Water, water everywhere: Oceanfront digs that will satisfy any taste and budget

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.