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CAPE TOWN FOR CAPETONIANS

Waterfront eatery among Condé Nast best new restaurants in the world

Condé Nast Traveller has named a Cape Town eatery as one of the best new restaurants in the world.

Emazulwini Restaurant at Makers Landing at the V&A Waterfront was included in the publication’s ‘ 2023 Hot List ’. 

The list is a curated collection of the world’s best new hotels, cruises, restaurants, cultural destinations and transportation projects, with researchers visiting and vetting the entries to create a definitive directory of places whose style, ethos, and service set new standards for hospitality. 

This year’s dining destinations included the Cape Town establishment, serving up contemporary Zulu and Nguni cuisine; a Northern California café honouring Ohlone recipes, and a community-driven Quito restaurant igniting Ecuador’s indigenous dining scene.

Chef Mmbatho Molefe’s modern Zulu restaurant, Emazulwini, initially opened in 2020 and has made waves in the local industry. Emazulwini means ‘the heavens’ in isiZulu. 

The restaurant also scored a spot on the ‘World’s 50 Best 50 Next’ list recently with its seven-course set menu consisting of authentic dishes such as chicken liver truffle, a pate with a dusting of dark chocolate; Ulimi noshatini, ox tongue and variations of tomatoes; and Isijingi, a sweet pumpkin porridge served with orange caramel, roasted pumpkin pieces and a cinnamon tuille.

The South African chef, who was awarded the Eat Out 2022 Rising Star Award, recently moved from a 10-seater restaurant at Makers Landing into the 40-seater pop-up space.

Emazulwini was designed in collaboration with Clout/SA, a design programme that facilitates collaboration between designers and the hospitality sector. Interior design specialist Walter Train was the design lead on the project and was mentored by Clout/SA, bringing contemporary design to work with the Zulu-Nguni essence of the restaurant.

• Bookings: Dineplan
• Location: Makers Landing | The Cruise Terminal | Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
• Times: Thursday to Saturday: 12pm to 10.30pm | Sunday: 12pm to 5pm

The complete Condé Nast Traveller 2023 Hot List –  Best new restaurants in the World:

• Enigma – Barcelona
• RavioXO – Madrid
• Masalawala & Sons – New York City
• Emazulwini – Cape Town
• Jun’s – Dubai
• La Semilla – Atlanta
• Mak-‘amham/Cafe Ohlone – Berkeley, California
• Koji Club – Boston
• Her Place Supper Club – Philadelphia
• Mi Compa Chava – Mexico City
• Foresta – Quito
• Lasai – Rio de Janiero
• Kōnā Corner – Buenos Aires
• Vilas – Bangkok
• Swallow Tainan – Taiwan
• The Jade Room + Garden Terrace – Tokyo
• Anda Kigali – Rwanda
• Takya – Riyadh
• Place des Fêtes – New York City
• Le Doyenné – Saint-Vrain, France

Contemporary South African design meets modern local culinary flavours

If you’re planning to visit Emazulwini Restaurant in Cape Town, known for its contemporary Zulu and Nguni cuisine, you might also want to satisfy your sweet tooth by checking out our top classic fudge recipe . Enjoy a delightful culinary journey!

Picture:  Emazulwini

Article written by Murray Swart

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Cape Town's Impressive Ranking in 2023 Condé Nast Traveller Awards

Cape Town, South Africa, has recently been awarded the title of the fourth-best large city in the world and the seventh-best city overall by Condé Nast Traveller in their 2023 Reader’s Choice Awards. This prestigious recognition reaffirms Cape Town’s status as a leading global travel destination.

Condé Nast Traveller, known for its influential Reader’s Choice Awards, gathered input from over 520,000 readers to compile their rankings. Among cities with populations exceeding 500,000, Cape Town shone brightly.

Enver Duminy, CEO of Cape Town Tourism, expressed his appreciation for the accolade, stating, “We’re honoured that Condé Nast Traveller’s discerning readership voted our beautiful Mother City as the fourth-best large city in the world. This accolade is a testament to our city’s unique beauty, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality.”

Duminy also emphasized the collaborative efforts to maintain Cape Town’s status as a must-visit destination on the global stage, adding, “This recognition is not just a win for Cape Town but for South Africa, boosting our profile on the world map and serving as a beacon for tourists contemplating their next travel destination.”

Alderman James Vos, mayoral committee member for economic growth, expressed gratitude to visitors and locals alike, saying, “The City is grateful to the hundreds of thousands of Condé Nast Travellers for once again choosing Cape Town. Most of all, we give our heartfelt thanks to every Capetonian who has extended a welcoming hand and smile to visitors from all over the world.”

Vos also highlighted the city’s commitment to further enhancing its appeal through strategic campaigns and projects.

The Condé Nast Traveller Reader’s Choice Awards, renowned for their recognition of excellence, are one of the travel industry’s longest-standing accolades. Each year, they gather feedback from readers to determine the winners across various categories.

Cape Town faced stiff competition from cities like Singapore, Tokyo, Seoul, and Sydney in the large city category but secured a spot in the top five.

Condé Nast Traveller’s assessment of the Mother City was glowing:

The complete list of the 2023 Reader’s Choice Awards can be found on Condé Nast Traveller’s website and will be featured in the November 2023 issue of the magazine.

Duminy concluded by expressing gratitude and optimism for the future, saying, “We’re grateful to everyone who made this achievement possible, from the communities that make our Mother City so special to the travellers who took the time to vote. We look forward to welcoming visitors from around the globe to experience Cape Town’s award-winning tourism experience.”

Cape Town’s impressive recognition in the 2023 Condé Nast Traveller Reader’s Choice Awards underscores its timeless allure and its status as a global destination that continues to captivate travellers from all corners of the world.

Photo by Sebastian Staines on Unsplash

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26 Most Beautiful Villas You Can Rent in Greece, From Zakynthos to Mykonos

Posted: July 14, 2023 | Last updated: July 14, 2023

There are dozens of lovely villas scattered across Greece , that if you look hard enough, you can actually rent and stay at. If you’re searching for somewhere specific, we recommend starting with Welcome Beyond and Plum Guide for handpicked houses in incredible locales, The Thinking Traveller for their exclusive range of curated properties available across the islands, or Airbnb Luxe for some serious blowout stays. To kick-start the search, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite villas, in no specific order, from Crete to Corfu.

This article was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller UK .

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Lesante Cape

Akrotiri, Zakynthos

A dream for families with little ones, Lesante Cape is where the space of a private villa and the perks of a hotel combine. Villas here spill down a 500-year-old hillside olive tree plantation (trees were moved, not cleared, to make room), and range from one to three bedrooms. All come with private pools, sea views, and fully equipped kitchens, as well as the option to order from room service. Outside there are three restaurants to choose from, all serving up authentic local fare—fruit is picked from the neighbor's garden, fish comes straight from the fishing boats that morning—as well a dedicated kid's menu. The farm-to-table cooking experience in the herb garden is a real treat, where children can pick at leaves and watch as the chefs rustle up plates of fresh salads and sea bass. Days are spent by one of three pools—the designated children's pool has a shady olive-lined meadow to one side, while the neighboring pool bar can bring over club sandwiches and watermelon salad, as well as warmed milk. At 4 p.m., families trundle back up from the pool, kids slung across shoulders, stopping for a ypovrechio (a sweet served in ice water) from the cobbled cafe on the way. — Charlotte Davey

Sleeps: 6 Price: $695 per night

Book now at Expedia

Serayna, Port Heli

So secluded is this five-bedroom villa that the best way to get there is by sea—take a rib boat transfer from Hydra and arrive at the private jetty. The journey is well worth it too—between the almost private beach, infinity pool, tennis court, and vibrant gardens, there's very little reason to ever want to leave. The honey-hued house is the epitome of classic Mediterranean elegance, with white-washed interiors and numerous French doors that spill out onto a sweeping patio. Supper can be served in the dining room or al fresco on the terrace, with a private chef preparing homemade classics like meatballs and moussaka from the charming country-style kitchen. If you must venture elsewhere, take a trip to the Ancient theatre of Epidaurus to witness the best-preserved ancient theatre in Greece. — Sophie Chai

Sleeps: 10 Price: From $31,564 per week

Book now at The Thinking Traveller

The Detailor

Tinos, Cyclades Islands

It's just a 15-minute boat ride from Mykonos, so no one can quite believe Tinos isn’t visited by more tourists. Those who do come discover dozens of tiny villages to explore, sandy bays, and even a crunchy, hippie surf scene. The relative peacefulness of the island makes it all the better for those who stay at The Detailor, a sweet Airbnb with buttery-smooth stone interiors and arches on the upper balconies that frame epic sunsets. All four of the bedrooms have sea views and, while there’s no pool, there’s a decently sized hot tub shaded by a lovely pergola.

Sleeps: Eight Price: From $601 for a three-night minimum stay

Book now at Airbnb

Spetses town, Spetses

There's an abundance of Bougainvillea-covered space at this 5.5-acre hilltop villa, and yet the charming town of Spetses, as well as a beach, are only a 15-minute walk. With multiple terraces across the estate, including terrace access from all seven bedrooms, the villa's breathtaking sea views can be admired from multiple vantage points. Even the infinity pool, with its own bar, overlooks the azure waters. Interiors are an elegant fusion of contemporary and classic Spetsian design, with breezy white bedrooms, all with ensuite bathrooms, spread across the main house and two separate guest houses. A stay here includes a daily cleaning service as well as breakfast preparation. For lunch, head to Orloff on the harbor for Mediterranean-style grouper caught fresh that morning. Spetsis is a car-free island, so one of the best ways to see the sights, including the oldest lighthouse in Greece, is via bike. — Sophie Chai

Sleeps: 14 Price: From $28,561 per week

Emerald Oasis

Pelekas, Corfu

On a hillside of greenery and trademark olive trees alive with busy bees and singing birds, the aptly named Emerald Oasis could easily be mistaken for somewhere George Clooney might hide out on Lake Como. The sprawling farmhouse-style chateau oozes personality and goes beyond the typical white-washed walls and neutral furnishings. Here the interior has been expertly curated with eclectic art and furnishings sourced from around the world. Outside, the lush grounds are peppered with roses and banana trees and center around a secluded pool area with a hammock, sun loungers, and sounds of a nearby stream. The five-bedroom, four-bathroom bolthole has been a labour of love for its French owners. One that has paid off—the villa is available to rent on  Plum Guide , where their meticulous vetting means only the top three percent of holiday homes are featured. Should you ever tire of the calm oasis, Corfu town is a 25 minutes drive away, plus there's a quaint local village and nearby beach just five minutes away by car. — Jessica Rach

Sleeps: 10 Price: From $726 per night

Book now at Plum Guide

San Stefano, Corfu

In the quiet hillside of North East Corfu’s undiscovered San Stefano region, Villa Ines is surrounded by olive trees and overlooks the Ionian Sea. With five modern bedrooms, seven bathrooms, an infinity pool, and an outhouse, this is the ultimate place to unwind with an intimate group of family or friends. You never have to worry about cooking or cleaning—the villa has a chef on hand to prepare breakfast and cook lunch or supper from an impressive menu designed for you. Those keen to stay active should rent a car to explore the nearby villages and hiking trails with undiscovered harbors and coves aplenty. A short and windy drive down the mountain lands you in a charming fishing village, where cafes boast fresh seafood and homemade delicacies while the waves lap at your feet. — Jessica Rach

Sleeps: 12 Price: From $9,822 per week including a private chef and cleaning service

Book now at The Greek Villas

Book now at Edge Retreats

Villa Nectar

Serifos, Cyclades Islands

In this calming Serifos hideaway, perched atop a rugged outcrop, a four-bedroom villa has been reimagined to combine traditional Cycladic architecture and modern design elements. The house is split across multiple levels with interiors purposefully laid bare to promote a sense of calm, while views are available from every corner. Apart from the house next door, the hillside location is wonderfully isolated. Spend days in or by the pool and you’ll never tire of those sweeping sea views.

Sleeps: 8 Price: From $641 to $1,283 a night

Book now at Welcome Beyond

Villa Ophelia

Corfu, Ionian Islands

Corfu is the green island—nowhere more so than in the sophisticated north, where expanses of rolling olive groves can make this place feel more like Tuscany than Greece. It’s high on the hills here, near the vibrant village of Kassiopi, that you’ll find this eight-person villa. The house makes the most of the leafy views, overlooking a thicket that rolls straight down to the sea. Carved out of local stone and surrounded by fragrant herb gardens, the three buildings are linked by a shady terrace for dinner outdoors. The pool juts out over the edge of the villa’s courtyard, dangling over the ocean, and there’s direct access to the beach for those with itchy feet. Bag the largest suite for your own private courtyard and a lovely outdoor bath.

Sleeps: Eight Price: From about $8,678 per week

Book now at CV Villas

Skiathos RX

Skiathos, Sporades islands

With direct flights from several European cities, the Greek island of Skiathos was the glamorous star of the pine-fringed Sporades way before Mamma Mia . Poking out of the forest, this glass-fronted villa looks fairly unassuming from afar. Up close, however, the cutting-edge architecture makes a big impact. The modern interiors are so sleek they're almost austere, but it's the outdoor area that blows you away: a vast wooden deck with a palm-thatched barbecue, fire pit and open-air home cinema. At sunrise, seagulls swoop over the infinity pool. It's even more dramatic at dusk as the sun melts into the sea. Although completely secluded, the villa is only a five-minute walk away from three of the best beaches on Skiathos: Banana and Koukounaries, with their watersports and pumping beach bars, as well as the quieter, cooler Ampelakia. Tip: at the latter's Mystique Beach Bar, a plate of crispy calamari with chili and lime goes down extremely well with an ice-cold Septem pilsner. RH

Sleeps: 12 Price: Price on request

Book now at Five Star Greece

The Deep End

Oia, Santorini

Greek Island views don’t get much better than in Santorini. Or more crowded. But while the hordes of day visitors scramble to get the best vantage points for their Instagram, at this Oia villa you can take it all in at your leisure from the end of the plunge pool. Aptly named The Deep End, the cliffside bolthole is the perfect romantic hideaway for two. Wake up to striking Aegean Sea views from the bedroom, spend days lounging by the pool and evenings enjoying sundowners on the private rooftop terrace. When you’re in the mood to explore, the restaurants and buzzing bars of Oia are no more than 10 minutes away by car.

Sleeps: 2 Price: From $1,485 a night

Eolia Villa

A traditional villa stay away from the coastline crowds, Eolia enjoys an unassuming location in the village of Exco Gonia, found in the center of Santorini. The high spot means there are spectacular sea and valley views to take in, as well as fresh sea breezes, especially from the terraced balcony off one of the bedrooms. White walls and rustic stone walls feature throughout the two-bedroom house. Choose to dine inside or alfresco with two dining area options available, plus an outside barbecue by the swimming pool.

Sleeps: Eight Price: From $737 a night

Chrisi Akti, Paros

It’s easy to mistake parts of Santhia for a hotel—the infinity pool with an alfresco kitchen and bar in the background look like something out of a smart resort. You can enjoy it all to yourself though, along with the six exquisite bedrooms and six bathrooms, all resplendent in minimalist Mediterranean chic. The beachfront villa itself is outstanding but the outside is what you’ll remember most. You can sunbathe from the pool via the “floating” wooden platforms in the shallow end or take a dip in the plunge pool. Follow the winding path through the gardens and down to the gate where you’ll find a few steps that lead down to the sandy beach. It doesn’t get much better.

Sleeps: 12 Price: From $13,125 per week

Andros, Cyclades Islands

Andros is unlike any of the other Cyclades—inland mountains conceal waterfalls and hot springs, while villages have marble streets lined with neoclassical mansions, laid down a hundred years ago by grand shipping families. The most beautiful beaches are on the northeast coast, where Onar sits—an off-grid estate with a handful of cottages to rent, shored up by local Mateo Pantzopoulos and his wife, Greek TV personality Eleni Menegaki. Our favorite is the four-person villa built into the hillside and crafted out of local stone. Roughly plastered walls the color of thick Greek yogurt keep things cool inside, while a glossy pool outback overlooks sugary Ahla beach.

Sleeps: Four Price: From about $432 per night

Porto Zante

Zakynthos, Ionian Islands

Plush, private villas that also offer all the best bits about checking into a Greek Islands hotel—that’s the promise at these nine hillside houses. Each one looks out over the private bay below, on the north coast of Zakynthos—the island that’s shaking off it's party-hard reputation. Families are drawn here for the unbeatable kids’ club and on-hand babysitters, which mean parents can tuck into supper next to the sea without a fussy toddler in sight. Villas are separated by lush gardens and come with their own pool, so you’ll feel as though there’s no one else around—except, of course, for when you want them.

Sleeps: 4 to 14 Price: From about $14,212 per week

Book now at Booking.com

Villa Aleomandra

Aleomandra, Mykonos

Starting as a sprawling set of land with nothing else around it in 1998, today Villa Aleomandra is a slick six-bedroom Cycladic hideaway. There are several towns and restaurants within walking distance, and yet Aleomandra feels like a remote oasis, surrounded by landscaped Greek gardens, and with an outdoor cinema, saltwater swimming pool, and private beach. Large groups won’t feel cramped here—the Miami-style house includes guest rooms in the main building plus two guest houses. The kitchen has two big tables that can seat 20 guests and a resident private chef can prepare meals and take care of the shopping too. Most striking, perhaps, are the sea views, particularly at sunset, which can be enjoyed from almost every vantage point on the property, including all bedrooms.

Sleeps: 12 to 16 Price: From $6,219 a night

Villa Fleur de Sel

Climb up a hillside in Mykonos and land at Villa Fleur—a beautifully designed, six-bedroom stone house. Minimal interiors, natural elements, and white linens give the inside space a fresh, zen-like feel. Outside is where much of the holiday happens with a spacious al fresco dining area seating 12, plus outdoor living space, a rooftop terrace, garden, and a heated infinity pool. Housekeeping and airport transfers are included in your stay with the option to hire a private chef available.

Sleeps: 12 Price: From $4,350 a night

Bluewave XL

Kalafatis, Mykonos

As the name suggests, Bluewave XL is a supersized villa-bordering-on-compound with 18 bedrooms and 22 bathrooms, spread across a palatial main building and four guest houses. Interiors are sleek and airy, with many of the rooms making good use of the Kalafati coastline views. The villa’s outdoor space is just as sprawling, with a vast infinity pool, long bar, alfresco dining area and all the day beds, hammocks, and hanging chairs your group could need.

Sleeps: 36 Price: From $12,524 per night

Book now at Tripadvisor

Sterna Residence

Nisyros, Dodecanese Islands

The 17th-century Sterna tower was meticulously restored by local architect Giorgos Tsironis using traditional material and methods. Whitewashed walls carved out of volcanic stone sweep through the open-plan spaces, revealing sunken sitting areas framed by arches, and a couple of cool, crumpled linen bedrooms. The upstairs terrace has one of the most extraordinary views on the little island of Nisyros, looking out as far as Bodrum on the Turkish Riviera.

Sleeps: 4 to 6 Price: From about $1,964 per week

Book now at Hipaway Villas

Skopelos, Sporades Islands

Set across three buildings amid two acres of private land on Skopelos, Maistros is less whitewashed and minimal than the classic Greek villa blueprint. Heaving bookshelves are propped against wood-paneled walls, original art hangs in the seven bedrooms, and there’s space-agey furniture designed by the villa’s architect, Marc Held, in the vast sitting room. Steps lead down from here to the hull-shaped terrace, which has uninterrupted views of the sea. On a clear day you can even spot Agios Ioannis, the church made famous in Mamma Mia! , from the wraparound deck.

Sleeps: 14 Price: From about $6,052 per week

Amorgos, Cyclades Islands

Most people don’t bother coming to far-flung Amorgos—even the fast ferry from Athens takes six hours to pull up at the harbor, where a map invitingly states “Welcome to Amorgos. Nobody will find you here.” Pivoting around views of the silvery Aegean, five-bedroom house Amorgos 1L peers out to sea at every available opportunity. There are sheltered decks made for taking in the views, creamy sitting rooms with floor-to-ceiling shutters that can be propped open to create an indoor-outdoor space, and a horizon-edging pool. Best of all: the private cove that’s just a staircase away.

Sleeps: 10 Price: From about $6,982 per week

Pegassus Private Island

There aren't many secrets left in the Mediterranean, but this is one of them. At the southern tip of Evia there is an archipelago of small, mostly uninhabited islands, one of which is home to this seaside villa, accessible only by speedboat and just an hour from Athens airport. Once the winter resort of the Ottoman pasha of Evia, the 1,200-acre estate is surrounded by olive, fig and pistachio trees, miles of walking trails and long private beaches. Renovated in 2014, the 100-year-old house has kept its old-fashioned charm, with patterned floor tiles, crocheted bedspreads and reclaimed marble sinks. There's a wood-fire oven for outdoor meals, with daily provisions from the organic farm and seafood delivered by a local fisherman. The semicircular pier is lined with sun-loungers strategically placed for sunset views. Paradise for children, the property has two Lasers for forays to the nearby islands of Andros and Kea. There are two housekeepers. — RH

Sleeps: 10 Price: Price on request

Book now at Aria Hotels

The shady outdoor kitchen at this vast villa pulls the center of life to the terrace. A long, pistachio-hued dining table set underneath a pergola has views of the pool, which seems to fall off the edge of the hill into pine groves and the countryside of Crete’s northeast coast, rolling across to the sea. Those tiring of sea-view suppers at the house can make the one-and-a-half-mile trip into Elounda, a pretty fishing village known for its smart hotels.

Sleeps: 16 Price: From about $15,716 per week

Book now at Abercrombie & Kent

Sifnos, Cyclades Islands

In the prettily peeling village of Exambela, this manor house is surrounded by Sifnos’ trademark scrubby farmland, dotted with olive vines and tufts of sage and oregano. The pool in the garden has views over the countryside, backed by a shady terrace made for sundowner suppers—Sifnos is known as the foodie Greek island, so cook up local dishes of lamb soaked in red wine or crisp chickpea fritters. About three miles away is the pretty whitewashed village of Kastro, where the astonishing Church of the Seven Martyrs hovers precariously on a clifftop over the sea.

Sleeps: 12 Price: From about $8,644 per week

The Boat House

Framed by green headlands with unbroken views across the straits to Albania, this huge, homely villa is a few steps from the sea. You can fall asleep to the sound of the waves and wake up to complete solitude as there's not a neighbor in sight. Days can be spent lazing beside the infinity pool or hopping in and out of boats moored at two private jetties. There's a sailing school on the adjacent beach and a diving instructor on speed-dial. The terraced gardens are full of shady nooks for meals prepared by an accomplished chef: ask for the seared sea bass with preserved lemons, chickpeas and couscous followed by mango tart with sweet chili syrup. For something more traditional, there are two excellent tavernas in Avlaki, a few minutes across the bay. If you're looking for action, the lively little harbor of Kassiopi is a 15-minute walk away. — Rachel Howard

Sleeps: 12 Price: From about $6,960 a week

Book now at Scott Williams

Villa Anema

Patmos, Dodecanese islands

From the Aga Khan to Prince Michael of Greece, the main town of Patmos, the best-preserved Byzantine settlement in the Aegean, has some pretty swanky residents. Manos Hatzidakis has persuaded some of them to open up their impeccable mansions to guests. The owners of this sun-drenched house run a successful gallery in London . Although the wooden ceilings, kilims and flagstone floors are typically Patmian, the decor is an eclectic mix of antiques sourced from around the world. The huge kitchen is made for entertaining, but you'll want to eat outside in the secret cobbled courtyard or on a balcony hovering between sky and sea. Opposite is Profitis Ilias, a tiny church on the island's rocky pinnacle. If you climb up here for sunset, Manos will be waiting with mezze and aperitifs. — RH

Sleeps: 8 Price: From about $6,398 for 7 nights

Book now at Serendipity Greek Villas

Book now at My Greek Villa

Lia Beach Hous

Camouflaged among tamarisk and bamboo groves, beside a stream that runs into a sandy bay, this boho beach house looks as though it's been here forever. The only other house nearby belongs to the owner and architect. He used to camp out here when he first discovered Serifos in the 1980s, so he designed this place to capture the freedom of outdoor living. A cluster of five typically Cycladic buildings contain the bedrooms and bathrooms, connected by internal courtyards that double as kitchen, dining and living areas. (There's also a rock-hewn indoor kitchen for when the blustery meltemi blows.) Interiors reflect the natural landscape, with brushed-concrete beds dressed in blues, grays, and greens, and mobiles fashioned from flotsam and jetsam. Flagstones lead to pristine Lia beach, usually deserted until midday even in August. This is the very definition of barefoot chic, with a sense of simplicity that feels quintessentially Greek. — RH

Sleeps: 10 Price: From about $5,352 for 7 nights

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Where to stay on the Western Cape, South Africa

By Fiona Kerr , Jane Broughton and Jennifer George

La Clé Lodge, Franschhoek

Until quite recently, La Clé des Montagnes was a collection of four whip-smart houses to rent between the immaculate vines of the Cape Winelands. But new managers have gradually unlocked this hideaway for those looking for a slice of the good life, without having to take a whole villa . At the start of 2018, chef couple Scott and Mel Shepherd opened La Clé Lodge, a five-bedroom guesthouse just down the road, and the original properties are now available by the room too. At the lodge, interior designer/artist Jacques Erasmus, of Cape Town restaurant Hemelhuijs, has turned former offices into a refined take on a Cape Dutch farmhouse.

There’s a studied, make-yourself-at-home ease at play

There’s a studied, make-yourself-at-home ease at play: straw hats hang off hooks by the front door , a rattan platter of lemons sits like an Old Masters’ still life on the rustic kitchen table, linen-covered sofas are invitingly rumpled and loaded with cushions. Bedrooms riff off a similarly muted palette of olive, taupe and cream. In one, a deep tub sits under a golden triptych of Oriental screens, and on a little side table, next to the bath salts, is a decanter of sherry and glasses. The whole space is anchored by a long mahogany table, and there’s a dinner-party vibe when Mel is cooking in the open-plan kitchen for farm-to-fork feasts on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings, which might include chicken kebabs on wild mushroom risotto. On other nights, head out to try the theatrical tasting menu at La Petite Colombe. Bonus: the Shepherds have the inside track on this foodie little town. By Fiona Kerr

Address : La Clé Lodge, 32 Cabriere St, Franschhoek, 7690, South Africa Website : Doubles from about £230. Africa Travel ( africatravel.com ; +44 20 7843 3591) can arrange three nights at La Clé Lodge as part of a seven-night trip to South Africa from £1,695 per person sharing, including flights with British Airways, breakfast, hire car and a £50.00 contribution towards the cost of a Covid-19 PCR test.

Icaria, Cape Town

Seen one whitewashed, ocean-facing villa, seem them all, right? You could be forgiven for thinking so, especially on Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard, where blinding-white boxes are dotted indiscriminately along the coastline . But Icaria is quite something. Set high up (163 steps or one slow but jolly funicular ride), it looks out to the swelling ocean , as well as – and surprisingly – a nature reserve. Unbeknown to most, Table Mountain National Park runs all the way down past Lion’s Head to Bantry Bay, and Icaria sits right on the foot of said lion. It’s in a prime position, the last house on the bay, and the views to the west and south are pure, unspoiled drama. Remodelled last year by an American financier and the designer Tara Bean (ex-creative director for Ralph Lauren’s New York stores), the aesthetic is fresh and interesting without trying too hard.

Wherever you sleep, you won’t be disappointed with one thing – the view

Yes, there’s an ottoman made out of a vintage leather wrestling mat on top of a flea-market-sourced base but it’s surrounded by a properly comfortable, sink-right-into-it sofa. Global influences – Berber rugs from Morocco and hand-woven cushion covers from Ghana – look at home, not incongruous. The five bedrooms are spread across three levels, so it’s a brilliant holiday find for families with older children. Parents must shotgun the master, with a huge bath that gets the full sunset blast through a picture window, and teenagers can fight over the Cave Room, where a giant boulder is used as part of a wall. The loser might end up with the room by the pool , but then remember: it’s the room by the pool. Wherever you sleep, you won’t be disappointed with one thing – the view. By Jennifer George

Address : Icaria, 75 Victoria Road, Clifton, Cape Town, 8005, South Africa Telephone : +27 21 790 0972 Website : perfecthideaways.co.za Prices : From about £675 per night (sleeps 10, no children under 12)

Bobbejaanskloof, Plettenberg Bay

‘This place wasn’t really built for guests,’ says Gregory Mellor, Cape Town’s most in-demand interior designer and the brains behind the refurb here. Yet the beautiful African farmhouse, just 20 minutes’ drive from summer-playground Plett, has a savannah-facing stoep so well kitted-out with a seating area, dining table, and four-poster day bed that it can only have been set up with a gathering of friends and family in mind. However, Mellor’s not being dismissive. The house really was an afterthought for the original owners, with the gardens taking centre stage. They tirelessly replaced non-native plants with purely indigenous vegetation, a task that’s still being completed some 20 years later. ‘At times there’s purple and white agapanthus for as far as you can see,’ says Tendi, who runs the house (and cooks a mean gluten-free quiche). With almost 400 acres of nature reserve surrounding the property, he’s not exaggerating.

The interiors reflect the sun-scorched landscape

The building certainly doesn’t play second fiddle though; the interiors reflect the sun-scorched landscape , with earthy desaturated tones and rustic fabrics and finishes. Murals of water lilies and pressings of home-grown flowers by artist Sarah Pratt dress the walls, and the bed linen is spun down the road at Plettenberg Bay’s Mungo weavers. The old-school furniture was commissioned by Mellor, as were the throne-like kitchen chairs fashioned from thick grass. It couldn’t be a lovelier place to stay, especially with the newly added swimming pool and yoga deck. Even the dogs – Sirius and Luna – fit the mould, bounding Anatolian shepherds who keep the baboons at bay and make great company on one of the many walking trails. By Jennifer George

Address : Bobbejaanskloof, Plettenberg Bay, South Africa Telephone : +27 21 790 0972 Website : perfecthideaways.co.za Prices : From about £745 per night (sleeps up to 14)

Morukuru Beach Lodge, De Hoop

This recently opened, off-grid lodge is set in a private concession – one of only four – within the 34,000-hectare De Hoop Nature Reserve. Just east of the southernmost tip of Africa, it encompasses a marine protection zone that extends into the Indian Ocean for three miles. Between June and October , there is no better place in the world for land-based viewing of southern right whales that migrate from Antarctica to calve. Ocean-facing suites, a dining room and upstairs bar provide front-row views of all the spouting, breaching and tail-flapping action through floor-to-ceiling windows. After dark, the stargazing is equally mesmerising, and it’s definitely worth getting up early to swim in a nearby sandy cove before a hearty breakfast in the courtyard.

The Nick Plewman-designed house has the lightest possible eco-footprint

Surrounded by coastal fynbos, the Nick Plewman-designed house, built from rough-hewn local stone and recycled railway sleepers, has the lightest possible eco-footprint. Even the underfloor heating is solar-powered. The minimalist Dutch-designed interiors (the owners are from the Netherlands ) blend raw timber, unpolished pale granite and natural textiles with splashes of turquoise, green and yellow. The five bedrooms each have a wood-burning stove, a day bed built into a large window and a huge bathroom -dressing room with an egg-shaped tub. There are towering dunes for sand-boarding, bontebok, eland and Cape mountain zebra are frequently spotted nearby and snorkelling at low tide in the rock pools is usually in the company of endangered black oystercatchers. It’s like being on safari with direct beach access – the very best of both worlds. By Jane Broughton

Address : Morukuru Beach Lodge, De Hoop Avenue, De Hoop Nature Reserve, Swellendam, 6740, South Africa Telephone : +27 11 615 4303 Website : morukuru.com Prices : Doubles from about £220, including twice-daily activities, meals and soft drinks

De Hoek, Little Karoo

The route to this country cottage does not prepare you for how sophisticated a stay here might be. The local town is named Barrydale, the nearest landmark is Ronnie’s Sex Shop, neon signs and all (it’s not an actual brothel, it’s a pub), and an over-friendly dog escorts visitors via snarling barks half-way down the bumpy driveway. But this is a curated temple of interior styling (thanks to owner, Bobbejaanskloof designer Gregory Mellor), with antique sideboards, wrought-iron four-posters and white parchment walls. And baths: a built-in, hamman-style one; a bashed-up rusty tin pair, side-by-side; and a burgundy roll-top number with a paisley-print curtain.

Sweeping views change every hour in that celebrated African light

The surroundings are just as splendid. Mellor and his partner are keen gardeners, growing vegetables, fruit and herbs. Rosemary flanks the front verandah, sending its fragrance into the hot air, and a passion-fruit vine climbs up and around the outdoor shower. The house is on the edge of the Karoo, between barren but beautiful hills (spot an oryx antelope on its morning stroll), and the sweeping views change every hour in that celebrated African light. As aesthetically pleasing as De Hoek is, it isn’t without its eccentricities. The pool-side bar is less Soho Beach House and more Bullingdon Club, with wooden racquets and vintage school-sports-team photographs on the walls. The fireplace works, for chilly evenings, which explains the dramatic black smoke mark on the whitewashed chimney. And don’t be surprised to find some scary-looking pickles among the jars in the kitchen. The owners put a lot of love into this place and they’re willing to hire it out – fermented passion fruits and all – to lucky guests. By Jennifer George

Address : De Hoek, R328 & Oudtshoorn, Western Cape, Prince Albert, 6930, South Africa Telephone : +27 21 790 0972 Website : perfecthideaways.co.za Prices : From about £440 per night (sleeps eight)

The Robertson Small Hotel, Little Karoo

At first glance, this handsomely reimagined Victorian-style manor is an unexpected find in a slightly workaday town a couple of hours’ drive from Cape Town. It is, however, also a perfect jumping-off point along Route 62, one of the longest wine routes in the world, which unfurls through the arid landscape of the Little Karoo. Each of the 10 bedrooms comes with a Small Guide, 23 cards of curated things to do, from discovering breakfast wine (a Merlot rosé that’s great with bacon and eggs ) at Kleinhoekkloof Vineyards to tapenade tasting at Marbrin Olive Growers.

This is a very special place in a still-secret spot

Though there are also many reasons to linger within the hotel ’s walls. While its 2016 renovation was overseen by London-based designer Sophie Ashby, she drafted local collaborators to make it feel rooted. South African fashion talent Alexis Barrell created hand-blocked, natural-dyed textiles inspired by the flora and fauna. Oversized room key chains are crafted by home-grown jewellery brand Pichulik from rope, brass and recycled glass. The playlist is curated by Cape Town record label Roastin’ Records. And while it is small, there are lots of clever corners so everyone has their own space: shaded sofas on the lawn, two pools, a wrought-iron-edged verandah for a glass of Champagne -style Cap Classique, produced nearby. In the evening, guests tuck into springbok fillet with beetroot labneh in the restaurant, before ending up in the tiny, blue-and-white -tiled EM bar. This is a very special place in a still-secret spot, the smart alternative to the Garden Route. By Fiona Kerr

Address : The Robertson Small Hotel, 58 Van Reenen Street, Robertson, 6705, South Africa Website : Doubles from about £165. Africa Travel ( africatravel.com ; +44 20 7843 3591) offers two nights at Robertson Small Hotel as part of a 10-night trip to South Africa from £1,775 per person sharing, including flights with British Airways, breakfast, hire car and a £50.00 contribution towards the cost of a Covid-19 PCR test.

Like this? Now read:

Pyrnnsberg Estate, South Africa review

The Silo Hotel, Cape Town

Is Jonkmanshof the best farmhouse to rent outside Cape Town?

The cheese plate at The Robertson.

G&T from The Robertson Small Hotel.

Paul Richardson

Amy Abrahams

CNT Editors

A bedroom at The Robertson Small Hotel.

Clementine Ceramics at The Robertson Small Hotel.

A bathroom and sitting room at Bobbejaanskloof.

The kitchen at De Hoek.

A bedroom at De Hoek.

A sink at De Hoek.

A dresser at Bobbejaanskloof.

The bar at De Hoek.

De Hoek’s fireplace.

EM bar at The Robertson Small Hotel.

The view of the sea from Morukuru Beach Lodge.

One of the many baths at De Hoek.

The low-beamed sitting room at De Hoek.

A bedroom terrace at The Robertson Small Hotel.

The kitchen at Bobbejaanskloof.

Cactus garden at The Robertson Small Hotel.

The boutique at The Robertson.

The porch at The Robertson Small Hotel.

A sitting room at The Robertson Small Hotel

The bathroom with views at Icaria.

The family-friendly kitchen at Icaria.

Icaria's swimming pool.

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Cape Town: Eat & Drink

By Sushmita B

Grand Cafe](http://media.cntraveller.in/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Grand-Cafe.jpg)

1 . Grand Caf and Beach : A former warehouse converted into a cavernous restaurant doesn't immediately make you think of the word beautiful, but that's just what this massive beachfront eatery is. You'll find tables decked with romantic vintage candelabras, a bar assembled from a row of antique fireplaces, and, of course, the pi ce de r sistance: a glorious stretch of pristine sand from which to watch the sunset with a flat-bread pizza in front of you and a cocktail in hand.

Address: Granger Bay Road (off Beach Road), Granger Bay

Contact: +27-21-4250551

2 . The Test Kitchen : Chef Luke-Dale Roberts is Cape Town's culinary czar. He flexes his gourmet muscles at his signature fine-dining restaurant, The Test Kitchen. Housed in the artsy Woodstock neighbourhood's Old Biscuit Mill complex, it's been named South Africa's best restaurant time and time again. Sample his inventive fare in one of his set tasting menus, which include a vegetarian option (how does harief-glazed Nicola potatoes with ewe's milk labneh, dry fig, cinnamon, and teriyaki sauce sound?)

Address: 37 . Albert Road, Woodstock

Contact: +27-21-4472337

3 . Mzoli's Place : South Africans can't live without their braais smoky barbecue fare. If you want an authentic experience, take a drive out to the Gugulethu township, where Mzoli's Place serves sizzling lamb and pork chops along with live music and a festive ambience. Choose your cuts of meat at the butcher and have it braai'd up freshly for you while you wait and groove with the crowd at the outdoor restaurant.

Address: Ny 115 . Gugulethu

Contact: +27-21-4190130

Bombay Brasserie](http://media.cntraveller.in/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/bombay-brasserie-.jpg)

4 . Bombay Brasserie : Cape Town's best Indian food is also found in one of its best settings, in an elegantly appointed dining room at the Taj Cape Town. Order the cardamom-laced chicken doodhia, the ostrich and dhaniya seekh kababs, and the lamb shanks doused liberally with a saffron broth or, if you're truly ambitious, splurge on the decadent tasting menu, paired carefully with an array of exquisite South African wines.

Address: Taj Cape Town, Wale Street

Contact: +27-21-8192000

5 . The Pot Luck Club : At the Test Kitchen's sister restaurant, set high up atop a silo in the Old Biscuit Mill, chef Luke-Dale Roberts serves up an evolving, much more casual small-plates menu though it's no less innovative than what's on offer downstairs. Expect Asian-inflected tapas-like duck spring rolls and crispy pork belly with red cabbage and apple slaw.

Contact: +27-21-4470804

6 . Mondiall : Discerning foodies in Cape Town flock to The Greenhouse, celebrated chef Peter Tempelhoff's elegant affair on the picturesque Cellars-Hohenort hotel in the suburb of Constantia. Now, they don't have to go beyond the V&A Waterfront to feast on his refined cuisine: he recently debuted Mondiall, with a globally inspired menu, in a prime harbourfront spot with sweeping views. From the English-style fish-and-chips to the Milanese risotto nero to the Peruvian seafood ceviche, the menu will take you around the world in less than 18 . minutes.

Address: Alfred Mall, V&A Waterfront

Contact: +27-21-4183003

7. Foodbarn : It's an idyllic setting: a lovingly restored whitewashed barn in the charming seaside village of Noordhoek, where French-born chef Franck Dangereux serves refined-rustic dishes that take their cues from both the South of France and the south of Africa: Botswanan beef with a bourguignonne sauce; local seafood embedded in a pastry shell; strawberry cheesecake with rhubarb panna cotta. The family-friendly setting even features a playground where barefoot children frolic with glee.

Address: Noordhoek Farm Village, Village Lane, Noordhoek

Contact: +27-21-7891390

Arundhati Ail

Jahnavi Bhatt

Condé Nast Traveller

Geetika Sachdev

Nobu](http://media.cntraveller.in/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Nobu.jpg)

8 . Nobu : When global sushi supremo Nobuyuki Matsuhisa opens a new restaurant anywhere in the world, it's big news. But his 200 . entr e into the South African market at the One&Only Cape Town marked Nobu's very first outpost in the entire continent of Africa. Finally, a whole new audience were privy to his legendary sushi, rock shrimp tempura, and lobster wasabi and they keep coming back for more.

Address: One&Only Cape Town, Dock Road, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront

Contact: +27-21-4314511

9 . Haiku : This much talked-about restaurant offers pan-Asian cuisine served tapas style, from Chinese dim sum to sushi and Japanese robata grills. With its chic decor and impressive wine list, Haiku has won rave reviews and is consequently very popular with the locals so much so that a new branch recently opened in the popular V&A Waterfront Mall, where it shares a stylish dining room with sister restaurant Bukhara (diners can order off either menu).

Address: 5 . Burg Street or V&A Waterfront

Contact: +27-21-4247000

10 . Bistrot Bizerca : French food in a lovely courtyard, what's not to love? Bizerca's lush green patio secreted away in a plaza behind Heritage Square is one of Cape Town's hidden gems. The simple French menu courtesy of chef Laurent Deslandes, featuring hearty favourites like rack of lamb and linefish bathed in a citrus sauce and served with roasted asparagus, is less of a secret and has enticed well-heeled diners for years.

Address: 9 . Shortmarket Street, Heritage Square

Contact: +27-21-4238888

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The 14 Best Beach Towns on the East Coast

By Alex Erdekian and Jamie Spain

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

From Maine to Florida , the East Coast is home to some beautiful stretches of coastline, amazing views, and of course, remarkable beach towns. Whether you're looking for a summer hotspot full of excitement and entertainment and brimming with crowds, or want to escape to a quieter small town this season, the shores on the East Coast have a little something for everyone. From charming, historic New England towns to tropical Southern getaways, there is so much to explore this summer.

There are 14 states that make up this stretch of the US, and each one has its own atmosphere, climate, and culture. From Cape Cod to the Florida Keys , the Atlantic Seaboard is home to a wide variety of vacation destinations. Here are 14 of the best East Coast beach towns in the US.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Bar Harbor, ME

Bar Harbor, Maine

Much of Maine's Mt. Desert Island is covered by Acadia National Park —home to climbs like Cadillac Mountain and a sophisticated system of carriage roads financed by John D. Rockefeller Jr. But on the island's northeast corner, charming Bar Harbor is a destination in its own right. Skirting Frenchmen Bay, Bar Harbor began drawing visitors as far back as the mid-19th century when some of the Hudson River School, a group of artists that included the likes of Thomas Cole and Frederic Edwin Church, were taken with Maine's Down East landscapes. Still picturesque, Bar Harbor is now a full-fledged tourist town with a bustling main street, whale-watching tours, and of course, easy access to Acadia.

Where to stay in Bar Harbor:

• For a quirky stay: Queen Anne's Revenge Inn and Suites
• For romance: West Street Hotel
• For a private cottage: Beachy three-bedroom rental

Rockport, MA

Rockport, Massachusetts

The North Shore, a group of towns in Greater Boston, is a culturally important swath of Massachusetts. The coastal region is known for its excellent seafood, beautiful beaches, and historic landmarks. Many a good film has been filmed here as well, such as Martin Scorsese’s Shutter Island and Kenneth Lonergan’s Manchester-by-the-Sea . There are many towns worth visiting, but Rockport is a favorite among travelers. Forty miles north of Boston, the town has a can't-miss natural gem in Halibut Point State Park, from which visitors can spot Maine in the distance 80 miles away. Rockport is also beloved by art history buffs: it is home to Motif Number 1, a fishing shack with the superlative “the most-often painted building in America.” It was built in 1840, and was a popular subject because it represented New England’s nautical character. (And it didn’t hurt that the light hit it just so.) A replica was built promptly following the historic Blizzard of 1978, which destroyed the original. Gray Malin photographed it for his recent project on Boston .

Where to stay in Rockport:

• For cozy vibes: Coastal studio loft
• For a seaside view: Waterfront apartment overlooking a private beach

Oak Bluffs, MA

Oak Bluffs, Massachusetts

Ferries deliver day trippers to this little Martha’s Vineyard town daily and the colorful gingerbread houses for which Oak Bluffs is known are straight out of a storybook. Visitors walk straight off their boats into Ocean Park, a circular green overlooking the sea, encircled by said houses, with a frothy, delicate gazebo sitting in the center. Oak Bluffs has a long history of welcoming Black visitors, and today it is home to the annual African-American Film Festival .

Harrison Pierce

Charlie Hobbs

CNT Editors

Where to stay in Oak Bluffs and Martha's Vineyard:

• For a historic stay: Faraway Martha's Vineyard
• For an eclectic experience: Four-bedroom Victorian beach house
• For a camp-inspired spot: Summercamp

Cape Cod, MA

Cape Cod, Massachusetts

This popular peninsula in Massachusetts is a vacation hotspot for good reason. While it really heats up during the summer, it's a beautiful destination year-round, and is brimming with history (head to nearby Plymouth to see where the Mayflower docked). Not only does it offer the best New England summer atmosphere, it's also home to exciting activities and small town summer charm. Here, you can spot wildlife, like whales ( Cape Cod is near their migration path) and seals, indulge in delicious seafood, and enjoy miles upon miles of sandy coastline. The Upper Cape is best for families, the Mid-Cape is perfect for escaping the crowds, and the Lower Cape is home to great luxury hotels .

Where to stay in Cape Cod:

• For New England luxury: Chatham Bars Inn
• For a historic stay: The Villages at Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club
• For seaside access: Cozy one-bedroom cottage

Newport, RI

Newport, Rhode Island

Like Oak Bluffs, Newport is a beach town known for its houses, though a very different sort. Ten enormous, historic mansions—once the summer homes of the Vanderbilts, Nevada silver heiresses, and other Westerners of unimaginable wealth—remain standing along the famous cliff walk. Today however, they are museums. The most famous two are The Breakers and Rosecliff. The Newport mansions famously earned the ire of writer Joan Didion, who wrote in her essay The Seacoast of Despair, “To stand in the dining room of ‘The Breakers’ is to imagine fleeing it, pleading migraine.” Today, in lieu of the Great Gatsby -esque lawn parties of yore where swans roamed the grounds, Newport attracts visitors of all stripes for events such as the Newport Folk Festival.

Where to stay in Newport:

• For Gilded Age fans: Gardiner House Newport
• For grandeur: The Vanderbilt, Auberge Resorts Collection

Montauk, NY

Montauk, New York

The final stop on the eastern tip of Long Island, Montauk is appropriately known as the End. Due to strong winds, rough surf, and ample preserved land, it really does feel like the edge of the world, here. (Although some residents of Long Island’s furthest out town argue that if you really think about it, it’s actually the Beginning.) Montauk feels more remote and low-key than its luxurious, sceney Hamptons counterparts. Every visit to Montauk should include a stop at the Montauk Point Light House, which was commissioned by President George Washington in 1796. It is still operating, and the panoramic views from the top are out of this world.

Where to stay in Montauk:

• For barefoot luxury: Marram Montauk
• For a private beach: Gurney's Montauk
• For St. Tropez vibes: Solé East Resort

Cape May, NJ

Cape May, New Jersey

The site of pink triple-decker Victorian homes and a lively, festive promenade that exists as a beach town ideal in America's collective imagination, Cape May is the sort of dreamy summer destination one associates with trails of melted ice cream dotting the hot pavement and Fourth of July picnics. National Geographic also labeled Cape May as the World's Best Destination for Birding , writing, “The narrow peninsula at Cape May acts as a bird funnel, bringing in songbirds during their spring and fall migrations. At dawn on a good day, legendary Higbee Beach offers front-row seats to a feathered fashion show… With a little luck, you can see 20 species of warblers, each in its own colorful costume.” Sign us up.

Where to stay in Cape May:

• For picturesque looks: One-bedroom cottage with a hot tub
• For classic luxury: The Virginia Hotel

Chincoteague, VA

Chincoteague, Virginia

You won't find bustling boardwalks, sleek hotels, or grids of cars with clunky bike racks trapped in traffic in Chincoteague. This coastal town is all about the wildlife—specifically its wild horses . Visitors flock to the island annually for the Pony Penning that has been held since 1925. The Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department holds the event, and it consists of a pony swim—in which the animals cross the Assateague Channel—and a pony auction. No one really knows how this population of horses came to be, though there are competing theories. Some say they are descendants of Spanish horses shipwrecked en route to Peru in the 17th century. Others claim they were left long ago by pirates. Still others say they are runaways from mainland farmers. The quaint beauty of Chincoteague includes trails for hiking, beaches, and a red and white lighthouse. For the best pony views, cross over on a bike to the Maryland side of Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge.

Where to stay in Chincoteague:

• For beachy decor: Three-bedroom with a balcony
• For sunset views: Bay-facing cottage on the water

Ocean City, MD

Ocean City, Maryland

There is no place quite like the Chesapeake Bay . Step foot here and breathe in the saltwater air, indulge in delicious seafood, and enjoy the gorgeous beaches. The seaside resort town of Ocean City offers fun for the whole family—stroll down the boardwalk and taste the saltwater taffy to start, then take your pick of activities for all ages: surfing, fishing, and kayaking included. If you're looking for something a little less busy, the nearby small town of Berlin (just a 15-minute drive away) is great for a quick trip or overnight stay to avoid the crowds, but will take you away from the gorgeous shoreline. A little farther away is the historic small town of St. Michaels , worth a visit just to explore the history and see the picturesque neighborhood on the water.

Where to stay in Ocean City:

• For a view: Condo with bayside access
• For a midtown stay: Condo near restaurants, bars, and entertainment

Nags Head, NC

Nags Head, North Carolina

Nags Head is a beach town on the Outer Banks , a group of barrier islands and spits sandwiched between mainland North Carolina and the Atlantic Ocean. It's known for its sand dunes in Jockey Ridge State Park, which comprise the tallest true sand dune system on the East Coast. Hundreds of shipwrecks nearby—caused by the region's shifting sands and heavily trafficked waters—have given the surrounding waters the moniker “Graveyard of the Atlantic,” and the nearby USS Huron is a popular scuba dive site.

Where to stay in Nags Head and the Outer Banks:

• For a beachfront retreat: Sanderling Resort
• For a five-minute walk to the water: Coastal boho home
• For panoramic ocean views: Triple-tiered vacation home

Pawley's Island, SC

Pawleys Island, South Carolina

Pawleys Island is so small that its year-round population hovers around 100 people. It was first settled in the 1500s, making it one of the oldest beach towns in the US. With that amount of history, there is, of course, a ghost story to go with it: There have been sightings of the Gray Man, a ghost whose appearance is said to warn of hurricanes as he paces up and down the beach, dating to a 19th-century storm. Summer options on Pawleys Island that are not at all spooky—besides flopping around on the beach—include golf, fishing, walking sculpture-filled gardens, and feasting on Lowcountry cuisine like She Crab soup.

Where to stay in Pawleys Island:

• For a beachy condo: Two-bedroom townhouse
• For a breathtaking view: Marshfront property near the beach

Myrtle Beach, SC

Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

While it's not too far from the aforementioned Pawleys Island, Myrtle Beach will feel worlds away from the slow, small-town atmosphere of the other quaint town. This popular summer destination boasts bigger crowds than its neighbor, and has a wide assortment of entertainment, dining, nightlife, and activities available. Aside from the deliciously warm weather and miles of beaches to traverse, Myrtle Beach is also home to a great many golf courses, amusement parks, water parks, and an iconic boardwalk with a massive 187-foot-tall Ferris Wheel.

Where to stay in Myrtle Beach:

• For golf lovers: Marina Inn at Grande Dunes
• For seclusion: Island Vista Resort

Tybee Island, GA

Tybee Island, Georgia

Just a short drive from Savannah , Georgia, this coastal community is in the perfect spot for a day trip . Even during the summer, some parts of it manage to maintain that small-town vibe and don't get unbearably crowded, boasting an assortment of adorable ice cream and coffee shops, long stretches of sandy beaches, and great waterfront access. There's a little something for everyone from families to couples— South Beach is better for those who want a little excitement in their atmosphere, whereas North Beach is a bit more quiet and contained. I've found it particularly great for families (having traveled here with a multigenerational group ages 1-68), and recommend the kitschy Original Crab Shack for a memorable meal.

Where to stay in Tybee Island:

• For a private pool and hot tub: Three-bedroom bungalow
• For couples: Historic cottage with complimentary golf cart, bikes, and kayaks

Siesta Key, FL

Siesta Key, Florida

While we love the beach towns listed above, the only part of the East Coast that has a true tropical climate is the lower half of Florida. Naturally, the beaches in this area are very beautiful. We want to laud Siesta Key in particular for its fine sand, which comes from the Appalachian Mountains and is made up almost entirely of cool and reflective quartz, its waterfront dining and drinking, and its excellence for water sports like parasailing. The three beaches to visit on Siesta Key are Siesta Beach, Crescent Beach, and Turtle Beach.

Where to stay in Siesta Key:

• For a lush condo: Beachfront stay on Siesta Beach
• For a private pool: Tropical three-bedroom home

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