These Are the Cutest Beach Cottages Ever

The most relaxing escapes in the homiest atmospheres.

ByABC News
July 25, 2015, 6:31 AM
Seahorse Cottages, Sanibel Island
Seahorse Cottages, Sanibel Island
Oyster.com

— -- intro: We've seen some pretty adorable accommodations during our travels, from cozy cabins to beachfront bungalows and more. But there's something super cute about a beach cottage that's not as bare-bones and impersonal as a motel stay, and not as luxe and secluded as a villa. A beach cottage allows guests to have a relaxing escape that's relaxing not only because of the privacy and homey atmosphere it provides, but also because of the costs it can cut; almost all have their own kitchens for when visitors want to dine in, and many can be found at properties that are more focused on the sandy surroundings than uber-modern amenities and facilities. We scanned beach resorts all over and picked out the seven cutest cottages on the sand. Time to cue the awwws!

quicklist: 1title: The SPA Retreat Boutique Hotel, Jamaicatext: A peaceful and beautiful resort, The SPA Retreat Boutique Hotel was designed to be a true escape for couples and small groups wanting to relax, be pampered, and enjoy a quiet experience. For adults only, the intimate hotel (maximum 47 visitors) features all-inclusive packages for dining at the on-site restaurant and bar, a variety of spa services, and an incredible view of the Negril cliffs and Caribbean, which can be enjoyed from many of the individual cottages. All of the two-story stone cottages feature high wooden ceilings, large bathrooms, and outdoor porches or balconies. media: 32663488

quicklist: 2title: Seahorse Cottages, Sanibel Islandtext: Seahorse Cottages is a budget boutique hotel with just four cottages that are nestled in a quiet area of Old Town Sanibel, just 200 feet from the beach; it's a great place to get away from the hustle and bustle. Cottages all have full kitchens, living rooms, and patios, and there are studios, and one- and two-bedroom options available. There is a tiny pool surrounded by beautiful tropical landscaping and trees, with cozy places to sit throughout the small grounds. The hotel offers free Wi-Fi, barbecue facilities and free bicycles, beach chairs, and wagons for guests' use. There's also a seashell cleaning station, as Sanibel is known for having beautiful seashells.media: 32663683

quicklist: 3title: Cocobay Resort, Antiguatext: This charming all-inclusive boutique resort, situated on a bluff overlooking the sea, features 57 separate cottage-style rooms painted in Caribbean pinks and blues. All have a rustic style featuring exposed wood beams, and some have private Tasty Kitchenplunge pools. It is a posh adults-only property catering to couples, wedding parties, and honeymooners -- but it offers a much more intimate atmosphere than massive couples-only resorts like Sandals.media: 32663930

quicklist: 4title: The Palms Hotel, Fire Island, New Yorktext: This lovely, 27-room boutique hotel is located just minutes from the ferry landing in the Ocean Beach section of the island, and is best described as a collection of lodgings versus a hotel, since there are rooms in the main hotel as well as separate cottages, bungalows, suites, and efficiencies. In other words, your stay will largely be predicated on the type of room you book. No matter what size space you end up in, however, you can rest assured that it will be clean and comfortable, with comfy bedding as well as modern amenities. Cottages have full kitchens and patios. media: 32663577

quicklist: 5title: Royal DeCameron Club Caribbean, Jamaicatext: About 30 minutes outside Ocho Rios and Jamaica's busier tourist towns, the small-scale Royal Decameron and its 143 cottages offer a much quieter option for families and couples than the mega-resorts. Even with its medium-size pool and mediocre food, the name-brand liquor and relaxed setting make it a good value for a low-key all-inclusive. Each cottage contains a single room with a large closet and bathroom in the back. The rooms are pretty small but tall, palapa-style ceilings make them feel open and airy.media: 32663735

quicklist: 6title: Pigeon Cay Beach Club, Cat Islandtext: The small, intimate, budget Pigeon Cay Beach Club is located on beautiful and secluded Cat Island. With only seven beachfront cottages, the atmosphere is friendly and laid-back but also private. The simple, rustic cottages lack TVs and Internet, but they include fully-equipped kitchens and furnished outdoor spaces. The beach is the best part of Pigeon Cay -- it’s quiet, secluded, and gorgeous with turquoise blue water and powdery white sand. This isn't an updated or lavish property, but the very affordable rates make Pigeon Cay a good choice for those looking to get lost in Cat Island's natural beauty. media: 32663784

quicklist: 7title: La Siesta Resort and Marina, Islamoradatext: La Siesta Resort and Marina is a waterfront hotel with a stellar location on the ocean, access to water sports, and a spacious pool deck with a tropical vibe. The bare-bones property offers various suites and standalone cottages; all are extremely simply furnished and kitchens are a tad dated, but many overlook the lovely marina from outdoor patios with hammocks. media: 32663879