2 Best Hotels in Vieques and Culebra, Puerto Rico

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.

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.