After thinking about Nevis and St. Kitts, St. Barth's and a variety of other wonderful Caribbean destinations, I started thinking, why not Puerto Rico? I've looked at the Ritz Carleton in San Juan (admittedly, I could use some pampering) and am considering something in Vieques. Does anybody have any suggestions or comments? Places to stay? I appreciate any comments. Thanks in advance.

The Wyndham in Vieques is undergoing a management shake-up and will be re-branded as W hotel later this fall. I'd suggest you avoid that until it's fully renovated and rebranded (besides, it's not on the best Vieques beach). If you want a nice boutique-style hotel, the Inn on the Blue Horizon is good, but it's not a real resort. I think the posters who love Vieques will be able to give you some more useful advice than I can.

If what you are after is a resort experience, other than the aforementioned Wyndham Vieques doesn't really have anything. This is exactly why it is such a special place. Check out Haciendo Tamarindo or, for something very unique and special, Hix Island House. Spend each day exploring a different white sand beach where you will likely be the only person. Eat at some great restaurants. Stop and take pictures of the wild horses beside the road. Spend an unforgettable evening at the bioluminescent bay, etc., etc.

What about the El Conquistador? We stayed there last winter and it was very nice. Large resort, nice private island for the true beach experience. Friends stayed at the Ritz and weren't thrilled. Believe they said it was somwhat close to the airport....

The Ritz is right under the flight pattern for the airport, and is not up to the usual Ritz standards.

Thanks for the suggestions. I will check them all out.

The Ritz Carlton in Isla Verde is very close to the airport. While you can hear the planes taking off if you are at the pool or beach, it is not very loud and has never bothered me. But they are there. The rooms are pretty much soundproof. However, very few rooms have balconies. The Club Level is excellent, with four presentations of food and beverages throughout the day. The casino is one of the nicest in Puerto Rico. Very nice property, although prices have recently gone up significantly.