich biodiversity. Menus rotate seasonally, offering flavourful dishes like tropical fruit bowls, raw vegan desserts and nutrient-dense smoothies crafted to energize and soothe.
Courtesy of Harmony Hotel, Costa Rica
3. For the Solo Traveller: Tulum, Mexico – Freedom and Soul on the Caribbean Coast
Tulum remains a top destination for solo travellers, thanks to its laid-back vibe, open-minded community and abundance of soulful experiences. Whether you’re cycling jungle paths to hidden cenotes or joining a beachfront meditation, the town invites you to explore at your own rhythm. Tulum is more than a place – it’s a feeling. Solo travel here is defined by spontaneity and presence. The emphasis is less on checking off sights and more on meaningful interactions, whether that’s a chat with a local artisan or a long afternoon lost in a book by the sea.
Dos Ojos Cenote, Tulum. Photo by Roberto Nickson on Unsplash
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WHERE TO STAY: Casa Malca offers a unique artistic retreat on Tulum’s coastline. Once a private residence, it has been transformed into a boutique hotel that celebrates contemporary art and rustic elegance. The architecture highlights exposed concrete walls and large windows that flood interiors with natural light, while curated sculptures and installations by renowned artists create a gallery-like atmosphere. The Oceanfront Suites feature private terraces with hammocks overlooking the Caribbean Sea – perfect for quiet mornings or sunset reflections. Inside, minimalist furnishings and custom art pieces provide a peaceful sanctuary that balances comfort with creativity.
Courtesy of Casa Malca
EAT: Dining at Casa Malca’s restaurant is an experience in itself. The menu draws inspiration from global flavours and local ingredients, blending Mexican tradition with international influences. Dishes like ceviche with fresh citrus and edible flowers or grilled octopus with smoky chipotle highlight the chef’s commitment to innovation and quality.
Courtesy of Casa Malca
4. For the Adventure Lover: Grenada – Culture and Wild Beauty
Grenada, the “Spice Island,” is rich with natural wonders and cultural depth. Hike to cascading waterfalls, dive among coral reefs or snorkel through the world’s first underwater sculpture park. Grenada is an adventurer’s dream, offering rugged beauty alongside a welcoming local spirit that adds richness to every experience. Travellers who want more than just thrills will appreciate Grenada’s immersive approach to tourism. Visit working spice farms, dance at local festivals or savour small-batch rum crafted using centuries-old methods. It’s adventure, grounded in authenticity.
Fontainebleau Waterfalls. Courtesy of Grenada Tourism Authority
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WHERE TO STAY: Calabash Hotel combines contemporary Caribbean style with intimate service. The resort’s suites feature open-air living spaces, private plunge pools and large terraces that showcase breathtaking views of the ocean and lush hills. The design honours Grenadian culture through handcrafted wood furnishings and locally sourced fabrics, creating an elegant yet warm atmosphere. Guests can unwind with spa treatments inspired by island botanicals or savour meals at the resort’s Silversands Restaurant, where menus highlight fresh seafood, farm-to-table produce and creative Caribbean fusion.
Courtesy of Calabash Hotel
EAT: For an otherworldly dining experience, venture outside and reserve a table at Silversands resort, where four distinctive restaurants take you on a culinary journey that artfully blends global influences with the vibrant flavours of Grenada. Each venue has its own unique character yet all share a commitment to precision, creativity and the use of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. The result is a true sensory feast with dishes like spiced lobster tail, coconut-crusted snapper and jerk pork tenderloin, each thoughtfully crafted to celebrate the island’s rich bounty of spices and seafood. At Silversands, dining is more than a meal; it’s an immersive tribute to Grenada’s culinary heritage.
Courtesy of Silversands, Grenada
5. For the Creative Soul: Oracabessa Bay, Jamaica – Retro Glamour and Inspiration
Courtesy of GoldenEye
Oracabessa Bay has long drawn artists, writers and musicians who seek a place where creativity flows as freely as the ocean breeze. The laid-back vibe, lush tropical landscapes and rhythmic sounds of the Caribbean make this corner of Jamaica a true haven for those looking to unplug and reconnect with their creative spirit.
GoldenEye, the iconic estate famously linked to Ian Fleming, continues to capture that artistic energy. The property blends retro glamour with authentic Caribbean charm across its villas, cottages and beach huts. With private beaches edged by swaying palms and a shimmering lagoon just steps away, it’s a place that encourages both quiet reflection and inspired collaboration. Creative types will find themselves drawn to the estate’s arts programme and workshops, as well as informal gatherings around fire pits or beachside hammocks – all designed to spark imagination and resting the mind.
Courtesy of GoldenEye Jamaica
WHERE TO STAY: GoldenEye is a stunning collection of individually designed villas and cottages that blend colonial Jamaican architecture with modern touches. Interiors are filled with vibrant colours, natural materials and bespoke furnishings inspired by local craftsmanship.
EAT: The property’s restaurants celebrate Jamaica’s rich culinary heritage with dishes prepared from fresh island ingredients. At Beach House Restaurant, guests savour seafood caught that morning, jerk chicken perfected over pimento wood fires and tropical fruit desserts served with rum-infused sauces. Dining here feels like a celebration of place, flavour and creativity.
Courtesy of GoldenEye
6. For the Stylish Weekender: Nantucket, USA – Seaside Sophistication
Courtesy of White Elephant Nantucket
Nantucket has a way of making weekends feel timeless. Cobblestone streets, heritage homes and breezy Atlantic beaches set the scene for elegant escapes. Whether you’re sipping rosé at sunset or cycling past lighthouses, the island offers an effortlessly chic kind of leisure. Though petite, Nantucket is rich in personality – from its vibrant food scene to its artistic enclaves – and ideal for travellers who want style and substance in equal measure.
WHERE TO STAY: Few places embody Nantucket’s quiet glamour quite like the White Elephant. Born from the vision of socialite Elizabeth T. Ludwig in the early 1920s it began as a collection of simple harbourside cottages and has since blossomed into one of the island’s most iconic retreats, a reflection of Nantucket’s own evolution from rustic hideaway to refined escape. Today the White Elephant offers a graceful blend of old-world charm and modern coastal luxury, perfectly poised on the harbour.
Chaise Lounges Line the Harborside Lawn. Courtesy of White Elephant
Accommodations range from cozy garden cottages to elegant suites all thoughtfully designed with crisp linens, soft whites and subtle nautical accents that pay homage to the island’s maritime roots. A recent centennial renovation refreshed the interiors striking a balance between heritage details and bright contemporary style. Guests can relax at the spa, sip cocktails on the expansive harbourside lawn or explore the island behind the wheel of a complimentary BMW. With its prime waterfront location just steps from Nantucket’s charming shops and galleries the White Elephant effortlessly combines seaside comfort with sophisticated island living.
EAT: The White Elephant’s restaurant offers a fresh take on coastal cuisine with a focus on local seafood and seasonal ingredients. Whether dining on the waterfront terrace or in the elegant dining room, guests can expect dishes like pan-seared scallops, freshly shucked oysters and tender lobster paired with vibrant garden vegetables. The menu changes with the seasons to highlight the best of Nantucket’s bounty, while a carefully curated wine list and creative cocktails complete the experience. It’s a relaxed yet refined setting that captures the effortless charm of island life.
Courtesy of White Elephant
7. For the Family or Group Traveller: St Vincent and the Grenadines – A Tropical Haven for Connection and Adventure
St Vincent is an ideal destination for families and groups seeking a balance of relaxation, cultural exploration and active fun. The island’s lush rainforests, volcanic peaks and pristine beaches offer a wide range of experiences that cater to all ages. From guided nature hikes to beach games and cultural festivals, there’s always something to bring everyone together.
The warm, welcoming local communities enrich the experience by sharing their diverse heritage, vibrant music and delicious cuisine. St Vincent encourages travellers to disconnect from daily stresses and reconnect with loved ones in an inspiring natural setting that feels both intimate and expansive.
Courtesy of Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
WHERE TO STAY: Sandals St Vincent blends Caribbean colour with architecture inspired by the island’s history and community. Opening in March 2024, this new Sandals Resort offers a modern luxury experience that seamlessly harmonizes with St Vincent’s natural surroundings. The Vincy Overwater Two-Storey Villas feature floor-to-ceiling windows framing breathtaking views of the rainforest and sea. Each villa includes an open-air rooftop lounge, perfect for stargazing or private dining, crafted with reclaimed wood and natural stone that reflect the island’s native materials.
EAT: Dining at Buccan highlights local ingredients and traditions with many dishes slow roasted or smoked over an open flame to capture the bold authentic flavours of St Vincent. On the menu you’ll find lamb curry, crispy provisions, whole fish, yabba pot rice, mango chutney crisp and more. Seasonings and chutneys from buccan spice and coconut seasoning to tamarind and mint chutney bring each dish to life.
Courtesy of Sandals Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – Buccan Restaurant
8. For the Wellness-Seeking Traveller: The Bahamas – Sun, Sea and Self-Care
Courtesy of Bahamas Tourism
With its crystal-clear waters, powdery white sands and laid-back island rhythm, the Bahamas is more than a picturesque escape – it’s a sanctuary for travellers craving wellness and restoration. Whether you’re soaking in a sunrise yoga session on the beach or unwinding with a sea salt scrub at a spa nestled in nature, these islands offer a blend of spiritual calm and barefoot luxury. This destination is ideal for those looking to recharge, reconnect and prioritise self-care without sacrificing indulgence.
The Bahamas’ appeal lies in its ability to slow time. From meditative moments by the water to snorkelling in the quiet shallows of Exuma or indulging in natural spa rituals using native ingredients like coconut oil and Bahamian sea salt, every experience is designed to renew your sense of self. In the age of burnout and constant noise, the Bahamas offers an unhurried space to heal and be present.
WHERE TO STAY: The Island House in Nassau combines boutique sophistication with a wellness-first ethos. With its serene aesthetic and attention to detail, this property offers everything from outdoor yoga decks and a luxury cinema to holistic spa treatments using local botanicals. Rooms are airy, modern and designed to promote rest – perfect for a nourishing long weekend.
Courtesy of The Island House
EAT: Venture outside your resort and book a table at Sapodilla Estate. Once the private home of Elaine Pinder (founder of Bamboo Shack), this estate has been transformed into one of Nassau’s premier fine-dining destinations. Set on seven lush acres off West Bay Street, it blends grand-Colonial and European design with Bahamian charm – complete with tranquil gardens, art-filled interiors and candlelit cabanas. Executive Chef Noel St. Claude leads a seasonal Bahamian-European menu featuring dishes like conch trio, rum-pepper painted grouper and slow-braised lamb shank, often finished tableside. Guests dine indoors, in garden cabanas or by the piano bar, where every detail – from wine pairings to live music – is crafted to create a memorable, multisensory experience. Sapodilla Restaurant
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Pork Belly with Pin Drop Rum. Courtesy of Sapodilla Estate
9. For the Luxe Escape Seeker: Los Cabos, Mexico – Desert Meets Sea
The Arch of Cabo San Lucas. Photo: Carlos Gilbert/Unsplash
With its dramatic desert landscapes, sapphire waters and near-endless sun, Los Cabos is a masterclass in contrasts. This Baja California gem draws travellers seeking indulgence and adventure in equal measure. Mornings might begin with sunrise yoga by the sea, followed by afternoons exploring art galleries in San José del Cabo or setting sail past El Arco at Land’s End. It’s the perfect destination for those who crave a mix of serenity, style and sensory delight.
WHERE TO STAY: Montage Los Cabos blends Baja’s rugged coastline with refined, barefoot luxury. Set on the protected shores of Santa Maria Bay, the resort offers swimmable beaches (a rarity in the region), warm minimalist design and panoramic views from every corner. Spacious suites and casas feature natural stone and wood finishes, private plunge pools and outdoor showers that frame the desert-sea fusion. Montage’s signature service includes personalised itineraries, oceanfront treatments at Spa Montage and curated cultural experiences that connect guests to the spirit of Baja.
Courtesy of Montage Los Cabos
EAT: At Mezcal, Montage’s flagship restaurant, local ingredients shine in dishes that celebrate Mexico’s rich culinary traditions. Think grilled octopus with smoked chile oil, roasted beet mole and house-made tortillas paired with an extensive mezcal and tequila collection. With open-air seating and uninterrupted sea views, it’s a sensory experience rooted in place.
Courtesy of Mezcal Restaurant @mezcalmlc
