10 Exotic Beach Resorts Under $200

Anantara Si Kao Resort & Spa, Sikao, Thailand

About an hour south of the tourist town of Krabi is the small Anantara Si Kao Resort & Spa, the lone occupant of a nine-mile stretch of white-sand beach, where hammocks swing lazily from palm trees, facing sunsets that sink over the giant limestone karsts of the Andaman Sea. The property is kid-friendly but quiet, with an adults-only pool and a spa with a serene lotus pond. From here, hop a long-tail boat to Koh Kradan for a day trip, or simply explore the on-site beaches, which are almost completely free of crowds.

Rates from $153 per night; sikao.anantara.com.

The Sands At Chale Island, Diani Beach, Kenya

The only private-island resort in Kenya, The Sands at Chale Island is a retreat from the hustle and bustle of nearby Diani Beach. Swimming pools and bandas (traditional thatched-roof guest homes) dot the property. Vibrant coral reefs ring the beach, perfect for snorkeling or diving. Guests can take a camel ride, take a bike tour of the villages, or embark on a safari from this beachy hideaway—but they'd be forgiven for just relaxing on the snow-white sand.

Rates from $97.50 per night; thesandsatchaleisland.com.

Kauai Shores, Kauai, Hawaii

The Garden Isle is a beautiful expanse of emerald-green cliffs, rugged canyons, and plains of taro fields and pineapple farms. Because of its small size, Kauai can be costly, with just a few mostly luxury resorts spread across the island. But at Kauai Shores, ocean views don't come at a premium. With its beachy location, private lanais, and modern lime-green-and-aqua decor, the hotel is equal parts laid-back and family-friendly. Throw in complimentary Wi-Fi and yoga classes, and this is positively a steal.

Rates from $116 per night; kauaishoreshotel.com.

Paros Agnanti, Paros, Greece

Among the Cyclades Islands, Paros is but a speck—a small tourist-friendly island that retains its traditional fishing-village charms. Paros Agnanti, a midsize hotel that overlooks the sea, is a lovely base camp, close enough to capital Parikia's shops and restaurants yet far enough from the noisy ferries and day-trippers to feel truly relaxing. Whitewashed rooms face Marcello Beach, a quiet and windless cove. From a pool tucked into the craggy mountainside, take in evening views of the village's glittering lights and bobbing fishing boats.

Rates from $78 per night; parosagnanti.gr.

Jony's Beach Resort, Boracay, Philippines

Boracay is blowing up. Since being named the world's best island by Travel & Leisure, sunseekers have begun flooding its tropical shores. But at Jony's Beach Resort, the island doesn't feel the least bit touristy. This small family-owned resort is hidden just a few minutes' walk from the boisterous town center. Rooms decked out in shades of orange and persimmon look out onto a glass-smooth sea teeming with sailboats. Dine alfresco on fresh Filipino and Mexican cuisine on the property, and bask in the isle's signature warm winds.

Rates from $126 per night; jonysbeachresortboracay.com.

Captiva Island Inn, Captiva, Florida

With its Easter-egg-colored cottages named after flowers, the Captiva Island Inn is about the furthest you can from a generic resort. On the island of Captiva, with its quaint family-owned restaurants, sunny patios, and picket fences, the inn maintains a folksy Florida vibe. Enjoy an included breakfast at RC Otter's or the Keylime Bistro before hitting the sands for world-famous shelling. The Caribbean-clear waters play host to sailing, fishing, and Jet Skiing. Return to the inn before nightfall to witness a hot-pink sunset from the shore.

Rates from $99 per night; captivaislandinn.com.

Carriacou Grand View, Carriacou, Grenadines

Tiny Carriacou is one of our favorite secret Caribbean islands, and the cute-as-a-button Carriacou Grand View is a prime place from which to explore its many charms. Uncover completely unpeopled beaches throughout the island, along with national parks sheltering leatherback turtles and jewel-toned hummingbirds. At the Grand View, cozy self-contained apartments offer views of the ocean or valleys, and cooling trade winds drift through wide-open windows. The on-site swimming pool and terrace are situated high above the hills.

Rates from $65 per night; carriacougrandview.com.

Furama Resort, Da Nang, Vietnam

A five-star getaway for less than $200 per night? It's possible at Furama Resort, an opulent spot in Da Nang, the up-and-coming seaside destination just across the border from Thailand. Marble grottoes, Buddhist temples, street-food markets, and tropical beaches straight from a screensaver—that's Da Nang. Full days of exploring Vietnam are perfectly capped off in Furama's elegant rooms and spacious balconies, under thatched umbrellas on its white-sand beaches, or at its cafes and bars with unobstructed views of the South China Sea.

Rates from $176 per night; furamavietnam.com.

Stella Maris, Bahamas

The Bahamas can be pricey. But at intimate Stella Maris in the Out Islands, rates reflect a road (or resort) less traveled. Scuba diving, snorkeling, and big-game fishing all draw visitors to this unspoiled barrier chain, but the serene resort itself can be your end point. You'll feel far from the madding crowds of Nassau at this vast property's three pools and beach bar, plus several nearby beaches and pirate coves where you're likely to be the only sunbather all day.

Rates from $165 per night; stellamarisresort.com.

Sagu Mini Resort, Ilha Grande, Brazil

Sagu Mini Resort proves that beautiful things come in pequeña packages. Situated on Ilha Grande, an island just off the coast of—yet worlds away from—Rio, this is where you go to leave it all behind. The resort is decorated in the style of a traditional Portuguese fishing village, with nine rooms done up in rich hardwoods and crisp white linens. Sip a caipirinha from your private porch while watching the sunbathers and kayakers coming in for the day—and resist the urge to toss your cell phone into the sea.

Rates from $147 per night; saguresort.com.

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