Inspired to move to an island but want to test the waters first? Before you pack up everything to start a new life on one of the "Best Islands to Live On," stay a week or even longer at a villa. ISLANDS research editor Ashley Fraxedas recommends these homes away from home, in every price range. See more listings from our Vacation Rentals guide.
From $2,000 a week
Bali, Indonesia: Ricefield Cottage
A 10-minute walk through rolling rice fields brings you to your own piece of Bali for the week -- and the price proves every island locale is attainable. With this cottage tucked away in the Penestanan village near the artsy town of Ubud, you're likely never to see another person during your stay, except your own maid, full-time cook and gardener. A thatched roof, walled tropical gardens, fish ponds and a two-story pavilion remind you that you're on Bali; modern conveniences like a pool, satellite TV and a fully stocked kitchen give Bali a hint of home. balivillas.com
From $2,500 a week
Ambergris Caye, Belize: Playa Blanca Villa
This Belizean island is rich with white sand beaches, barrier reefs and maybe the best lobster you've ever eaten. Go snorkeling and free diving all day for these sought-after crustaceans with your personal fishing guide (born and raised on Ambergris) on your private boat. Then come home and unwind on a hammock overlooking the reef while a lobster dinner is prepared on the villa's kamado grill. playablanca.biz
From $3,000 a week
Maui, Hawaii: Wailea Sunset Bungalow
Swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, boogie boarding, surfing and kayaking all await in your backyard. One block away lies Polo Beach and Palauea White Rock Beach. But why go that far? You have one whole acre of prime oceanfront real estate. Situated perfectly on the Pacific in Wailea, this Hawaiian villa gives you a taste of Old Hawaii before big resorts and chain hotels took up residence. Turtles bob and whales breech as you lounge in your hot tub. It's your own slice of Hawaii. tropicalvillavacations.com
From $5,000 a week
Aitutaki, Cook Islands: Villa Te Arau
As if the Aitutaki Lagoon wasn't remote enough, enter the Villa Te Arau on Motu Akitua, which can only be reached by a small, private ferry a couple of minutes offshore. Named after the favorite (but seemingly not only) wife of a legendary Polynesia navigator and warrior chief, Ru, this pool villa is the ultimate in South Pacific luxury. Stay under a hand-woven, coconut-palm thatched roof; sleep on a draped, four-poster king-size bed; and bathe in what can only be described as an open-air rain-shower temple. An experience fit for a king and his queen. villasofthesouthseas.com
From $10,000 a week
St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands: Villa Coco de Mer
Standing in your open-air living room on the second floor of this drop-dead-gorgeous, 7,000-square-foot U.S. Virgin Islands villa, you can see so many of the famous sites. But walk five minutes down, and you'll be on your own private Peter Bay Beach. To cool off, explore the villa's surrounding waters, or dip into the 50-foot pool. peterbayestate.com
From $20,000 a week
Mikonos, Greece: Sunset Dream
On your next Greek-island hop, save at least two weeks for this Aegean prize. Located in Costa Ilios, this seven-bed- room property comprising a main house and two garden apartments is a prime locale for watching the sunset. But during the rest of the day, there's no disputing the other perks: a waterfront infinity pool, a traditional wood-fire grill, and a white-stone and marble terrace. robertsvillalist.com
From $30,000 a week
Kauai, Hawaii: Kaupea Hideaway
Find your dream oasis at this 5,500-square-foot main house, plus guesthouse on 14 acres above Secret Beach on Kauai's beautiful North Shore. Wraparound sliding-glass doors, a surrounding lanai and a 60-foot pool blur the line between outside and in so you won't miss any of the breathtaking views. beaumondevillas.com
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