Azul, a spectacular beachside villa retreat on Ambergris Caye, Belize

This is what vacation dreams are made of—a white-washed villa set right on the beach; an infinity pool with views to the Caribbean Sea; a bar chef to mix cocktails and prepare a seafood barbecue; and a private sailboat for snorkeling or a leisurely sunset cruise.

Fantasy Island? Not at Azul, a super-chic retreat on tropical Ambergris Caye off the coast of Belize, offering a barefoot-in-paradise hideaway in one of the world's most spectacular settings. Each of Azul's twin villas has more than 3,000 square feet of beach-boho style and luxury, with two guest rooms, ensuite bathrooms, king-size beds, Egyptian cotton sheets, local artworks, and a breezy rooftop terrace with a daybed, hammock, hot tub, and an al fresco dining area. The villas also have flat-screen TVs, DVD players and movie libraries, Bose entertainment systems with iPod docking stations, and wireless internet access, although I guarantee you won't be checking emails often! The villas share the swimming pool and funky Rojo Lounge, where meals are cooked to order, but with 10 acres of landscaped gardens, 400 feet of powdery white-sand beach, and an array of activities from visiting ancient Mayan ruins to deep-sea fishing to choose from, Azul is as close to total escapism as it gets. Four miles north of the island's main town San Pedro.

Villa rates from $1,875.