Castaway Beaches

Aerial view of turquoise ocean waves washing onto a sandy beach, with a smaller inset image of a thatched-roof hut by the beach, and another inset showing a girl on a swing hanging from palm trees by the sea at sunset, along with a simple line drawing of a turtle.

When most people daydream of getting away, often the first image that comes to mind is a postcard perfect beach.  A vision of sand between your toes, a book in hand, and the lull of the ocean close by. 

But the best beach escapes offer more than just sun-loungers and spritzes. They can awaken something deeper; a sense of stillness, simplicity, and space to just be.

Whether you’re craving quiet or chasing connection, a beach stay can be the beginning of so much more. From faraway atolls to hidden coves a little closer to home - Papillon curates beach escapes across the globe. We’ll help you discover the newest openings or simply return to a long loved resort, curating the kind of barefoot luxury that feels entirely yours.  

An aerial view of a rocky beach with sand, surrounded by dense green trees and clear turquoise water.

White sands & turquoise blues

You’re not alone if your ultimate beach fantasy conjures up thoughts of dazzling white sands and waters so blue, they hardly seem real.  Yet, venture to islands across the Caribbean or the Indian Ocean, and that’s exactly what you’ll find.

In the Caribbean, St Barths and Barbados bring lively, flavour-rich energy, while the Outer Islands, Bahamas and the Grenadines offer quiet, powder-soft sands and an unhurried pace.  Jamaica, meanwhile, blends soulful culture with beachside ease, perfect for multi-stop journeys that reveal the island’s many sides.

Tropical beach scene with a leaning palm tree casting a shadow on white sand, turquoise water, and a swing hanging from the palm tree.

Further east, the Indian Ocean is home to some of the most beguiling beaches on earth.  The Maldives offers island living at its most refined, from tiny barefoot retreats to activity-rich resorts and exceptional house reefs.  With so much choice, the magic lies in the match - and that’s where Papillon comes in.  

Beyond the Maldives, Mauritius appeals to explorers with its lush interiors and vibrant culture - it’s also an island that works beautifully for families with children of all ages.

The Seychelles remains a true natural masterpiece of granite peaks, jungle-covered hills and untouched sands.

Together, these regions embody the classic blue-and-white dream, each in its own beautifully distinct way.

Three lounge chairs with rolled towels under thatched umbrellas on a sandy beach with palm trees and green foliage in the background.

Summers on the med

European summers have a character all of their own: sun-soaked, salty, effortless, and wonderfully unhurried.

Picture boats bobbing in crystal-clear coves, cobbled streets winding through whitewashed villages, and long, laughter-filled lunches at your favourite beach club. Afternoons drift into late-day swims and quiet naps on warm rocky outcrops, soaking up the last golden rays.

As dusk settles, evenings unfold in lively village squares or at softly lit harbour side tables, lingering over seafood, wine and the hum of balmy summer nights.

Line drawing of a woman in a swimsuit with a wide-brim hat, sitting on the ground.
Aerial view of a small beach cove with turquoise water, surrounded by rocky cliffs and green trees, with people relaxing on the sand and swimming in the water.

From the island-hopping magic of Greece to the emerald coves of Croatia; the glamorous shorelines of Southern Italy, Sicily and Sardinia; the chic ease of the Balearics; and the warm, elegant sweep of the Turkish Riviera - the Mediterranean offers endless possibility, each place dappled in that unmistakable summer glow.

A group of five friends relaxing and chatting on a striped yellow and white lounge bed at a dock over dark blue water, with empty lounge chairs and umbrellas nearby.
Aerial view of a seaside lounge area with four white sun umbrellas, beige lounge chairs, small wooden tables, and a guardrail, overlooking rocky water with waves.

Wild shores

There’s a quiet kind of beauty in beaches that aren’t always picture-perfect. Windswept and raw, these are places that stir the soul. 

Costa Rica, Sri Lanka & Portugal all deliver wild shorelines, where waves crash and nature takes centre stage.

Days start with long, salt-sprayed morning walks, soaking up the soothing sounds of the ocean at full force.  Afternoons are all about being in/on the water; riding adrenaline fulled surf breaks or spotting whales and dolphins as your zodiac cruises alongside.  

Perfect for those craving something a little more elemental - these are beach escapes that linger long after you’ve left.

A split image showing a beach scene with a person holding a surfboard walking on the sand, and an indoor view of a balcony with a chair, table, and ocean view through open curtains.
Silhouette of a person paddleboarding on water with mountains in the background.