There’s always been something alluring and appealing about small, exclusive islands. Whether it’s the private beaches, the lack of tourists crowding the streets or its size creating an intimate feel, its clear that sometimes the best things really do come in small packages. Located just eight miles off the coast of Puerto Rico’s mainland is one such atoll stretching only 22 miles long and eight miles across. It is also home to one of Travel + Leisure's top "500 Hotels of the World."
W Retreat & Spa-Vieques Island, accessible by 20-minute plane ride from San Juan, is a Caribbean sanctuary nestled amongst pristine beaches, tropical wildlife and the globe’s brightest bioluminescent bay. For guests staying at the four-star property, the pampering begins the second you arrive at the exclusive W Airport Lounge. While W staff load your luggage, you can enjoy complimentary refreshments and Wi-Fi before heading to the resort only five-minutes away.
Conceived by Spanish designer Patricia Urquiola, each of the 156 guestrooms and suites have been beautifully-designed with private balconies and patios along with modern amenities. Whether you opt for a Pool Oasis room or the one-bedroom Marvelous Retreat suite, you’re afforded comfortable W signature beds, Bliss® bath amenities and spacious, open bathrooms.
The Marvelous Retreat is decorated with a palette of tropical and rich Caribbean colors and prints matched with dark wood stone and grey cement flooring. The living room boasts an original DEDON loveseat by Urquiola as well as floor-to-ceiling windows, an oversized desk and a W Library featuring an impressive selection of movies and music.
Around the resort, guests are treated to an array of sophisticated amenities and dining venues. At Sorcé, the property’s signature restaurant, guests can savor fresh, seasonally and locally-sourced Puerto Rican cuisine. Dishes include churrasco with garlic and brujo oregano herb; fresh-caught fish marinated in a local mojo recipe; sopa de marisco, a Viequense version of bouillabaisse; and stuffed Caribbean lobster. When you’re in the mood for something a little lighter, head to WET® for Mediterranean specialties, happy hour tapas and colorful cocktails.
While you’re there, take in your surroundings at the oceanfront infinity pool and laze about in lounge chairs or sun beds. Throughout the day, the W’s pool talent will refresh your towels, offer sun care amenities and will even refill your poolside mojito, all without you ever needing to lift a finger. Private cabanas are also available and come with signature W robes, slippers, fresh fruit, chilled towels, flatscreen TVs, DVD players and high-speed Internet access. We’re not positive, but this might just become one of your favorite spots within the resort.
Although WET is a relaxing, tranquil escape, AWAY® Spa offers a little extra pampering in one of their seaview treatment rooms. Utilizing its natural surroundings, the facility was designed with soothing rivulets and canals interweaving their way through the Zen space. As with all W spas, AWAY draws inspiration from the elements: earth, wind and water, which is seen in its therapies and décor. Local potions, custom therapies, and lavish scrubs and rubs will take your peaceful vacation to the next level.
As any W guest knows, one thing the brand does extremely well is provide excellent hospitality. Called their Whatever/Whenever service, the hotel ensures that whatever moment you’d like to have, they will create it for you (as long as it’s legal, of course). With the ocean as your backdrop and W Retreat & Spa-Vieques Island as your homebase, you might just find yourself booking a few extra days to savor this refreshing Caribbean getaway.
W Retreat and Spa Vieques Island
State Road 200
KM 3.2 - HC1 Box 9368
Vieques, Puerto Rico 00785
877.742.3655
WVieques.com
