Rincón is known for its pounding waves, which attract some of the world's best surfers. But the location of the Tres Sirenas Beach Inn—on one of the town's more tranquil strands—is just as appealing. Ex–New Yorkers Lisa and Harry Rodriguez returned to Harry's native Puerto Rico to open a laid-back, stylish B&B. And with four breezy rooms (dark woods, rattan, white linens) and the elaborate breakfasts Lisa cooks up every morning for guests, this seaside spot fits the bill. If you're traveling with a group, consider renting out the entire villa. It sleeps 10, and goes for a reasonable $840 per night.

Price starts at: $170

On an isolated six miles of dark-sand Pacific beach, the Bahari Beach Bungalows attract outdoorsy travelers who don't necessarily want to rough it. There are two bright rooms in the main building; at the very edge of the water, the lodge's hosts and owners, Ludwig and Andrea Zirkelbach, have pitched four oversize safari tents that sleep two people. Here, the mesh walls give the sensation of sleeping outdoors, with the added comforts of tiled floors, freshly cut flowers, and spacious bathrooms. In the thatched-roof, open-air dining room overlooking the grounds, the owners serve octopus salad in vinaigrette and tender grilled mahimahi. The Zirkelbachs also make delicious cocktails that you can carry onto the beach to watch the sun set.

Near the fortified port town of Concarneau, Les Sables Blancs presides over an unspoiled strip of sand. The hotel opened less than a year ago, and has a mod, minimalist look, with bright orange chairs on a vast lantern-lit bar terrace where guests gather at night. Most of the 20 rooms have sea views from the bed and sliding glass doors that lead to private balconies. Le Nautile, the on-site restaurant, is known for creative seafood dishes like squid sautéed with bacon and cocoa beans.

Price starts at: $191

The recently revamped Breakwater Inn & Spa feels like a traditional Maine cottage, though its 34 cozy rooms are totally up-to-speed: free Wi-Fi, pillow-top mattresses. The pebbly beach is lined with Adirondack chairs that overlook the mouth of the Kennebunk River. Chef Jonathan Cartwright makes a stellar butter-poached Maine lobster and York oysters in the on-site waterfront restaurant, Stripers.

Price starts at: $159

Just past the Everglades is the six-room Azul del Mar, Art Deco villa. The husband-and-wife owners stay behind the scene—breakfast (papaya yogurt, tropical fruit pastries) is delivered to your door, and guests can barbecue on the two outdoor grills. The property is decidedly quiet, thanks to its small adjacent private beach and an adults-only policy. Book the Garden Suite Caribe, for its Jacuzzi-jet bathtub and private patio. The Aquamarina and Celeste rooms, with floor-to-ceiling windows and views of Florida Bay, tie for second place.

Price starts at: $189

In 2001, Wendy Snodgrass left her job in guest relations at the Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas, and opened the Bellavista Bed & Breakfast, a 1930's West Indian–style villa overlooking Charlotte Amalie harbor. The four rooms are done up in floral prints and bright hues, some with a canopy bed. Guests spend most of their time outdoors on the sun-drenched front balcony or lounging along nearby Magen's Bay, a stretch of calm water that's perfect for swimming. At breakfast, order the banana–sour cream waffles served with a pineapple–passion fruit frappé.

Price starts at: $175

On the volcanic island of Ischia—famous for its hot springs and therapeutic mud—and outside the small town of Lacco Ameno, sits the Hotel della Baia, a chic, secluded, 25-room inn. The outdoor bar is surrounded by bougainvillea and lime trees, and the garden terraces off the first-floor rooms overlook both San Montano Bay and a private sandy beach. Negombo Park, across the street, has 14 outdoor geothermal pools of varying sizes and temperatures, all scattered over a rocky hillside.

Price starts at: $183

Travel, Prosper, Inspire & Keep it Shady!
<3 The ShadyVEU Team

source: www.travelandleisure.com