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Top 5 destinations for your socially distant vacation: Southeast luxury beach resorts

Southern charm. Beach house comfort. A laid-back island oasis. Sparkling turquoise waters. White sandy beaches. That’s the norm on the Southeastern coast during the warm months. But, what about staying at a Southeast luxury beach resort during COVID?

It’s a time of year when people are normally traveling all over the place. You might be wondering what to do with the rest of your summer. And what about the fall? Or the rest of 2020? 2021?

Where can you take a beach vacation in the Southeast during COVID?

As COVID numbers continue to trend in the wrong direction for the United States, we continue to be more limited in where we can travel. This is a dynamic situation, and things are changing daily. But overall, here’s the trend if you are thinking about a vacation during COVID. As a US citizen, if you are going to travel near term, domestic is your safest bet.

For more detail on this, read my article covering the Top 50 destinations in the US for your post-quarantine vacation (linked here).

If you are thinking about taking a vacation during COVID, I need to tell you something. There are so many amazing properties spread across the US that were designed for social distancing. And that was wayyy before it was the travel industry’s hottest trend! If you don’t believe me, read on.

This article will dive into the coastal region occupying the bottom right corner of the United States. I will share 5 of my favorite Southeast luxury beach resorts to consider for your Southeast beach vacation during COVID.

For the purposes of this article, I am only including Southeast beach destinations. I realized that there are too many great options in the Southeast, so there is a post dedicated 100% to Southeast non-beach destinations! Click here to read.

 

Top 5 Southeast luxury beach resorts for your post-quarantine vacation

Whether you live in the Southeast, driving distance from the Southeastern coast, or you’re willing to fly to the Southeast, there’s a breathtaking luxury beach resort for you. 

And yes, I understand that there are some areas in the Southeast that are seeing spikes in COVID cases. The properties on this list are all in remote coastal locations, have tons of outdoor space, and offer secluded accommodation options. For example, cottages, cabins, villas, bungalows, private homes, or full buyout.

We’ve chosen options at different price points and rounded things out geographically along the Southeastern coast. Everyone has different needs and priorities, so they are not listed in ranking order. 

It is also not an end all, be all list. There are too many great properties to include them all. If you do not find something that matches your needs, please reach out and ask (email me directly: jordan@thejourneybound.com). I am happy to have the conversation and guide you in the right direction!

You might be looking for a near term driving distance getaway. Or maybe you’re planning ahead for a time when you will be ready to travel. Either way, continue reading and use this hand-picked list of Southeast luxury beach resorts as a starting point. 

 

VIP perks and amenities for you

I am partnered with many of these properties (e.g. Virtuoso), which means free stuff and VIP treatment for you! At a minimum, this means:

  • Free breakfast daily
  • Food, beverage, or spa credits to use during your stay
  • Potential room upgrades

Plus, I will always contact the properties directly on behalf of my clients. This ensures they are ready to welcome you personally, and gives you the best chance of receiving extra amenities and room upgrades 🙂

 

Sea Island | Sea Island, GA – Sea Island has always been known as an exceptional destination appealing to those who appreciate gracious service and heartfelt hospitality.  With four Forbes Five-Star experiences, the property entices families, outdoor enthusiasts, and those simply wanting to refresh. It is the only resort in the world to have received four Forbes Five-Star awards for 12 consecutive years. 

Located on the southeastern coast of Georgia, Sea Island features five miles of private beach, a Beach Club, tennis center, Yacht Club, Shooting School, and children’s programs, as well as three championship golf courses. Choose from a wide range of room and suite style accommodations, as well as cottages, condos, and private homes spread throughout the property.

  • Open: Now
  • $499++ per night

Bungalows | Key Largo, FL – An island oasis for downtime and disconnecting, Bungalows Key Largo rewrites the rule book on inclusive getaways. This intimate adults-only (ages 21+) luxury resort sits within a botanical garden edged by 1000 feet of ocean shoreline, just a few miles from the warm waters of the Gulf Stream.

An opulent expression of Key Largo’s relaxed cabana lifestyle, their bungalows pair the finest features and furnishings with the resort indulgences you love. Choose from a variety of waterfront and garden bungalows, each with your own private veranda where you’ll revel in the freedom of luxurious outdoor living.

  • Open: Now
  • $809++ per couple, per night (all-inclusive)

WaterColor Inn | Santa Rosa Beach, FL – Overlooking the sugar sands of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, you will find WaterColor Inn, a warm family-friendly destination steeped in southern hospitality, history, and charm. This Florida luxury resort hotel is situated on a stunning 500-acre community, tucked between the Gulf of Mexico and a coastal dune lake framed by a longleaf pine forest.

Thoughtfully designed and featuring a gorgeously renovated lobby, the Inn seamlessly marries the laid-back comfort of a classic beach house with the modern perks and indulgences of a luxury boutique hotel. Here, you’ll find experiences inspired by the surroundings, locally sourced menus, and captivating Gulf views around every corner. Choose from a variety of room and suite style accommodations.

  • Open: Now
  • $395++ per night

LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort | Naples, FL – A haven for sparkling turquoise waters and white sandy beaches, discover your personal oasis at this Naples, Florida luxury beach resort.

Newly updated accommodations, a luxurious spa, and countless activities are paired with attentive service and a refreshingly easy going South Florida attitude at this award-winning resort. Choose from a variety of brand new guest rooms and suite style accommodations.

  • Open: Now
  • $287++ per night

The Sanctuary | Kiawah Island, SC – The Carolina coast offers countless vacation destinations and accommodation options. But none are quite equal to The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island. Just 21 miles from Charleston, this South Carolina luxury beach resort delivers five-Star service and unequaled accommodations.

It is meticulous attention to detail, distinguished service, and unparalleled luxury paired with a truly sumptuous setting. Choose from well-appointed guest rooms (King rooms spanning 520+ square feet) and exceptional suites, including the awe-inspiring 3,000-square-foot Presidential Suite.

  • Open: Now
  • $505++ per night

Again, this is not an end all be all list of Southeast luxury beach resorts. But, whether you’re looking for a Southeast beach vacation during COVID or if you’re planning ahead for a time when you will be ready to travel, this hand-picked list is a great place to start. 


Most luxury travelers don’t have the time, knowledge, or expertise to plan truly awesome vacations. I offer a personalized travel planning and concierge service to help you save time, access the best travel experiences, and travel hassle free.

I am partnered with many of these luxury properties (e.g. Virtuoso), which means VIP perks and amenities for you! To contact me directly, email jordan@thejourneybound.com. To start planning your trip today, click SCHEDULE A CALL below.

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