Wonderful Vrbos for water babies
From cool pools to canoes and kayaks (or even a private island!), these are the vacation rentals for those who love the life aquatic
Is a vacation really a vacation without a sea view, lapping lake or inviting infinity pool? If your answer is no, these are the Vrbos for you. Whether you love a gentle paddle, a high-octane surf session, or even being circled by tropical seas on your own castaway island (hey, why not?), they’re the ideal spots to make a splash.
A Caribbean show-stopper
Providenciales, Turks & Caicos
Sleeps 12
The beautiful La Mer West house might come with its own home theater, but you’ll barely need to watch it, what with the widescreen, technicolor ocean views in every direction from the infinity pool, the al fresco dining terrace, and each of the five bedrooms. But the water’s not just for gazing at, so jump into the crystalline blue from the private dock, or explore Chalk Sound aboard the house’s paddleboard or glass-bottomed kayak.
Book now
A vintage Hawaiian surf cottage
Kauai, HI
Sleeps 4
Hanalei Bay is home to one of Hawaii’s most jaw-dropping beaches, a gorgeous golden crescent backed by lush green mountains. In winter, surfers flock to its perfect point breaks, while in summer the calmer ocean is perfect for swimming, bodyboarding and paddling. This charming 1920s-built cottage is just a block back from the sand. It comes with foam surfboards, boogie boards, snorkels and fins, as well as beach-cruiser bikes for whizzing into Hanalei town and a hot outdoor shower for rinsing off after surf sessions.
Book now
Castaway island in the Keys
Sombrero Beach, FL
Sleeps 8
Surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, East Sister Rock is your own private island. The adventure begins when you’re collected by a 21-foot Carolina Skiff, before being dropped at this solar- and wind-powered spot just off the Florida Keys. The boat is yours for the week, and there are snorkels, fishing rods, a kayak and a paddleboard to get out on the water too. Or simply kick back on the veranda and watch for dolphins, who come feeding off-shore.
Book now
A glamorous Gulf beach house
Rosemary Beach, FL
Sleeps 14
Florida’s scenic 30A is strung with charming beach towns along the white sands of the Gulf Coast. On Rosemary Beach, this six-bedroom beach house is right on the water, with knockout views. From March to November a complimentary beach chair and umbrella are set up so you can relax on the sand and race straight into the sea. Or borrow one of the house’s bikes to cycle to the likes of Alys Beach and Seacrest just along the coast.
Book now
What’s your pool personality?
An artist’s house by the sea
Nova Scotia, Canada
Sleeps 6
For over 25 years, painter John Beardman would escape his New York City home and come to this Cape Breton retreat to work, hanging his canvases between the trees. The three-bedroom house was designed according to feng shui principles with one half facing the mountains, the other facing the sea, and is set in five acres of woodland and gardens. Among the wildflowers, a wooden staircase leads down to a private beach, a dreamy spot to swim and seek your own inspiration.
Lazy days by the lake
Lake Lure, NC
Sleeps 6
Blue Moon Cottage is hunkered on the shore of Lake Lure—famously the filming location for some scenes in Dirty Dancing (there’s a Dance Festival inspired by the movie here each September). Sure, you could attempt that famous lift in the shallows, but even better is to head to Blue Moon’s boathouse and grab some gear to explore this man-made freshwater lake. There are canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, rafts and floats—you can even paddle down the cove for herb-crusted prime ribs at the popular Lake House restaurant. Back at the house, there’s a hot tub with lake views, an oversized deck above the boathouse, and a firepit down by the lapping waters.
Book now
A Greek fisherman’s cottage
Corfu, Greece
Sleeps 4
Tucked among the toes-in-the-water tavernas at Agni Bay to the northeast of the island of Corfu, this former fisherman’s cottage has been given a contemporary makeover. Renovated in 2022, there are two deeply comfortable bedrooms—one with a unique queen-size bunk bed—plus copper rainfall showers, and original art. Start each morning with a swim, diving off the pier right outside, before eating breakfast in the inky-blue kitchen.
Book now
Fiona Kerr is a food-loving travel journalist and former features director at Condé Nast Traveller. Her writing has appeared in The Guardian, The Telegraph, Elle Decoration and the The New York Times. When she gets to a new country, her first stop is usually the local supermarket.
