A modern take on traditional Balinese design, local limestone and wood encase this two-bedroom home, where tropical luxury comes into its own. Every room opens up to the outdoors, making the tropical garden feel like a continuation of the living area: It’s mere steps from bed to pool from the main sleeping area, and the outdoor bathroom comes with a double shower. Design touches like rattan weave, terrazzo floors, and Indonesian-style art anchor you in Bali, as does the surfboard storage at the side of the house—you’re only a 10-minute walk from the popular surfers’ hangout, Suluban Beach, after all.
Rooms: 2 bedrooms, 1 bathrooms
Amenities: AC, kitchen, washer, garden, private pool, on-site parking
Location: South Kuta, Bali
Courtesy of the Airbnb photographer community
At Nelum, on Sri Lanka’s chilled-out south coast, days start with a poolside breakfast of coconut roti, eggs, avocado, and smoothies, before unfurling in a haze of palm-tree-lined beaches, seafood by the shore, and feet-in-the-sand sunset drinks. This villa embraces the barefoot lifestyle, with tropical foliage, earthen walls, and palm-thatched roofs.
If you’re so inclined, there’s a growing surf scene on the nearby beach, and you’ll never be far away from a yoga shala—but save time for romantic days à deux back home too. You can make the most of time together with an in-villa massage arranged via the host, or chill out on the double daybed that hovers over your private pool, in the outdoor bathtub, or at the sunken lounge.
Rooms: 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom
Amenities: AC, kitchen, garden, swimming pool, on-site parking
Location: Matara, Sri Lanka

