Best beach vacations on a budget

By staff

updated 5:11 p.m. ET March 19, 2009

Belize

Ranguana Lodge, Placencia
Price: Cabins, $80–$88
The sleepy Creole fishing village of Placencia, on the southern tip of the eponymous barrier peninsula, has escaped the development boom to the north, allowing it to legitimately maintain its claim to having Belize's best beaches. The slice of silken sand at Ranguana Lodge is the perfect place to let your stress melt away into the surf. Three stilted beachfront cabanas are simply furnished and air-conditioned, while the two other units are larger, set back from the beach, and come with hardwood floors, kitchenettes, and a bit more charm — but no AC. All have decks complete with hammocks perfect for napping. For fun, stroll along the "main road," a three-foot-wide sidewalk that runs through the heart of the colorful town, or head out with a local sportfishing guide for kingfish, tuna, barracuda, and snook, which the locals have lived on for centuries.
Book: The seaside cabana, where you can leave the AC off for breeze-cooled bliss (501-523-3112; ranguanabelize.com).
Best for: Stressed-out execs who need to get off the grid or spend some quality time with the family.
Rental car: Required only if you want to stray from town.

Victoria House, Ambergris Caye
Price: Doubles, $180–$310
In the bustling beach town of Ambergris Caye, the 42-room Victoria House balances gracious hospitality and a casual Caribbean vibe. The grounds are picture-perfect, with lush lawns fronting a fine golden beach. Guests can choose between plantation buildings with wraparound porches or thatched-roof casitas with mahogany beds. Snorkelers will find that the barrier reef fringing Ambergris Caye's windward shore teems with colorful fish, lacy corals, and giant sponges that look like pottery left behind by Poseidon. Scuba, fishing, birding, and cave tubing excursions are all arranged by the hotel.
Book: A stand-alone casita for maximum luxury and privacy (501-226-2067; victoria-house.com).
Best for: A low-key tropical vacation combining relaxation and adventure.
Rental car: Not required. Ambergris Caye is a 70-minute water taxi ride from Belize City, and golf carts or bicycles are the standard mode of transportation on the island.

Costa Rica

Aguas Claras, Playa Chiquita
Price: Cottages, $70–$220
Set amid hibiscus bushes and palm trees, Aguas Claras is a relaxing retreat three miles south of Costa Rica's lively surfing capital, Puerto Viejo. The inn's five brightly colored stilted chalets are a short walk from the gorgeous (and surfable) Playa Chiquita and have ceiling fans, screened kitchenettes and sitting areas. Breakfast at the on-site Miss Holly's Kitchen includes a fresh fruit salad, omelets and baked goods.
Book: The chalets are equally appealing; the only difference is the number of bedrooms (506-2750-0131; aguasclaras-cr.com).
Best for: Kelly Slater wannabes who need a little R and R.
Rental car: Reserve a four-by-four to explore the many breaks along the coast.

Hotel Banana Azul, Puerto Viejo
Price: Doubles, $70–$139

More sun for the money More sun for the money: beach More sun for the money: culture More sun for the money: nature and adventure

Tucked just inside the jungle abutting a striking black sand beach, Hotel Banana Azul offers simple accommodations a mile north of hippie-chic Puerto Viejo. Each of the 12 guest rooms has a sea view, a queen bed, and hardwood floors and walls. Nearby Cahuita National Park is great for snorkeling, while surfers head south for some of the best breaks on the coast.
Book: The spacious Howler Suite — with its wraparound deck and bathtub built for two — overlooks a tropical garden and the beach (506-2750-2035; bananaazul.com).
Best for: Indecisive types who can't choose between a beach vacation and a jungle holiday.
Rental car: Required.

Honduras

Barefoot Cay, Roatán
Price: Bungalows, $225
Barefoot Cay is perfect for a lazy beach escape, but be sure to go snorkeling or diving so you don't miss the vivid display of reef life just off this private cay. Two beachfront luxury one-bedroom bungalows have full kitchens, bathrooms, open-air showers and wicker furniture. The spacious two-bedroom villas offer more privacy and a large covered deck overlooking the Caribbean. Staff are attentive, and meals are served in the resort's dining room or your bungalow.
Book: The villa farthest from the pool (504-455-6235; barefootcay.com).
Best for: Romantics with an adventurous streak.
Rental car: Not required.

Jamaica

Half Moon, Montego Bay
Price: $400–$470
This Caribbean classic on a perfect crescent west of Montego Bay retains the elegance of another era. While its expanse of palm-edged white sand is the main attraction, other enticements include lit tennis courts, two pools, a golf course and stables. Half Moon is also among the best values in Jamaica, especially from mid-April through mid-December, when rates for double rooms drop to $250. Until then, guests who stay four nights or more get $200 taken off their final bill.
Book: A deluxe room with a private garden; some have ocean views (888-830-5974; halfmoon.com).
Best for: Families looking for a warm-weather vacation that offers something for everyone.
Rental car: Not required.

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