Hix Island House

7 Dreamy, Eco-Friendly Hotels and Resorts in the Caribbean - AFAR

"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

The Best Puerto Rico Hotels, From Beachfront Resorts to Jungle Villas | Condé Nast Traveler

"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. 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

Hix Island House – Hotel Review | Condé Nast Traveler

"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

The Best Puerto Rico Hotels and Resorts for a Relaxing Getaway - AFAR

"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

@katieparla

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

Vieques

Sharon Brown

Google

The concept of this place is great. I was looking forward to staying at a place completely powered by solar. The pictures on their website look fantastic. We reserved two rooms for our group. The compound was easy to find and had horses walking all around which was really nice. I was disappointed by the views as I was expecting those on the website. One of our openings had a view of the ocean in the far distance but none of the others. The rooms were large but the place had a run down vibe to it. One of the showers had several large spiderwebs residing there. Housekeeping should have knocked those down before our visit so you don't spend your shower wondering if the spiders whose webbings you destroyed would come out. The rooms were dark as the lights were small. They were also extremely hot as there was no breeze at all and the fans were very small (see pictures). The sleeping area had a fan but in one of the rooms, the fan only worked on low- so you could watch the blades turn while you prayed for relief. Also the fan size was for a much smaller room. The netting on the beds was nice but one of them was not made for the king bed it was being used for so it left gaps. It did keep the bugs out but not the lizard or spider. The place provided eggs, frozen bread, milk, orange juice and Special K. Would have liked some fresh fruit and/or other options.Pool water was turning green and the pool walls were green so did not use pool. Overall I liked the place despite it needing work as the spot is beautiful and it's like glam camping. It was disappointing because the rooms are overpriced for what you get and those deficiencies could be fixed if they so cared. Safety note- 3rd floor rooms are not really third floor because the house is built on a hill so if you worry about safety, this is not the place to stay. You need to leave the openings open to be able to let some air in but the 3rd floor is as easy to walk into as the first floor patios and you can hear horses shuffling and snorting outside which when half asleep can sound like danger. Last item- we dealt with Carmen during our stay. She was very helpful and friendly. She told us we could contact her for anything and she responded quickly when we did contact her. She was great!

Anna Duan

Google

Beautiful property with horses and mango trees all over. Yoga and massage with Maureen were life changing - she was so generous with her time and I loved talking to her about her wellness journey. She also gave us two great hike recommendations! The staff was lovely as well - the chef they recommended to come cook for us, Vicente, was a highlight of our stay. I was skeptical about the open concept at first but it was worth it. Birds would hang out on the balconies and fly through sometimes, and the outdoor shower had excellent water pressure. This stay was wonderful.

Wilson Cheung

Google

This property is beautiful from top to bottom. Very well laid out space between the various room options. Spacious living and dining areas. Outdoor showers were nice and other amenities to really get the most out of the space such as kitchen equipment, items in the fridge, and sufficient space to really unpack and spread out. Agree with some reviews that it is really in the thick of nature. While there were some wild horses around, there were also many bugs throughout the day. Carmen and the staff were very accommodating. Thank you!

Bryan B

Google

One of the best hotels in Vieques and by far one of the best customer service. elegant views, and just unique architecture. Convenient location and easy to access. |Grateful amenities and easy check-in and checkout. A true gem of Vieques island

Marni B

Google

Lovely place. The salt water pool was a highlight. The fans helped with the heat as did a nightime swim. We enjoyed watching the birds in the gardens and the wild horses that came by several times a day. Beds were comfortable and there was plenty of space for our family of 4.

Camille C.

Google

John Hix nailed his goal of helping guests truly explore nature using minimalism. The views (sunrises and sunsets) are outstanding! I loved listening to the sounds throughout the night. I used the netting and slept like a baby! The breezes! You can get food delivered and you don't even have to leave the compound. There were delicious wonders in the fridge waiting (muffins, assorted jams and jellies, butter, milk, juice, coffee, cold cereal, and a wonderful sourdough bread. And... The shower! I stayed in Solaris where the water is solar-heated. It was such an incredible shower I woke up in the morning before heading back to the main island to take another! I didn't get a chance to really explore everything in the Hix Island House community, but overall, I loved it! The stairs were a bit much for my knees, but other than that, it's incredible!

Ana Rangel

Google

This place was amazing! Initially, I was a bit apprehensive about the open concept and some mentions of bugs, but our experience turned out to be fabulous. It was incredible to see the stars while showering—an unforgettable experience. The weather was perfect, which made the open room feel amazing. The check-in process was smooth and easy, and the food/drinks provided were a delightful touch. The location was great, too. I would absolutely stay here again!

Laura S

Google

This place is truly magical! I was there for a yoga retreat for 6 days and I was really able to fully recharge. Beds were comfortable, outdoor showers were incredible! Only things that could be improved were small; they are pretty cheap on the towels. They are good quality, but they are small, including their "beach towels" which were as thin as looseleaf paper. Also, they do supply you with coffee you can make yourself but it is the wrong grind for a French press, so you wind up getting a ton of sediment in the bottom of your cup. Also, it would be great if they had enough yoga props on premises, given they have a lovely yoga pavilion. But overall, Hix is outstanding!

Sharon Brown

Google

Anna Duan

Google

Wilson Cheung

Google

Bryan B

Google

Marni B

Google

Camille C.

Google

Ana Rangel

Google

Laura S

Google

Marina A.

Yelp

No customer service. This could have been a great stay, however, the front desk staff was below incompetent. Vieques is a gorgeous island and deserves the best hospitality which Hix Island is not offering. You can drive by and check out the architecture, but I do not recommend spending your money here. For staying in Puerto Real, book at Finca Victoria. For a more lively experience, book at El Blok in Esperanza.

Chris D.

Yelp

AVOID STAYING HERE BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY!!!! While I am aware of how hard the travel industry has been hit due to Covid it is saddening to see that customer service has been affected this greatly and my party and myself will not be returning to stay at Hix accommodations around the world. This is why... My party and I unfortunately had the worst experience when we stayed at Hix Island House in Vieques and strongly advise potential vacationers to book at other accommodations in Vieques (Such as El Blok). We felt that the listing on Expedia where we booked our stay through was very misleading since none of the amenities mentioned were actually available, such as the pool and yoga. The property felt like a ghost town with us only being able to communicate with the manager via phone as even reception hours were inaccurate. In addition, the only other guests staying at the time mentioned they received an email that the pool was broken and we were never communicated until we brought this up to management. To make matters worse, my friend had an injury happen at Hix Island House in the horse floor fence. While it had a sign to hold onto the rail, there was a pole sticking out of the wall that the rail was on which made my friend have to walk around the pole and have her fall through the fence. While we booked for 2 nights we only stayed one night after this ordeal and when we requested a full refund due to all the reasons above, the hotel through Expedia only approved a partial refund. Even after pleading our case to why a full refund should be given no acknowledgment/ at the bare minimum an apology was made by management of Hix Island House or Expedia.

Michelle L.

Yelp

I didn't stay here (which was fine with me as it seems this is an all natural hotel and I need my air conditioner and technology) but from what I can see, this is a great place to submerge yourself in nature. It is off the beaten path and you definitely need a car to get here. So why was I here? YOGA!!! This location is great for a yoga class with a big group. Although it was super humid and hot in Vieques, I felt like the temperature dropped a little with a semi-cool breeze here as there are so many trees blocking the sun and we did yoga under an awning. This made it possible for us to survive an hour plus of relaxing yoga. It was great! Hix provided the yoga mats and it only cost us $15pp for a yoga class. Our teacher Maureen was a great instructor. She was patient teaching us and informative on her style of yoga. Her personality shined and made the class light-hearted and fun. It really was a wonderful experience with a wonderful instructor. One note: when booking the class, I would follow-up the day before to ensure the instructor will be there. My friend had booked the class awhile back and followed-up to reconfirm days before but the original instructor never showed up. I personally don't think reconfirming the night before should be a necessity anywhere if it has been reconfirmed already but it was fine in the end. Fortunately Hix had two yoga instructors and Maureen was on-site and happy to teach us instead. But just as a precaution, I would follow-up the day before to ensure the instructor is on the same page.

Adam F.

Yelp

The worst experience in a hotel in my life. No power, no help, eaten by mosquitos. This is the worst run dump I have ever experienced. Please contact me. Seriously please don't stay here

Bradley F.

Yelp

What an outstanding place. Staying at the Hix House is such a great experience. It's not the kind of place that exists to act as a place to sleep on a trip, it is the kind of place where you actually want to stick around and enjoy. A great place to find solitude and relax between island adventures for sure. Everything about Hix House makes it stand out: the drive across the island to check in, the seclusion, the friendliness of the staff, the design, the design ethos, the peace, the views, the stocked kitchen, the roaming horses. It really isn't just a place to stay, it is a destination itself. We stayed in Casa Redonda Loft 1. Beautiful and welcoming with everything we needed. Full kitchen, day bed for afternoon naps, bug net over the main bed, lounge chairs and enough seating for 8 people around the dining table. Could even pick up the office WIFI when laying out on the big ledge overlooking the property if needed. The room was cool and comfortable throughout our stay, the bugs were very minimal, though we still used the net overnight. The outdoor shower was a really nice experience as well. The stocked kitchen made it easy to relax and stay in to eat, rather than spending a lot of time at restaurants. Breakfast is essentially supplied - juice, coffee, bread, spreads, fresh fruits and cereals. We messaged ahead to hold the milk and eggs and brought our own soy milk since we knew we'd need it. The check in office offers free access to snorkelling and beach gear and the room had beach chairs and a beach bag so you can make the most of your trips to the beach. Little things like these are thoughtful and actually useful to guests. As someone who's spent a significant amount of time managing a housekeeping department, I'd like to commend the staff for a great job! With such an open concept it has got to be difficult keeping it from looking like the outside is taking over the insides of the rooms, but they were able to keep it at bay. Sure, some leaves and biomass made its way in through the giant open windows - but that's to be expected. Although, the GIANT FUCKING SPIDER that was hanging around on our ceiling for a few days wasn't too fun. If you've got the budget, and you prefer relaxing to partying in your accommodation: stay here.

Dave N.

Yelp

Having lived in Puerto Rico, I was a bit worried over the "no screens" issue (I asked my wife several times "does it look like the place has window screens?" while she searched for other places to stay). However, the open air design - and ceiling fan - kept all the mosquitoes away at night; I even took down the accompanying mosquito net and put it in a closet. Okay, that fear everyone is expressing is out of the way. Hix Island House is a magical, tranquil place. It was my favorite part of a recent 10-day trip to PR / Vieques. Vieques is like Puerto Rico minus the rush and so many people on top of each other (no offense to PR). Hix Island House provided a fairly secluded spot where you can do the cliche (not in a bad way) version of island life vacations: Relaxation. Lazy mornings with fresh bread, eggs, coffee, jams and milk (brought in every day), beaches never more than ten minutes away, lounging with a book and music in a lawn chair around 4 pm, and a nice mineral swimming pool open 24/7. An outdoor-ish shower where you can look at the sky, yoga classes, really nice and informative staff (both had lived abroad, came back to Vieques, had great stories and helpful information about the island), wild horses hanging out front. Et cetera. Despite the lack of WIFI in the lofts, visits to the reception house were enough to get that (Netflix) fix. My wife and I only saw a few other guests, but everyone was far enough away to allow us to be social only if we wanted to. Really, I wish our whole trip would have taken place at Hix. I can't wait to go back. One funny thing: the whole island - and Hix's almost compound-like DHARMA Initiative layout - reminded me of the island in Lost. I found a big rope stuck in the sand on Black Sands beach. Like shoved so far in it wouldn't budge. I joked that I could use it to move the island. I wish I could move the island to my backyard.

Rebekah L.

Yelp

What an EXPERIENCE to stay here! There are no walls on the front of room then a big open window on the backside. The cool ocean breeze blows in. I was hesitant to book here because of this. (nervous about bugs and it being too warm, neither were an issue) No tv, no hairdryers in room (can get from office) no ac. The day we arrived Sarah Rose was helpful with recommendations and showed us the honor bar, she's a real gem. The umbrellas, boogie boards, noodle floaties, and snorkel gear available. At the office there are food and drinks you can take to the room. There was a mini kitchen that was stocked full of all the goods needed to cook. Then 6 eggs, honey, maple syrup, raw sugar, butter, several pieces of fruit, a large loaf of homemade bread, juice, milk, and cereal. They only book 3 night minimum, has to be in the same room. So if you don't see it on the calendar for 3 nights in a row it's not available. We had a little trouble sleeping our first night. Simply aren't used to all of the birds chirping and the sound of the rain. But when we got back to San Juan and had to stay in a regular closed room with AC I felt claustrophobic.. funny how quickly we adapt. Can't wait to visit the Hix House again!

S L.

Yelp

Beautiful design and property! For an eco-resort you really feel like you're treating yourself. It's quiet and private and they also offer vinyasa yoga daily. (I was super pumped about this). Amenities: 1. They stock your kitchen daily with fresh foods (no REALLY) this includes fresh coffee beans, a grinder and french press, fresh eggs, fresh bread, juice, etc. 2. Very private and quiet pool 3. Daily yoga classes 4. Frette linens!! Why not sleep luxuriously in nature? 5. Open air showers. My personal favorite. 6. Really amazing nature sounds at night My husband and I are creatives from NY so we are picky about style, but we also are outdoorsy types and this place delivers on both. It's crucial when it comes to open air hotels, that you are "cool" with nature. It's not for everyone. There's no AC, there are bugs. LOTS of bugs. We found a tarantula in our room. Crazy, but it's part of the experience, you are literally IN the jungle. We are so in love with this place and the experience that we couldn't really say enough good things.

Melissa D.

Yelp

We stayed here for a week and couldn't have asked for anything more perfect. We went in the off-season and originally booked a room in the Triangular house, but when we got there we were told that we'd been upgraded to the top floor of Casa Solaris. We were totally blown away as soon as we opened the door! This room was completely open to the air on one side leading directly to the balcony, which faces east. Every morning we woke to the sunrise and the gentle trade winds that cooled the AC-free space. The balcony overlooks the jungle, with high side walls that give a lot of privacy: sunbathe topless! Nap naked! Talk to the frogs like a crazy person! Probably no one will know! On the topic of naked, the open-air shower was one of the most amazing things I've ever encountered on a vacation. There is simply nothing like showering under the stars to put one completely at peace. On the west side of the room, where we had a full kitchen, complete with stove, fridge, cooking utensils and dining table, there was a big window overlooking the road, where we often saw wild horses munching on the grass. Every day the lovely staff stocked us with fresh coffee, bread, fruit, and eggs. The surface luxury of the interior design was definitely made even better knowing that these items were produced locally, that the electricity we used was generated by the solar panels on the roof, and that our water would be recycled. It was easy to forget about AC even in the heat of midday, because the building's design really utilized the wind patterns of the area. The openness of the space meant that there were some bugs around, but keep the counters clean and they won't be much of a problem. Mosquitos were bad at night but they provided us with a citronella spray and a mosquito net and it was worth it. One night we encountered a giant spider so if you are super squeamish it may not be the place for you. But if you are looking to be immersed in the sights and sounds of the jungle without actually camping in it, try this place! We will definitely be back.

Kelly R.

Yelp

S and I returned here for four nights for our honeymoon. We love it! There were hardly any bugs at all (mosquitos at night-- use the mosquito netting over the bed), the views were great, the fresh bread was more delicious than we remembered, and the pool was perfect. (We even got to meet the owner/designer! Really nice guy.) It rained almost the entire time, which we were told was really strange for Vieques, but the rooms are so peaceful and relaxing as rain hideaways, we didn't mind at all. We just put on the provided bathrobes and chilled on our lounge chairs, watching it pour. Will return here every time.

Nick L.

Yelp

First off I want to say this place is great! It's secluded, staff is super nice, the rooms are great. The only caveat is that you have to be ready for what you are getting yourself into. This is an Eco resort. One entire side of our hotel room was open to the elements. That means bugs, birds, the heat when the wind isn't blowing, (which was rare) will all be in your room. The last night we even found a hermit crab living in a small jelly jar dragging itself across our bathroom floor, which was absolutely terrifying until our bleary eyes could focus and find the light switch. It took 3 nights to get acclimated to all the squeaks, chirps, and bumps in the night. But on the third night we slept like babies. So just be warned. This is super fancy camping. And it's fantastic as long as you know what you are signing up for.

François B.

Yelp

I would not consider any other place on the island. Friendly staff, amazing property. Peaceful. Zen. Horses, dogs, and bats!

Foodie G.

Yelp

Perfect nature escape! The staff here were so helpful. The property is beautiful and completely what we wanted - a laid back retreat in the jungle without a lot people. If you're into snorkeling, they offer free gear, so grab a set in the morning and drive out to the big pier close to the airport (Atlantic side). We swam under it the whole way out and saw tons of tropical fish and majestic sea turtles. The concert dwellings are not terribly sound proof - so my only grip is that we were woken up by the late night arrival of the guests above us, and there is a rental house at the bottom of the lane, not affiliated with Hix that blasted crappy music all day for a few days, but they turned it off at night. We found an especially good Mango tree on a trail close by! The Island was bursting with ripe mangos ready for the picking in Late June. My favorite part of this place was waking up to the sunrise and bird songs as the sweet smelling trade winds blew through our mosquito net above our bed. I highly recommend this one!

Joy Y.

Yelp

you're cool if you know of this place. (lady gaga stayed here) you're even cooler if you end up staying here. and if you do stay here and survive the bug bites, you're basically god to me. don't even consider staying here if you don't have a car. i hiked for an hour to esperanza and probably won't do that again. but management is really nice. they do impose a 2-night minimum but after i realized it was basically impossible for me to stay here beyond 1 night they allowed me to move out and refunded me for the second night.

Kirk L.

Yelp

This is a wonderful property, thoughtfully designed by the owner / architect and exceptionally managed. Alan the general manager, and Carmen the house manager are fantastic. Each building has its own character, you cannot ask for a better location, nestled on a hill and quiet at all times. You really soak in the natural beauty of Vieques on this property. You have a full kitchen in most units, and your fridge is graciously stocked with eggs, butter, milk, juices, coffee, AND a loaf of locally made artisanal bread that is amazingly delicious and ample. Each unit has its own perspective and character. Minutes away from everything you want on Vieques, Hix Island House is excellent.

Richard B.

Yelp

10 stars if it were possible. We stayed two night in June in Loft #2 in Casa Solaris. Your jaw drops when you first walk in. The views are incredible. Hix Island isn't a hotel, it's an experience. It's really hard to describe what this place is like. Pictures help, but still don't do it justice. A word of caution - it's not a place to sleep in late, unless you're a deep sleeper or wearing earplugs and a mask. There are no window shades, so the sun just pours in. Frogs and roosters in the distance make plenty of noise. Still worth it. Rent a car if you stay here, it's the only real way to get around.

Lori M.

Yelp

Hix Island House is a magical destination. Off the mainland, on the island of Vieques - a distinctive resort style grouping of loft style apartments, an eco-friendly concrete hilltop retreat... this place will force you into rejuvenation and renewal mode even if that's not what you came there for...there is yoga and massage on the lawn right underneath your apartment. No windows allow you to embrace the beauty of the night sky and shower with the coquí (little frogs who sing). You can swim in the gorgeous pool, cook in your own kitchen, sleep in the sunshine, relax and gaze out over the scenic mountains, and have a massage almost any time. This is a definite retreat into nature, and I can't wait to go back again !

Shaun T.

Yelp

I will not book a room here for the listed price. Prepare to be bitten by mosquitoes, there is simply no escaping them. Tiny ants roam freely. Tiny moths, camp on the walls, waiting for the spiders that patiently welcomesthem for dinner. There are so many ways for bugs to enter into the room and bathroom. One side of (The bed is foam, no mattress) wooden frame is hammered into the wall. Its like an invitation for bugs to come cuddle with you. Electric stove had small volts of currents moving freely through the frying pan, it was shocking. The second time was shockfree no alternating current where it wasnt suppose to be. Refrigerator to store food, and electric stove top only, a coffee maker and tea. Room comes with bread, eggs, jams, butter, sugar, milk, pineapple and orange juice. Room gets 1- 2 stars. Outdoor gets 5 stars beautiful to look at, im not able to see nature like that to often. Worth looking at, have a picnic on the grass, take some family pictures, maybe take a dip in the sketchy looking pool then leave. Id come back just to see the view again, but i will not book a room here to sleep in unless youre okay with being bitten by all the bugs i mentioned at the beginning.

Blaire H.

Yelp

So sad to say that in theory, the Hix House was incredible. The grounds and architecture are gorgeous and even the roads to get there are beautiful (drive slow to avoid hitting horses). But, in reality- its just wasn't pleasant for my husband and I. Because most reviews say you don't have to worry about the open-air and bugs and no AC, we thought it would be fine. But after a long day of exploring and being out in the sun, it is so nice to be able to go back to a room with AC. And sleeping was a joke- we had the ceiling fan going and both personal fans going and it was still pretty miserable. We even stayed on the top floor of the Triangle building which is at the top of the property and gets a good air-flow... Its just a luke warm air flow that isn't refreshing. The other issue we had was that the fridge in the room was sub-par (old) and the tiny little freezer in the top didn't freeze anything (including the ice in the 2 ice trays provided) on the very top setting. We even made it a point to not open the fridge at all for a full 24 hours and it didn't really get much cold. They need a central ice machine so that you can at least find some reprieve at some point in the day or fill your portable cooler bag with some ice... Oh and the mosquito net around the bed just prohibits the max air flow so we just ended up tossing it aside one night and it was about 5 degrees cooler without it- but the mosquitos got my husband pretty bad. I'm so sad because I don't like writing poor reviews of such a great concept and I love that the whole place is very eco-friendly (with recycling in your room) but it just wasn't ideal to go on vacation and have very unpleasant and unrelaxing sleep.

Mary S.

Yelp

The Hix Island House was one of the charms that made Vieques such a great vacation destination. It's an eco-chic resort that evokes relaxation while helping you find your center with nature. The setup: Rooms are set up like your own personal villas with outdoor showers and no AC. Although there's no AC, the windows open up fully and allow cool air to flow through. If you're still too hot, you can get the ceiling fan and portable minifans going to get you comfortable. Now let me just say that I'm a city girl through and through. I was a little nervous when I realized that the rooms don't come with TV's. BUT when you're there, the peaceful quiet and beautiful scenery make it just right. You can take a nap in their hammocks, play some board games, do some yoga, take a dip in their amazing pool... the possibilities are endless. One of the best things was all the fresh fruits and eggs that they provide for you to make your own breakfast each morning. They also bake fresh bread onsite daily which is a great addition to the already plentiful spread. The service here is second to none. All staff members are extremely welcoming and so ready to help with information on beaches, restaruants, and tourist spots. The front desk also has a great selection of board games and boogie boards and swim gear to check out each day for free! Just come and get it first-come-first-served. Note: You will have visitors in your room in the form of lizards and mosquitos. Each room has a mosquito net over the bed and plenty of bug spray :) However, you'll probably have to employ some other tactics to scare away the lizards. All in all, this was a wonderful experience that I hope I can come enjoy again! What a chic way to get in touch with nature!

Jay O.

Yelp

My wife and I stayed at the Hix Island House for a wedding. I want to first say that the favorite day of my life was my wedding day. We had such a beautiful wedding in a perfect location...but it was staying at the Hix that I first even questioned could there have been a better location. Everything at the Hix Island House was perfect, from the morning fresh fruit, bread, and coffee in our room to the views to the service. We loved sleeping in the open air in the minimalistic rooms that just whispered serenity. We will definitely be back for a visit, maybe for a wedding anniversary...or better yet, just because...it is that fantastic. Thank you!

Dannay M.

Yelp

What an experience! My husband and I stayed in Vieques for 7 days and we stayed here at the Hix Island House in the Top floor Casa Solaris, whaaaaaat a view! This place was amazing, I never experienced anything like this in my life! I like the fact that every day the maids stocked the fridge with fresh fruit, eggs, and cereal, and any little condiments we needed as well such as honey,jam, fresh bread. This feature really helps you out because there aren't a lot of restaurants open early for breakfast. (Well at least when we went in September). It was also cool that we had an outdoor shower and we were able to prance around nude in our room while enjoying nature and the beautiful view! The pool is cool, the temperature is just right, no ones bothering you and on all of the days we went to the pool no one was there. The beautiful older lady at the front desk is sweet as pie, and very helpful! The horses graze the property unbothered and free. It's so quiet you feel like you're on a retreat! They have snorkeling gear that you can take and beach chairs to accommodate you when you are enjoying the beautiful beaches! Don't look any further book now! Hix house was the icing on the cake and the cake itself I had the best time in my life!!!!!!!!

KP D.

Yelp

Heaven on earth. We dream of returning again. Hix is the most special, truly one of a kind places to stay. Where else can you find gorgeous minimalist architecture, open air accommodations on the side of a mountain overlooking the Caribbean? Oh, and a lovely older lady delivers a basket of fresh eggs, homemade bread, local fruit, and jams to your room each morning. We used that food for breakfast and lunch and supplemented by shopping at Morales and cooking in the room each night. It was a great way to save money and we enjoyed the kitchen accommodations. Can't wait to make it back.

Patrick M.

Yelp

Absolutely fabulous! I did my research online, selected Hix House, and sure glad we did! Stayed in the Solaris house.... amazing! We felt so welcomed, comfortable, "with" nature, while luxury was all around us. We highly recommend this property. The openness of no glass windows in our loft is great, the freedom of an outside shower feels naughty but secure. The beds are very comfortable. The pool was refreshing and private. The staff (Joann) is the best and always hooked us up with the coolest adventures on the island. We met the owners, very sweet, caring couple, who takes pride in their hotel. We love Vieques... and who knew! We'll be back.

Michael B.

Yelp

My third visit to Vieques and, as before, couldn't imagine staying anyplace other than Hix Island House. While definitely not for everyone, I can't imagine any other hotel that better reflects the serenity and unique flavor of Vieques, On this visit, we stayed in one of the upper lofts at Casa Solaris, the newest building at Hix. The room was spacious and well-accommodated in minimalist fashion. The trade winds blowing through the loft kept everything cool, comfortable and mosquito-free. Looking out over Esperanza and the Caribbean, the views from the room and loft deck were simply amazing. Hix is built for privacy and intimacy...something we were able to take full advantage of. The staff is unobtrusive, but very service-oriented...both housekeeping and the front office were extremely responsive and helpful with their suggestions about what to see, where to eat, etc. while on the island. Only suggestion I have is that they add compost pails in the guest rooms to extend the useful life of coffee grounds, eggshells, etc. All in all, however, Hix Island House is a truly unique experience and one of my favorite hotels in the world. Look forward to my next stay.

Audrey M.

Yelp

This was the most incredible place in the word to stay. I stop short of saying 'hotel' because its much more than that. You can see the ocean from the hilltop, perhaps spot a horse outside your window, take a shower in the sunshine or just sit on a ledge and watch the sun rise/set. I have never been more relaxed then I was feeling the trade winds waft in my room at night. The people are friendly but you can avoid seeing anyone all together. I highly recommend curling up with your loved one and a book and settling in. Spend your mornings lazily making breakfast and heading to the beach and I highly recommend cooking your dinners here as well! The supermercado is cheap and has lots of fresh fruits and meats. You won't find a better more relaxing meal. If you read any complaints about bugs or open doors, don't be fooled. Those are just the kind of people not prepared to relax and be one with nature, which is fair and they should go to the W. Of course there are bugs, but I saw very few, I suspect the iguanas/lizards/birds were eating them. I stayed in the studio in Feb and it was incredible! Perfect weather, perfect place.

Molly A.

Yelp

We stayed for 2 nights at the beginning of June. I cannot praise Hix Island House enough. In fact, I don't even have the right words to describe it. Amazing and beautiful don't even do it justice. Staying here really was the highlight of our trip. We were upgraded to Casa Solaris from Casa Rectangular as well (since we came in the off season). I am a nature person and nothing makes me happier, so having a room open to the outdoors with such breathtaking views was my dream. The nighttime was as beautiful as the day. We spent the first evening reading next to the pool as the sun went down and the sounds were unreal. As the sky got darker, the sounds of the birds, frogs, and insects got louder and louder until we both looked up from our books in complete disbelief. It was like nothing I have ever heard, and I was in heaven. We made french toast each morning with the fresh bread and eggs. The fridge is stocked with complementary food, (No, they won't charge you for it like large hotels. You are expected to use it.) and there are inexpensive sodas and snacks for purchase at the office. Check in advance about yoga classes as the yoga teachers were on the mainland while we were there. Totally fine, but if you want to do yoga, check in advance. There were some mosquitoes, so use bug spray and the net at night. The floors in the room were silky soft, the lines of the architecture were serene, the breeze was just perfect - we were never too warm in the room. The entire place was calming to the soul. If you are the type of person who likes all-inclusive massive resorts with rooms that are cut off from the outside world and grounds that are sprayed for mosquitoes and completely disconnected from nature, this is not the place for you. ;) If you love nature, go. Go go go. Go now. You will not regret it. I only wish we could have stayed longer!

Em B.

Yelp

I stayed here for two nights with a friend in April and it was really great. Triangular Matisse was fantastic- minimal bugs, great views, etc. It looks as beautiful as the best pictures there are out there. Highly recommended.

D D.

Yelp

I loved this hotel! Unfortunately, we only stayed here for one night, but I am definitely planning on coming back. They have fresh mini bananas growing in the lobby area, and I probably ate 10 of these during my one night stay-absolutely delicious! We stayed in a room that had a hanging bed, which I thought was cool, and an outdoor shower, so at night I took a shower during a thunderstorm with this beautiful nature view around me. The refrigerator was stocked with drinks, food, jam, etc. and there was fresh fruit and a loaf of delicious freshly baked bread left for us. The room was right by the pool, which was nice and relaxing although somewhat small. I want to check out the other rooms too; each one is different! My friends and I called this very, very upscale camping--it's for people like me who like nature, but not enough to deal with the bugs and no proper bathroom (this one had Frette linens, robes, nightshirts, etc.--very nice touch).

Ian W.

Yelp

The grounds and architecture are great, but the staff are rude and unhelpful. There is no food to speak of at the hotel, the breakfast they provide is woefully inadequate. It consists of previously frozen milk, a child sized portion of special k and a few eggs. The bugs are an issue and it is quite noisy at night. Do you self a favor and stay somewhere else.

Pedro L.

Yelp

We were swept off our feet by this place. No TV, no restaurants, and no fitness center. Vacation. Yay! All concrete, no windows, outdoor shower, full kitchen with eggs, homemade bread, and fresh fruit every morning. Yeah buddy! I'm not usually one to stare at the sky, but the stars and sunrise were amazing from the room. JoAnne was also amazing, and Radar for that matter. She knew everything about the island, knew how to get to all of the little hidden treasures on the island, and was available when we needed her. Thanks for the bananas and advise JoAnne. We made breakfast every monring, explored all day, and came back at night for wine, stars, and the sounds of the jungle. Only thing that was strange for me was the misquito net. I turn a lot in my sleep and couldn't stay under that thing for the life of me. Loved the place, though, would definitely go back in a heartbeat, and makes me want to start looking at some of the other places that Mr. Hix designed.

7 Dreamy, Eco-Friendly Hotels and Resorts in the Caribbean - AFAR

The Best Puerto Rico Hotels, From Beachfront Resorts to Jungle Villas | Condé Nast Traveler

Hix Island House – Hotel Review | Condé Nast Traveler

The Best Puerto Rico Hotels and Resorts for a Relaxing Getaway - AFAR

@katieparla

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

Vieques