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Review: El Blok

Vieques' eco-friendly standout.
Hot List 2015
  • El Blok
  • Image may contain: Flooring, Floor, Interior Design, Indoors, Furniture, Living Room, Room, Bedroom, Wood, and Hardwood
  • Image may contain: Lighting, Indoors, Lobby, and Room
  • El Blok
  • Image may contain: Appliance, and Ceiling Fan
Ali Schilling/Courtesy El Blok
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Photos

El BlokImage may contain: Flooring, Floor, Interior Design, Indoors, Furniture, Living Room, Room, Bedroom, Wood, and HardwoodImage may contain: Lighting, Indoors, Lobby, and RoomEl BlokImage may contain: Appliance, and Ceiling Fan
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Amenities

Bar
Free Wifi
Pool
Wifi

Rooms

30

What are your first impressions of this place as you arrive?
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. The perforated gray walls look a bit like coral, with light and shadows evoking the feeling a reef—one that happens to be on dry land.

Any interesting tidbits to note?
This adults-only hotel was designed with sustainability in mind, and it has earned a LEED Gold certification to prove it.

Tell us all about the accommodations. Any tips on what to book?
The 30 rooms feel natural, modern, and minimalist, with furniture that wouldn't look out of place in a SoHo boutique. All rooms feature balconies and rain showers; for the lucky voyeurs in the crowd, showers in most rooms are peek-a-boo.

Is there a charge for Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi is complimentary.

What are our on-site dining options? Anything good?
Placita, helmed by chef Alex Espinal, serves modern Puerto Rican cuisine, either fired in a mesquite grill or spun on a rotisserie, with dishes like grilled tuna over coconut basmati rice or pork shank with chimichurri. Two bars set two different moods: Rooftop is a cocktail hotspot featuring live music and DJs, and La Tertulia on street level features a fire pit at its centerpiece.

What type of travelers will you find here?
Cool, eco-conscious, bare-foot castaways.

How do we get there?
A 25-minute flight from San Juan or a 90-minute ferry ride from Ceiba, Vieques draws visitors with its generously sandy beaches, bioluminescent bay, and beautiful wild horses.

Once we're there, what stands out?
The beach is just across the street. The hotel also hosts rooftop yoga as well as stargazing events.

Bottom line: Why are we picking this hotel?
For an honest, fashionable back-to-the-beach eco-stay.

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