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Nurture body and soul in this sublimely beautiful minimalist Caribbean get-away

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Nighttime magic. Wonderful stargazing from the rooftop terrace.
2 spacious studio lofts, each with private bath, kitchenette & lounge area
Early birds can enjoy beautiful sunrises
Sitting area, in both upper and lower lofts
Boulders, set high in the hills of La Llave.

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
2 bathroomsSleeps 455.7 sq m

Popular amenities

  • Parking available
  • Washer
  • Pool
  • Kitchen
  • Barbecue grill
  • Outdoor space

Explore the area

Map
Vieques
  • Vieques Ferry Terminal
    ‪11 min drive‬
  • Bioluminescent Bay
    ‪16 min drive‬
  • Black Sand Beach
    ‪24 min drive‬
  • Vieques (VQS-Antonio Rivera Rodriguez)
    ‪14 min drive‬

Rooms & beds

0 bedrooms (sleeps 4)

Sunrise Studio - lower loft

1 King Bed

Sunset Studio - upper loft

1 King Bed

2 bathrooms

Bathroom 1

Toilet · Outdoor shower

Bathroom 2

Toilet · Outdoor shower

Spaces

Deck or patio
Outdoor shower
Kitchen
Balcony
Separate dining area
Dining area

About this property

Nurture body and soul in this sublimely beautiful minimalist Caribbean get-away

Vieques has been highlighted as one of the Most Romantic Islands in the World (Conde Nast Traveler Magazine) and one of the 6 Caribbean Islands You Can Visit Without A Passport (Caribbean Journal).

Finished in Spring of 2014 and designed by John His, we decided to share our special place with family, friends and fellow afficionados of the fine but simple things in life.

Boulders has two fully self-sufficent studio lofts, each sleeping two people. (prices are for both lofts).

All rooms are one with the outdoors, allowing tradewinds and ceiling fans to provide all of the ventilation needed.

Seven foot overhangs on all openings protect from tropical rainshowers and wide window ledges are the ideal perch for enjoying a conversation, writing in a journal or contemplating the perfect cup of tea while watching the glorious sunrise behind the Caribbean.

Tempurpedic beds are enveloped by gauzy mosquito nets, creating an inviting oasis inside.

Bathrooms stocked with luxurious bamboo towels have outdoor showers with spectacular views so nature can be enjoyed at every opportunity.

Each loft has an outdoor space, a comfy sitting area, dining area and small well-stocked kitchen. Island shops provide basic groceries for those who love to cook or grill on the Weber gas grill behind the casa.

Restaurants of all types abound. The 60 foot pool can be enjoyed for lap swimming or just relaxing and enjoying the beautiful view. And of course, the beaches of Vieques are legendary in their own right. Snorkling highly recommended. Drive slowly; there are many wild horses on the road and at some beaches.

The stunning architecture of Boulders provides the ideal escape from the clutter and clamor of daily life. So if you can live without air conditioning and television, don't mind inquisitive little geckos scampering around, and are looking for an other-worldly experience, let Boulders be your nirvana.

ABOUT VIEQUES
An island apart from an island, Vieques is the ‘Little Sister’ of nearby Puerto Rico. A tiny Caribbean island that’s sparsely populated, unspoiled and undeveloped. Vieques is a rare treasure to find these days when so many other islands are sprouting mega hotels. Vieques was recently named “Best Island in the Caribbean” by a popular travel magazine, but we will let you decide that for yourself! Get out and go! See Vieques and enjoy snorkeling, scuba diving, sailing, horseback riding and dozens of cultural and historic locales… Or imagine yourself relaxing on a remote beach, doing nothing at all!

Vieques abounds with things to do- take a stroll on the quiet beachfront boardwalk in Esperanza, ride a bike to a nearby beach… or you might take a walk into the rock strewn hills beyond Boulders. For those looking to explore the island, Vieques has many opportunities. Here's a list to help you plan:

THE VIEQUES BIOLUMINESCENT BAY
Caused by micro-organisms and chemistry, the experience of seeing the mystifying, glowing waters can only be called magical. The World’s best, most well-preserved Bioluminescent bay is here in Vieques. It is not to be missed!

SNORKELING AND SCUBA DIVING
The endless Vieques coasts have entire worlds below the waves. You can find gorgeous, world-class coral reefs all around the island. Go snorkeling along the shores, or plan a Scuba trip and take a boat dive.

KAYAKS AND SUP
For the adventurous, single or double ocean kayaks, as well as stand up paddle boards, can also be rented

BEACH TOURING
With so many gorgeous and easily-accessible beaches, the trouble is choosing which ones to visit! Take your rental vehicle to the most distant, and go beach hopping, or let a local point out their personal favorites.

HORSEBACK RIDING
You will see plenty of horses, wild and kept, during your stay on Vieques. Why not ride one? Tour throughout Vieques and across long beaches on horseback.

HISTORIC LOCATIONS
You can find history all around Vieques; a late Spanish Fort in our capital Isabel Segunda, now a museum, tour Navy relics, explore plantation ruins and see ancient Taino villages. There is a rich history to the island that you can uncover. Right in the middle of Esperanza you'll find the Vieques Conservation and Historic Trust, a small museum featuring local historic relics, art exhibits, and plenty of information about the fascinating ecosystem of the island. Here you can also book a tour of the ruins of the sugar mill on the southwest end of Vieques. The gift shop offers a variety of books with a decidedly local flavor.

DINING
‘Fine dining’ might mean localy caught lobsters and fish under candle light or eating finger foods along the beach. Vieques has an up-and-coming restaurant scene with food by creative gourmet chefs and authentic Caribbean cooks. It is to your taste where you dine in Vieques.

SHOPPING
Update your beachwear or get outfitted for your aquatic adventures at small shops. Pick up local handworks (the best souvenirs) at boardwalk kiosks. All this, along the Esperanza Malecón! And more in the town of Isabel Segunda.

Above Information Courtesy of The Vieques Guide

At Boulders we have put in our own power generation system which is a combination of 9 solar panels and 1 small wind turbine, so we don’t rely on anyone but Mother Nature to keep us going. 🌞🌬🌞. As a result we are very cognizant of our power usage, using propane for cooking and using only the most energy-efficient appliances. Anything generating heat uses massive amounts of power, so we air-dry our hair, make coffee with a french press, and hang our laundry for the sun to dry. Hot water and pool powered with solar panels also.

We welcome all guests who embrace our very green lifestyle and are seeking a tranquil bucolic setting in which to relax and replenish.

Property manager

Katrina Bickford

Languages

English, French, German, Spanish

Add dates for prices

Amenities

Pool
Kitchen
Washer
Free WiFi
Outdoor space
Ocean view

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House Rules

Check in after 4:00 PM
Check out before 11:00 AM
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Children

Adults only
Not suitable for children under 16
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Events

No events allowed
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Pets

No pets allowed
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Smoking

Smoking is not permitted

Important information

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
This property uses wind and solar energy
Host has not indicated whether there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property; consider bringing a portable detector with you on the trip
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a deadlock
Property Registration Number 375912

We should mention

A car is required for transport to and from this property

About the area

Vieques

Located in Vieques, this villa is in the mountains. Vieques Ferry Terminal and Ceiba Ferry Terminal are worth checking out if an activity is on the agenda, while those wishing to experience the area's natural beauty can explore Bioluminescent Bay. Make sure you get close to the area's animals with activities such as game walks and birdwatching.
Map
Vieques

What's nearby

  • Esperanza Malecon - 10 min drive - 4.2 km
  • Vieques Ferry Terminal - 11 min drive - 9.8 km
  • Vieques National Wildlife Refuge - 15 min drive - 8.9 km
  • Bioluminescent Bay - 16 min drive - 8.2 km
  • Black Sand Beach - 24 min drive - 3.0 km

Getting around

  • Vieques (VQS-Antonio Rivera Rodriguez) - 14 min drive

Restaurants

  • ‪Lazy Jacks Pub - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Duffy's - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Café Del Mar - ‬6 min drive
  • ‪Vieques Food Park - ‬9 min drive
  • ‪Placita - ‬6 min drive

Frequently asked questions

Does Nurture body and soul in this sublimely beautiful minimalist Caribbean get-away have a pool?

Yes, this property has an outdoor pool.

Is Nurture body and soul in this sublimely beautiful minimalist Caribbean get-away pet-friendly?

No, pets are not allowed at this property.

What time is check-in at Nurture body and soul in this sublimely beautiful minimalist Caribbean get-away?

Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.

What time is check-out at Nurture body and soul in this sublimely beautiful minimalist Caribbean get-away?

Checkout is at 11:00 AM.

Where is Nurture body and soul in this sublimely beautiful minimalist Caribbean get-away located?

Situated in the mountains, this villa is within 3 miles (5 km) of Black Sand Beach, Coconut Beach and Esperanza Malecon. Museo de Esperanza and Playa Esperanza are also within 3 miles (5 km).

Reviews

10

Exceptional

Reviews are presented in chronological order, subject to a moderation process, and verified unless otherwise labelled.
Learn moreOpens in a new window
Rating 10 - Excellent. 17 out of 17 reviews
Rating 8 - Good. 0 out of 17 reviews
Rating 6 - Okay. 0 out of 17 reviews
Rating 4 - Poor. 0 out of 17 reviews
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 17 reviews

10/10

Cleanliness

10/10

Check-in

10/10

Communication

10/10

Location

10/10

Listing accuracy

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

David M.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Quiet Island Getaway

This property was exactly what we were looking for. It was accessible while also offering privacy. The pool was very relaxing and a great way to cool off in the heat. The rooms opened up to a great view and allowed in a great breeze to help keep things cool. If you want to really get away and enjoy the nature of the island, this place is for you. We did a lot of reading, hiking, swimming, and relaxing. The wifi was also fantastic, allowing us to curl up and watch a movie on our computers if we wanted. The location also was perfect! Just a short 10 minute drive to restaurants and beautiful beaches. We can't recommend this place enough!
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2024

10/10 Excellent

Ihor P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Paradise

Great place to escape daily routine
Stayed 6 nights in May 2024

10/10 Excellent

Jennifer S.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

A treasure

This special home has everything we were hoping to find for our first time Vieques vacation. From the perfect spot to do yoga and watch the sunrise or sunset to amazing star gazing next to the pool. Loved the outdoor showers and beautiful design of the home, small kitchens but perfectly efficient. It is a 15-30 minute drive to towns and beaches, yet so quiet and serene when on the property. We would love to return to this exact spot on our new favorite Caribbean island!
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2023

10/10 Excellent

Yanique B., North Babylon, New York

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Tranquility

This is our second stay at this beautiful home and once again we had an amazing time. The home fits two couples perfectly and was ideal for relaxing and resting. The pool was clean and large and the nearby restaurants were all amazing. We would recommend if you’re looking to have a peaceful vacation. Don’t forget to check out the beaches as well.
Stayed 6 nights in Jul 2022

10/10 Excellent

Heather S E.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stunning

The house and Colleen were equally amazing. Looking forward to returning.
Stayed 8 nights in Sep 2022

10/10 Excellent

Ihor P.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing view

Highly recommended, will definitely come back.
Stayed 7 nights in May 2022

10/10 Excellent

Jessica K.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Stunning escape

I can’t say enough positive things about this home: views, architecture, and atmosphere were all amazing and made for a perfect get away!
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2022

10/10 Excellent

belinda c.

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Amazing!!

The villa and location are wonderful. It really is a unique and unforgettable place.
Stayed 5 nights in Jun 2021

10/10 Excellent

John F., Wilmington, DE

Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, communication, location, listing accuracy

Nothing Short of Incredible

Our Stay at Boulders was the perfect place for us to unwind away from the hustle and bustle of life - jobs, kids, responsibility.... Vieques is a dream and the Casitas at Boulders provide a stunning backdrop. Colleen, the house manager, has a treasure trove list of of perfect restaurants and interesting finds on the island. She was a wonderful resource, picked us up from the airport, and got us settled in to the house. The house itself, which is completely off the grid, is stunning. The pool is the perfect way to start, and end, your day and the open air of the casita is wonderfully refreshing. The views must be some of the best on the island, the the stars at night are awe-inspiring. I can't say enough good things about this house. A few notes: - You need to rent a jeep to properly access this property. I can't imagine traversing the road there in anything but. - We didn't have any issues with mosquitos, but you still want to use the mosquito netting to keep out other bugs. On windy nights, tuck the netting under the mattress. - The sounds of Roosters, Horses, Frogs and Birds serenade you in the morning (and sometimes through the night.) Some birds even visit and eat the fruit on your counter, so don't leave it out! - Esperanza is charming - be sure to eat the local food. You won't be disappointed.
Stayed 4 nights in Jul 2019
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Colleen M.

Just Awesome! Pictures Don't Do It Justice!

There are so many choices for Vieques, but really no choice. If you're considering this minimalist Higgs designed house, don't think about it -- just do it. You will not be disappointed. We were blown away by the privacy, elegance, charm, and most of all, comfort. Everything you need is here. Spend days at the beach and nights roaming the nearby town of Esperanza, and then relax on your very own rooftop with more stars than you will see anywhere. Incredible gourmet restaurants, and your own kitchen too. Expansive views from the wide open windows will wake up the adventurer and make you feel like a million dollars every day! This is the perfect base from which to explore the most heavenly island in the Caribbean. Katrina Bickford has spared no expense to make sure that your stay is luxurious, private, friendly, and joyful. This is the place to read a book, write book, get work done, avoid all responsibility, study nature, meditate, come into contact with your creator, get healthy, stay healthy, and just do what you want to do. The private road back to town is perfect for jogging or walking, and there is horseback riding nearby. We recommend sailing with Captain Sebastian Watt on his lovely Shalamar, a truly classic 1941 cutter rigged yawl. It doesn't get any better than that! Find him at Vieques Classic Charter. So much to do -- don't miss the Bio Bay at night! We swam in it back in 1995, but now you can take a big boat ride or a kayak to enjoy water that lights up when you touch it! The best thing is the beaches! All by yourself on a beach is how you want to be all day. There are plenty of fresh vegetables and fresh caught fish if you want to cook in your gourmet kitchen back at your casita. If Katrina hasn't already provided it, ask her and she'll make it happen. Again, you won't be disappointed! For the friendliest place with hospitality spilling over, there really is no other choice. Thank you Katrina!
Stayed 29 nights in Jan 2017
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Stuart B.

A Favorite Five Days

The description of the property as well as the photos were accurate in depicting the space. The property was very clean and well maintained with the exception of a faulty "in-room" refrigerator and freezer. Katrina, the proprietor, was more than apologetic for the small inconvenience and made other accommodations for us and left a bottle of wine for us to apologize for the inconvenience...s*%t happens. I would highly recommend this property to anybody who is looking for a retreat from the hustle and bustle. Katrina was very straight forward in ensuring that we understood the accommodations were open air...which we loved...you will hear the roosters in the morning and maybe a goat or a cow. We will be back as we loved our experience.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Stephanie N.

Tremendous casita

This casita is total perfection if you are looking for complete serenity from the daily grind. Open air living at its absolute finest. The location can be tricky to get to, but worth it in every way. You will enjoy a comfortable bed, nice sized kitchen, and a hot outdoor shower. Katrina is a wonderful host and offered great insight on how to maximize our time on the island. But the casita is so divine you wouldn't ever have to leave. We can't wait to return.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Ronald J. B., Lake Placid, New York

Serenity

My husband and I stayed for two wonderful weeks. Our high stress jobs had us longing to disconnect and relax. This oasis provided just that. The pool is magnificant and the accommodations comfortable. The outdoor shower was a treat everyday and the water is heated through solar panels. The architectural style of Hix allows for open air living with no screens or windows. The bed has beautiful mosquito netting that can be pulled at night and helps to ward off some of the biting insects. Every once in awhile one or two got through. Katrina is a warm wonderful host who will answer any of you inquiries about island life. This is an experience you should treat yourself to.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Beautiful peaceful

Great architecture. Fabulous hilltop location. Spectacular views. Secure setting. Quiet. Wonderful pool. Difficult one mile road to Boulders. Good vacation.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Charline C.

Private Paradise

This was my first visit to Vieques, so it was difficult to choose a place and location to stay. The description of the Boulders, along with all of the pictures of the gorgeous surroundings certainly piqued my interested. I emailed Katrina, the owner expressing my interest. She was very responsive via email and phone. She was professional, polite, accommodating and flexible with a special request that I had. She made our booking experience easy, and she provided some helpful and honest information about Vieques and her property. Colleen, the property manager that lives in Vieques then became our point of contact. She gathered the necessary information from us and scheduled to pick us up at the airport and escort us to the car rental & property. In her email, she included a list of restaurants, excursions, grocery stores, and numerous other suggestions akin to a personal guide book of the island. It felt less like pushing her "friends" businesses and more like an awesome guide book from a local. This, along with a couple of other references/maps, became our bible to Vieques. Once Colleen kindly escorted us to the property, she suggested taking in a quiet view of the sunset and she left us on our own. She reminded us that she was available for any problems or suggestions during our stay on the island. WOW! She was so very helpful. About the property, the architecture was magnificent. The concrete structure felt clean and natural. We absolutely loved the bathroom and alfresco shower. There's nothing like communing with nature in that way. It was delicious! The bed was so comfortable, linens were lovely, mosquito net was necessary. The pool was great for exercise or just a dip with a phenomenal view. It all was simple and wonderful. We watched the sunrise, the sunset, and a little in between running around and enjoying much of what the island has to offer. I found the Boulders to be a perfect, private, romantic getaway with my husband. This place will always have a special place in my heart. THANK YOU! We plan to go back the next time we are in Vieques. In the interest of full disclosure, the roosters crow; the mosquitoes bite. Take your earplugs if you need them. Take some garlic pills and bug spray too. Just go.
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

two reviews

An Inspiration! Our stay on Vieques was extra magnificent because Boulders was our home base. While our idea of vacation has historically included a guilt-free chance to sleep in, the crimson sunrise roused us at dawn to watch the morning come. This set the tone for each amazing day and became a highlight of our week. The bedroom and living space are open air, a simple elegance in this stunning casita. When we weren't on beaches, trekking through the hillside or indulging in superb, nearby culture and cuisine in the vibrant little village of Esperanza, our casita was the perfect place to relax, nap, read and enjoy the spectacular view. Every day we took a dip in the pool and looked for new adjectives to describe how lucky we felt to be there. As an extension of the larger home of our hosts, the casitas seem to match and reflect their love for this place. We felt like we were living in a work of art. - Mary winter 2015 A Most Amazing Stay. What sets this B&B apart from any I’ve ever known is what is "missing". That's also what makes it such a dramatically satisfying place to stay! Instead of windows to open or close, this magnificent house has huge open walls on two sides that give a feeling of being at-one with the natural perfect climate of Vieques. Seven foot overhangs shade the sun and ward off rain. A constant gentle breeze and a net over the bed deal with bugs to keep you comfortable. Never a need for air conditioning! The natural beauty of the place, including the natural night sounds, the daily cloud circus and every new sunrise will leave you realizing that you never missed the otherwise ubiquitous t.v. About the twenty yard pool—not only did it set a dramatic accent to the common space for sunning and relaxing, it was a great swim! Just the perfect temperature and shape for a good physical workout or a relaxing float. The kitchen is great for preparing small meals and icy drinks, the linens are crisp, the bathroom is spotless. Thanks to the visionary owners and thanks to Colleen, the ever helpful and accommodating property manager, we look forward to returning to this delightful place again and again. - MZ, January 2015
This review was submitted before 2018 and has not been verified.

10/10 Excellent

Boulders, an Open House

I recently spent a week at Boulders, an Open House....this was my third trip to Boulders/Vieques in just over a year. Like no other before, I offer an unqualified recommendation to those craving abundant natural beauty, open air easy-breezy living, spectacular vistas, amazing sunrises and sunsets, roof-top star-gazing, warm and wonderful local community, and the most incredible accommodations. Simple, clean, colorful and dream-inspired life style encouraging adventures into local art galleries, warm waters on a variety of beaches framed by palm trees and filled with roaming wild horses. Truly a most incredible place to spend time alone and then together, read books, write poetry, reach out for a mojito, bite into a mango. Boulders is a most welcoming, perfectly Open House. Go and Enjoy!

About the host

Hosted by Katrina Bickford

Host profile image
Peter and I lived in CT for 30 years. We now divide our time between an apartment in Brooklyn and Boulders. We share a love for the outdoors, a yen for adventure, and enjoy exploring the more undiscovered parts of the world.

Why they chose this property

On our first visit to Vieques in 2010 we experienced the architecture of John Hix. Instantly smitten with its simple beauty and the effortless merging of indoors and outdoors into one tropical living space, we decided then and there to create this for ourselves. After an exhaustive search we found a beautiful property in the hills of La Llave. As a landscape designer I believe that every home should be properly anchored in the surrounding landscape. So when we discovered the magnificent boulders at the top of our property those became the anchor and hence the name for our new John Hix designed home.

What makes this property unique

Get away from it all in the hills of la Llave, situated in the middle of Vieques Island with sweeping views of mountains, Bioluminescent Bay and across the Caribbean to St Croix. Take leisurely walks down the little road or in the the boulder-strewn cow fields above. The 60 ft pool is ideal for lap swimming or just relaxing. The unique open concept of the house gives you a sense of being one with nature, and the 7ft overhangs on all of the openings provide plenty of shade and protection from weather. Kitchen provides opportunity to cook in, or you can enjoy fine dining restaurants or charming local eateries. There are endless pristine beaches to explore, and you'll learn quickly that you share the road with horses roaming freely over the island.

Languages:

English, French, German, Spanish