Most of us have to scrimp and save for our yearly beach vacation, going months at a time without Starbucks lattes and new clothes just to have enough for our escape.
But if you lived like the rich and famous, with an endless supply of cash and a taste for all things refined, you might find $40,000 a night to be a steal.
Lifestyle magazine Elite Traveler sure knows how to get us green with envy. The publication's annual "Top 100 Suites in the World" list features the biggest, most expensive and most outrageously appointed suites all over the globe.
Want to fantasize about an extravagant, no-expense-spared beach getaway? Good news: Three of the suites mentioned in the "Most Expensive Suites" list are located in renowned coastal destinations — the French Riviera, Italy and Fiji.
Elite Traveler's Most Expensive Beach Suites
Hilltop villa on the Laucala private island. Photo: Laucala Island ResortAt $45,000 per night (yes, you read that right!), the hilltop villa on private Laucala Island in Fiji can be all yours.
Surrounded by tropical rainforest and offering jaw-dropping panoramic views of the coastline, the four-acre property includes a master suite with a private pool and a waterfall, plus two guest villas.
Take a video tour of the hilltop villa:
There's a library on site stocked with books from the owner's private collection, plus a commercial kitchen for the private chef and resort staff.
As the most exclusive accommodations on this private island, however, it's not the type of place you can just book with the click of a button: Owner approval is required.
The penthouse suite overlooking the coastline in Cannes. Photo: Grand Hyatt Cannes Hotel MartinezCannes is probably best known as the site of the yearly Cannes Film Festival, drawing glamorous screen stars from all over the world who frolic on the French village's sandy beaches and dine in cafes along the Promenade de la Croissette.
During this year's festival, it drew the likes of supermodels Bella and Gigi Hadid, who sunned themselves on luxury yachts with other A-list celebrities.
If you can fork over $41,930 per night, you too can get a taste of the good life, French Riviera-style. The penthouse suite at the Art Deco Grand Hyatt Cannes Hotel Martinez impresses with 17,975 feet of pure opulence, with art works by Picasso, a Turkish bath, an expansive lounge and two sumptuous bedrooms.
As one of the largest suites in Europe, it certainly has enough space for guests to fully stretch out and relax. And the expansive terrace offers panoramic views of the sea and sun loungers for hours of bliss.
The penthouse suite at the Hotel Cala di Volpe in Sardinia. Photo: Hotel Cala di VolpeSlightly more affordable at $41,177 per night, the penthouse suite at Hotel Cala di Volpe in Sardinia also boasts a spacious ocean-view terrace. In fact, the outdoor space accompanying this penthouse suite is 2,690 square feet — as big as the interior of the suite itself.
When you're not outside admiring the deep hues of the Tyrrhenian Sea or floating in the large private swimming pool, you can hunker down inside in one of three bedrooms or two living rooms, decorated with local crafts and hand-painted furnishings.
The suite even boasts a wine cellar — ideal if you're having a few fellow tastemakers over for dinner.
Not so sure you'd want to blow your yearly salary on one of these beach suites? Opt for more affordable escapes and see our best beach vacation deals now — or sign-up for fare-alerts when you search for a flight to get deals in your inbox every week.
