Balcones del Atlántico

"The 86-villa Balcones del Atlántico opened two years ago in Las Terrenas in the mountainous Samana Peninsula in the Dominican Republic. This is one of the most postcard-perfect spots in the northern Antilles. The remote setting is mythical. The road to get here passes through lush, wet high mountain passes carpeted with thick palm trees and massive ferns. Rumor has it that ex-CIA agents often retire to Samana to escape into hidden homes high up in the mountains. It’s the stuff of spy novels, but for real. Maybe. A perfectly idyllic natural beach extends from one end of Las Terrenas to the other, with dozens of thatch shops, restaurants and seafood purveyors lining the sand. You're more likely to see a fisherman throwing a net just offshore than a t-shirt shop. The emerald water is calm and clear, and the only sound you can hear is the tradewinds coming off the tropical Atlantic. The eco-luxe Balcones features 1- to 3-bedroom villas with gigantic balconies (hence the name), filled with plump pillows, modern Balinese-style furniture, thick hand-hewn wood tables and long fancy BBQs. 'When people want a real Dominican experience they choose Terrenas,” says GM Pedro Sanchez during our lunch at the seaside Porto restaurant. “Yet the area was built by the French, Italian, German and Dominicans who lived and worked here for decades. So it’s very multicultural, but at the same time lush and natural, so you feel very in touch with the soul of the Dominican Republic.'" [AFAR]

Hotel / Beach

Website: Balcones del Atlántico

Address: El Limón 32000, Dominican Republic

 

Freddies Santai Sumurtiga

"Want secluded beaches and thatched huts perched above lapping turquoise waves on white sand beaches facing the Andaman Sea? The island of Pulau Weh, locally known as Sabang, is about a 45-minute speed ferry ride from the Banda Aceh port. Jutting toward the Indian Ocean, it is the northwesternmost island of the entire Indonesian archipelago and offers snorkeling, scuba diving, and a laid-back, relaxing getaway. The waters at Iboih and Gapang beaches on the northwest peninsula are very calm and inviting. This area is more remote and accommodations are very basic. The best place to stay is at Freddies on secluded Santai Sumurtiga facing the Andaman Sea. Sumurtiga beach is one of the only beaches where women can wear swimsuits and bikinis without drawing unwanted attention. A native South African, Freddie Rousseau is a personable and consummate host, cooking up meals himself and tailoring the music selection to his guests as they enjoy the breezy open-air dining room. Accommodations are in thatched huts with balconies perched over the beach where one can sit and daydream about legendary pirates of the south seas." [AFAR]

Hotel / Beach

Website: Freddies Santai Sumurtiga

Address: Jalan Kyai Haji Agus Salim, Ie Meulee, Sukajaya, Kota Sabang, Aceh 23521, Indonesia

 

El Secreto

"A short boat ride north of San Pedro will deposit you onto a portion of Ambergris Caye that feels worlds away from any town or city. Once ensconced in a private bungalow on a private beach, there isn’t much to distract the guest from complete enjoyment of the charms of the Caribbean water, the sunshine, and the slower pace that characterizes day-to-day life in the North Islands. Massage therapists are available, as are spa services, and a full range of excursions and activities can be arranged via the concierge. Thirteen exclusive villas are available, one of which includes a steam room and private infinity pool, while other villas either feature beach access, Jacuzzi tubs, private outdoor showers, or decks that stretch over a saltwater lake. El Secreto’s full-service restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and a bar is poolside in the main lodge. Rates begin around $3,000 for a three-night stay." [AFAR]

Boutique Hotel / Beach

Website: El Secreto

Address: 11 Miles North Ambergris Caye, Belize

 

Secret Bay

"With crystal-clear Caribbean views from its six modern tree-house-style love nests, Secret Bay Hotel – set on a lush hillside in rugged Dominica – is an unspoiled island secret that’s almost too good to share. Here, your days are spent lounging in a hammock in the private garden, swimming in caves and strolling the beach by moonlight… As if the setting alone isn't romance-inspiring enough, Villa guests can arrange for a private jazz performance on their terrace for a sexy serenade beneath the stars. Blanketed in lush jungle and diverse flora, marked by volcanic peaks and lava craters – including the second-largest thermally active lake in the world – and surrounded by the Caribbean Sea, Dominica is a nature-lover's paradise. In fact, it’s known as ‘The Nature Island,’ making it a prime destination for hikers, birders, paddlers, and divers. Glide along the Indian River in a traditional Caribe boat like a true islander, or plunge into the colorful depths for some of the world's most pristine scuba diving. The concierge will arrange trips with local guides for every outdoor pursuit from horseback riding to remote hiking on the over 300 miles of trails, and from deep-sea fishing to sailing excursions." [AFAR]

Hotel / Beach

Website: Secret Bay

Address: Ross Blvd., Portsmouth, Dominica