Welcome to Vieques, the secret villa paradise on American soil. Come in and grab the keys to the place that fits your personality. | Zach Stovall
ByIslands StaffAug. 26, 2013
If you're thinking about traveling to Puerto Rico, might we suggest one of these swoon-worthy villas? Private beaches, cozy pools and plenty of space — the Vieques villas that Islands photographer Zach Stovall visited have it all, but these are the digs he chooses as the best.
In South Beach, Bungalow 180 would rent for thousands of bucks a night. In Vieques, it's something you might actually be able to afford...without getting a second job at TurboTax or sacrificing any of your self-appointed rock star status. Make it Happen: From $78 per person per night; 3 bedrooms, 3 bath, sleeps 6; $2,800 – $4,500 weekly. Rent it now. | Zach StovallYour digs: Straight, modern lines created with the local building material of choice, concrete, and a mix of wooden elements, stainless steel and careful styling. Every room has a wall that completely opens to the outside. The wide upstairs balcony is great for panning cameras out over the pool party happening below. Make it Happen: From $78 per person per night; 3 bedrooms, 3 bath, sleeps 6; $2,800 – $4,500 weekly. Rent it now.Three bathrooms open to nature, and each one has its own outdoor shower. Make it Happen: From $78 per person per night; 3 bedrooms, 3 bath, sleeps 6; $2,800 – $4,500 weekly. Rent it now. | Zach StovallThere's something to be said for treating your entourage to a good time. They've come to expect it from you. With two extra bedrooms, they can be close enough to be part of the experience, but far enough to maintain some privacy. Make it Happen: From $78 per person per night; 3 bedrooms, 3 bath, sleeps 6; $2,800 – $4,500 weekly. Rent it now. | Zach StovallEven though the location is open to the breezes, it's far away from the neighbors in the rolling hills above Esperanza, with a view to prove it. Make it Happen: From $78 per person per night; 3 bedrooms, 3 bath, sleeps 6; $2,800 – $4,500 weekly. Rent it now. | Zach StovallIf Blake Shelton's "Some Beach" lyrics run through your mind on an hourly basis, the desktop on your computer shows nothing but sand and sea and Corona ads make you drool, this villa has the answer — a beach no less than a bottle cap's throw from your back door. Make it Happen: From $82 per person per night; 2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom, sleeps 4; $1,785 – $2,450 weekly; Rent it now. | Zach StovallThe name Seaside isn't telling enough. It only suggests you're on the water. What it doesn't say is this is your view, and your bare toes need do no more than trot down the back steps to be deep in the soft, silky goodness of Vieques Harbor. Make it Happen: From $82 per person per night; 2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom, sleeps 4; $1,785 – $2,450 weekly; Rent it now. | Zach StovallI didn't spend much time in this kitchen, but the fridge is no minibar. It's has enough space to keep a case of Medalla cold, plenty of ice for something stronger at sundown, and it'll keep the fish you pick up from town as fresh as when it was plucked from the ocean. Bonus: the limes you buy for beer make a perfect ceviche. Make it Happen: From $82 per person per night; 2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom, sleeps 4; $1,785 – $2,450 weekly; Rent it now. | Zach StovallVieques has over a dozen beaches to explore beyond the one at your back door. You'll need your rest. My advice? Claim this lower master bedroom since it's the closer to the sand and the pool. Make it Happen: From $82 per person per night; 2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom, sleeps 4; $1,785 – $2,450 weekly; Rent it now. | Zach StovallPerhaps the best part of Seaside is laying out on this sprawling deck, where a dip in the pool and a "Beach Bum" playlist only sweeten the deal. Make it Happen: From $82 per person per night; 2 Bedroom, 2 Bathroom, sleeps 4; $1,785 – $2,450 weekly; Rent it now. | Zach StovallYou write obsessively, every day, every hour, churning out romantic fodder. Alas, your inspiration is running low, and it's time for a relatable, true-to-life romantic retreat of your own in a Heminway-inspired cottage tucked away privately amid bulging tropical foliage. Make it Happen: From $40 per person per night. Entire compound: 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, sleeps 8; $1,950 – $3,000 weekly. The Pool and Palm Cottages may be rented separately in a 2/2 and 2/1 configuration, sharing the pool. Rent it now. | Zach StovallIn one of two outdoor living rooms, the white gauzy curtains flowing with the breeze and ceiling fans humming overhead set the tone for creative inspiration. Make it Happen: From $40 per person per night. Entire compound: 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, sleeps 8; $1,950 – $3,000 weekly. The Pool and Palm Cottages may be rented separately in a 2/2 and 2/1 configuration, sharing the pool. Rent it now. | Zach StovallThe sound of water pouring from the pool's waterfalls dances across the air, and I have to appreciate genius of design that the impenetrable acid-stained concrete floors stretch from the pool all the way inside. I don't even have to take the time to dry off before rushing in; the floors will be none the wiser. | Zach StovallOn the short walk to La Chata beach, the island's roaming paso fino horses will keep your attention, but back here, you can let your attention wander as much as you like. Make it Happen: From $40 per person per night. Entire compound: 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, sleeps 8; $1,950 – $3,000 weekly. The Pool and Palm Cottages may be rented separately in a 2/2 and 2/1 configuration, sharing the pool. Rent it now. | Zach StovallOver a fresh fish dinner I've prepared on the kitchen's concrete countertop and eaten on the concrete dinner table, I've already decided to book a stay again for the following year. Hey, a writer needs time to think right? And this is the place to do it. Make it Happen: From $40 per person per night. Entire compound: 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, sleeps 8; $1,950 – $3,000 weekly. The Pool and Palm Cottages may be rented separately in a 2/2 and 2/1 configuration, sharing the pool. Rent it now. | Zach StovallYou work long hours digging in dirty mouths. Plaque is your enemy. You have employees to manage, overhead to pay and overbites to fix. When you take time off, you want nothing else than to be with your family, and be carefree. That's why this infinity pool and seating overlooking Esperanza will be your sanctuary. Make it Happen: From $111 per person per night; 3 bedroom; 5 bathroom, sleeps 6; $4,000 – $6,000 weekly; Rent it now. | Zach StovallYour digs: Designed after old Spanish castles, eighteen inch thick concrete walls and broad arches frame the view over the pool beautifully. The arches vaguely remind you of Mrs. Johnson's dentures, and her next to perfect maxillary arch. Make it Happen: From $111 per person per night; 3 bedroom; 5 bathroom, sleeps 6; $4,000 – $6,000 weekly; Rent it now. | Zach StovallYou'll watch the kids pick fresh bananas and limones from the orchard out back, and eat them at family dinners around this table at dusk. You won't be able to pull your kids from the pool when it's time for bed. You won't be bothered, because you're not pulling teeth. Besides, there will be plenty of time for strict bed times back home. And just maybe, Mrs. Johnson's next appointment will remind you of Vieques. Make it Happen: From $111 per person per night; 3 bedroom; 5 bathroom, sleeps 6; $4,000 – $6,000 weekly; Rent it now. | Zach StovallYou just added eight mouths to feed to your already existing brood, and you need a super affordable retreat with enough rooms, a pool, and a beach close so you don't have to rent one of those short school buses. Make it Happen: From $33 per person per night. Rent the 4-bedroom villa, which sleeps 8, the 2-bedroom casita that sleeps 5, the2-bedroom upstairs that sleeps 5, or the 2-bedroom downstairs that also sleeps 5. Or go for the entire compound with (all 10 rooms) that sleeps 23. $1,000 – $1,900 weekly for each of three, 2-bedroom rentals; $1,500 – $2,800 weekly for the 4-bedroom villa. | Zach StovallYour digs: Cozy accommodations feel just like home, but don't smell like diapers and disdain from the public at large. Make it Happen: From $33 per person per night. Rent the 4-bedroom villa, which sleeps 8, the 2-bedroom casita that sleeps 5, the2-bedroom upstairs that sleeps 5, or the 2-bedroom downstairs that also sleeps 5. Or go for the entire compound with (all 10 rooms) that sleeps 23. $1,000 – $1,900 weekly for each of three, 2-bedroom rentals; $1,500 – $2,800 weekly for the 4-bedroom villa. | Zach StovallDrag the whole family down to the beach, just a minute's walk from the villa gate, and let them entertain each other. Make it Happen: From $33 per person per night. Rent the 4-bedroom villa, which sleeps 8, the 2-bedroom casita that sleeps 5, the2-bedroom upstairs that sleeps 5, or the 2-bedroom downstairs that also sleeps 5. Or go for the entire compound with (all 10 rooms) that sleeps 23. $1,000 – $1,900 weekly for each of three, 2-bedroom rentals; $1,500 – $2,800 weekly for the 4-bedroom villa. | Zach StovallFinish your day with a cold Medalla (or six) by the saltwater pool's edge, eating mangoes picked right from the tree by the gate. Pat yourself on the back for a vacation home well chosen, and an overly tired bunch of kids. Make it Happen: From $33 per person per night. Rent the 4-bedroom villa, which sleeps 8, the 2-bedroom casita that sleeps 5, the 2-bedroom upstairs that sleeps 5, or the 2-bedroom downstairs that also sleeps 5. Or go for the entire compound with (all 10 rooms) that sleeps 23. $1,000 – $1,900 weekly for each of three, 2-bedroom rentals; $1,500 – $2,800 weekly for the 4-bedroom villa. | Zach Stovall
