There was a time when “Riviera” meant a jaunt in either France or Italy, but it didn’t take long for other first-class coastlines to recognize the power of the brand. In recent years, a grab-bag of new Rivieras are staking their claim to the hoi polloi, and in a few cases, aren’t kidding around. Here are some serious contenders to St. Tropez and the Cinque Terre:
Opatija Riviera
“Oh-PAT-ee-yah,” and probably the trendiest Riviera on the list. Croatia’s share of Istria, a knob of land jutting into the northern Adriatic Sea, this slice of paradise was long the summer getaway for the Kings and Arch Dukes of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and many of the seaside palaces, villas, and chateaus were revamped into uber-glam resorts. The Hotel Ambassador is a good place to start if you wanna live the high life by those who set the standard.
Riviera Maya
There’s just something about the Caribbean. It certainly jazzed the Mayans who came, saw, and stayed put—what with the beautiful weather, water in every shade of blue, and a silk-soft sea breeze. Unlike just about every other Riviera out there, this one has history: Very modern towns like Cancun and Playa del Carmen live in the looooong shadows of Tulum and San Miguelito. But for modern conveniences, try the JW Marriott.
Riviera Nayarit
Almost due opposite the Riviera Maya, Mexico’s Pacific-facing Riviera Nayarit centers around the BIG gay hub of Puerto Vallarta, so consider that the selling point. Site of some of the best all-inclusive hotels on the planet, like the Grand Velas Nayarit, this more low-key Riviera has the mellow mentality of the West Coast, making it the best of the bunch.
Budva Riviera
Where? This newest, and still kinda undiscovered, addition is in the fresh-faced nation of Montenegro, independent since 2005. One part rocky, wild coast, one part sapphire-blue water and voila! We have a winner! The Kings Villa in Trg Slobode in Budva, and the Spa Resort in Bečići are perfect intros to this gorgeous Balkan getaway…but don’t look at me for the pronunciation of the names.
Chinese Riviera(s)
This one is tricky: Two separate locations, one in Zhuhai and the other on the west coast of Hainan Island, claim the title. You won’t loose either way; consider this my FYI. Zhuhai, a stone’s throw from Hong Kong, has forested mountains marching into the sea; Hainan’s claim, a stretch of pearlescent sand running from Haitang Bay to Xianghsui Wan Bay. For Zhuhai, I recommend the Regal Riviera Hotel, while on Hainan, the Mandarin in the city of Sanya is tops.
Steele Luxury Travel