STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

dot · Marc Jacobs

vieques?

e_doli · Dooney & Bourke

DC has been there (so hopefully she can fill you in), but here is a really cute hotel on vieques that she posted back at FH:

http://www.casadeamistad.com/

Karina · Chanel

are you flying or taking a ferry into vieques?

dot · Marc Jacobs

quote:
Originally posted by: Karina
"are you flying or taking a ferry into vieques?"

karina - i'm taking the ferry. i am going with my bf and a friend so it makes more sense economically to take the ferry. a plane ride (they are really small tiny planes) to vieques is about $70 one way... so with three people it adds up. The cab to the ferry from San Juan is about $65 and then split between three people... it's very reasonable. Also the ferry is only $2! It may be cool to stare out at the ocean!

Karina · Chanel

quote:
Originally posted by: dot
" karina - i'm taking the ferry. i am going with my bf and a friend so it makes more sense economically to take the ferry. a plane ride (they are really small tiny planes) to vieques is about $70 one way... so with three people it adds up. The cab to the ferry from San Juan is about $65 and then split between three people... it's very reasonable. Also the ferry is only $2! It may be cool to stare out at the ocean!"

let me know how that ferry goes... that might be me and FH's next solo trip (i plan them WAY in advance)

dc · Dooney & Bourke

Hey dot! I have taken the ferry to vieques - about a year ago. It's a slight pain in the arse and can get quite stuffy & crowded (everyone goes to the main island to load up on groceries and such), but for $2, I'd much rather the ferry than flying! You have to take a taxi or collectivo from San Juan, which takes maybe an hour (maybe les... I forget) and then the ferry.

The little hotel I stayed at that e_doli posted is in Isabel Segundo (Isabel II), which is where the ferry arrives. The owners are a very laid back & friendly gay couple (who will either leave you alone or give you all sorts of advice depending on what you require) and the place is simple yet well decorated with stuff from ikea mixed with puerto rican things. Adorable pool out back (I was all impressed with the way they'd set birch trunks all around it and the modern design). It's not on a beach (not many places are), but in a little town as I said before. Highly recommend - and if you stay there you have to eat at the spanish restaurant down the street from the hotel and also head to Al's bar - just a stumble down the road & the perfect local island bar! All the American expats (whatever you call mainland Americans who go live in PR) go to Al's as well as island "locals."

You HAVE to rent a car if you go to Vieques and well, well in advance. We ended out with the very last car on the island, and it wasn't pretty (but we were still grateful to get it). This is because all of the beaches worth going to are only accessible via car - must be 4WD or you're in trouble. Navio beach and half moon (I think) are terrific - both are very empty. My favorite beaches in the world, honestly, if you like that "deserted island" feel.

Let's see - oh, you must go to the bioluminescent bay at night. We took a glass-bottomed boat, but actually it might be more fun & natural via kayak (don't worry - it's an enclosed bay and as smooth as glass). Plus we met the kayak tour dude at Al's and he was a hoot.

If you need to know anything else, let me know! I can't remember off the top of my head where we ate and so on, but I can look it up.