Vieques has recently been highlighted as one of the Most Romantic Islands in the World (Conde Nast Traveler Magazine) and one of the 6 Caribbean Islands You Can Visit Without A Passport (Caribbean Journal). Last September 20 our little island was battered by Hurricane Maria which left many homes destroyed and even more badly damaged. However things are gradually getting back to normal and we are welcoming guests with open arms and much gratitude for their visit. More later.......
Now, about Boulders.......
Finished in Spring of 2014 we decided to share our special place with family, friends and fellow afficionados of the fine but simple things in life. Boulders has two fully self-sufficent studio casitas, each sleeping two people. (prices are PER casita) All rooms are one with the outdoors, allowing tradewinds and ceiling fans to provide all of the ventilation needed. Seven foot overhangs on all openings protect from tropical rainshowers and wide window ledges are the ideal perch for enjoying a conversation, writing in a journal or contemplating the perfect cup of tea while watching the glorious sunrise behind the Caribbean. Tempurpedic beds are enveloped by gauzy mosquito nets, creating an inviting oasis inside. Bathrooms stocked with luxurious bamboo towels have outdoor showers with spectacular views so nature can be enjoyed at every opportunity. Each casita has an outdoor space, a comfy sitting area, dining area and small well-stocked kitchen. Fresh produce can be had at a biweekly local farmers market and island shops provide basic groceries for those who love to cook or grill on the Weber gas grill behind the casa. Restaurants of all types abound. The 60 foot pool can be enjoyed for lap swimming or just relaxing and enjoying the beautiful view. And of course, the beaches of Vieques are legendary in their own right. Snorkling highly recommended. Drive slowly; there are many wild horses on the road and at some beaches.
The stunning architecture of Boulders provides the ideal escape from the clutter and clamor of daily life. So if you can live without air conditioning and television, don't mind inquisitive little geckos scampering around, and are looking for an other-worldly experience, let Boulders be your nirvana.
ABOUT VIEQUES
An island apart from an island, Vieques is the ‘Little Sister’ of nearby Puerto Rico. A tiny Caribbean island that’s sparsely populated, unspoiled and undeveloped. Vieques is a rare treasure to find these days when so many other islands are sprouting mega hotels. Vieques was recently named “Best Island in the Caribbean” by a popular travel magazine, but we will let you decide that for yourself! Get out and go! See Vieques and enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, horseback riding and dozens of cultural and historic locales… Or imagine yourself relaxing on a remote beach, doing nothing at all!
Vieques abounds with things to do- take a stroll on the quiet beachfront boardwalk in Esperanza, ride a bike to a nearby beach… or you might take a walk into the rock strewn hills beyond Boulders. For those looking to explore the island, Vieques has many opportunities. Here's a list to help you plan:
THE VIEQUES BIOLUMINESCENT BAY
Caused by micro-organisms and chemistry, the experience of seeing the mystifying, glowing waters can only be called magical. The World’s best, most well-preserved Bioluminescent bay is here in Vieques. It is not to be missed!
SNORKELING AND SCUBA DIVING
The endless Vieques coasts have entire worlds below the waves. You can find gorgeous, world-class coral reefs all around the island. Go snorkeling along the shores, or plan a Scuba trip and take a boat dive.
KAYAKS AND SUP
For the adventurous, single or double ocean kayaks, as well as stand up paddle boards, can also be rented
BEACH TOURING
With so many gorgeous and easily-accessible beaches, the trouble is choosing which ones to visit! Take your rental vehicle to the most distant, and go beach hopping, or let a local point out their personal favorites.
HORSEBACK RIDING
You will see plenty of horses, wild and kept, during your stay on Vieques. Why not ride one? Tour throughout Vieques and across long beaches on horseback.
HISTORIC LOCATIONS
You can find history all around Vieques; a late Spanish Fort in our capital Isabel Segunda, now a museum, tour Navy relics, explore plantation ruins and see ancient Taino villages. There is a rich history to the island that you can uncover. Right in the middle of Esperanza you'll find the Vieques Conservation and Historic Trust, a small museum featuring local historic relics, art exhibits, and plenty of information about the fascinating ecosystem of the island. Here you can also book a tour of the ruins of the sugar mill on the southwest end of Vieques. The gift shop offers a variety of books with a decidedly local flavor.
DINING
‘Fine dining’ might mean localy caught lobsters and fish under candle light or eating finger foods along the beach. Vieques has an up-and-coming restaurant scene with food by creative gourmet chefs and authentic Caribbean cooks. It is to your taste where you dine in Vieques.
SHOPPING
Get appareled like an islander at a small number of casual-elegant boutiques*. Update your beachwear or get outfitted for your aquatic adventures at small shops. Pick up local handworks (the best souvenirs) at boardwalk kiosks. All this, along the Esperanza Malecón! And more in the town of Isabel Segunda.
Above Information Courtesy of The Vieques Guide
VIEQUES NOW, more than six months after Hurricane Maria, is just as quaint and charming as always. With power restored in most locations, the phrase “Vieques se levanta” could not be more true. While voluntourists probably still outnumber regular tourists, more and more people are coming out of a desire to help either by physically contributing, or bolstering the island’s primary source of income by booking accommodations, eating in the restaurants and frequenting the shops which are gradually reopening.
It’s still advisable to carry cash, as card machines don’t always work. Power can go out for a few hours from time to time while the mega-generators which are feeding the grid are down for service or fueling.
However at Boulders we have put in our own power generation system which is a combination of 9 solar panels and 1 small wind turbine, so we don’t rely on anyone but Mother Nature to keep us going. 🌞🌬🌞. As a result we are very cognizant of our power usage, using propane for cooking and using only the most energy-efficient appliances. Anything generating heat uses massive amounts of power, so we air-dry our hair, make coffee with a french press, and hang our laundry for the sun to dry. Hot water and pool powered with solar panels also.
We welcome all guests who embrace our very green lifestyle and are seeking a tranquil bucolic setting in which to relax and replenish.