Island Living: 20 Tropical B&Bs That Are Only an Airplane Away

You might not guess by its sunny yellow facade that this Spanish Colonial home turned bed-and-breakfast has gone green. Not only does the eco-friendly establishment offer guests a crash course in green living, but it also provides recycling bins in the common areas and all five bright and airy guest rooms. The proprietors will even help lodgers rent bicycles to travel the streets of Old San Juan in a health- and earth-conscious manner.

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This waterfront property in Punta Cana has been dubbed "Princess" by its owners, but its luxe amenities make it fit for a king or queen. Renters will enjoy the villa's two bedrooms, two baths, and a terrace and dining area that looks out on the sandy beaches and serene blue waters of the Caribbean. Add in the complimentary maid service, personal assistant, and airport pickup, and you may just get used to the royal treatment at this sun-soaked Airbnb rental.

Wake up each morning to the natural wonders of the Caribbean National Forest when you vacation at this guesthouse in the Sierra de Luquillo mountains. When you're not hiking the nearby trails or reveling in the beauty of the botanical gardens, retreat indoors to one of five bedroom suites. If that's not enough to keep you busy, you can always create a custom vacation plan with expert advice from the owners of El Escondido.

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You don't have to travel the ocean or cross international borders to holiday in tropical splendor. For proof, look no further than the Black Dolphin Inn. The boutique bed-and-breakfast, situated on the water, lets guests experience the beauty of New Smyrna Beach from the comfort of one of 14 unique rooms. Decorated in styles that vary from midcentury modern to Hollywood regency, the suites afford views of the ocean—and, on occasion, dolphins!

Hospitality is a way of life on the Big Island, perhaps nowhere more so than at Holualoa Inn, perched on the slopes of Mt. Hualalai near Kona. Polynesian culture permeates every inch of the estate, from the "Ohana," or family-centric, approach of the staff to the Hawaiian decor in the guest suites. The inn's more than 5,000 coffee trees and the freshly brewed Kona coffee available every afternoon will give you a new appreciation of the buzzy beverage that put Kona on the map.

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It's always pool weather in Rio de Janeiro, which makes Gerthrudes the ideal wintertime retreat for sunshine seekers. Dip your toes in the B&B's year-round outdoor pool, grill up your favorites at the barbecue, or belly up to the bar for a refreshing cocktail. One glimpse of scenic Santa Teresa from the rooftop terrace is all you'll need to forget about your snow shoveling duties back home.

Offering the best of both bed-and-breakfast and hostel living, the Chalet Tropical Village in Las Galeras boasts private villas and guest rooms alongside more affordable (and chummy) shared spaces. For a taste of the tropics, sit back with a fresh fruit cocktail in one of the communal garden's hammocks, or order Dominican eats from the traditional menu.

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Though it has ranked as “Best Bed & Breakfast” year after year since 2007, Shangri-La remains one of the best-kept secrets in luxury accommodations in Grand Cayman. The inn, situated on a man-made lake in secluded West Bay, enjoys cheerful, picturesque surroundings that are enhanced by the property's convivial breakfast service and attractively appointed rooms.

Dubbed "Bellavista," or "beautiful view" in Italian, this St. Thomas bed-and-breakfast is a sight for sore eyes—both indoors and out. While the marble flooring, plush sofas, and lush plants of the West Indies-style living room make it a tropical paradise unto itself, the pièce de résistance is the wall that slides open to reveal a cozy deck and an expansive view of the Caribbean. The blending of indoor and outdoor living means guests can enjoy the ocean breeze while sheltering themselves from the hot island sun.

There's plenty to daydream about at this B&B on Ambergris Caye, Belize's largest island, but there's even more to do. The property's four freestanding cabana-style cabins cluster around a lounge and pool ideal for tropical relaxation. For those who prefer outdoor adventure, the pristine sands and clear waters of the Caribbean just beyond the inn offer the perfect spot to swim, surf, or sail the day away.

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This little bed-and-breakfast is located near the big-city lights of Costa Rica's capital, which is filled with popular attractions such as the National Theatre and the Plaza de la Cultura. A seat on the deck of The Cariari affords the best view of the B&B's Spanish Colonial design, including its stucco facade, terra-cotta roof, and ornamental wrought-iron rails.

This haven in Hawaii can sleep 14, yet its covered lanai and its close proximity to the ocean leave guests feeling as though the beach is their own personal playground. Whether you're reclining in a guest room or lounging on the deck, the gentle breeze and verdant palm trees that fill the property are sure to transport you to tropical perfection—and you won't even need a passport!

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Whether you want to surf a big wave or simply watch the ocean from the shore, the Sea-U Guest House in Bathsheba is the ideal accommodation for outdoor enthusiasts. After fortifying yourself with the breakfast buffet, venture out to explore the rugged beauty of Barbados's east coast, then head indoors for some shut-eye in a guest room decked out with modern amenities and an unsurpassed view of the ocean.

Dubbed "The Romantic Island," Bora Bora has long enthralled tourists with its turquoise waters and luxury resorts. The Black Pearl is a standout even among these regal retreats. The bungalow on the water, formerly owned by Marlon Brando, boasts three bedrooms, a modern kitchen, and a sun-drenched terrace, all surrounded by a glittering lagoon ripe for fishing or kayaking.

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From its humble origins as a plantation house more than a century ago, Sweetfield Manor has risen to prominence as an award-winning boutique hotel. The B&B on the south coast of Barbados attracts families and solo trippers alike with seven guest rooms, a lagoon-style pool, and its location near historic Bridgetown and the Garrison, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For a rare and spectacular view of the capital of the Bahamas, book a room at A Stone's Throw Away in New Providence, located on one of the highest elevations on the coast. Though the lodging is surrounded by the natural beauty of a pine forest and coral reefs, there are even more wonders to behold at the bed-and-breakfast itself, from the secluded outdoor pool to the main home and its scenic view of old Bahamian architecture and design.

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Brush past an inconspicuous thicket of mangrove trees in French Cay, and you'll uncover this island sanctuary, a hidden gem. Located in the picturesque Turks and Caicos, this waterfront property with unmatched views of the Caribbean Sea can sleep up to two in a single bedroom with a private bath and offers a slew of must-have amenities, from air conditioning to Wi-Fi.

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