My husband and I decided to go to Vieques for our 10 year anniversary March 2nd -6th. I loved the write up that Forbes had on the island and we have had great luck going to some of these "up and coming" island locations before they are swarming with tourists. I have to say that Vieques lived up to everything we had hoped for and more. We rented a Jeep weeks before we got to the island and spent everyday touring new beaches and visiting the two small towns on the island. We went to the Bioluminescent Bay tour (offered by a tour guide off of the resort) and it was AMAZING! My husband and I are not the kind of people to go out of our way for recommended "nature tours", but this was by far one of the incredible things to experience on the island ----the motorized boat was broken so we took canoes and it was VERY EASY! I am far from an athlete and my husband and I did just fine.
In regards to Martineau Bay - we were fine with the accomodations, I like older "european" style hotels so it fit well with my taste. However, the staff at the restaurant was HORRIBLE! Yes, HORRIBLE! There was not a day that we had a pleasant experience. Even on the "buffet" evenings the server did not approach us timely for drink orders ---not acceptable. When we did order from the menu it took close to two hours for us to wait for the meal and then complete the dinner. Breakfast was not much better and we are early risers --the server only had one or two other couples to watch over. With that being said, the rest of the hotel staff was very friendly and accomodating. When they tell you not to leave ANYTHING in your cars, please listen. We left a pair of worn out, soaked tennis shoes and a baseball cap in our rented, unlocked Jeep and the next morning both items had been stolen from our Jeep. The hotel security was more than apologetic. They were generally nice and extremely embarassed and everyday came to give us an update as to what they had done to make the parking lot more safe. The housekeeping staff was also very friendly, but of course room service was horrible --we should have known better after our other experiences with the hotel restaurant. It is sad to see that they are tearing down the entire complex to make room for a new "modern" style W hotel. The traditional appeal is what makes this island so attractive and personally, I think the last thing that little island needs is a golf course. Oh well, Starwood Hotels is obviously dumping a lot of money into the new property so I am sure they are hoping the new spa and golf course go over very well. If you are trying to decide on going to Vieques I absolutely recommend it! Martineau Bay has several private homes beside the resort for rent and that is a WONDERFUL option. The houses are GORGEOUS and most have their own private pools with a short walk to all of the resort amenities.

I have just returned from a 4 day stay at this magnificent resort. The hotel is well kept. I stayed in the ocean view room and it was nice and spacious. The resort is more of a family resort. I was there with my husband and didnt mind it too much since we didnt spend too much time there, but if you are single or just a couple and are looking for a quiet adult place, this may not be for you. We rented our jeep from Martineau Jeep rental which is a 5 minute walk from the hotel, but if you call them they will pick you up. The people in Vieques were very nice and helpful when we asked for directions or places to eat. My favorite place to eat was Tobasio, Richards cafe and for breakfast I went to the Vieques bakery. I found UVA restaurant to be very pricey, not what i was looking for and for those prices I would rather eat anywhere in NYC. My favorite beach was Red beach, I went with my husband and it seemed like we were the only two people there. Now let me just tell you if you decide not to take the Ferry, please do not take Air Sunshine, they left me at San Juan airport and I had to pay extra to get on the next flight and then my flight back to San Juan was delayed about 3 hours plus I had to be there 1 1/2 before the flight. They kept lying to me and telling me that there was a delay in San Juan, but Air Vieques did not have problems flying in and out of San Juan. Use Air Vieques if you decide to fly there.

I just came back from spending three memorable days at Vieques and I can't wait to get back.

Even though getting to Vieques could be some challenge, specially if you decide to take the Water Ferry Service, we spent a great time throughout the island.

We decided to stay at the Martineau Bay Resort because of the positive reviews and reputation of the hotel. We are glad we stayed here rather than the other so called "Guesthouses" or "Inns" at Vieques.

The staff of the Front Office was great and our housekeeping attendant was a doll. Unfortunately we did not experience the same attitude at the pool bar, were the staff simply didn't seem to care about the guests that were interested in getting a drink. After al they did me a favor because I ended up buying drinks outside of the hotel at a much cheaper price.

I rented a Jeep from Martineau Car Rental, right in front of the hotel, and wondered arount the island seeking the perfect beach. After three days of beach hoping I discovered over 14 Perfect Beaches. White powder sand, black sand you name it they have it all.

One night we took the Bio Bay tour, WOW! This must be one of the most memorable experiences that my family has ever done.

For eateries I recommend Vieques bakery for Breakfast, Bannanas for lunch and drinks overlooking the ocean and El Quenepo or Bili for dinner.

Well.....it is closing..... We went there with an open mind, knowing it was closing and were shocked at how over-crowded with CHILDREN under 10 it was! So much for the quiet-romantic-laid back-stress-less atmosphere we were looking for.
There were Good things, they just did not rise above the bad too often!
Great Staff - helpful to the ends of the earth! When our taxi did not show up they brought us to our bio-bay tour in the hotel van!
Food - ran out - did not have many items on the menu. Said the truck came on Wednesdays from the main island. Elegant preparation and delicious when it was all there - a little pricy though.
Room - SPACIOUS!!! Comfy - not a water view as sold though - it over looked the pool. Our room had no refrigerator, our son's room had no working phone, iron and cd player. No luck in getting stuff fixed either - rooms were full, so no place to get stuff from!
Pool - Filter not working. Infinity edge not working. At least 75 kids under 10 in the pool each day - not much water left by 2:00, if you know what I mean!?! Pool cloudy and dirty - had to complain to the front desk - they had pool cleaners there every morning. Kids crowded the pool bar eating pizza - dropping it in the water/ families and friends of hotel workers received free drinks right in front of us - delivered to them in the pool by workers! Not a good scene.
Pool Level rooms: Rented by one person and used by over 20. We watched the friends drive into the parking lot - unload their coolers and food - leave it all on the terrace and go back to refill their cups with booze and snacks - looked like spring break for adults! I felt horrible for the honeymooners!!!
One night there were people hanging from a balcony and screaming and singing - massive birthday party going on. When we called the front desk they told us the pool was open 24/7 and people could come and go as they pleased. We had to turn the TV up and sleep with earplugs - in July - OFF SEASON!!! The front desk said Security would calm the noise - took quite a while!

Good luck to the W Hotel people! The buildings are wonderful - the bones of the hotel are great - a nice spot - but they will have to get the hotel staff under control. No one checks Hotel ID at the gate - people come in and out like it is an amusement park. We saw staff in the pool on their day off - hanging out at the bar - etc... with their friends and family - as well as locals that we had met. They come on Friday-Saturday-Sunday to use the pool!!! Unbelievable!!! And I payed for this....

We thought we were going to a resort - to a calm, adult hotel. We were told the island was laid back and quiet - where we could de-stress. What we got was a hotel full of locals ushering in the end of the hotel. What we got were babies crying, children running and screaming, jumping and throwing balls, riding on their boogie boards and floaties. What we got was chased into our rooms by 2:00 daily!