The charm of the shoreline inspires coastal retreats with an elegant, soothing aesthetic, writes Jessica Klingelfuss
Long Bay, Providenciales | Turks and Caicos Sotheby’s International Realty
Shell decor and nautical knots may have once defined beachfront interiors, but today’s coastal retreats take a more elevated approach, blending the barefoot charm of the shoreline with a finely tuned sense of sophistication. From the turquoise shallows of the Caribbean to the untamed coastlines of the Indian Ocean, these luxury locations are embracing an aesthetic that’s effortlessly elegant, deeply connected to the environment and designed to soothe.
“There is a real luxury in simplicity: clean, beautiful forms that feel intentional,” says Santa Monica-based interior designer Tim Clarke, whose eponymous firm specializes in casually elegant interiors for beach properties. “Sophistication lies in the simplicity of thoughtful shapes and objects elevating the coastal aesthetics. Life at the beach is already full of everything you need.”
In this new chapter, the beach house becomes a frame for the landscape that surrounds it. Floor-to-ceiling glass, flowing interior layouts and seamless transitions between inside and out capture the spirit of seaside living. “Vast glass windows, ocean views and open connection to the outdoors capture the essence of a beach house in its purest form,” Clarke explains.
Trou d’Eau Douce, Flacq, Mauritius | Mauritius Sotheby’s International Realty
The materials palette, too, is deeply considered. “Timelessness comes from using natural materials that feel authentic to their surroundings and belong to the landscape,” he adds. “It’s about establishing a strong sense of place, choosing stone or wood that feels as though it could have come directly from the environment around the home.”
This sensibility is vividly expressed in Villa Katsura, a serene architectural jewel on Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands. Here, stone walkways weave through bamboo groves with Zen-inspired landscaping, guiding guests from tranquil garden pavilions to the secluded white-sand beach below. Water shapes the atmosphere throughout: from the meditative weeping wall at the entrance to the show-stopping rock-lined swimming pool.
A therapeutic spa, steam room and additional plunge pool enhance the sense of retreat, while the villa’s elevated vantage point offers a spectacular panorama of the Sir Francis Drake Channel and the surrounding islands at sunset.
Virgin Gorda, BVI | British Virgin Islands Sotheby’s International Realty
In the Indian Ocean, a beachfront villa in Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius epitomizes refined tropical luxury. Part of the iconic Shangri-La Le Touessrok, this three-bedroom residence combines the privileges of a five-star resort with the privacy of a secluded sanctuary. Expansive glass doors open into bright, open-plan interiors crafted with meticulous attention to detail: what design objects there are, including shells and a timber sideboard, feel sculptural rather than kitsch.
Outside, a private pool and lounge area invite effortless leisure, while a dedicated butler service and access to world-class golf courses complete the experience of ultra-exclusive island living.
Trou d’Eau Douce, Flacq, Mauritius | Mauritius Sotheby’s International Realty
For those drawn to crisp lines and bold architecture, Kailoa Villa in the Turks and Caicos delivers a masterclass in contemporary coastal minimalism, pairing white-on-white interiors with warm wood accents and vast, uninterrupted sea views. In contrast, an ocean haven in the heart of Elbow Cay in the Bahamas pays homage to classic Caribbean vernacular through wraparound verandas, vaulted ceilings and subtle nautical motifs interpreted with measured elegance.
Of course, beauty at the beach must be more than surface-deep. “Durability is essential,” cautions Clarke. “Beach homes are constantly exposed to salt and sun, so selecting the right materials—from siding and windows to fabrics and finishes—is crucial for long-term resilience.”
Abaco, Bahamas | Bahamas Sotheby’s International Realty
Ultimately, the best coastal homes don’t simply respond to their surroundings, they belong to them. “Interiors can offer a new kind of wellness,” Clarke reflects, “where ease, comfort and peace are intentionally woven into the design. A space can mirror who you are while also supporting how you live, all wrapped in a calm, effortless beauty that defines what ‘home’ truly feels like.”