Vieques, Puerto Rico
Hix Island House
Off-grid concrete guesthouse
Off-grid concrete guesthouse
These open concrete pavilions are built for self-sufficiency, powered by the sun and cooled by the Caribbean trade winds.
“Puerto Rico’s first sustainable lodging facility, the hotel caters to guests who know that going green and living luxuriously are not mutually exclusive.”
What it’s good at
Remarkable
Poured concrete pavilions framing trade winds, with cast concrete sinks and bed frames.
What they say
Also in Condé Nast Traveler and AFAR.
Set on 13 acres of fruit trees, whispering pines, and palms, on Vieques, Hix Island House consists of five geometric concrete buildings—triangular, round, square, and rectangular—that fit into the natural surroundings despite their modernist design.
Tucked away
A place apart: the property is the destination.
On a thirteen-acre Vieques hillside sanctuary, with Caribbean views and beaches reached only by car.
The rooms
Rooms skip glass windows entirely to let the breeze through, and most have private terraces with open-air showers.
The pool
Bring a swimsuit.
The 50-foot hillside lap pool runs on solar-driven pumps, using copper and silver ions to sanitize the water.
At the table
Loft kitchens are stocked daily with artisan bread, eggs, and fruit for self-catered breakfasts on private terraces.
How it began
Architect John Hix chose reinforced concrete after witnessing the destruction of wooden buildings during Hurricane Hugo in 1989.
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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.