Book It: Four fabulous beach hotels around the world, from island retreats to city resorts

Spring hasn’t quite sprung, but we’re already dreaming about white sand and lapping waves.

Mirihi Island Resort, Maldives

Best for… Robinson Crusoes

The low-down: The moment the sea-plane touches down on this tiny island (which measures just 350 x 50m), flip-flops are kicked off and everyone walks around barefoot until they leave. The resort is known for its spectacular house reef – there are over 40 diving sites nearby, and the resort’s diving centre arranges trips. But if you’d rather stay on dry land, settle into one of the pretty white hammocks slung between the palm trees and watch the bats and birdlife, or cosy up on the terrace of your water villa as whitetip reef sharks glide by, only rising for the daily meditation classes, and for chilli passion-fruit daiquiris at Muraka restaurant, the best place to catch the sunset. Stay on for dinner at Muraka – the Australian Angus filet, poached in red wine and grilled garlic, is worth travelling halfway around the world for.

Stella loves: Settling down at the cinema beneath the stars – complete with a big film screen on the sand, giant beanbags and dishes of popcorn. Bliss.

Out and about: Grab an ocean kayak, windsurf board or stand-up paddleboard and explore the island from the water (all free). The resort also offers whale shark-seeking excursions from the island’s yacht, as well as sunrise fishing trips and a whole catalogue of other tours.

Villas from $672 (£511) per night, b&b. Prices are subject to 10 per cent service charge. Visit mirihi.com, or call 00 960 668 0500

Read the full expert review: Mihiri Island Resort

• The best hotels in the Maldives

Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE

Best for... city girls desperate to unwind

The low-down: Situated on the glitz-fringed Palm, this is a classy touch of Manhattan in Dubai, with food by a Michelin-starred chef, afternoon teas and a 200m-long private beach. If you’re after adventure, sign up for the Driving Experiences and try out the latest Aston Martins before retiring for a cocktail in the Serafina Bar.

Stella loves: The amazing food at Social by Heinz Beck – he’s a culinary artist who makes Heston Blumenthal look as bland as Captain Birdseye.

Out and about: Located on the famous Palm, there are activities aplenty, including a waterpark at the nearby Atlantis, as well as one of the world’s largest shopping malls a little further up the coast. Runners can try out the 18km track along Jumeirah Beach – go early to beat the heat (and the crowds).

From £206 per night, b&b; visit waldorfastoria.com or call 00 971 4 818 2222

Read the full expert review: Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah

• An insider guide to Dubai

Seaside Hotel Palm Beach, Gran Canaria

Best for… family fun

The low-down: With three pools, three restaurants, a spa and retro charm in the design, once you check-in to Seaside Hotel Palm Beach, you won’t want to leave again (though make sure you peel yourself away for long enough to visit the famous Maspalomas sand dunes, which are on the doorstep of the hotel). The spa is also worth a visit – we loved the two-hour Royal Citrus Experience, which uses pure vitamin C to revitalise and de-stress.

Stella loves: The long golden beach right beside the hotel – all five miles of it.

Out and about: Thrill-seekers should try wakesurfing (if you’re into watersports) or buggy driving (if you prefer your adrenaline kicks on dry land). To book visit estaocean.com.

From £193 per night, b&b; grancanariawellness.com

Read the full expert review: Seaside Hotel Palm Beach

• The best hotels in Gran Canaria

Tanjong Jara Resort, Malaysia

Best for… laid-back luxury

The low-down: Set alongside an exquisite crescent-shaped beach in a distinctly untouristy part of Malaysia, this resort virtually guarantees to leave you feeling rested and restored, even if you travel with young children. Four-poster sunbeds nestle among the palm trees, or if you prefer the Insta-friendly family infinity pool, low-key but attentive staff will serve lunch at your lounger. After dinner, grab a beanbag and watch a family-friendly film on the outdoor screen before returning to your supremely comfortable room, all dark wood, white curtains and ceiling fans. Utter bliss.

Stella loves: The ever-present wildlife. The resort is situated in the rainforest, so you’ll see turtles, monitor lizards and monkeys, as well as peacocks who may just stop by your breakfast table.

Out and about: Visit the market in the nearby town of Dungun with one of the chefs: try fruits you’ve never heard of, plus the weird-sounding but delicious creamed-corn and peanut pancake (apam balik).

From £270 a night; tanjongjararesort.com

Edited by Laura Powell; reviews by Bryony Gordon, Jo Lodewyke, Laura Powell and Kate Bussmann