Fodor's Expert Review Shoal Bay Villas

In this old-style property on Shoal Bay's incredible 2-mile (3-km) beach, studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments all have balconies over the water. A few of the units are relatively new, all are kept up, and second-floor units have amazing views, but the ones on the first floor are right on the beach. If you don't care about being in the fanciest of hotels, then the barefoot, casual ambience and gentle prices (including some specials for longer stays) might be for you. It's great for families with small kids and heaven for sunset lovers. There's a mini-spa on property, a decent-size swimming pool, and the fitness center is small but can do the trick for a treadmill or bike workout. There's a great scuba center next door and good snorkeling in the reef just offshore. Check the website for special promotions.