Esperanza Vieques, Puerto Rico
Renovated
2018
Price
$$
Rated for
Design Social LocalOutside the door
Tropical modernist outpost
Curving concrete architecture channels Caribbean trade winds, drawing a barefoot crowd between the sun-drenched malecón and the breezy rooftop.
“The way the space captured the light was uncanny, every time I got back to my room, a new play of light beams and shadows was waiting for me.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Perforated concrete screens cast reef-like shadow patterns across minimalist rooms lined with handmade hydraulic floor tiles.
Notable
A breezy rooftop terrace hosts sunset cocktail hours and weekend DJ sets that draw visitors and island residents.
Notable
Set directly on the Esperanza boardwalk, offering mesquite-grilled Puerto Rican dishes and furniture made from reclaimed island hardwoods.
What they say
Also in Condé Nast Traveler, Wallpaper* and AFAR.
El Blok's curving, concrete, Brutalist-style building looks like it crash-landed from outer space, and its otherworldliness sets it apart on the island of Vieques.
Right in the middle
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Set right on Esperanza's waterfront malecón, the hotel is steps from sandy shores and within easy reach of Mosquito Bioluminescent Bay.
The rooms
Minimalist rooms feature hand-poured hydraulic floor tiles, custom native hardwood furniture, and private balconies that catch shifting patterns of filtered sunlight.
The rooftop plunge pool
Bring a swimsuit.
A circular soaking plunge pool sits on the open-air roof deck, looking out across the waters of Esperanza Bay.
Dogs stay too.
Restaurant
Placita
Locally sourced seafood and meats sizzle over a bayahonda mesquite grill at this open-air ground-floor restaurant and bar.
they have not only harnessed thermal and solar power to generate electricity and heat, but also made clever use of local materials to create coral-inspired perforated panels
How it began
San Juan architect Nataniel Fúster sculpted the LEED Gold certified concrete structure to evoke a block of coral emerging from the sea.
Good to know
Stay here
El Blok Hotel
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Vieques
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Our shorthand
How we rate hotels.
The medals
Gold
Extremely rare. Sets the global standard.
Silver
Brilliant execution. And we’re picky.
Bronze
They did this well. You’ll notice.
Listed
A defining trait. Makes the hotel what it is.
The eight vibes
Design
Built around a vision. Even the door handles have a designer.
Luxe
Cared for at every turn. The bath is drawn before you ask.
Local
It could only be here. You wake up knowing where you are.
Social
Where the city goes out. The bar is full and the night is young.
Heritage
A building with a story. Once a palace, a monastery, a station.
Wellness
You leave feeling new. Rest, sweat, soak and sleep like a stone.
Classic
The city grew up with it. Same rituals, same regulars, same bar.
Resort
A world of its own. Something to do from breakfast to nightcap.
The scene
Lively
Where things happen: restaurants, shops, people.
Central
Well-located: walkable to some things, a short ride to more.
Quiet
Away from the crowds. Getting around takes intention.
Secluded
A place apart: the property is the destination.