Get off the beaten path and enjoy our private “finca”. Listen to the evening symphony of tropical tree frogs, and watch the stars fall across a jet-black sky from one of the hammocks as you relax from a tough day at the beach. http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/Puerto_Rico/lafincacaribe/hotel/1262/28/ en-us Copyright 1998 e-TravelMedia.com/CaribbeanMag.com Thu, 26 Nov 2009 14:20:01 EST La Finca Caribe is located on the nearly undeveloped island of Vieques — just 25 minutes, and a world away, from San Juan or St Thomas. Our towels don't match. The rooms have no phone or television. La Finca is for people who like to go barefoot and take showers outdoors; folks who don't need or want all the comforts of home when they're vacationing. Our finca has one large 6 bedroom house and two casitas, which all together can sleep 20 or more. We rent the entire finca, or individual houses, to friends and travelers who want a private escape off the beaten path. AMENITIES: ACTIVITIES: Ever notice on nearly every map of the Caribbean, that Vieques is unmarked? That's fine with us, because it means that the folks who do come to visit are adventurous enough to want off the beaten path. Vieques is a small island about eight miles off the east coast of Puerto Rico. And although it officially belongs to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, it (and its neighboring island, Culebra) is geographically part of the Virgin Islands, which lie to the east and south. Vieques is covered with rolling hills, and is roughly 21 miles long and three to five miles wide. The island is easily accessible from San Juan and the Virgin Islands by several small commuter airlines or by ferry from Fajardo, Puerto Rico. Vieques' climate is moderate with temperatures averaging 83 degrees year round. The island is home to over 120 species of birds, as well as Puerto Rico's famous coqui and other tropical native frogs, with wild horses and cows freely roaming the hills. The island has 9000 residents, with two main towns: Isabel Segunda, on the north Atlantic side, and Esperanza, a smaller fishing community, on the southern Caribbean coast. Spanish is the official language, although English is widely spoken. Being a US territory, Vieques has a US Post Office, and the currency is the US dollar. The US Navy owns approximately two-thirds of the island, but keeps a low visible presence with less than thirty people stationed there. Although much of the Navy land is restricted, they also maintain many public beaches on Navy land. This diminished availability of private land has historically kept developers off of the island, and helped to keep Vieques relatively undiscovered. The main activity on Vieques usually involves its remarkable beaches. There are officially over 50 of them. Some are great for snorkeling, some for body surfing and kayaking. There is a dive shop in Esperanza that does daily scuba trips to a variety of nearby reefs. Vieques is also home to the last Spanish fort built in the New World, which has been restored and is now a historical and art museum. There is also the Esperanza Museum and three private art galleries. Shopping is relatively minimal, ranging from local handmade pottery and jewelry to paintings, Caribbean clothing, and T-shirts. Various kinds of cuisine are available on Vieques. The dress is invariably casual and most of the restaurants are open-air. Offerings range from local seafood and regional specialties to gourmet, New Age vegetarian, and standard American fare. After a day of diving, snorkeling, or exploring Vieques' truly world class beaches, our guests can sip a drink at the outside bar while listening to the coquis chirp, and meet fellow travelers from around the world. It's the relaxed and offbeat atmosphere of La Finca that keeps our guests coming back year after year. In addition to the new swimming pool, La Finca offers volleyball, horseshoes, croquet, limitless walks in the hills, and bike rentals from La Dulce Vida Mt. Bike and Adventure Co., www.BikeVieques.com, or call (787) 617-BIKE. We can also help you arrange diving and sailing charters, on-site massage, sea kayaking, tours of Vieques' outstanding bioluminescent bay, or day trips to the rain forests of Puerto Rico. DINING/RESTARUANTS: Type: Vacation Rental Beach Location: Off Beach (Tropical Setting) http://www.caribbeanmag.com/search/hotels/Puerto_Rico/lafincacaribe/hotel/1262/28/ Thu, 26 Nov 2009 14:20:01 EST