996 Pr, Km. 4.5, Isla de Vieques, Puerto Rico | (618) 248-8274
A unique and secluded family-run inn with history
Romantic option for mostly couples (kids under 15 not allowed)
Caribbean sea views from many spots
Bountiful breakfast lovingly prepared (and included!)
Rooms have authentic, slightly rustic decor designed by the owner
Beach towels and coolers in each room
Fully stocked honor bar with cocktail makings for reasonable prices
Beautiful outdoor pool and terrace overlooking the ocean
Beach lunches and accessories, like umbrellas and chairs, for a fee
Free Wi-Fi throughout
Not directly on a beach
Bathrooms are basic and have minimal toiletries
A car is required to get to key areas of the island, like beaches and restaurants
No kitchenettes, and mini-fridges are not in every room
This 17-room bed & breakfast on a secluded part of Vieques island, near the town of Esperanza, is owned by Vermont couple. It was decorated by the missus -- a former interior designer -- who keeps historic aspects in tact, like the nearly 270-year-old Tamarind tree at the center of the property. The New England influence is felt in the antique decor and the huge country-style breakfast portions (included in the price). An elegant outdoor pool is a point of pride for the mister with a pretty terrace and vistas of the ocean beyond. After a day in the sun, self-serve drinks can be prepared in the air-conditioned library for a low-key evening with only the sound of tree frogs as they sing their evening chorus. A car is recommended to get to beaches, and restaurants, as well as a grocery store for stocking in-room coolers (there are no mini-fridges).
Scene
Mature couples and occasional families keep it low-key, with breakfast as the main event
What happens when Vermont collides with Puerto Rico? One can find out at this bed and breakfast, which was a former dance hall for locals before being purchased by a Vermont couple. Owners Linda and Burr packed up and moved to Vieques in 1995 after one too many Vermont winters, and have oodles of personality which they've integrated into the property over the years. The humorous touches aren't blatant, but once guests catch on, they will discovery funny bits of sarcasm everywhere. For instance, there are signs that say "Showers -> Two Miles" or "Gentle Dog, Beware of Owner". Burr, in particular, is known as a bit of a character on the island; he is often found chatting with guests or reading on the property with Zach, the resident English Sheepdog, not far behind his tracks.A large traveler palm and talking birds welcome guests to the property. The turquoise Spanish colonial building has original elements like the drinking station in front, still used by local wild horses passing by. The open-air lobby provides the first glimpse of Linda's design skills; it incorporates charming antique furnishings and wall hangings into the island-y environment. The front desk is perhaps the least hospitable part of the property -- staff sit behind a sliding glass window with large lettering to explain office hours -- but humor is still present, and a jar here reads "Ashes of Problem Customers." It's impossible not to notice the base of the ancient Tamarind tree in the middle of this room that rises three stories -- the property has been built around it.Outside, manicured grounds lead down a hilly pathway past hammocks towards a beautiful outdoor pool with striking sea views beyond. If lucky, a staff member may come over and offer a mango from one of the nearby trees to be enjoyed under the trellis. Like the rest of the property, the pool area stays peaceful since kids under 15 are not allowed during high season. After the breakfast in the morning (the main event) couples hit the beach and then come back, mix a drink at the honor bar, and get ready for dinner on the island (there is no option on-site). Post-dinner, guests can head back outside with a nightcap and listen to the coqui tree frogs.
Location
Though there's no beach, this secluded property is just a quick drive to the town of Esperanza
This authentic bed and breakfast takes up a large piece of land on the southern side of Vieques, a tiny island off the eastern coast of Puerto Rico known for wild horses and beautiful beaches. Though the property does not have direct beach access, it does have beautiful sea vistas from many areas of the hotel, especially at sunrise and sunset. Just a mile down the road is the island's second biggest town, Esperenza, which has restaurants, bars, and even a museum. Guests can walk to town along a narrow road, but most choose to drive; in fact it is recommended that guests staying here have a rental car in order to explore the entire island, including beaches.The property can be located by the sign at the bottom of the driveway, which says "Wayfarers Accommodated." During check-in, staff will provide a list of local highlights and owner Burr is full of inside island secrets. It takes 15 minutes to drive to the airport, which is how most people arrive, but there is a ferry that runs from Fajardo directly into Isabel II (the island's biggest town) on the north coast. Most locals and tourists who know the island, will agree that a flight is best (usually under $100 per person). Parking is free at the hotel.
Rooms
Clean and slightly rustic furnishings create a charming Vermont-meets-Caribbean feel.
Hacienda Tamarindo has 17 rooms including one separate house called "Casita Linda" that is located beyond the pool. Like the property itself, room decor is a bit Caribbean and a bit New England with wood and wicker furnishings, and slatted windows with screens that let in the sea breeze. Beds are dressed with clean white linens and Spanish touches such as the colorful bed runners. All rooms have air-conditioning, beach towels, coolers and bug spray, but no televisions. Showers are mostly walk-in (some of the larger units may have tub/shower combos) with basic toiletries in eco-friendly containers. Not all rooms have a mini-fridge but it may be worth requesting upon arrival.Caribbean Rooms have two twins or one king bed with wooden French doors that open up to a balcony with views. The Caribbean Deluxe rooms have a larger private patio with views. One-room suites have two queen beds and a daybed for families -– this can sleep up to six people. Two room suites have a room with two twin beds and a master bedroom with a king bed.Guests under 15 years of age are not allowed during the high season, and guests eight and under are not allowed during low season. A 10 percent service charge (and tax) is added to the final bill.
Features
Exceptional breakfasts, beach accessories, and Jeep rentals
In keeping with the Vermont vibe, this bed and breakfast serves a stand-out meal to get the day going. This is the main time when guests come together to interact. The breakfast terrace is on the second level of the hotel, accessed via the main outdoor staircase by the entrance. Once seated, a pot of coffee is provided for the table. Guests can peruse the menu for classic breakfast options along with daily specials, and Burr, the owner, is often present checking on things and providing hospitality.There is an elegant rectangular outdoor pool next to the property installed by owners. A pretty fountain and lounge chairs look out over stunning sea views, and with few guests to run into, this is truly a place for peace and quiet. A pretty trellis-covered terrace with tables and chairs can be used for pre- and post-dinner drinks.The cozy Library next to the front desk has seating areas in an air-conditioned environment with chess, checkers, and shelves of books. There is a work desk, desktop computer, and printer free for guests. The Honor Bar has wines by the glass, beers, and a full selection of self-serve cocktails, as well as some packaged snacks. Guests simply enter the items consumed, and their room number and will get charged at the end of their stay.Beach towels and coolers are provided in the rooms at no charge, but there is a rental fee for chairs and umbrellas. The self-serve shack, Ivan the Terrible's, is located by the parking lot in order to rent these beach items, or to purchase T-shirts, caps, and essentials like suntan lotion. A price list is posted. With a day's advance notice, staff will prepare picnic beach lunches in insulated cooler-backpack cases for a fee.The hotel may offer specific three-day packages to include a Jeep rental. Regardless, the front desk staff are able to assist with car reservations and local suggestions for restaurants and beaches, especially the hidden ones! Burr, in particular, is happy to share his recommendations for hidden gems.There are bathrooms and showers in the common areas for early check-ins and late check-outs. Free parking and Wi-Fi are offered throughout.