As they say, No worries, mon. I surveyed representatives from resorts all across the Caribbean on Tuesday, and here are their reports:

*Biras Creek Resort, BVI: General Manager Rik Blyth says the resort “experienced 60-75 mph winds as a result of Hurricane Earl. We experienced moderate damage to foliage and landscaping, a few cedar shingles were blown from roofs, and some docks are in need of minor repair. Luckily, the resort shuts down each year for about two months to refurbish and freshen things up, so we don’t have guests onsite until we reopen October 20th. We had crews onsite to begin repairs at 8 a.m. Tuesday morning, and will be better than new in plenty of time prior to reopening.”

*The Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort & Spa, St. Thomas: The clean-up effort began Tuesday, and the pool and beach reopened on Wednesday, but the resort is not accepting new arrival reservations until Thursday, September 2nd.

*CuisinArt Resort & Spa, Anguilla: “While CuisinArt — pictured above — was scheduled to close for the season on August 30th, since guest safety was the top priority, all hotel guests were were safely evacuated from the property one day early, on August 29th,” said a spokeswoman. “Other than some minimal landscape damage, we withstood Hurricane Earl without any substantial property damage, and we’re currently taking reservations for when we reopen on October 30th.”

*St. Kitts Marriott Resort: From a spokesperson: “Other than rain and a few fallen branches, the St. Kitts Marriott withstood the storm and there has been no significant damage whatsoever to the property. It’s business as usual at the resort, the sun is shining and all amenities and facilities are available to guests.”

*The Peter Island Resort & Spa, BVI: The resort sustained some wind damage due to Hurricane Earl. “To maintain the highest level of services our guests have come to expect, the resort will be closed for a week to spruce up the property,” says a spokeswoman.

*San Juan Marriott Resort, Puerto Rico: According to a spokeswoman, “I’m happy to report that the storm did not significantly impact operations. There was some heavy rain and light winds, but no damage was sustained and no cleanup efforts needed. The resort remains open and fully operational for guests to enjoy.”

*Finally, from Cindy Clearwater, a wedding and event planner in St. Croix: “Crucians — folks living on St. Croix — are pretty well-versed in hurricane preparation and take warnings very seriously. This weekend, we spent much of our time stocking up on dry and canned goods, bottled water, ice, gassing up vehicles and shuttering or boarding up windows. On Monday, all schools were closed and non-essential government workers were sent home by noon. Most businesses and restaurants closed as well, allowing their employees the opportunity to stay safe off the roads and at home with loved ones. Local radio personalities stayed on-air all day taking calls from local residents and helping to keep everyone informed about the storm. The best part about living in the islands there is always a strong sense of community whenever a storm affects St. Croix.

“We only experienced tropical storm force winds, and thus damage was minimal. There are tree limbs down and electricity is still out in a few areas, but most the cleanup should be completed in a few days. Resorts, restaurants and other businesses are, for the most part, up and running again today.”

And she reports, after Hurricane Earl bypassed St. Croix, residents cranked up The Dixie Chicks’ song “Goodbye Earl.”

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This is Stonington on Deer Isle, on what’s referred to as the Blue Hill Peninsula. Stonington is a small thriving village of primarily artists and fishermen, not to mention incredible views of the outlying islands and distant mountains of Isle au Haut. And let’s not forget an Opera House. My husband and I went yesterday to visit one of my listings (Inn on the Harbor) and to enjoy some fried clams and a glass of Sauvignon Blanc by the water! We stopped by Isalos Art Gallery, one of the many wonderful galleries lining Main Street. I’ve been a big fan of Rebecca Daugherty’s large formats of fishing boats but I had never met Michael Daugherty in person (we’d only connected on Facebook and Twitter) until this visit.

Stonington offers a wide variety of real estate, many of which are second homes. There’s a pretty strong demand for weekly rentals on the coast, so a second home makes a great investment. It’s a wonderful small town to park your car and forget about it for a while…

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Greening Island sits just off the coast of Southwest Harbor on Mount Desert Island, home to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. It also sits at the base of Somes Sound, the fjord that nearly splits the island into two.

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I profiled Scrub Island Resort in the September/October issue of Ocean Home, but didn’t have enough room on the page to include some eye-opening comments from Chef Andy Niedenthal, so enjoy:

I’ve talked with a number of island-based chefs in the last year, and one topic that always fascinates me is the sheer logistics of getting food across what sometimes amounts to thousands of miles of ocean, and how they make the effort to work with local suppliers, whether they’re farmers, butchers, or ice cream makers.

When I asked Niedenthal how he got ice cream to the resort, he laughed and said it was the equivalent of running a special ops mission. Temperatures average in the mid-80s year-round, so everyone involved had to be on high alert.

Essentially, Niedenthal sends a small truck equipped with a refrigeration unit over on a barge to collect the ice cream in St. Thomas before barging it back to the docks at Scrub. From how he describes it, it’s a constant recon mission with cellphones and radios constantly abuzz until the quarry is safely tucked away in the walk-in.

Get it from the store! Get it on the truck on the boat! Then, Get down to the lift, it’s here at the dock!

Wouldn’t getting an in-house ice cream maker make his job a little easier?

“I’m working on it,” he says.

I’ll keep you posted on further developments…

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This is the view of Mount Desert Island, Maine, home to Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. It’s taken from the shorefront in Sullivan, Maine from one of my listings dating back to the late 1800′s – a classic Maine “Shingle Style Cottage” (Dan Cooper shows some nice examples on Mount Desert Island, or “MDI”). MDI has long been a very desirable to live for the natural beauty and deep water for large sailing and yachting enthusiasts. There are gorgeous homes dotting every bit of the coastline, many with incredible views of outlying islands. Waterfront homes on the island with deep water frontage from 4,000-8,000 square feet and beyond can range from $2.5 million to $10 million.

But waterfront homes off the island are a different story and can offer a buyer a gorgeous piece of shorefront property and a view quite often under $2 million. Continue up the coast along Route 1, or ‘down east‘ as we say: “When ships sailed from Boston to ports in Maine (which were to the east of Boston), the wind was at their backs, so they were sailing downwind, hence the term ‘Down East.’”

Down East Maine is known largely for blueberries, Puffins, the Schoodic Peninsula (part of Acadia National Park) and fishing. While much less affluent than MDI, there are beautiful waterfront homes down east which make great vacation homes just the same…

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With your deeded 1/10th ownership, settle in to your luxuriously appointed 1, 2 or 3 bedroom, fully furnished residence, with pricing starting at $99,900 complete with a rich assortment of services and amenities including the latest in kitchen appliances and furniture, personal lap tops, wood floors made of renewable materials, large wall-mounted televisions and fireplaces in the living rooms and bedrooms, balconies and state-of-the-art bathrooms and oversized whirlpool tubs and elegant bathroom fixtures.

Membership privileges are plentiful and include complimentary boat club membership, pre-arrival grocery shopping, baby-sitting services, concierge services, preferred access to the Beach Plum Spa and much more.

Located on the site of the award-winning Cape Codder Resort & Spa in Hyannis, you’ll be immersed in amenities including the Beach Plum Spa & Med-Spa; Indoor Wave Pool; beautifully landscaped courtyard with beach-like area, nightly bonfires, outdoor dining and seasonal entertainment; three restaurants and year-round entertainment. When it’s time to go home, simply lock up and we’ll clean up.

Cape Codder Residence Club – www.CapeCodderResidenceClub.com

[View with PicLens]

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Low humidity; ocean breezes; low 80′s in the warmest of summers (but much cooler at night); upper 20′s in the winters; manageable snowfall; few road conditions or snow delays; and for the most part, free from catastrophic weather.  The coast of Maine enjoys temperatures 10-15 degrees cooler than inland in summer and 10-15 degrees warmer in winter. We experience the best of both worlds. We enjoy summers with open windows without air conditioning. I know it seems unfathomable to many, but once you experience our fresh air, you’ll understand.  Our winters aren’t all grey and cloudy. Sure, our spring doesn’t arrive until May and our summer begins to fade in September but they’re simply short but very sweet. We have a gorgeous fall foliage season which peaks around October 15th. The leaves begin to drop and by early November, we’re headed into winter with crisp air and plenty of sunny days where snow doesn’t often fall until late December. I personally love this time of year – it’s particularly great for hiking with soft rustling leaves and pine needles on the forest floor. Most of our snow on the coast falls between January and March. Come April the snow melts and we have a month of “mud season”. May dries up, trees begin to bud and before we know it, spring has sprung. We have four distinct and intense seasons and we appreciate the intense beauty of each.

It’s no wonder why Maine leads the nation in the second home market…

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There’s no need for a picnic table when there are beautiful granite rocks, boulders and ledges on which to enjoy a picnic by the ocean in Maine.  With 3,000 miles of coastline, you can probably even find a spot where you never see another person. But this area known as Seawall is one of my favorites in all of Maine. It’s part of Acadia National Park on the southwestern half of Mount Desert Island, but on the eastern shore of the western side, just before the southernmost tip of the island and Bass Harbor lighthouse.

Seawall Campground Entrance GPS: Latitude 44.240444; Longitude -68.304272
Seawall Picnic Area GPS: Latitude 44.237646; Longitude -68.302139

Just bring your blanket and enjoy the sound and smell of the ocean…

Fact: Mount Desert Island is nearly split in half by a natural fjord known as Somes Sound which was formed by glaciers long ago. It’s popular by sailing enthusiasts for its deep waters that drop off immediately beyond the shore. Somes Sound is home to many incredible waterfront mansions from Southwest Harbor around to Northeast Harbor.

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I’m new to blogging for OceanHome Magazine  and am honored to be asked to contribute as a Coastal Maine specialist. I was approached by OceanHome from a connection on Twitter and Facebook where I regularly post my photos of Maine. I’m a Broker and statewide Lodging Specialist for The Swan Agency Sotheby’s International Realty in Bar Harbor, Maine. Because I travel so much of the state, I have the opportunity to see some of the most beautiful places and I enjoy blogging and sharing them. I don’t just sell real estate, I sell the lifestyle; the luxury Maine lifestyle.

As we say, “Welcome to Maine, the way life should be…”

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Peter Island Resort & Spa, British Virgin Islands

Peter Island Resort & Spa
At Peter Island Resort & Spa, the largest private island in the British Virgin Islands, the Ayurvedic beachside spa and five fine-sugar beaches would be enough for many people. But Peter Island goes even further with its luxurious ultra-private spa suites for couples, which feature private verandas, roomy deep-plunge hydrotherapy tubs, a Swiss shower, and two state-of-the-art treatment tables. Whether you choose the suites or the main treatment rooms, the Caribbean Kur Odyssey provides a standard that integrates every healing and rejuvenating treatment for your entire body—exfoliation, mask, wrap, scalp massage, hydrotherapy, and full-body massage—while using healthful thermal waters, algae, essential oils, and herbs every step of the way. peterisland.com

Hermitage Bay
Dorissima color rituals are the treatments of choice at Hermitage Bay on Antigua, where each hot-stone massage, body wrap, and full-body exfoliation corresponds to one of the body’s eight chakras. With the throat chakra treatment, for example, a therapist uses a formula of specific herbs to coax toxins from the body and facilitate clear expression. Hermitage Bay also offers a choice of Goldmund Facial Treatments, which use the exclusive Algae Marine product line. Each facial procedure includes a peel, light massage, and mask. While the mask sets, the therapist will direct an indigo light at your “third eye” chakra to help boost your natural intuition and release negative thoughts. You’ll also get a holistic foot massage. Bonus: most treatments can be performed in the privacy of your room. hermitagebay.com

Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows
The spa at Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows draws on the mysterious and stunning history and mythology that is Hawaii, from the spa’s architecture to its treatments and services. When entering the spa, it’s like walking right into a traditional Hawaiian village, with thatched treatment huts, a meditation pavilion, and a watsu pool. At one of two natural open-air lava saunas, heated Ili Ili stones warm your feet while you massage smoothing black volcanic clay into your skin. Unique to Mauna Lani is the lomi lomi hula massage, during which a skilled masseuse essentially performs a hula on your body with her hands while Hawaiian music plays in the background. maunalani.com

Maroma Resort & Spa

Maroma Resort & Spa
Kinan is the Mayan word for the healing energy of the sun and is closely related to the Asian concept of chi. Absolutely every aspect of the Kinan Spa at the Maroma Resort is designed to help realign your energy;
buildings, treatment rooms, and even waterfalls have been designed with an eye toward fostering kinan. The treatment rooms point east to west, with massage beds facing the east and a relaxation room focused north in an arrangement that helps keep guests grounded. The Mayan Mud Bar offers a choice of four different healing muds: Mayan clay hydrates and purifies, black mud helps reduce inflammation and speed healing, red mud helps soothe sore muscles, and green mud serves as an astringent. Maroma also offers guests use of the Mayan Temazcal, which is similar to a Native American sweat lodge, with ancient rituals, chants, and meditation. maromahotel.com

The Reefs Hotel & Club
At La Serena Spa, the top-rated spa in Bermuda, many treatments and services sound like they should be served up in a hollowed-out coconut alongside the massage table: the Exotic Lime & Ginger Salt Glow and Exotic Coconut Polish & Milk Ritual Wrap top the menu. La Serena takes hot-stone massage one step further by using actual lava stones, while the lava shell foot massage uses shells and oils and reflexology to relax and stimulate trigger points. The Aroma Spa Ocean Wrap helps you relax and detox with a two-hour treatment that goes over the top: two wraps, three massages, and a secret formula of algae and marine plants. If you want something a little longer lasting, microdermabrasion and non-surgical facelift are also offered. thereefs.com

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa
All treatments at Spa Moana combine the traditional Hawaiian values of lokahi (unity), maluhia (peace), ikaika (strength), and ma’ema’e (purity) with absolute luxury and lots of pampering. Choose from a menu of spa treatments such as the Pacific Island Renewal, Volcanic Detox Wrap, or the vitamin C facial. The signature treatment at Spa Moana is Pele’s Volcanic Clay Wrap, during which a therapist will melt away stress and muscle tension with warm lava stones and volcanic clay while detoxifying, moisturizing, and restoring essential minerals to the body. Whatever you choose, don’t miss the chance for a session with a practitioner of lomi lomi, a traditional Hawaiian massage practice typically passed down from one kahuna—the traditional Keeper of Secrets on any Hawaiian island—to the next. hyattregencymaui.com

Coconut Bay Beach Resort & Spa
The Organic Rainforest Facial at St. Lucia’s most luxurious spa combines organically grown herbs, fruits, and vegetables with pure water straight from a nearby hot spring. While the herbs do their stuff, you’ll luxuriate even longer with a moisturizing hand treatment and foot massage. You might feel so relaxed that you’ll fall asleep in the sun. If you do, don’t worry: Kai Mer comes to the rescue with its Soleil Sauve (Saved from the Sun) Wrap, during which the body is slathered with a generous dose of aloe vera, freshly picked from the spa’s own garden just moments before your treatment. coconutbayresortandspa.com

Jamaica Inn

Jamaica Inn
In the language of the native Taino tribe of Jamaica, KiYara means “the sacred place of the earth spirits.” The KiYara Ocean Spa at the Jamaica Inn applies this philosophy in all of its body and healing treatments. The spa’s thatched-roof huts are perched cliffside and overlook the ocean—one actually juts out over the sea—nestled beside groves of fragrant native greenery and flowers. KiYara’s treatments draw on local herbal traditions and principles of Chinese medicine and use generous quantities of plants and herbs that grow wild on the island. The spa’s signature treat-ment, the KiYara Body Ritual, consists of three steps—a scrub, mask, and finishing—and you are invited to mix and match from the list of scrubs and masques. Choose a detoxifying or hydrating scrub followed by either a cooling or decongesting mask and finishing. kiyaraspa.com

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Miami
Each signature spa treatment at the Mandarin Oriental in Miami has been painstakingly researched and developed in consultation with specialists in traditional Chinese medicine, as well as master aromatherapists. The signature full-body massage is a relaxing ritual that combines the powerful chi-enhancing effects of a Chinese meridian massage with the personally therapeutic benefits of custom-blended essential oils. Treatments and essential oil selections are personalized for each guest so that, by the end of a session, the body, mind, and spirit are perfectly aligned. The highest floor of the Mandarin Oriental Miami also features six stunning VIP spa suites with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook a sparkling blue Biscayne Bay. mandarinoriental.com/miami

Montage Laguna Beach
The signature treatment at Spa Montage at the Montage Laguna Beach is called the Art of Spa, in which a variety of water therapies and temperatures is applied to the entire body. Your first stop is the steam room, where you’ll stimulate circulation and purge toxins from the body. Next: the cold plunge to stabilize your system. Spa staffers suggest repeating the cycle three times to guarantee the best sleep of your life. If you’re ready for something more, try the Surrender Balancing Retreat, a four-day all-inclusive program in which a spa therapist, fitness trainer, and coach will help plan the next stage of your emotional and physical life, gently engaging you while you indulge in group fitness classes, personal life coaching, and healthy-cooking classes, all eased along by four days of customized spa treatments. spamontage.com/lagunabeach

Rosewood Little Dix Bay
You’ll feel on top of the world at Sense, A Rosewood Spa, at Rosewood Little Dix Bay on Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands. Indeed, a two-tier infinity pool at the spa perches on the cliff’s edge. Here, the Seaside Sedation Massage lives up to its name: just try to stay awake during the full-body Swedish massage and a mix of relaxing bodywork techniques. Partake of the Sedation Massage upon first arriving at the resort as a way to jumpstart your vacation. After you’re suitably relaxed, try the spa’s Virgin Gorda Goat Milk & Honey Wrap, during which a freshly prepared body mask of Virgin Gorda honey, goat milk, and bananas is applied to the body. You’ll be on island time in no time. littledixbay.com

Conrad Maldives Resort & Spa Rangali Island

Conrad Maldives Resort & Spa Rangali Island
Choose from not one but two spas at this ultra-luxurious tropical resort: the Spa Retreat perches on stilts above the earth, while the treatment rooms at the OverWater Spa feature glass floors through which you can look directly down onto the coral reef while enjoying a relaxing massage. Conrad Maldives Rangali Island features Dorissima color ritual treatments, as well as Siddhartha body treatments, which are personally designed for couples with a variety of complementary massages, baths, and body wraps. No one is left out here: there’s even an ice cream spa menu for kids. Facials, massages, and pedicures for the young set come in a variety of flavors, from Peaches and Cream to Strawberry Fields. conradmaldives.com

The Ritz-Carlton, Naples
At the end of a particularly relaxing massage, one might resent having to hop off the table when a long nap feels more in order. If you fit this description, you might enjoy the Drift to Sleep treatment at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples.  At first, it looks like most other multi-treatment spa offerings: it starts with a lavender body scrub, followed by an aromatic milk bath, then a relaxing body massage. But instead of stumbling off the table, bleary eyed and yawning, there’s a radical shift: the final step of the treatment is a 30-minute power nap. Should you need more restoration, the hotel’s Bath Butler will help customize a bath ritual for you, along with a matching herbal tea. ritzcarlton.com

Four Seasons Resort -  The Biltmore Santa Barbara
True to its name, the signature spa treatment here—Four Seasons in One—fuses winter, spring, summer, and fall into one alternately soothing and invigorating session with a peppermint body scrub, an aromatic body wrap, and Thai and scalp massages. However, given that the Biltmore is in the middle of Santa Barbara Wine Country, oenophiles may want to take advantage of the spa’s three-hour wine-themed treatment. First, slip into a relaxing bath of jasmine and red wine while you sip grapeseed tea. Next up is a warm rosehip-and-olive body wrap followed by a full-body massage with grapeseed oil. Once you’re upright, you’ll be served a special selection of cheese paired with a glass of local wine. For the ultimate experience, choose one of the spa suites, which feature fireplaces. fourseasons.com/santabarbara

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora

Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora
The Kahaia spa suite at the Four Seasons Bora Bora is designed for couples with the utmost in privacy and luxury. You’ll gaze on the stunning views of nearby Mount Otemanua and be surrounded by stellar vistas of the hibiscus-rich valleys and lagoons below. The Kahaia Haven signature treatment starts with a skin-smoothing cleansing treatment followed by a naturally exfoliating body scrub that combines Tahitian black pearl powder and native vanilla. Next up, a soothing and stress-relieving massage. The Kahaia Haven winds down with a relaxing Osea facial performed with lotions rich in organic algae extracts. fourseasons.com/borabora

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Exclusivity differentiates Anguilla from its fellow picturesque neighbors. The true epitome of peacefulness, the 15-mile-long island is home to not a single nightclub or casino. Thirty white-sand beaches stretch along the island and are home to some of the Caribbean’s most luxurious accommodations. Newest among them is the 10-bedroom beachfront villa Le Bleu in the Little Harbour estates.

Situated on approximately 2.5 acres of land, Le Bleu’s tranquil beachside suites overlook the sparkling turquoise waters of Little Harbour. Caribbean architecture and Thai influences accentuate the unsurpassed surrounding views and plentiful privacy of Anguilla. Fresh air, blue sky, and aquamarine hues are reflected in every spacious room.
Le Bleu is located on Anguilla’s south shore at the mouth of Little Harbour Bay. Tropical and water gardens, a beachside Jacuzzi, and two gorgeous swimming pools that are strategically positioned to ensure views of neighboring islands St. Bartholomew and St. Martin complete the lavish landscape.

Protected and secluded by Little Harbour Reef, Le Bleu’s location is optimal for water activities like snorkeling and kayaking. For land activities, journey to the nearby Temenos Golf Club, complete with a Greg Norman-designed 18-hole golf course. $3,120-$9,643 per night, $27,300-67,500 per week, 800.289.0900, villalebleu.com

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The Hamptons has a reputation for attracting the “see and be seen” set. While famous faces do host headline-making parties, there was a time when high-powered people ventured to Long Island’s East End to escape the madness—and the maddening crowds— instead. The weathered look of the Hamptons’ clapboard houses and the serenity of the sea were part of the draw for those who fled here.

That same sense of escape is alive and well for Edward Mermelstein. The founder of an eponymous boutique law firm, Mermelstein has been living year-round at his Hamptons home for nearly three years. “Once you get to the house and see the water, the grass, and the trees, you really don’t want to be doing anything,” he laughs, explaining how he and his family are content without indulging in the typical Hamptons scene.

It’s easy to see why, given that the 12-acre property features 20,000 square feet of enclosed space, tennis courts, and a pool. But more importantly, “It’s always a dream to be living with the water in front of your window,” Mermelstein explains. “It’s a very relaxing place to be. I was lucky enough to have a family that helped me put it together.”

About six years ago, some of Mermelstein’s relatives acquired a plot of land adjacent to one they already owned. Three years later, the house began taking shape. Modeled after a typical Hamptons home on the outside, inside it features mahogany paneling and hand-cut, hand-laid stonework. Family gatherings, holiday parties, and unexpected visits from friends are hosted with equal aplomb.

There’s no single style when it comes to the décor in the Mermelstein residence. Instead, the eclectic mix of pieces is meant to feel a part of the home. Even with Tibetan sculptures standing eight to nine feet tall at the entrance to a doorway, Mermelstein says, “You in some ways notice them, but they blend in, so they don’t stand out, either.”
Of course, blending in is not your typical style in the Hamptons—but Mermelstein wouldn’t have it any other way. —Diane M. Byrne

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Enter a word in your native language and watch as the device quickly looks up, speaks, and displays the translation in the target language. In a rush? The predictive spelling feature will help you with any misspelled words, and visibility is not a problem with the seven-line screen. Included with this lightweight device are ear buds and an AC adapter, five fun games, a voice recorder feature to practice your pronunciation, and an MP3 player to download and play MP3 files; enjoy music and more while looking up words and phrases. Franklin Electronic Publishers, 12-Language Speaking Global Translator, $199.99.

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September might mark the end of big family vacations, but for some travelers, it’s the beginning of the best vacation time—at least in Florida, the Caribbean, and even the Middle East. Known as “shoulder season” for its occurrence on either side of high season, this off-peak travel period can mean fewer crowds and an increased opportunity to enjoy destinations that just weeks before were overrun with tourists. Even better, there’s the opportunity to receive more personalized attention and see your dollars go further.

Of course, these shoulder season perks don’t come entirely without effort. That’s where the advice of John E. DiScala, a.k.a. Johnny Jet, comes in. A travel writer and expert regularly interviewed by media outlets like USA Today, Time, CBS, and PBS, Jet logs an average of 150,000 miles each year. He also updates his own site, JohnnyJet.com, and newsletter with various travel deals, as well as photos and information from his own trips. Following are a few of Jet’s tips for successful shoulder season travel.

Watch the weather.
“Weather can be iffy—you’re rolling the dice,” Jet warns. This is particularly true of Florida and the Caribbean come September and October, the tail end of hurricane season. In the Middle East, temperatures soar May through June, the first of its three shoulder seasons (the others are September, because of Ramadan, and December, because it follows Islamic holy periods). Jet recommends considering travel insurance and consulting weather websites, particularly noaa.gov for hurricane information, before you pack.

Make personal contact.
“Call up and speak to the manager. Don’t just go online or call the front desk, which will route you to the 800 number,” Jet says. Especially in this economy, you can get extras if you ask: a restaurant credit, a free spa treatment, even a night free if you book a certain length of stay.”

Fly frequently.
Airlines are stingy with free upgrades, even if you belong to a frequent-flyer program. But, “It helps to get the status,” he says.
More is available for less. Airlines, hotels, and resorts often lower prices. The Six Senses Hideaway Zighy Bay resort in Oman, on the southeast coast of the Arabian Peninsula, takes $300 off the high-season rate of $3,850 per night for its beachfront Zighy Pool Villa Suites. Better yet, when it comes to the hotels and resorts, “You get great service because there’s no one else there,” Jet says. Another benefit: “You’re not fighting for a table at the restaurant or a chair at the pool.”

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Anyone who’s ever shopped for or bought an oceanfront home likely did so with visions of isolated, sun-bleached beaches in mind and the hope that there’d be nothing, and no one, around, save for the occasional swaying palm. But a different kind of oceanfront escape, a master-planned community on Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula, is proving that one needn’t flee to the ends of the earth to find true paradise.

Established in 2004, the master-planned community of Seabrook was designed as a destination to which Seattleites could retreat—for both leisure and living—without making the five-plus-hour drive that’s often required to reach the region’s popular oceanfront options. And while proximity was the foundation on which Seabrook was built, convenience remained the cornerstone as the concept took flight. That is to say, once there, residents and guests would have direct and immediate access to their own commercial outposts, including a post office, movie theater, markets, cafés, art galleries, coffee shops, and more. Seabrook is, by all accounts, a self-sustaining city by the sea.

Despite, or perhaps because of, the selection of everyday practicalities Seabrook has to offer, insiders say the community is as popular, if not more, among prospective buyers as a vacation destination as it is for full-time residency. According to spokesman Chris Murphy, a typical Seabrook buyer would purchase a home here to be used as a secondary/beach home for the family, an investment for rental opportunities, or both. In fact, presently there are just 10 full-time-resident households in Seabrook, compared to 66 part-time non-vacation rental households and 74 part-time vacation rental households. There are even plans to erect a 50-room boutique hotel here, which speaks to Seabrook’s appeal as a vacation destination in and of itself.

Of Seabrook’s ability to attract both part- and full-time residents, Murphy says, “The unique features we offer stem from a progressive school of thought called ‘new urbanism.’ What this entails is a masterfully designed balance of many factors, including timeless architecture, accessibility, sustainability, environment, and community.”

This concept and the idea for Seabrook, Murphy says, was modeled after Seabrook founder Casey Roloff’s own appreciation of the lifestyle enjoyed by residents of the Florida town of Seaside, and of communities like Carmel, California and Nantucket. “Seabrook was initially inspired by Seaside, Florida, which reintroduced to America the concept of building pedestrian-friendly, walkable towns,” Murphy says. “The fundamental principle underlying Seabrook and Seaside is that a visitor or resident can have all of his or her basic needs met within a five-minute walk.”

Murphy says that Roloff, who is unabashedly enthusiastic about Seabrook, originally applied the walkable neighborhood concept on the Oregon Coast with his community called Bella Beach. After seeing the success in that neighborhood, Murphy says, Roloff decided to take the next step and build a fully sustainable walkable town similar to Seaside, but with a Northwest touch. The result was Seabrook.

Whether their purpose in Seabrook is residency or respite, prospective buyers have a number of options to choose from in terms of owning a home here. Seabrook offers a selection of “in-town” single-family residences with one or more bedrooms ranging from $219,000 to just under $1 million. Buyers can also snatch up undeveloped lots, on which they can build a custom home designed by the architect of their choosing or by one selected from Seabrook’s own carefully edited list. As is to be expected of building a new home in a community such as this, once a home plan is developed, Murphy says, the purchaser submits it to Seabrook’s architectural review committee for approval.

Perhaps most appealing for those seeking a spot or a lot right on the water is a particular part of Seabrook called The Northwest Glen. This section of town is the community’s first oceanfront neighborhood, a setting that encourages the creation of custom beach sanctuaries, Murphy says. Lots in The Northwest Glen start at $575,000 and lot/home packages ranged, at press time, from just less than $1 million to roughly $3 million.

By the way, it’s probably a safe bet that interest in Seabrook’s real estate offerings will soon increase: This oceanfront enclave was the site of Coastal Living magazine’s 2010 Ultimate Beach House. (The four-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bath home is available for $1.975 million.)

Although ostensibly Seabrook’s major selling point isn’t its deserted beaches and complete and total privacy, Murphy says that residents often include the community’s ability to promote relaxation and the “getaway” feeling among the primary reasons they purchased here. “Seabrook exuberantly emphasizes the beach lifestyle,” Murphy says. “Our extremely close proximity to the vast Washington beaches and to the rainforest and fishing, hiking, and biking all add to the get-away-from-it-all feeling.” The best part is, they didn’t have to go far to find it.

For more information, visit www.seabrookwa.com, e-mail info@seabrookwa.com, or call 360-276-0099.

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Since 1999, L.A.-based designer Kelly Wearstler’s signature Technicolor style has brought wit and whimsy to the interiors of coastal private homes and luxury resorts. To create her dreamy décor, Wearstler uses tropical hues, bold geometric shapes, and otherworldly objets d’art, many of which the designer procures herself. When it came to outfitting her own Malibu beach house, Wearstler, inspired by her surroundings, chose an atypical palette of earthy colors, but sacrificed none of the whimsy for which she’s known. –Lindsay Lambert

How often do you hear “This doesn’t look like a beach house?”
Never. Everything looks like a reimagined treasure washed ashore.

Why did you decide on a house in Malibu?
We already owned a property in Malibu when this one became available. Plus, you want something close enough to be able to enjoy on weekends.

What was this house like when you purchased it and how much work have you put into it?
All that remains of the original house is the foundation, which was like a warm and welcoming footprint in the sand.

What was your inspiration for the design?
My inspiration was the organic beachy setting itself; nothing more, nothing less.

You travel frequently for work. What do you look forward to most upon returning?
The home is so open and representative of its natural environment; once you step inside the front door, that feeling of the beach is upon you before you ever hit the sand.

What room gets the biggest reaction from guests?
The first floor is mainly glass facing west, and everyone typically remarks on the incredible view and proximity to the beach. “Wow!” is common, and my sons’ guests usually squeal, “When do we get to go swimming?”

What is your favorite part of the home?
On a bright sunny day, nothing beats the deck overlooking the Pacific. A comfy chair, a gorgeous sunset; I’m set!

What about ocean living do you love so much?
I grew up near the ocean. The surf flowing in and out is constantly invigorating to me, which is what makes oil spills all the more tragic. We have to do what we can to use clean energy and preserve our natural environment; where will we be without it?

Do you entertain much here?
Although the Malibu beach house is perfect for gatherings, we actually entertain more at our full-time home in Beverly Hills.

What is most challenging about living on the beach?
Leaving! It is so restful here, so peaceful and relaxing, with the wind, water, sand, and sun right at your back doorstep. Who would want to leave?

Do you work much out of this house?
No! Once the house was finished, it was all about down time.

What’s your favorite activity while here?
Spending quality time with my family. Time slows down there. We are all very busy, so when we’re together at the beach house, we try to make it special.

The Details:
Number of bedrooms: 5; Number of bathrooms: 6; Square footage: 6,500. Year purchased: 2005.

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Though bustling Tortola is just across the bay, chances are good that once you arrive at Scrub Island, the most strenuous activity you’ll manage is to lounge on your private balcony, watching the yachts glide into the 53-slip marina that fronts the resort. Or you could watch the light dance on Camano Island, directly opposite the bay. Should a burst of energy overcome you, the dive shop can arrange scuba and snorkeling excursions, or you can just head for the outdoor lounge overlooking the marina.

Scrub Island’s three restaurants range from the casually elegant at Caravela to barbecue at One Shoe Beach Bar & Grill, a stone’s throw up the path to a beach so pristine and uncharted that you might as well claim it as your very own private refuge.

Interior design throughout the resort is graceful, understated, and thoughtful. For instance, no matter where you stand in your suite, you’ll have a view of the water, even from the bath. Come winter, whales use the 70-foot channel as their highway. 877-890-7444; scrubisland.com. —Lisa Rogak

Exploring the BVIs: Three more must-stay resorts.
Peter Island Resort
This private island resort offers oceanview rooms and beachfront suites, but the crowning glory here is the hilltop Hawk’s Nest. The villa features 3,626 square feet of space (that’s just the interior) that includes nanny’s quarters, a library, and a gym. Outdoor space includes a waterfall/grotto and an infinity-edge pool that gives way to arresting sea views below. 800-346-4451, peterislandresort.com.

Guana Island
The privately owned 850-acre isle is home to only  a handful of beach houses and villas. The Cottage is the only house on the island’s North Beach, while Jost House reigns as villa supreme. Can’t make up your mind? Come with 35 of your closest friends and call the entire island your own. 800-544-8262, guana.com.

Biras Creek Resort
This Relais & Chateaux resort comprises 31 suites on a 140-acre peninsula on Virgin Gorda’s North Sound. Activities include kayaking, sailing, snorkeling, and the like; however, the best R&R to be had here is with a Decléor treatment at the spa. 877.883.0756, biras.com. —Lindsay Lambert

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Patrick Knowles of Patrick Knowles Designs created this feature as a sort of tasting room, where the floor is highlighted by a marble mosaic inlay. Other touches aboard Mi Sueño include a wheelchair-accessible guest stateroom (one of six) and an elevator that connects all decks. trinityyachts.com. —D.B.

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If you’re accustomed to conventional tail-wheeled planes, note that the Sportsman is tough yet easy: it can take off and land with good forward visibility in the three-point attitude. Thanks to 26-inch tundra tires, it has about 21 inches of prop clearance, so rugged landing strips shouldn’t be a concern. Water landings and takeoffs are also smooth. The Sportsman is a kit plane, offered through the company’s “Two Weeks to Taxi” program, which lets you work alongside factory craftsmen to build your Sportsman at the company’s headquarters in Arlington, Washington. There, you’ll also learn more about your plane’s components and operation and get the chance to take it for its first test taxi. Pricing from $162,902, depending on options. glasairaviation.com. —Diane M. Byrne

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For one Malibu beach house project, Burton’s client originally wanted standard green turf lawn installed between the main house and the guest house that face the Pacific Ocean. Burton convinced the client that turf would require too much water to maintain, and that using dry beach sand to anchor ornamental grasses, mimicking the nearby hillsides, would be more environmentally sensitive. The resulting open space (which the client now adores) complements the surrounding chaparral (native shrubland). Yellow salt- and drought-tolerant plants add plenty of color to the scene, and the property’s winding sandy walkways effectively bring the beach to the garden.

Low-irrigation landscaping may be key to best-sustainability practices, but Burton says it’s not the whole picture, as even drought-tolerant plants need to be watered. Fortunately, as technology improves, we’ll see more state-of-the art rainwater and gray-water recycling systems in place at private homes. (Currently, high price points make them feasible mainly on large commercial projects.)

In the meantime, you can still be kind to the planet at your own home. Use plant materials that don’t attract pests, and minimize the pesticides you do use. To save energy, avoid gas-powered trimmers and blowers, and compost your own green waste (grass cuttings and hedge trimmings) rather than using municipal bins. While watering your lawn and garden on a clock timer is great, you’ll really impress your neighbors by installing a “smart” irrigation control system that releases water according to information gleaned from a weather satellite. 310-828-6373, pamelaburtonco.com. —Kara Williams

The Get: Rain Bird ET Manager

Over-watering the garden has always been something homeowners want to avoid, but increasing water scarcity has rendered this true now more than ever. The folks at Rain Bird understand that you want to have a beautiful, green landscape without depleting natural resources in the process. Rain Bird ET Manager is an irrigation system that uses hourly (not just daily) local weather updates and evapotranspiration, or ET, to water your yard only when you need it. The system is flexible and works with virtually any irrigation controller. The result is significant water savings and a healthier landscape. $676, rainbird.com.

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