Timeshare resorts that hug the oceanfront are being built everywhere from South Florida to South Africa. They are, by far, the most popular style of timeshare resort, and there is no end in sight to how many will be built worldwide.

Key features to look for when buying a unit in a beachfront resort include water views from a private balcony, beach bars that offer snacks or light meals that you can eat while in a bathing suit, self-controlled air conditioning units, and plenty of water-sports activities such as water-skiing and sailing. Horseback riding and scuba diving also are popular activities, though not usually ones that make or break a resort's reputation with the majority of timeshare users.

You also should check into the timeshare resort's policy regarding towels, because some resorts charge an extra fee for beach towel use. That will be a key additional charge in a beachfront environment.

Absolute Private Residence Club at Samui Peninsula, Koh Samui, Thailand

This Interval International resort, located on the southeastern seaboard of Thailand, has earned the exchange company's prestigious Five Star Award. The resort sits on a palm-fringed beach full of water sports, with a well-appointed spa housed in traditional Thai-style pavilions. Nearby amenities include tennis, golf, and scuba diving. You also can go on an elephant trek, visit the Big Buddha statue, or stand before the Na Muang Waterfall.

Temperatures are consistently warm all year round in this part of Thailand, though rainfall typically peaks during October, November, and December. If you get caught in heavy showers, you can always while away your time while indulging in award-winning Thai dishes and seafood specialties at the resort's Royal Siam Restaurant.

Beacon Island Hotel, Plettenberg Bay, Western Cape, South Africa

This Resort Condominiums International resort has earned the exchange company's prestigious Gold Crown ranking. It is located on Plettenberg Bay in South Africa — a longtime European getaway destination that is growing in worldwide popularity. The Beacon Island Hotel is on a private peninsula overlooking the ocean, and its amenities include a restaurant called the Captain's Cabin where you can dine next to expansive windows that buffer the breaking surf as it crashes up toward your table.

Even if you intend to visit a far-away beachfront property like this one only a few times during the tenure of your timeshare-unit ownership, you will have the benefit of being able to play into the worldwide exchange market and take advantage of European travel patterns.

Grand Seas Resort, Daytona Beach, Florida

Located directly on Daytona Beach in Florida, this Interval International resort has earned the exchange company's Five Star Award. It offers two outdoor swimming pools, one indoor swimming pool, a full-service health spa, a restaurant, a children's playground, a miniature golf course, a children's pool, and more. The resort is also within driving distance of the major Orlando theme-park attractions, as well as the Kennedy Space Center.

The resort boasts more than 800 feet of beachfront property, with activities including boating, snorkeling, scuba diving, and water-skiing. All of the timeshare units have full kitchens, whirlpool tubs, and sleeper sofas for your tagalong guests.

Hilton Grand Vacations Club at Hilton Hawaiian Village, Oahu, Hawaii

Located on the world-famous Waikiki Beach on the island of Oahu, this timeshare resort boasts three swimming pools, a spa and health center, multiple restaurants and lounges, nearby golf, and even a barber shop should you miss your appointment before leaving for your vacation. That is all very impressive, of course, but the real draw here is the beach and all of the water sports activities available on it.

This twenty-two-acre resort is landscaped in keeping with traditional Hawaiian themes, which is a nice selling point compared with other properties that simply plop a cookie-cutter building down into the middle of paradise.

The Westin St. John Resort and Villas, St. John

This Starwood timeshare resort is in the U.S. Virgin Islands on St. John, most of which is dedicated parkland — and spectacular beaches. Swimming, scuba diving, parasailing, snorkeling, windsurfing, fishing, kayaking, and more are mere footsteps away from the timeshare units on a private, 1,200-foot white sand beach.

One of the nice things about this beachfront resort is that it offers three restaurants and poolside lounges on site, meaning you never have to leave the compound for a change of scenery if that is your preference. On the other hand, this timeshare resort also offers Jeep rentals that will let you go exploring around the island, including its varied hiking and snorkeling trails. The point is that you and your family will have options outside of sitting on the beach every day (unless you want to do just that, which is okay, too!).