8 Best Hotels in Vieques and Culebra, Puerto Rico

The most sophisticated place in Culebra is an assemblage of lovely plantation-style cottages on a picturesque hilltop overlooking Fulladoza Bay. Though just a five-minute drive south of Dewey, it feels completely isolated—in a good way. Come here to unplug, opting for one of the spacious villas, tastefully decorated in crisp white with soaring ceilings, modern rain-showers, and large balconies. The family villa sleeps five. The friendly staff is more than accommodating and can help set up snorkeling and diving trips, as well as transportation to the beach.

Taking its name from a centuries-old tamarind tree rising more than three stories through the center of its main building, this plantation-style property—with a barrel-tile roof and wood-shuttered windows—was once a dance hall but is now one of the island's prettiest hotels. You can easily find a spot all to yourself, whether on a shady terrace or beside the pool. "Caribbean chic" may be the best description of the combination of well-chosen antiques, elegant wicker furniture, and vintage travel posters. The penthouse is the nicest room, with a separate entrance on the third floor and a massive private terrace overlooking the ocean. The made-to-order breakfasts are a great reason to get up early, and on-site horseback riding along the beach is a lodging perk.

Several blocks north of the ferry dock in Isabel Segunda, this simple but attractive hotel makes a good home base for island exploration. Guest rooms are a bit spare in their decor, but all have flat-screen TVs with cable, and many have ocean views. If you're traveling with a group, the two-bedroom villa has plenty of entertaining space, and Casa Roja, a villa with seven rooms total, is across the street from the main property. Although it's a shame that the idyllic beachfront property fronts an un-swimmable beach (too rocky), the two pools, and the free use of beach chairs, coolers, and towels for beach excursions make up for it.

Constructed entirely of concrete and set in a tropical forest, the four buildings of this luxurious hotel echo the granite boulders strewn around Vieques, blending with the surroundings. Award-winning architect John Hix's spare aesthetic permeates guest rooms, which have dramatic lines and sexy curves. Some might find the property cold and uninviting, however, regardless of inspiration and originality. Sunny terraces, panoramic open walls, and private outdoor showers keep nature nearby, although the nighttime songs of coquí frogs might disrupt your sleep. The resort's embrace of the environment crosses from form to function in the use of recycled water and solar-power systems. A recent addition to the Hix property is Casa Solaris, so named because it is an entirely solar-powered guesthouse. Even the swimming pool is eco-friendly.

The best rooms in Mamacita's venerable guesthouse have balconies overlooking the canal, but this is a decidedly no-frills establishment suitable for budget-minded travelers. Simple rooms have tropical furnishings, flat-screen TVs, renovated bathrooms, and soundproof windows. Set beneath slowly rotating ceiling fans, the locally popular restaurant, also named Mamacita's, and on-site Caribbean Bar get crowded—particularly during happy hour, which starts early in these parts.

This building, which shares Mamacita's mangrove-lined canal, has spick-and-span guest rooms—as simple as they come—with louvered windows and calming color schemes. The inn sits on the edge of Dewey, putting you within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and grocery stores. The staff sends you off to the beach with towels and a little cooler filled with ice. If you plan to spend most of your time off-property and merely want a place to hang your hat, this is one of the best values on the island.

This hilltop hotel—the oldest on Vieques—overlooks the island's picturesque, historic fort and is about 10 minutes by foot (downhill) from Isabel Segunda. The homey property is tucked into its own leafy compound, a haven of peace and relaxation with grandstand views over the ocean and town. Charming rooms in a white three-story structure boast lively Caribbean decor and pastels. Each is an individually themed mini-museum of sea corals, old prints, and modern art. Families should opt for one of two freestanding villas, while backpackers can check into the dorm. An animal lover, the owner offers horseback rides and rescues injured horses, stray dogs, and other animals; be prepared to see these formerly orphaned creatures in common areas.