For many Muslim women, the joy of swimming, sunbathing, or simply relaxing by the water comes with a unique set of considerations. Whether travelling solo, with friends, or with family, finding spaces that respect modesty and privacy is essential—and increasingly, it’s becoming easier. This guide explores destinations where hijabi travellers can enjoy seaside escapes without compromise.
Türkiye: The gold standard for modest beach travel
Türkiye stands out as one of the most accessible and comprehensive destinations for hijabi-friendly travel. Resorts in Antalya, Alanya, and Bodrum have paved the way with women-only facilities and accommodations that prioritise privacy.
Hijabi-friendly public beaches and pools:
In the Antalya region of Türkiye, hijabi-friendly coastal facilities are well-established. Alcohol-free resorts like Wome Deluxe, Adenya Hotel, and Selge Beach Resort offer women-only beaches and pool areas with strict privacy policies and female-only staff. These spaces allow women to enjoy the sea and sun in comfort while maintaining their modesty. Further west, Bodrum is seeing a growing number of women-only sunbathing terraces and seawater pools, with properties like The Oba Hotel leading the way in offering modesty-conscious facilities that cater to the needs of Muslim women and families.
Private hotel pools:
Villas and suites with fully private swimming pools are widely available across the country. You won’t go wrong with booking properties in Alanya, Kalkan, and Fethiye. These options cater specifically to families and women seeking complete seclusion, where swimwear choices are unrestricted. Many properties also offer women-only wellness centres.
United Arab Emirates: Innovation meets modest luxury
With year-round sunshine, high standards of privacy, and growing wellness infrastructure, the UAE has become a top choice for Muslim travellers seeking comfort and modesty. The country blends modern hospitality with cultural respect, making it an ideal destination for Muslim beachgoers.
Hijabi-friendly public beaches and pools:
Dubai and Abu Dhabi have introduced women-only beach days at locations such as Al Mamzar Beach Park and Jumeirah Beach. These designated times provide exclusive access to female guests, supported by female staff and security. Burkinis are generally accepted across public and hotel beaches, although it’s still advisable to check with individual properties.
Private hotel pools:
Luxury villas on Palm Jumeirah in Dubai and Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi often include high walls, screened pool areas, and discreet services. Some high-end resorts also offer in-room spa treatments and women-only fitness classes. In Sharjah, a city known for its more conservative and family-oriented atmosphere, modesty is thoughtfully integrated into the travel experience. Properties like Golden Sands Hotel & Residences and The Chedi Al Bait offer refined stays with privacy-conscious design and close proximity to cultural landmarks.
Indonesia: Tropical retreats with spiritual grounding
Indonesia offers an appealing combination of Islamic hospitality and lush, tropical scenery. From Bali to Lombok, hijabi-friendly travel is on the rise. With a majority-Muslim population and a growing number of privacy-conscious resorts, it’s an ideal destination for travellers seeking both relaxation and spiritual ease.
Hijabi-friendly public beaches and pools:
While Bali remains a mix of Western and local Influences, areas like Lombok, Aceh, and West Java offer more traditional and conservative atmospheres. Burkinis are accepted at most public beaches and many hotel pools.
Private hotel pools:
In Ubud and Lombok, eco-resorts and luxury villas with enclosed pool gardens provide excellent seclusion. These spaces cater to modest travellers, with options for in-room dining and wellness experiences. Properties like Katamaran Hotel & Resort Lombok, The Bali Dream Villa Resort Echo Beach Canggu, and Kaisa Villas Seminyak offer fully secluded pools, allowing guests to relax in privacy while enjoying the natural surroundings.
Planning Your Hijabi-Friendly Water Escapes
Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or new to modest holidays, here are a few final considerations:
- Choose off-peak travel dates to enjoy public beaches and pools with fewer crowds.
- Platforms like Halalbooking offer filters like “Secluded pool,” “Women-only,” and “No visual access from outside” to narrow your accommodation search.
- Pack breathable cover-ups, UV-protective burkinis, and waterproof prayer accessories.
As the demand for hijabi-friendly travel grows, so do the options for Muslim women seeking joyful, modest, and empowering travel experiences. With the right planning, you can enjoy the water on your terms, with peace of mind and the privacy you deserve.
Image: Unsplash, Ruhbi Sutsina
