Hix Island House

"Set on 13 acres of fruit trees, whispering pines, and palms, on the island of Vieques, Hix Island House consists of five geometric concrete buildings—triangular, round, square, and rectangular—that fit into the natural surroundings despite their modernist design. This tropical home-away-from-home has 19 huge, loft-like, polished-concrete spaces, all austerely decorated with wood furnishings and small pops of color. All but two have outdoor showers; all have kitchens, patios or terraces, and garden or ocean views. A hilltop locale in the center of the island affords views of the ocean in all directions. The very definition of seclusion—there are no phones, TV, or Wifi—the property serves as the ultimate place to hole up and opt out." - Kathleen Squires

"On the island of Vieques, Puerto Rico, Casa Solaris at Hix Island House Hotel features six one- and two-bedroom lofts with outdoor showers and views of the Caribbean Sea, as well as a yoga pavilion set among the casuarina pines. It is also Puerto Rico’s first all-solar hotel, operating completely independently of the commercial power grid." - Terry Ward

"What stands out to you about this place as you arrive? Set on 13 acres of fruit trees, whispering pines, and palms, on Vieques, Hix Island House consists of five geometric concrete buildings—triangular, round, square, and rectangular—that fit into the natural surroundings despite their modernist design. A hilltop location in the center of the island affords views of the ocean in all directions. The very definition of seclusion—there are no phones, TV, or Wifi—the property serves as the ultimate place to hole up and opt out. What's the backstory? An eco-friendly pioneer on the island, Hix Island House opened in 2000. Toronto architect John Hix, inspired by the Japanese concept of Wabi-sabi, built the hotel with conservation and responsible living at the forefront of the design. Solar and wind energy power each building, and cisterns capture rainwater. So what are the rooms like? This tropical home-away-from-home has 19 huge, loft-like, polished-concrete spaces, all austerely decorated with wood furnishings and small pops of color. All but two have outdoor showers; all have kitchens, patios or terraces, and garden or ocean views. Is there a charge for Wi-Fi? Wi-Fi is complimentary, but the catch is it's only available near the front desk,. Drinking and dining—what are we looking at? Management stocks kitchens with breakfast items (eggs, cereal, juice, coffee and tea, milk, jam, fruit, and homemade bread) daily. What type of travelers come here? Conservationist conversationalists taking some me-time. What's the surrounding area like? Your neighbors are coquis, hummingbirds, and trade winds. A 25-minute flight from San Juan, or a seven-minute flight or 90-minute ferry ride from Ceiba, Vieques is known for its beautiful beaches, bioluminescent bay, and galloping wild horses. Hix Island House is a 10-minute drive to the town of Esperanza and beaches, 20 minutes from Isabel Segundo, seven minutes from the airport, and 20 minutes from ferry terminal. Any other hotel features worth noting? A 50-foot long pool with panoramic views provides a central point. Yoga classes are offered in a scenic pavilion for guests and non-guests. There's no A/C throughout the houses, but their hilly location and abundance of greenery draws cool breezes. The hotel supplies chairs, towels, and snorkeling equipment for beach trips. Sprawling La Casona at the top of the property is available to rent for events (up to 80 people). Bottom line: why are we picking this hotel? This is a well-designed, modernist retreat that's right for anyone looking to get off the grid—and off Instagram—for a few days." - Kathleen Squires

"Hix Island House on Vieques Island caters to guests who know that going green and living luxuriously are not mutually exclusive. Rooms come with See Design bedding as well as Frette robes and towels. Solar panels provide power, and wastewater from each room supplies the lush gardens. Canadian architect John Hix is responsible for the hotel’s striking concrete exterior, which stands in stark contrast to the surrounding hills, yet provides guests with both privacy and sweeping views out to sea." - AFAR Editors

Other recommended accommodations are the Hix Island House, an eco-friendly place offering yoga classes for non-guests.