Just seven miles off the east coast of Puerto Rico is Vieques, a lush island of mangroves, pretty beaches, and a glow-in-the-dark bioluminescent bay.
Vieques is a small island with two main districts — Isabel where the ferries dock, and Esperanza, a seaside town with a boardwalk and restaurants — but there are plenty of places to stay, from intimate inns to posh resorts.
Here are our favorite Vieques resorts and hotels:
1. Hacienda Tamarindo
The intimate Hacienda Tamarindo caters to couples with its 15-and-older guest policy. Charm is abundant, from breakfasts under the tamarind tree to packed picnic lunches perfect for Sun Bay beach.
Enjoy happy hour at the Honor Bar before heading out to dinner in nearby Esperanza. Wrap up the evening with an amazing trip through the island’s bioluminescent bay.
2. Bravo Beach Hotel
The stylish, oceanfront Bravo Beach Hotel features a collection of modern rooms, suites, and villas, and is within walking distance of Isabel Segunda, the island’s largest town.
Relax at one of two large pools, or take advantage of the hotel’s free beach chairs and coolers and visit the best swimming beaches, located 15 minutes away within a protected wildlife refuge.
3. El Blok
This modern, adults-only hotel on Vieques’ south coast has just 30 rooms but all of the swanky details we’ve come to enjoy at larger resorts — comfy rooms with private balconies and pillow-top beds, an al fresco restaurant serving local specialties, and a rooftop bar with plunge pool.
El Blok also has a prime location along the bustling boardwalk, near the island’s famed Bioluminescent Bay.
4. Malecon House
This seaside boutique hotel is perfect for guests who want to relax on the beach or poolside during the day, and explore bars and restaurants in the evening.
Located on the boardwalk in Esperanza, Malecon House features lush gardens filled with banana, avocado, and mango trees; thirteen rooms, each with a different name and style; and a natural-looking pool with shady spots for cooling off after a day in the island sun. Beaches, snorkeling, sailing, scuba, and the bio bay are all located nearby.
5. Blue Horizon Boutique Resort
Another Vieques resort catering to adults, Blue Horizon Boutique Resort offers breathtaking views from its cliff-top location over Esperanza Bay, an oceanfront infinity pool, and weekend pizza parties overlooking the water.
There are just ten rooms at this intimate resort, which also has a rooftop terrace for sunset viewing. Beaches, dining, shopping, and the bio bay are all located near the resort.
