"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, which is a 25-minute flight from San Juan. The perforated gray walls are reminiscent of coral, with light and shadows evoking the feeling a reef. The 26 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, and for the lucky voyeurs in the crowd, showers in most rooms are peek-a-boo. 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." - Kathleen Squires
