Accommodation: Tamarindo Estates | Culebra Ideal for a tranquil escape, Tamarindo Estates consist of twelve bungalowstyle apartments that are tucked among 60 acres of undeveloped land. These self-catering and simple accommodations are not deemed as luxury. However, if you consider privacy and tranquility a luxury, look no further! Located on Culebra Island’s Marine Reserve, the management of Tamarindo Estates has to adhere to particular ecological standards in order to safeguard
their environment, particularly since the refuge is a nesting site for several species of seabirds and preserves important habitat for endangered sea turtles and the Culebra giant anole.
Tamarindo Estates Culebra Island, Puerto Rico 00775 www.tamarindoestates.com
Destination: Vieques National Wildlife Refuge | Vieques Derived from the native Taino word “Bieque” meaning small island, the island of Vieques is only 22-miles long however, it has a rich history and is home to the largest national refuge in the Caribbean. This serene island just seven miles off the eastern shore of Puerto Rico’s mainland was used as a U.S. Naval base since the 1940s through 2001 when the U.S. Navy began transitioning lands back to the municipality of Vieques. These lands now form The Vieques National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) and its mission is to conserve, protect and enhance the wildlife and environment of these lands. Encompasses 17, 771 acres of protected lands, its topography includes subtropical dry forests, grasslands, mangroves, salt flats, beaches, and coastal strand forests. This diverse habitat includes equally diverse inhabitants: about 150 bird, 22 amphibian, 800 fish and four reptile species can be found on the refuge. The blissful sandy beaches, such as La Plata, will keep nature lovers in a state of wonderment and discovery. A unique island experience includes swimming in its Bioluminescent Bays, home to large colonies of dinoflagellates that light up like fireflies, producing incredible glowing waters best seen in the hix house moonless nights. Only five bays exist in the world (three in Puerto Rico) and one of the most spectacular bays is the northeast’s Mosquito Bay in Vieques. The Vieques NWR is open to the public and can be visited year-round from 6:00 AM until dark. Travelers can reach Vieques by flying from the cities of San Juan or Ceiba or by ferry from the town or Fajardo.
and peaceful beaches are just minutes away. Designed by renowned architect, John Hix, who is also owner of Hix Island House, this property was constructed keeping the utmost detail in mind, particularly when it comes to conservation. Hix took all of the surrounding environmental factors into consideration. For example, the property was built in a position that takes advantage of constant winds. The electricity is solar powered and rain water is collected and used to water the gardens. Hix also used WabiSabi concrete blocks to construct the hotel making it hurricane, earthquake, and fire proof. The Puerto Rico Hotel and Tourism Association has selected Hix Island House as the 2011 Green Small Hotel of the Year for the second year in a row and in 2002 the property won the U.S. EPA Environmental Quality Award.
Hix Island House Hotel Vieques, Puerto Rico 00765 www.HixIslandHouse.comdD
Accommodation: Hix Island House | Vieques Hix Island House is an architectural delight located on the serene island of Vieques. It’s surrounded by 13 acres of uninhabited nature, with the exception of wildlife. With thirteen loft-style apartments housed in four buildings, this destination is an idyllic retreat for those wanting privacy and tranquility, as well as disconnect (there are no phones or televisions). Open-air private terraces and outdoor showers give way to dramatic views of flora and fauna
winter 2012 | www.decisivemagazine.com
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