Editors Note: Thanks to these helpful tips on places to soak up the sun at beaches around the world, you don’t have to wait to treat yourself to a fantastic vacation.  I know we are in to scaling back on our spending, but don’t forget you deserve to splurge every once in a while.  Take a look below and allow yourself to plan a great trip with a friend or even one by yourself.  ~Nitika~

It’s just about that time of year when we’re craving a beach getaway with a postcard worthy ocean. Unfortunately, since hordes of travelers clamor to seaside spots come come warm weather, rates at most resorts are sky high. That may be fine for the deep pocketed set, but are the rest of us with more modest means left to grin and bear days in our offices instead of at the ocean? Luckily, no. There are deals to be had at beach destinations all over the world- at spots in Mexico, Thailand, Barbados and even Florida. Some of the resorts we’ve listed below are even ridiculously luxurious while maintaining prices that even the most budget conscious will appreciate. That beach escape you’ve been dreaming about just became a reality.

El Dorado Maroma, A Beachfront Resort, Riviera Maya, Mexico

Rates from $213

Prices at hotels, even mediocre ones, in and around Cancun in the winter are usually sky high so the reasonable rates at this luxury resort are something of a pleasant surprise. For starters, guests stay in large ocean view suites with marble floors, four poster beds and flat screen televisions with DVD players. And, the price is all inclusive so you don’t have to shell out extra for any meals and premium liquor and beer. Guests can enjoy watersports such as parasailing, snorkeling, deep sea fishing, scuba diving and kayaking. Activities on land include ATV tours, horseback riding, power walks and dance classes. If you feel like leaving the resort, consider a day trip to see the pyramids in Chicinitza or the Mayan ruins in Tulum.

Visit www.karismahotel.com for more information

Las Palomas Beach & Golf Resort, Rocky Point, Mexico

Rates from $129

The undiscovered town of Rocky Point is situated on the northern Sea of Cortez and is a few hours drive from Hermosillo Airport which has flight service to and from several U.S. cities. Since tourists haven’t gotten wind of this area yet, it’s possible to live it up in up in luxury without breaking the bank. Take advantage of the $129 a night golf package at this deluxe hotel which includes accommodations in a one-bedroom, 1,100 square foot ocean-view suite with a balcony, living room and state of the art kitchen, a round of golf in the 18-hole championship golf course, welcome cocktails, a full breakfast and free Internet. The property has a lazy river, a large beach, a pool with a swim-up bar, a state of the art fitness center and a new 35,000 square foot spa. Other activities include snorkeling with sea lions, whale watching, deep sea fishing, boating and take a bird watching eco-tour.

Visit www.laspalomasresort.net for more information

Patong Villa Hotel, Phuket Island, Thailand

Rates from $90

Beaches don’t get more idyllic than they are on Phuket Island- coconut and palm trees frame soft sand beaches and turquoise green water. Experience a stay here by checking into the 72-room Patong Villa Hotel located on the prime spot of Patong Beach. Even the basic rooms are large and have balconies and huge bathrooms with showers and separate soaking tubs. The hotel is surrounded by rich greenery and has a pool, sauna and a range of watersports such as snorkeling and scuba diving. You can even indulge in a traditional Thai massage at the spa for just a few dollars. Nightlife, shopping and restaurants are a five-minute walk.

Visit www.patongvilla.com for more information

The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, Florida

Rates from $285

This 13-mile long island is just a half-hour drive from Jacksonville and offers plenty to keep visitors entertained. Stay at the Ritz-Carlton, a beachfront property with 444 ocean-view rooms that have balconies, marble baths and 400-thread count Frette linens, and book the Reconnect Package which includes breakfast, valet parking and a $25 spa credit. At the hotel itself, guests can dine at Salt, the triple AAA five-diamond restaurant, book a treatment at the 27,000 square foot spa, play a round on the 18-hole course, take a tennis lesson and go horseback riding on the wide, quiet beach. Families will appreciate the extensive kids program and complimentary teen center with iPod docking stations, the latest video and computer games and a movie theater. Off site activities include kayaking along the intercoastal waterway where dolphin sighting are common, hiking at Fort Clinch State Park and checking out the antique shops and art galleries in the central town of Fernandina Beach.

Visit www.ritz-carlton.com for more information

Dover Beach Hotel, Barbados

Rates from $140

Chock full of luxury hotels, visiting Barbados usually means shelling out a lot of dough. That’s not the case when you check into the Dover Beach Hotel, situated on a secluded stretch of a powder white beach. Even the basic rooms are large studious surrounded by lush gardens and boast private balconies with a sitting area. The property has a large ocean facing pool with a bar and is a short walk to the St. Lawrence Gap area which is full of restaurants, clubs, duty-free shopping and historic sights such as the Military Museum. Other activities include parasailing, kayaking, water skiing, boat tours, snorkeling and scuba diving. For $190, you can upgrade to an ocean view studio.

Visit www.doverbeach.com for more information

Hotel Lagoa e Mar, Salvador, Brazil

Rates from $50

It’s just a short flight from Rio or Sao Paulo to reach this popular Brazilian beach town. Stay at the Hotel Lagoa e Mar on Jaua Beach, a mile long stretch of sand that features snow like white dunes. The property has 12 freestanding bungalows built around a tropical garden and a large swimming pool. Each has a king size bed, a living room and a verandah with a hammock. The price includes a hearty breakfast of breads baked on site, eggs, ham and freshly picked fruit. Besides the standard beach pastimes of snorkeling and swimming, guests can entertain themselves by taking surfing lessons and viewing sea turtle stations along the coast. Don’t miss dinner at the hotel’s restaurant- coastal specialties such as shrimp, lobster and calamari are caught in the morning and served that evening.

Visit www.hotellagoaemar.com.br for more information

***This article was written by Guest Contributor and New York Times Journalist Shivani Vora. To view Shivani’s full bio and contact information click here!***