Rustic Retreats and Island Luxury: The Top Five Hotels in Vieques

The Hix Island House wins my vote for the coolest hotel in Vieques for the sheer audacity, wonder, and concept behind its construction. The hotel is comprised of three buildings: Square, Circle, and Triangle. These simple geometric designs are carried out with a minimum of artifice, making it appear as if they are natural formations rising up out of the earth.

Harmony with nature is a consistent theme here. There are no windows in the rooms (mosquito netting keeps the bugs away at night), no air conditioner, and no elevators. The walls and floors are concrete. There are open-air showers. And the genius of its design is such that, while removing many so-called creature comforts, the Hix House doesn't sacrifice your comfort.

The Inn on the Blue Horizon exudes a romantic charm that lives up to its lovely name. Overlooking the sea, the inn is a group of cabanas surrouning a main house. Guestrooms are decorated in a tropical theme, with four-poster beds and dark wood furniture. Outside your cabana are immaculately groomed grounds, panoramic ocean views, a gorgeous open-air pool with magical night lighting. One of Vieques' best bar and lounge combos and an award-winning restaurant are also on the property.

Check rates at this hotel.

"Wayfarers Accommodated," says the sign out front, but you won't feel like a wayfarer when you enter this warm, pleasant inn. Owners Burr and Linda Vail are wonderful hosts who take the extra step in welcoming their guests to the hotel and to the island. Each room is unique, and the ones overlooking the sea earn top honors. The communal areas, and the library in particular, are cozy places to relax after a day out on the beach. Hacienda Tamarindo (named for the lovely Tamarind tree growing in the property) also has a terrific complimentary breakfast, and offers a packed a box lunch and beach chairs for your excursions around the island.

A bit out of the way from Vieques' main town of Isabel II, Bravo Beach Hotel reminds me of the kind of hip establishments one would find in Miami. The white walls and white decor in the rooms lend a sophisticated summer look to this boutique hotel, which has a more contemporary style than any other lodging option on the island. Ergonomic chairs and iPod docking stations are some of the modern amenities you'll find. The oceanfront rooms have a private terrace overlooking the Atlantic, and guests with bigger budgets can reserve a suite or even a two-bedroom, two-bathroom villa that is removed from the main building. The Bravo Beach also has a terrific restaurant, BBH, which serves up an eclectic, global menu.

Casa La Lanchita is certainly not a posh, upscale destination. But that's what I like about it: the casual, informal,affordable and simple but comfortable vibe. The rooms are spacious, the pool is a great place for the kids to spend the day, and the added touches (dolphin fountains, a terrace with lovely views, and well equipped kitchenettes in every suite) make it a favorite for families. It's not chic, but it's right on the water, has friendly hosts, and is about as far from pretentious as you can get. The biggest downsides? You need a car to get around, because the hotel is a bit isolated, and there is no on-site restaurant. However, it's certainly the most budget-friendly hotel on this list, and offers good value for the money.