Hotel Hana-Maui, Hawaii
Earlier this year, we showed you our favorite Bohemian escapes in Jamaica (The Caves, Tensing Pen, Rockhouse Hotel, and Jake’s), special places with lots of wood and stone, breath-stopping views, serene locations. Although Jamaica has mastered the art of rustic luxury, it’s not the only island that’s home to hotels with relaxed, back-to-nature vibes. We found a handful of other beautiful properties from the Caribbean and Hawaii that prove “rustic” doesn’t have to mean camping. In fact, some of our favorite rustic hotels are downright pricey. Below, take a look at where to splurge, and where to save, on your next bohemian beach escape.
Hotel Hana-Maui, Hawaii
: $694/avg. per night Maui, Hawaii: 4
The Hotel Hana-Maui overlooking Hana Bay delivers rustic luxury in the middle of Maui’s lush, secluded east coast. Incredible service, top spa, excellent food, a long list of stuff to do, and only 77 rooms on acres of uncrowded property. The rooms are large, clean, sleekly furnished — and stripped of TVs, clocks, and radios. Hard to reach, but worth the trip.
Caneel Bay, A Rosewood Resort, U.S. Virgin Islands
$577/avg. per night St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands 5
Built from a historic sugar plantation, this profoundly serene 166-room resort sits on 170 acres of a protected national park, dotted with seven remote beaches and home to wild donkeys roaming the grounds. Even with a quaint pool and rustic rooms that lack TVs and phones, Caneel’s attentive service and unparalleled setting make it one of the Caribbean’s best resorts.
Natura Cabanas, Dominican Republic
$219/avg. per night Cabarete and Sosua, Dominican Republic 3.5
Offering eco-friendly bungalows in a lush, friendly setting, Natura Cabanas is a taste of serene, northern coast luxury for a remarkably fair price. Guests enjoy delicious, fresh food, a clean, crowd-less private beach (it’s the best on the D.R.’s north coast), daily yoga and Pilates classes, and a fabulous spa. It’s quiet, and a bit rustic without TV or AC in rooms, but that’s the point.
Ke Iki Beach Bungalows, Oahu, Hawaii
$185/avg. per night Oahu, Hawaii 3
Location trumps luxury at these 11 beachfront bungalows sitting just above the sand on the picturesque North Shore. Sure, the bungalows are modest, amenities are zero, and service is minimal. But a beautiful beach is just outside the door, as are hammocks and grills. And Oahu’s most famous surfing spots and a charming surfer town, Haleiwa, are just down the street.