• by the sea – great views, can be crowded in summer
• by a golf course – wonderful views that will not be built on; beware balls in the back garden!
• in a town – practical for shops and schools, can be noisy

- on a resort or on its own?

A resort offers the convenience and support of people to answer questions, take care of administrative issues and so on. There will also be communal facilities such as pool, gym, bar & restaurant, so a good place to meet the neighbours. An off-resort property will probably be cheaper, m2 for m2, but you will not have the facilities or support on hand.
Some people buy within a resort for the first few years and then reconsider once they feel more at home with the country and the systems.