Private Beach at Blue Horizon Boutique Resort
When I travel I like to do non-conventional things. I want to eat what the people eat and shop where the people shop. With that being said, I visited Vieques, Puerto Rico. Vieques is a small island off the coast of San Juan, where I had to take a 90min ferry to the island. While I was there I visited the Vieques, National Wildlife Refuge (I told you I was a nature buff). Seeing untouched land calls for such serenity. I love untouched land; it makes me believe in God. Let me paint the picture….
Private beach at my bungalow
When I stepped off the ferry the first things I saw were small food stands and stray horses. From there I took a taxi from an elderly Puerto Rican man who knew about 5 English words. From there I arrived at The Blue Horizon. Like I said, when I travel I like to stay at hotels that are not a part of the mainstream American chain. This way I'm gaining an authentic experience while supporting the local economy. It was a boutique style resort that had beautiful scenery and bar. The staff was extremely nice and the facilities were extraordinarily clean. Beautiful lounge area and an inside restaurant that served delicious Puerto Rican cuisine. And of course, horses! If you want something different, with a beautiful view and a small path that leads to a private beach…..this is your place!
Horse ranch in front of the Blue Horizon
The next day I spent my entire day at the Vieques National Wildlife Refuge. Imagine acres and acres of lands that has deserted beaches and various types of wildlife. One word: wow! The land was previously owned by the US Navy where approximately 16 years ago it was passed over for conservation. They are currently in the process of cleaning out the land left over with old bombs and debris from warfare. But to be honest, I couldn’t tell there was a problem with debris. It was a beautiful yet interesting landscape. Never have I ever seen a beach that has coconut trees and cacti just across the road. Who knew coconut trees and cacti could live in the same eco system
Cacti growing at the refuge
Now to what I ate….
Rice, peas, roasted chicken, and fried plantain. Pretty standard island cuisine. I asked the locals what I should have for dinner and that’s what they suggested and should I add that it was EVERYTHING and really inexpensive. The entire meal came up to about $10. The servings were so large that I had to eat it in two sittings. I also had a great dish called Mostofo. It’s basically mashed green plantains with slewed beef, alongside dried banana. If you’re trying to be on your Anthony Bourdain tip, I highly recommend that you try it.
Sunrise in Vieques. Beautiful.
In Vieques I was able to stand on top of a mountain, walk on a deserted beach, gaze at a pitch black sky covered in tiny stars, and witness wild horses. If that sounds like something you would like go to Vieques!