Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Peach and Quiet, Christ Church, Barbados
Nominated By: Barb, Toronto, Canada, November '08

Price Range: US$99-$109 # of Rooms: 22 Kid-Friendly: 12 years and older

What makes Peach and Quiet so Darn Good? With no televisions or telephones, and away from the island's busy tourist areas, Peach and Quiet offers simplicity at its best! Highlights include the Mediterranean-inspired architecture, fantastic food, honour bar, turtle watching platform, and pool with gorgeous ocean views. Plus, Margaret and Adrian, Peach and Quiet's owners, live on site and are very happy to help you in any way they can, including organizing tours or car rentals.

Location: The hotel is located on the southern tip of Barbados, fifteen minutes from both the airport and St. Lawrence Gap, a hotspot for restaurants and nightlife. Built on a rocky shore, Peach and Quiet is just a short walk away from two sandy beaches and has a protected rock snorkeling pool right in front of the hotel. This part of the southern coast is also great for surfing and kiteboarding.

Rooms: Whether garden or ocean view, the twenty-two rooms are simple, comfortable and charming. All rooms have their own covered terraces or balconies, making them feel more like suites. Rooms don't have air conditioners, but fans keep them cool.

Food: Breakfast is always a treat at Peach and Quiet. The buffet includes a wonderful selection of fresh fruit, cereal, eggs, bacon, sausage, and the best fresh-baked breads ever! Dinner, served al fresco on the candlelit terrace with the surf in the background, is magical and the perfect way to end the day. The food is always so fresh and delicious, and is very reasonably priced.

Vibe: Peach and Quiet is very laid back and a great place just to hang out and rejuvenate. Live entertainment is provided on some nights, which makes for wonderful evenings under the stars. One night, a guitar duo had us all dancing, and another night, we enjoyed a steel drum band and history of Barbados extravaganza.

Things to Keep in Mind: The public bus stops near the hotel if you want to explore the rest of the island. Also, Peach and Quiet is closed from May to October (unless you want to book the entire hotel!).

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Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Turtle Nest Inn, Bodden Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
Nominated By: Mary McLaughlin, Havertown, Pennsylvania, USA, November '08

Price Range: US$99-$329 # of Rooms: 18 Kid-Friendly: yes

What makes Turtle Nest Inn so Darn Good? We stayed in an ocean front apartment with a full kitchen, which wasn't under $150, but was well worth the price! The Turtle Nest staff is absolutely wonderful, and guests can snorkel in the coral reef right out front.

Location: Turtle Nest is located on the southern coast of Grand Cayman Island in Bodden Town, just ten miles from the airport. The inn sits on a quiet beach, away from the hustle and bustle of George Town, Grand Cayman's biggest town, and Seven Mile Beach, home to many of the island's luxury resorts. Grand Cayman is famous for its coral reefs and world-class diving, and guests interested in doing some serious underwater exploring can be picked up right at the Inn by the Ocean Frontiers dive company.

Rooms: The eleven units include village view rooms, and larger ocean view apartments with full kitchens and one or two bedrooms. The Inn's swimming pool is located just behind the beach and is open around the clock. The water in front of the Inn has a reef, so while it is not suitable for casual swimming and rafting, it makes for great snorkeling.

Food: The Inn doesn't serve food, but all apartments have full kitchens, and the village view rooms have microwaves, mini-fridges, and toasters. Guests can also use the Inn's gas barbecue right on the beach. Just four doors down is Seaside Paradise, the Inn's closest restaurant and a great place to eat or take out island food.

Vibe: Turtle Nest feels like your own island home.

Things to Keep in Mind: The Inn is not within walking distance to many shops or restaurants, but everything on the island is within a thirty minute drive. Guests have the option of renting a car with the room.

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Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Casa Bella Rita, Santa Ana, San Jose Province, Costa Rica
Nominated By: Mary, Des Moines, Iowa, USA, August '08

make a reservation inquiry directly with Casa Bella Rita

Price Range: US$99-$139 (breakfast included) # of Rooms: 6 Kid-Friendly: yes

What makes the Casa Bella Rita so Darn Good? Centrally located in Costa Rica's San Jose province, Casa Bella Rita is a beautiful bed & breakfast with views overlooking a magnificent canyon. Steve and Rita, the owners, are amazing, and the accommodations and staff exceeded our expectations day after day.

Location: The B & B is located in Santa Ana, a suburb of San Jose, in Costa Rica's Central Valley, just twenty minutes to both downtown and the airport. Many popular restaurants and shops are nearby, and many major sites are just a day trip away, including the Turu Ba Ri rainforest canopy tour and the Poas Volcano National Park.

Rooms: The six rooms are all uniquely decorated with local art. We stayed in the spacious Heliconia Bedroom, located in a separate cabina off the main courtyard. Our room was spotless, the bed and bedding was luxurious and comfortable, and the honor bar was always well stocked with drinks and yummy snacks. The daily fresh flowers were an added bonus.

Food: For breakfast, Steve serves a huge fruit bowl, a gourmet entrée, coffee, and juice on the amazing patio overlooking the canyon. I promise you will never leave the breakfast table hungry! If you do not feel like going out to eat, Steve and Rita will provide dinner for a small fee if they are cooking for themselves.

Vibe: Casa Bella Rita has a very relaxed vibe, and Steve and Rita made us feel right at home. Both are knowledgeable on everything Costa Rica, and they work hard to make sure your experience is nothing less than excellent.

Things to Keep in Mind: If you'd like help planning any part of your trip, Rita is the person to see. She has done her research on what tour companies and private drivers are the best, and has up to date information on trip descriptions, prices, and modes of transportation. Also, keep in mind that airport pickup OR drop off are included in the price, just one of the little extras that makes this place so great!

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Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Bayaleau Point Cottages, Carriacou, Grenada
Nominated By: Sophie Stewart, London, UK, February '10

Price Range: US$65-$145 # of Rooms: 4 Kid-Friendly: yes

What makes the Bayaleau Point Cottages so Darn Good? Staying at Bayaleau Point Cottages is like staying with friends, incredibly creative and nice friends who live in one of the most amazing spots in the world and who enjoy taking you on boat trips around the Grenadines.

Location: Carriacou is a small island in the Grenadine Archipelago and is reachable by a twenty minute flight or a ninety minute high speed boat ride from Grenada. Carriacou is possibly the sleepiest island in the Caribbean and if you really need to get away from it all, then the Bayaleau Point Cottages are the place to stay - no TV, no air con, no problem. The Cottages are set on a quiet hillside on Carriacou's Windward Bay and are within easy walking distance to the small fishing and boat-building village of Windward. The property has a little beach suitable for swimming, and the island has several sandy beaches ripe for exploring.

Rooms: The four colorful cottages are small and simple, but gingerbread pretty and are decorated with Caribbean art. The red, yellow, and green cottages were hand-built by Dave, the owner, and the blue cottage, which has a baby blue annex perfect for teenagers, was an original slave dwelling. Each cottage can sleep four and contains a full kitchen, and the property has a communal deck overlooking the sea where guests can relax or enjoy a meal.

Food: Happy hour drinks, such as the magical Magic Elixir, and evening meals, such as fresh grilled fish followed by home-made ice cream, are served out on the deck and are available with advance notice. In addition, Carriacou has several restaurants, super shops, and a daily fruit and vegetable market, and Windward itself has a few small stores within walking distance to pick up the essentials.

Vibe: It's another way of life and oh how I miss it! You can chill in a hammock, chat with locals, or get busy by helping to build a boat. This is prime Grenadines territory and an excursion on Mostly Harmless, the Inn's own home-built boat, will transport you to such honeypots as the Tobago Cays and Mayreau for snorkeling, swimming, a picnic lunch, and rum punch.

Keep in Mind: While the location of Bayaleau Point Cottages is fairly isolated, the local bus service on the island is surprisingly good. Rental cars are also available if you choose.

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Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Jake's Resort, Treasure Beach, Jamaica
Nominated By: Allison and Michael, Brooklyn, NY, February '08

check availability, get rates, and reserve online at Tablet Hotels

Price Range: US$95-$950 # of Rooms: 26 Kid-Friendly: Yes

What makes Jake's so Darn Good? Jake's cottages are supremely funky, and most overlook the beautiful rocky shoreline. We dug the outdoor restaurant which serves delicious Jamaican dishes, as well as the mellow bar adjoining the pool. Somehow Jake's manages to be ultra-cool and family friendly at the same time. Jake's is owned by the family of Perry Henzell who produced and directed the '70's cult movie "The Harder They Come".

Location: Jake's is located in Treasure Beach on the south coast of Jamaica, 2 ½ hours from Montego Bay. Treasure Beach is a little fishing village and has some laid-back guesthouses and restaurants. An awesome thing to do while chilling out at Jake's is to take a 20 minute boat ride to Pelican Bar, a little drinking establishment standing on stilts on a sandbar in the sea.

Rooms: We stayed in Abelone 2. It wasn't super fancy, but it was oh so fun. The cottage was pink and had a giant window that opened up so we could just lie in bed in the shade and watch the waves. All of Jake's cottages have whimsical designs, are painted in vibrant colors, and are decked out with private deck chairs.

Food: Jake's has two restaurants on site. We tended to eat at the restaurant by the pool, which was just delightful. The servers were very friendly and the Jamaican food was healthy, fresh, and reasonably priced. Jake's other restaurant, Jack Sprat, serves up pizza by the pie.

Vibe: Jake's is super mellow, friendly, and hip. Many kids were running around when we were there, yet there were also many hipsters hanging out at the bar.

Things to Keep in Mind: Jake's has a couple of pleasant beaches, but you shouldn't expect sparkling white sand. But really, who cares, you're at Jake's! Some of the less expensive rooms have garden, not sea views.

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Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Rockhouse Hotel, Negril, Jamaica
Nominated By: Allison and Michael, Brooklyn, NY, February '08

check availability, get rates, and reserve online at Tablet Hotels

Price Range: US$125-$395 # of Rooms: 34 Kid-Friendly: Children over 12

What makes The Rockhouse Hotel/Restaurant so Darn Good? The Rockhouse is as hip as hip can be. It is located on the beautiful cliffs of Negril, and has cool rooms, a gorgeous pool, and a great Jamaican restaurant famous for its incredible sunset views. Although the Rockhouse owners do not live in Jamaica, they have created the Rockhouse Foundation, through which over $500,000 has been invested in Negril schools.

Location: Negril is a funky town ninety minutes from Montego Bay. The Rockhouse is located in Negril's hip West End neighborhood, perched on a cliff just south of the town's famous seven mile stretch of glorious white sand beach.

Rooms: For Darn Good Digs prices you can stay in either a studio room (water views) or a standard room (garden views). The rooms are decorated in a simple, yet colorful Caribbean style, and all have private outdoor showers heated by solar hot water heaters.

Food: The Rockhouse restaurant is a destination unto itself. The restaurant specializes in what it calls "new Jamaican cuisine", updating old classics like ackee and saltfish and jerk chicken. Meals are delicious and reasonably priced. The restaurant seems to dangle over the water and the sunsets are to die for! The Rockhouse also has a more casual restaurant by the pool which serves lunch.

Vibe: The Rockhouse is cool, hip, and laid back. You can swim in the cliffside pool, lounge on the deck chairs scattered throughout the property, take the steps, ladders, and bridges down to the water for swimming or snorkeling, or relax at the spa.

Things to Keep in Mind: Make sure you book in advance because these digs fill up fast. The Rockhouse does not allow children under twelve and does not have a sandy beach.

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Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Balamku Inn on the Beach, Mahahual, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Nominated By: Gary at Green Traveler Guides, April '10

Price Range: US$75-$90 (breakfast included) # of Rooms: 10 Kid-Friendly: yes

What makes the Balamku Inn on the Beach so Darn Good? This eco-friendly hotel on Mexico's beautiful Costa Maya has been nominated by the World Travel Awards as a Leading Green Hotel in Mexico and Central America two years in a row. Balamku is powered by solar and wind energy and its ten beachfront rooms are situated to maximize natural ventilation. The airy rooms are tastefully turned out with tile floors and colorful Mexican art.

Location: Balamku is a few minutes from the little fishing village of Mahahual, four and half hours south of Cancun on the Yucatan Peninsula. The Inn boasts a sandy beachfront with clear, calm, and shallow waters protected by the great Banco Chinchorro reef, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and popular destination for snorkelers and scuba divers alike. Balamku offers free use of kayaks, and opportunities for hiking, birding, and exploring Mayan ruins abound.

Rooms: Balamku has two single and four double palapas with private terraces overlooking the Caribbean Sea. All guestrooms are attractive and well maintained, tropical in theme and in fact. In order to protect the nearby coral reef, each room has a shower and sink fed by captured rainwater that flows out to a constructed wetland, as well as specially designed composting toilets (looking at them, you would hardly guess) which eliminate the need for septic tanks. In addition, Balamku uses natural cleaning products and provides aloe vera based toiletries.

Food: A full breakfast is served in the main inn and features organic fruit from the property, homemade granola, a selection of egg dishes, and organic Chiapas coffee. Balamku also offers a light lunch menu of sandwiches, soup, quesadillas, and shrimp tacos. For dinner, several restaurants are in and around the town of Mahahual, and two are within walking distance of the inn.

Vibe: Balamku is totally laid-back and serene. Just reach for another cerveza or herbal iced tea, relax, and enjoy.

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Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Villa La Bella, Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Nominated By: Jen Schenkel, Brooklyn, New York, March '10

Price Range: US$120-$230 (breakfast included) # of Rooms: 6 Kid-Friendly: no

What makes Villa La Bella so Darn Good? Villa La Bella is a colorful six room bed and breakfast on the small island of Isla Mujeres, a short ferry ride and a world away from Cancun. The Villa offers a peaceful adults-only getaway with a low-key vibe away from the tourist crowds. Ashley and Curtis, the on-site owners, are gracious hosts, not too intrusive, but available for any questions about the island or your stay.

Location: Villa La Bella is on a quiet coastal street, just an hour and a half from the Cancun airport and a five minute taxi ride to the main town and Playa Norte, a popular white-sand beach. While the Villa is not on the beach itself, it is right on the coast, and you can walk along the rocks and find great sea glass. You can also walk to a few restaurants, including a phenomenal taco joint, but you are definitely not in the center of the action.

Rooms: Once through the Villa's front door, you'll find yourself in a carefully thought out gorgeous space. The bed and breakfast has an outdoor living room (with free wireless if you can't unplug), a pool and hot tub surrounded by hammocks and lounge furniture, a swing bar, a covered area with tables and chairs where breakfast is served, a lending library with books and DVD's, and a path to the sea. The rooms are fairly simple, with the more economical accommodations off the pool, and a few larger suites upstairs (complete with swing beds hanging from ropes - not for everyone). The Villa has no televisions or phones, but plenty of breezes, space, light, and cool touches like carved lanterns and shell sculptures. Some rooms have air conditioning.

Food: Villa La Bella serves a yummy breakfast every morning except Monday. The coffee is strong and the portions are generous. For other meals, you can head into town, walk to one of several local, very casual and delicious taco places, or have Mayan chicken delivered when you feel too lazy to leave. A little bodega is also very close where you can buy happy hour snacks to go with the mixed drinks and Mexican beers available at the Villa's bar.

Vibe: The Villa is quiet and relaxing with funky decor. Unlike many B&B's, you don't have to talk to the hosts or other guests unless you feel like it - there's enough space to do your own thing or to make friends, depending on your mood.

Keep in Mind: While Isla Mujeres has been developed more than some other parts of the Yucatan coast and the beach can be crowded at times, the Villa is a darn good getaway that's not far from a major airport.

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Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Finca la Suiza, Hornito, Panama
Nominated By: Allison and Michael, Brooklyn, NY, February '08

Price Range: US$40-$50 # of Rooms: 3 Kid-Friendly: Yes

What makes Finca la Suiza so Darn Good? Finca la Suiza is located in the beautiful Chiriqui Highlands of Panama. We loved the walking trails through the rainforest and the delicious communal meals. If you are a birder, this is the place for you!

Location: Finca la Suiza is located just about in the middle of nowhere, about 40 kms up the road from the Pan American Highway on your way to the very cool Bocas del Toro Archipelago. You can't see Finca la Suiza from the bottom of the 1 km driveway so, except for the sign, you wouldn't even know it is there.

Rooms: Finca la Suiza has three rooms, all connected in the front by a big porch where you can sit and take in the view of the gorgeous green mountains. The rooms are big, airy, and decorated with simple, tasteful furnishings.

Food: The owners, Herbert and Monika, serve up delightful breakfasts and dinners in their big dining room. The food is super fresh and many of the fruits and vegetables come right from the organic garden. The communal meals were memorable for the great wine and friendly conversation.

Vibe: Finca la Suiza is paradise for nature lovers. The owners have created several well-marked trails throughout their property, including a three hour circuit through virgin cloudforest. All trails begin right at the house. We spent a morning hiking the trails, and saw waterfalls, spectacular overlooks, and birds galore! The owners were very friendly and even bandaged Michael up after he slipped on some rocks while exploring a waterfall.

Things to Keep in Mind: It is a 1 km long walk up the driveway to get to the house. No children below the age of 12 are allowed on the trails.

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Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

La Loma Jungle Lodge, Isla Bastimentos, Bocas del Toro, Panama
Nominated By: nzbased, Auckland, New Zealand, September '08

Price Range: $100 per person (includes three meals) # of Rooms: 3 Kid-Friendly: yes, over 5

What makes La Loma Jungle Lodge so Darn Good? The total experience!

Location: La Loma Jungle Lodge is located on the quiet and secluded Isla Bastimentos in the beautiful Archipelago de Bocas del Toro off of Panama's northwest coast. Guests at La Loma can tour its working butterfly farm and gardens, hike its rainforest trails, and row traditional wooden cayucos through the mangroves. White sand beaches are just a five minute boat ride away. The lodge provides boat pick up and drop off from Bocas, the island chain's busiest town and transportation hub.

Rooms: Hidden among trees and vines, each of La Loma's three ranchos can be reached by footpath through the jungle from the main lodge. Inspired by traditional Ngobe architecture, the ranchos have been built using sustainably harvested wood and consist mainly of open platforms with roofs. The ranchos all have mosquito nets on their beds, bathrooms with hot water showers, and well-worn hammocks. The real deal is that you are actually sleeping in the jungle with all the amazing nocturnal noises to lull you to sleep.

Food: What can we say! A total miracle! Every dining experience is different from the last, and all meals are home-made on site using totally fresh ingredients. We loved sitting outside at the lodge's bench-style table with total strangers who soon became friends, relating travel experiences, and soaking up the wonderful ambience long into the evening.

Vibe: La Loma is laid-back enough to be horizontal. This is the place to just chill out and get back to nature. Margaret and Henry, your tremendously knowledgeable hosts, know their business well, and filled our minds with information on butterflies, cocoa, and the indigenous Ngobe families that they are helping through their community program, Hooda Chi. Really, this place is one out of the box!

Things to Keep in Mind: If you need air conditioning, this may not be the place for you. The lower rancho has enough electricity to run a small fan and a light, and while the two ranchos further up the hill are not connected to electricity, they do have a natural breeze due to their higher elevation. The climb from the lodge's dining area to the ranchos is a fairly steep 5 to 7 minute climb, and torches and gumboots are provided. It can be a bit hot and sticky here but, hey, you're in the jungle!

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Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Casa de Amistad, Isabella Segunda, Vieques, Puerto Rico
Nominated By: Peg, Gloucester, Massachusetts, USA, November '08

Price Range: US$75-$90 # of Rooms: 7 Kid-Friendly: 10 and older

What makes Casa de Amistad so Darn Good? Casa de Amistad is a true island oasis at a great price. If you want to feel so comfortable that you can get coffee in your pajamas, then this is the place for you! With their house just next door, your hosts, Owen and David, are at your call, yet completely unobtrusive. They have stocked their guesthouse with everything you might need for the perfect beach vacation, including snorkeling equipment, beach chairs, and coolers for a picnic lunch. We just came home from a seven day stay and already want to return!

Location: The island of Vieques, six miles off Puerto Rico's east coast, is full of gorgeous beaches and unspoiled nature. Casa de Amistad is located in the town of Isabella Segunda, just two blocks from the ferry dock and close to many bars and restaurants. Vieques can be reached by ferry from Fajardo or plane from San Juan.

Rooms: Casa de Amistad's seven rooms all have comfy beds, air conditioners, and private bathrooms, although two are not en-suite. Common space abounds, such as the sweet street-side porch for people watching and morning coffee. Guests can also swim in the backyard pool, lounge in front of the satellite TV, and take in the sun on the rooftop deck.

Food: While the guesthouse does not serve food, there are two grocerias within walking distance and several restaurants nearby. The inn has a café for morning coffee, a kitchen to cook your own meals, and an honor fridge stocked with bottled water and Medalla beer.

Vibe: Casa de Amistad is the place to lay your head after a long day enjoying the beaches, sailing, or riding the local Paso Fino ponies. It's cozy here and you'll feel right at home.

Things to Keep in Mind: Rent a jeep! The best beaches are on former naval bases and are not on bus routes. Also, the guesthouse has beach towels for guests to use. The first is free, and each exchange is two dollars.

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Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Casa Grande Mountain Retreat, Utuado, Puerto Rico
Nominated By: Allison and Michael, Brooklyn, NY, February '08

Price Range: US$95-$115 # of Rooms: 20 Kid-Friendly: Yes

What makes Casa Grande Mountain Retreat so Darn Good? With its network of private cabins weaving through the lush mountains of central Puerto Rico, Casa Grande is darn green. Whether hanging out on your private balcony, taking a dip in the refreshing pool, or enjoying a delicious meal at the outdoor restaurant, a sea of deep green trees envelops you. To top it all off, Casa Grande has won several Puerto Rico Hotel & Tourism Green Inn Awards. Now that's green!

Location: Casa Grande is twenty-five minutes from the nearest town and two hours from San Juan. Some of our favorite day trips in the area include the Rio Camuy Cave Park and the Arecibo Observatory. We also took a boat ride on Lago dos Bocas, just fifteen minutes away.

Rooms: The cabins are big, airy, simply decorated, and they all have ceiling fans and balconies with a hammock, great for relaxing and wiling away the day.

Food: The delicious restaurant on site, Casa Grande Cafe, serves traditional Puerto Rican dishes, and much more. For breakfast we ate the freshest fruit salad ever with mangoes, oranges, grapefruits, bananas, and papayas all grown right on the grounds. While there is indoor seating, we recommend eating on the veranda overlooking the forest, where you can get drunk on the cool mountain air alone.

Vibe: Casa Grande is a super relaxing mountain escape. The staff is friendly and the tropical gardens are gorgeous. The owner, Steven, leads a Yoga class every morning.

Things to Keep in Mind: The road from Utuado, the closest town, to Casa Grande is long and curvy. Also, young children are more than welcome, but parents should be aware that the wooden railings on the balconies have wide gaps.

Website: Casa Grande Mountain Retreat

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Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

La Finca Caribe, Vieques, Puerto Rico
Nominated By: Matthew Fleck, Brooklyn, New York, USA, June '08

Price Range: US$65-$185 # of Rooms: 10 Kid-Friendly: Yes

What makes La Finca Caribe so Darn Good? La Finca Caribe is incredible! We loved hanging out with our fellow travelers and soaking up the beautiful scenery. This place really attracts great people and we made fast friends. Plus, the outdoor showers are amazing.

Location: La Finca Caribe is on a hill in the middle of Vieques, a small island just six miles off the east coast of Puerto Rico, and the views of the forest down to the Caribbean Sea are fantastic. Over half of Vieques is designated a National Wildlife Refuge, which translates into miles and miles of amazing, unspoiled, white sand beaches. Vieques can be reached by ferry from Fajardo or plane from San Juan.

Rooms: The main guesthouse has six rooms, and four additional cabins are scattered throughout La Finca's lush, fruit-tree and flower-filled grounds. While most rooms have shared bathrooms and are fairly simple, the newly built Casa Nueva offers a few more creature comforts. La Finca also has a pool if you are all beached out.

Food: Although La Finca doesn't serve food, it does have a big open-air kitchen and a well-stocked communal bar. Guests can enjoy their meals at one of the many colorful outdoor tables situated on the deck. If you are not in the mood for cooking, a restaurant is nearby and the village of Esperanza is less than three miles away.

Vibe: La Finca provides loads of pillows, hammocks, and cushy seating areas where travelers mingle, and share stories and margaritas. Our hosts, Jane and Nelson, were terrific and they gave us many helpful hints and suggestions about things to do in Vieques.

Things to Keep in Mind: You pretty much need to rent a car on Vieques for maximum beach exploration, so make sure you rent one in advance! Also, La Finca has a three night minimum stay in the guesthouse and a week minimum stay in the rest of the cabins.

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Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Mary Lee's by the Sea, Guanica, Puerto Rico
Nominated By: Allison and Michael, Brooklyn, NY, March '08

make a reservation inquiry directly with Mary Lee

Price Range: US$100-$250 # of Rooms: 10 Kid-Friendly: Yes

What makes Mary Lee's by the Sea so Darn Good? The apartments are where it's at at Mary Lee's. They are huge and decorated to the nines in a funky Floridian style. We had great fun exploring the bay and mangrove islands in a kayak that we launched right from Mary Lee's dock, just a stone's throw away from our porch.

Location: Mary Lee's is located on the southwest coast of Puerto Rico, two hours from San Juan and just up the street from the Guanica Dry Forest, a UNESCO International Biosphere Reserve. This truly special place is the largest remaining strip of tropical dry coastal forest on earth. The reserve has great hiking trails, remote beaches, and renowned bird watching, but what we enjoyed most was spotting all sorts of crazy looking cacti.

Rooms: Bright and colorful fabrics cover the couches, beds, tables, curtains, chairs, you name it, in all of Mary Lee's gigantic apartments. Most of the apartments have several rooms and would be great for a family or a big party. When you feel like getting some fresh sea air, you can relax in your outdoor sitting area, most of which have sea views.

Food: Mary Lee's doesn't serve food, but all the rooms have fully equipped kitchenettes and access to barbecues. Don't forget to pick up groceries before you arrive. We also recommend that you make a pit stop at the little empanada hut on Guanica Bay along the road to Mary Lee's. If you are not in the mood to cook dinner, it is just a short drive to a couple of restaurants, including a somewhat fancy one at the nearby resort.

Vibe: Mary Lee's by the Sea felt like our own little hideaway on the Puerto Rican coast. We relaxed, did our own thing, and hardly saw a soul.

Things to Keep in Mind: Although Mary Lee's is on the coast, you need to drive or take a boat to get to the beach.

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Make an Inquiry/Book a Room at:

Darn Good Digs Review - Editors' Choice

Carringtons Inn, Christiansted, St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
Nominated By: Jennifer, Chicago, USA, November '08

Price Range: US$100-$165 (breakfast included) # of Rooms: 5 Kid-Friendly: No

What makes Carringtons Inn so Darn Good? Carringtons overflows with warm hospitality and island charm.

Location: This former winter home of a wealthy family is perfectly perched on a hill overlooking the town of Christiansted on St. Croix's northeastern coast. Christiansted was once the capital of the former Danish West Indies, and its well-preserved colonial architecture still lines the downtown streets. The Christiansted National Historic Site also maintains several historic buildings, such as the West India & Guinea Company Warehouse and the Danish Custom House. White sand beaches, dense rainforests, and coral reefs abound on St Croix, the largest of the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Rooms: Carringtons has five rooms, three larger rooms with king-size beds and views of Christiansted harbor, and two smaller poolside rooms with queen-size beds. Two of the larger rooms, Flamboyant and Periwinkle, have private balconies. In addition, the Inn's pool and adjacent honor bar are excellent places to kick back and relax.

Food: Breakfast is lovingly prepared by innkeepers, Claudia and Roger. Wake up to a hot bowl of cream of wheat with fresh fruit and yogurt, followed by a home-cooked hot entree. The Cruzan French toast, made with St. Croix's own locally distilled rum, is spectacular! For meals out, Christiansted has a good number of restaurants and bars in town and on the boardwalk.

Vibe: Carringtons is quiet, laid-back, casual, and friendly.

Things to Keep in Mind: Carringtons is one mile from downtown Christiansted, and just minutes from the nearest beach. The larger rooms with harbor views get rave reviews and might just be worth the splurge.

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