This was our first trip to PR and Vieques. We arrived knowing very little about what to expect, and so had only booked three nights on the island. We learned quickly that Vieques is a very special place. It is unspoiled and unsophisticated. It is easy to navigate, beautiful, friendly, and the food is outstanding!
We arrived by flying Vieques Airlink from Cieba, which was easy and an adventure! We did have to pay a little more on check-in as our bags weighed more than the 25lbs max each, because our trip had a few legs with different climates involved. So if you do not want to have this happen...pack light...you will not need more than a few swimsuits, and shorts/dresses, and one pair of flipflops.
We rented a jeep (which is a MUST) and had the company meet us at the airport with it. The whole process was seamless and easy. Then we headed in Isabel II for our first real look at the island, and lunch while waiting for the house to be ready. We ate at Biekas Bistro (yum!), and Jordain messaged me while there to say the house was ready (2 hours early!), so we went to the grocery store then to the house.
The house and pool are gorgeous! All the bedrooms have AC, and the living room gets a gorgeous breeze with both sliding doors opened wide. There is more than enough space for a group to spread out on the various decks. The kitchen is very basic...not designed for cooking large complicated meals. But substantial for food assembly and simple cooking. The house was more stocked with the "basics" than many other rentals we've had, as well as loads of towels, beach chairs, umbrellas, etc. We didn't find the cooler listed, but we didn't look very hard. Again, visitors should be aware that this is a rental on a (relatively) remote caribbean island, and adjust expectations accordingly.
In the three days, we toured the beaches (Sun Bay was our fave), went kayaking in the bio-bay, went scuba diving/snorkelling off Mosquito Pier, and ATE ATE ATE. We managed to eat at about five of the restaurants listed in Jordain's guidebook, and they were some of the best meals we have had anywhere. Do not judge any restaurant from it's outside appearance. Instead throw a cover-up on over your swimsuits, and settle in for delicious tacos, fish, and drinks!
Check out was easier than any other short-term rental we have had. Our only regret is that we only stayed for three days. Next time...much longer!
