Interior design doyenne Bunny Williams has perfected the art of creating chic homes that mesh with her clients needs, lifestyles and aesthetic. In her latest book, A House by the Sea (Abrams), she takes us on a behind-the-scenes tour of a place that’s a bit more personal: La Colina, the island getaway she and her husband, antiquarian John Rosselli, escape to in the Dominican Republic. From the deep green palm fronds and tropical flowers that cover the property’s grounds to the sun-filled indoor-outdoor vibe of the house, Williams and Roselli have managed to seamlessly transfer their more traditional style to the lush Tropics without missing a beat. Our favorite thing about this book are the essays by close friends who have had the pleasure of visiting La Colina. One tells us about the gardens, another talks about the architectural style and history of the property and others still share stories about afternoons lounging by the pool, catching up with friends and enjoying long lazy lunches and elegant outdoor dinners. Because, in the end, what Williams and Roselli seem to understand is that the most important thing about a vacation home, or any home for that matter, is not that it looks perfect but that it makes guests feel relaxed and welcome and is a place where memories are created by all who come to stay.