Escape: Pulse: Jill Roosevelt on Vieques
Jill Roosevelt on Vieques
From Jill Roosevelt, New York, N.Y. April, 2007
Where I went: Vieques
Why I went: We had always wanted to go and had six friends going (coincidentally) for New Year’s.
Who was on the trip: My husband and I; my best friends from England and their four children (aged 8-15 years); and two friends in fashion P.R and their investment banker spouses.
When: Christmas 2006
Who organized it: Our travel agent and I did.
Where we stayed: Inn on the Blue Horizon, which was great, though I would also recommend Hacienda Tamarindo and the Martineau Bay Hotel & Spa for families. (It has a spa.) Bravo Beach Hotel is for hipsters, but has small minimalist rooms.
Where to eat: For lunch, Bananas (787-741-8700), in town. The Blue Moon Bar & Grill (787-741-3318) at the Inn on the Blue Horizon has a good lunch, too, and very pretty view. For dinner: Trade Winds (787-741-8666). Go to Chez Shack (787-741-2175) for Reggae Grill Night (Mondays in high season), when they have a steel music band and grill the day’s catch. Media Luna (787-741-2594) is the chicest restaurant. Call ahead as there are nights when restaurants are closed.
What I’d go back for: The beautiful beaches
What I wish I knew in advance: Not to pack any resort wear. Think Costa Rica, not St. Barth’s. You will be totally overdressed in Calypso or Tory Burch, even on New Year’s Eve! Dress down. NO blazer for men ever! T-shirt is fine everywhere. No shopping really.
What to skip: Green Beach, very far and by muddy roads.
What to know: You should rent a jeep because the roads are horrible.
What not to miss: Reggae Grill Night at Chez Shack. Definitely reserve.
What we loved: Night kayak trip on Puerto Mosquito, the bioluminescent bay on the south side of the island. You need to book when you arrive. This is a MUST. Bring one-piece bathing suit for this and aqua-socks-like swimming shoes.
For additional pictures and to view the photo above larger, click on the image.
EDITOR’S NOTES:
Booking: Inn on the Blue Horizon: Rooms from $125. 787-741-3318; from the U.S.: 877-741-2583; www.innonthebluehorizon.com.
Hacienda Tamarindo: Rooms from $135. 787-741-0420; www.haciendatamarindo.com. Martineau Bay Resort & Spa: Rooms from $189. (The hotel will be closing in August 2007 for a major renovation.) 787-741-4100; www.martineaubayresort.com.
Bravo Beach Hotel: Rooms from $175. (No children under eighteen.) 787-741-1128; www.bravobeachhotel.com.
Getting there: Vieques is eight miles off the east coast of Puerto Rico. You can either fly or take a ferry. There are regularly scheduled and charter flights from the San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport. (The flight is about twenty minutes). If you choose to take the ferry, you’ll need to take a taxi to Fajardo. For logistical information, including aviation companies, see www.viequestourism.com.