Beachside on a Budget

Ten Luxuriously Affordable Seaside Escapes

By: Celine Todd
Published February 28, 2010

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Hotel Banana Azul
Costa Rica
(From $69/night)
With a vibe that is more laid back than luxurious, the Hotel Banana Azul is a favorite getaway for the travelers on TripAdvisor.com. This 14-room retreat on a black-sand beach offers the ultimate in Costa Rican rest and relaxation. Hammocks are strung from coconut palms, bromeliad plants dangle from the decks, and locally made easy chairs make for comfortable lounging in the bright, wood-paneled rooms. Upgrade to the Howler Suite for $139 a night for a chance to soak in an outdoor tub with spectacular ocean views.
To learn more about this budget beachside escape, visit www.bananaazul.com.

Villas Carrizalillo
Puerto Escondido, Mexico
(From $125/night)
Villas Carrizalillo is an intimate boutique hotel with 12 cliff-top bungalows overlooking the beautiful sands of Playa Carrizalillo in Puerto Escondido. Each charming bungalow is unique, some with exposed stone walls, others with polished cement floors, and all with comfortable areas to sleep, eat, and lounge. The layout of the units has been designed to provide maximum privacy along with spectacular views of the bay below. Despite the serene and secluded feel of this tropical retreat, Villas Carrizalillo is actually just minutes away from shopping, restaurants, and of course, incredible beaches.
To learn more about this budget beachside escape, visit www.villascarrizalillo.com.

Posada Movida
Los Roques, Venezuela
(From $122/night)
For the ultimate escape from the stresses of the real world, visit the isolated islands of Los Roques, in the Caribbean Sea off the coast of Venezuela. Located on Gran Roque, the only developed island in the chain, you’ll find the tranquil retreat of Posada Movida. Guests describe the atmosphere of this hotel as magical, the food as fantastic, and the staff and owners as incredibly friendly and helpful. “It was like staying at a house with friends,” said one guest. That is, of course, if you have friends with a house set in the middle of the Caribbean’s largest marine park, with the opportunity to sail, scuba dive, snorkel, fish, and explore the wonders of a coral archipelago!
To learn more about this budget beachside escape, visit www.posadamovida.com.

Las Palmas al Mar
Samaná Peninsula, Dominican Republic
(From $83/night)
While airfare has risen to most sunny destinations, an abundance of high-flying deals can still be found for those headed to the Dominican Republic (thanks to air carriers like JetBlue). To get a deal on your lodging as well, visit the Samana Peninsula and unpack your bags at the residences of Las Palmas al Mar. With 23 garden villas across the street from eight-mile-long Las Terrenas beach, Las Palmas is the perfect place to put up your feet after a day of exploring the 500-square-mile waterfall- and sand-strewn Samana Peninsula. You’ll feel right at home in these spacious, clean, and tropically decorated cottages, with separate sleeping, living, and eating areas.
To learn more about this budget beachside escape, visit www.laspalmasalmar.com.

Poipu Plantation Bed and Breakfast
Kauai, Hawaii
(From $125/night)
Hawaii isn’t always known for its beach bargains, but the less-developed, laid-back island of Kauai has a great variety of lodging for more laid-back prices. Poipu Plantation, a top-rated bed and breakfast on TripAdvisor.com, is a short walk from Brenecke’s and Poipu Beaches, which are well known as some of the best beaches in Kauai. The charming suites of this bed and breakfast feature spacious rooms with cheery tropical décor, private lanai, air conditioning, and a stocked fridge (with free water and drinks). Start your day with a breakfast of homemade macadamia nut pancakes or guava French toast, served by the warm and friendly staff, and you’ll be ready for a full day of sun and surf.
To learn more about this budget beachside escape, visit www.poipubeach.com.

Do you have a budget beachside escape that you’d like to recommend to your Trilogy neighbors? If so, please feel free to leave a comment below.

Article by Celine Todd

Celine is the editor of MyTrilogyLife.com. Email her at mtleditor@gmail.com with your questions, content ideas, or suggestions.