A few days ago I found an island during my second year which seemed perfect for a permanent settlement.
5 - 36 degrees at the mountaintop (0 - 40 at sea level) through the whole year, Rapids, common rainfall, apple trees all over and beautiful natural structures.
I really like the bay entrance with the tree to the east.
I've decided to mainly use Granite, Oak and Bamboo as those are the natural resources of the island.
I am not good at building things at all but I think my first attempts have been pretty good.
For farming, I'm using a Terrace Farm design since I need to use as much mountain space as possible.
My next steps will be to build a Workshop near the Rapids and then build a proper Home with windows.
At some point, I want a Lighthouse-kind-of-structure at the western bay entrance.