Cat Island, Bahamas

On most tropical islands, "rake and scrape" is what you do in the bottom of your purse after you get hit by hotel surcharges and overpriced rum drinks. On Cat Island, it's a type of Bahamian music you'll hear among the beach bars, as accessible as the coral-colored sands that fringe the island. Among the few accommodations on 46-mile long, fishhook-shaped Cat is Sammy T's resort, where seven redwood villas each have one or two bedrooms, air-conditioning, and a kitchenette. It sits on a pale pink beach known for its own distinct Bahamian sound: the pop of icy Kalik beers at noon.

Fly Buy: Check JetBlue for cheap flights to Nassau (800-538-2583; www.jetblue.com). Fly from Nassau to one of Cat Island's two airports for as little as $200 round-trip on Bahamasair (242-377-5505; www.bahamasair.com).

Sammy T's Beach Resort
Tel: 242 354 6009
One-bedroom villas for two from $175