The Sublime Barefoot-Luxury Hotels You’ll Want on Your Bucket List

A hilltop boutique hotel in the tranquil fishing village of Yelapa (accessible by boat), Verana is located in the remote Banderas Bay on Mexico’s paradisal Riviera Nayarit. The scenery is phenomenal, where dense jungle meets palm-fringed ocean, punctuated by cascading waterfalls, hidden coves and a plethora of unoccupied beaches. It is the jungle, after all, so guests might not want to take the barefoot vibes too literally outside their casa (there are 10 houses in total, colorful and rustic-chic in style, many of which are open to the elements, nestled into the lush foliage with the sea sparkling beyond), but the attitude here is entirely pared-back, easy living. There is a restaurant (where guests can learn the secrets of local cuisine alongside the chefs), a serene swimming pool, a jungle spa and even a small library. Beyond the hotel’s boundaries, hiking, whale-watching, snorkeling and sunrise fishing – to catch dinner for the night, should you wish – make for extraordinary day trips.

The smallest, most offbeat and laid-back Balearic island, Formentera is known for its wild, unspoiled landscape, crystalline waters, and free-spirited energy. Sprawled across the dunes of the five-mile Migjorn Beach, Dunas de Formentera is an elegant, easy-going sanctuary that spills straight onto the powdery sands. With panoramic Mediterranean vistas – best appreciated from the perch of the infinity pool – guests are encouraged to embrace the simplicity, slow tempo and harmony with nature that the setting affords. A barefoot stroll along the breezy, meandering shoreline is a truly refreshing and restorative way to start the day. Seeking to honor the island’s untouched ethos, Dunas calls itself the “first regenerative eco-luxury resort in Formentera,” with a roster of sustainability initiatives aligned with the framework set out by the GSTC (Global Sustainable Tourism Council), aiming not only to reduce impact but to leave a positive footprint.

All three of Soneva’s Maldivian properties uphold a proud culture of barefoot luxury (as does its Thai outpost, Soneva Kiri). The philosophy is taken quite literally with the mantra of “no news, no shoes,” and guests are invited to slip their footwear into a cotton bag upon arrival, marking their entrance into a downtime paradise. The most recent addition to the portfolio is Soneva Secret, located in Haa Dhaalu, the Maldives’ remotest atoll. Enhancing the sense of seclusion and total privacy, there are just 14 villas, including the lagoon Crusoe Villas, accessible only by boat, and the Castaway, the very first floating villa in the Maldives. Each villa also comes with a dedicated team of three – aptly titled the Barefoot Guardian and Barefoot Assistant – as well as a private chef, who together create bespoke itineraries and once-in-a-lifetime experiences for their barefoot guests.

Desert island living doesn’t get much more luxurious than this: an exclusive, powder-white isle in the Zanzibar archipelago. From the moment guests arrive by boat, barefoot freedom takes over. The design is perfectly attuned to indoor-outdoor living – from the open-sided bar and restaurant with sweeping views of the beach, ocean and pine forest, to the thatched guest bandas, each with its own alfresco living room and beachside lounge. &Beyond has long been recognized as a trailblazer in responsible tourism and experiential travel, with every element of Mnemba Lodge thoughtfully crafted to ensure a minimal environmental footprint. Days revolve around the Indian Ocean: snorkeling or diving vibrant coral reefs, kayaking, paddleboarding, dolphin spotting or setting sail on a traditional dhow. There is plenty to divert the senses on land, too, including spa treatments, yoga, nature walks, sushi-making and more. The ultimate blend of laid-back luxury, Mnemba’s magic lingers long after your shoes go back on.

Spanning six tropical islands in the Anambas Archipelago, the remote Bawah Reserve can only be reached via seaplane, a 75-minute journey from Singapore. Sinking into the relaxed pace of far-flung island life feels effortless here. Sleeping in beautifully crafted standalone tented suites, overwater bungalows, and pool villas, guests are surrounded by lush jungle and turquoise lagoon views from floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive terraces. There are no fewer than 13 beaches, a yoga pavilion and an open-air cinema. Among the many experiences on offer, visitors can partake in snorkeling, stargazing, paddleboarding and castaway picnics. For the ultimate castaway experience, Elang is a private island boasting six cliffside lodges, available exclusively for whole-island bookings. Best of all, sitting within a 1,000-hectare marine conservation area, Bawah Reserve has impressive sustainability credentials, including minimal-impact infrastructure and floating solar panels.

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