reviews

I can not say enough about this place. The service was outstanding. Everyone was friendly (even the guy who found out that I had bought his dive skin (another story)). Unlike most "vacation dives" where you are rushed to the site, rushed through the pre-dive and guided through the dive site at record setting speeds, Blackbeards is a bit slower. Just like the rest of the Island, they are in no rush. From meeting at the store, to the dive it's self, everything is at a relaxed pace. The drive to the site was more like a guided tour than transportation, with points of interest being shown along the way. The dives were at a pace where you can not only see the marine life, but pause to look at it. The Dive Masters led the dive, but it was us, the divers who set the pace. You can rent any gear you need to dive while on the Island. So bring as much or as little gear as you like. As for other sports, they have it all. Very well stocked with gear, clothing, sun block, whatever you need to enjoy the outdoors in Vieques. Although I did not partake of the event, they even have a women's cycle tour that visitors can join. Oh, and the rental bikes are NOT the cheap ones. You get high quality, comfortable bikes when you rent. Without a doubt, one of the best operations I have been with. I will use them again when I return to Vieques.

My wife ordered a mahi-mahi that had her sitting quiet with her eyes closed as she ate. She said it was easy one of the better fish dishes she had had. I had seafood pasta that was done well. Our appetizer was black bean dip with plantano chips; very good. Food this well prepared and presented desires kudos - and kudos to the establishment, too. The waitress was friendly and attentive. My next trip will include a stop to dine here.

Casa Alta Vista is a good choice for the visitor that doesn't require the chocolate mint be placed on the pillow nor rub elbows with who's - who's. I like my stay there for the reason that it was simple without being rustic, budget without being a dive. It was close enough to Esperanza that we could leave our rental car at the hotel and walk to town, the stagger back didn't take too long. The rooms were clean and maintained. The little store is just that, there are a few things in the way of snacks, drinks and booze. The roof has a sitting area, and grill for those inclined, that gives a good seat for the sun set and to share a drink with the one you love. The personnel were friendly and helpful. Next trip we are taking the kids and will stay there - it was we expected, and was a good base to visit Vieques.

My wife and I weren't too impressed with Bananas. I ordered a burger that is supposed to be well known on the island and something to die for. Well, the meat wasn't even flattened into a pattie and my wife said her dish (can't remember) was bland. We ordered a second round of drinks and they never came. The waiter was more interested in the cleavages sitting at the table next to us. Even when we made eye contact and got his attention (I am bilingual), he ignored us. After about 45 minute wait, I went up to the bar and asked for my tab. We sat on the upper floor - open space that faces the street. The dishes were paper plates and the cutlery plastic. To signal the floors that food was coming up or down the dumb waiter, a pipe was hit to get the other person's attention; after awhile, it seems who could hit the pipe the loudest and the longest could move dishes up or food down. I didn't enjoy the experience at all. With all the nice places on the island to eat, I won't give Bananas a second chance to give me poor service, fair food and lousy service.

Bananas is open at times when other restaurants are not. The food is fair, not great not bad. They have great drinks and the view can't be beat. The roof is a nice place to eat.

We stayed here Feb 07 in the penthouse. The owners are super nice and helpful, you can easily walk to Esperanza. The apartment was spotless and nicely decorated. The view is lovely and most evenings the guests gather on the roof and watch the sunset. The neighborhood is loud, that was the biggest downside for us, we had trouble sleeping. We did figure out to close the windows and use the fan to block the noise. The price was great for what you got

We stayed here in 2004, it was nice and clean. The neighborhood was kind of loud. Breakfast was not really breakfast, it was more like snacks, but the room was large and comfortable and the manager was super helpful. It's within walking distance of Isabel Segunda

We've gone out with Abe Sr a few times, once on the biobay tour and another time on a snorkelling kayak tour. He is professional, funny, informative and patient getting you back into the kayak. Every time we visit Vieques we are sure to book a tour with Abe.

The food here was phenominal and the tables by the pool so romantic. The waitstaff were very attentive. This was my favorite nice restaurant that we went to during the week. We were there Feb '07

We were there the first week they opened Feb '07. The food was creative and really good, the prices were not outrageous. The Gazpacho with Scallops was really amazing. We ate here several times during the week and loved every meal

So, if you have been checking this place out, and think that it looks interesting and you want to go, DO IT. La Finca is like no other place we have been. It is not hot, as it is situated up in the hills of this wonderful island called Vieques. La Finca did a great job of managing our expectations. They're right when they say that the towels don't match and it is a lot like being at a friend's funky place in the caribbean, and that is why we loved it. If you are a traveller who needs to be pampered at a five star hotel, then look elsewhere. But, if you can handle meeting some like-minded folks who can share the kitchen with you (in the main guesthouse), along with some great late night conversation on the wonderful breezy porch, you have to come here! I am not a fan of spiders, or any other creepy creature, and I did not have any close encounters. It is magical, relaxing and a true island experience. We spent time in our hammocks, had great conversation with the other guests, and loved going into town to talk with the locals and the ex-pats alike. We have spent time on other islands and stayed at other "rustic retreats" and I have to say that this one takes the cake. Visit Vieques and La Finca, you'll be glad you did. Oh, and by the way, there is only one word for the beaches: amazing.