While we were on Vieques we spent some time at the W and some time at a private villa we rented (Quinta Jabali found on VRBO).

The W was nice and has plenty of modern luxury you would expect from a high end resort - but Vieques is a different type of Caribbean island and calls for a different kind of experience. If you're not the type to venture outside the resort to explore - the W Vieques is perfect for you (although super pricey). It's got an amazing pool, awesome panoramic views, comfortable and stylish decor and good food. However, exploring the island is what makes this place so unique and special. The beaches are secluded and unbelievable. The food around the island (especially in Esperanza) is cheap and delicious. And the bio bay is a sight to behold! When you get outside the W - it feels like there are more wild horses walking around then humans.

A private villa like Quinta Jabali is the way to go. About half the price with more space, more privacy and in most cases your own private pool - and the views can't be beat.

I can't say enough about this hotel. BEST HOTEL!!!! I loved the property so much. AMAZING service. We arrived early which we knew we wouldn't have a room but they took us on a tour of the property and got us some tea to relax and wait. SUCH GREAT SEVICE!!!

Second time to Vieques and W in last 18 months. Perfect place to relax. There is NO ACTION and there's not supposed to be. They have a lounge right at the airport, they drive you to the hotel that is 7 minutes away, they check you in smiling all the time, they drive you to your villa or suite then its pool time with great background music in (yes in) and out of the water. The place is beautiful and the staff is wonderful. Go out of the hotel for food and you have the perfect spot to chill for a few days.

My girlfriend and I chose Vieques and the W as our first getaway together as neither of us had ever been. We are both well traveled so expectations were very high…

From our arrival at the small island airport and its W lounge, we were greeted and treated exceptionally well by the W staff. Ricky, our Ambassador, was friendly, courteous & helpful and ultimately assisted with a room change that we desired (wasn’t needed – just our choice). Blaine at Wet was tremendous with his service but was truly friendly and a great help with suggestions, explaining some of the idiosyncrasies of Vieques and much more. W, you’ve got some great people in these two.

The W is certainly nice as you approach but it’s only after you walk through the lobby and step outside that you really can appreciate how beautiful the setting is, fully appreciate the property and get the whole vibe of the place.

The first night we shared chicken soft tacos and shrimp quesadillas at Sorce – both were great but we highly recommend the quesadillas as a great light dinner or lunch. We had them 4 times during our stay!

Our advice is not to go to Vieques without renting a Jeep (Island Car Rental at the W was convenient). Most of the beaches are in undeveloped, protected areas and they are some of the most pristine beaches I’ve seen anywhere. Getting out and seeing the island, visiting Esparanza, Isabel II and the all the “wildlife” areas, seeing the roaming horses and getting a feel for the whole place shouldn’t be missed. This is a VERY laid back place with very nice people, a good bit of poverty but a wonderful culture to it.

Black Beard Sports on property will lend you snorkel gear for “free” (part of your $60/day resort fee) and we recommend renting a chairs for the beaches from them as well. Don’t get me wrong, the beaches at the W are great but can’t compete with others on the island…

Try Sol’s food truck for an amazing lunch near some of the best beaches (yes, a truck!), El Quenepo and, best of all, Next Course where we ate twice for really great meals. I’d call the last two for reservations to be safe.

The W Spa did a wonderful job with a couples massage in a room overlooking the ocean which has a wall of doors that we requested be opened during. There’s nothing like a great massage while listening to the ocean!

Also, do the Bio Bay tour if you haven’t seen one before. Choose a kayak tour if possible and, if you have a Jeep, you can meet the tour operator near the bay. Otherwise, you’ll spend too much time on the back & forth, etc. It’s truly amazing but you only need an hour on the water and another hour to put in and wind up – more than that is unnecessary. There are only a handful of these in the world and it is amazing to see.