More about Hix Island House
You Want To Relax? Hix Island House!
by A TripAdvisor Member
Hix Island House is terrific. It is a unique eco-resort that is probably unlike any place you have ever stayed. It is a place where you are immersed in nature (on the fantastic island of Vieques) and can truly relax: no phones, televisions, radios, clocks. You wake up to the sounds of birds and fall asleep to the sounds of tree frogs.
But Hix Island House isn't for everyone. If you want a standard resort with air-conditioning, maid-service, and a bar that serves fruity drinks then you should look elsewhere. That is not what Hix Island House is about.
When I read the occasional clunker of a review I realize that the folks writing those reviews didn't do their homework. Complaining about the lack of windows or air-conditioning?! That's the whole point of this place as the Hix Island House website clearly states. The rooms you stay in are made entirely of concrete and each room has a wall missing. So you don't get a/c. But what you get in return is the opportunity to watch the sun rise and the moon rise from your bed and listen to all the sounds of nature without any break between you and the world around you. Yes, some rain will get into your room if it rains but you will not get wet. And it is wonderful to be lulled to sleep by the sound of a rainstorm.
Here's the neat things about this place: A refrigerator stocked with fresh coffee, eggs, juice and cereal. Eating breakfast with your sweetie looking down to the ocean and watching the hummingbirds flit from flower to flower. Comfy bed linens, towels and robes. Taking a shower that is both private and exposed so that you can look over the landscape. Chatting with the terrific managers Christianna and Kurt. Swimming in a gorgeous pool in the evening and hearing nothing but frogs and crickets. Wandering the grounds and seeing not another soul. No phone. No tv. No radio. No clocks. Total relaxation.
If that sounds good to you stay here. If you can't live without glass windows and an air conditioner look elsewhere.
Magnificent
by TripAdvisor Member 4776
This was our first trip to Vieques. We always love staying at somewhat different accommodations. Hix Island House was exactly what we were looking for. The buildings and the "apartments" were amazing. We loved the casual yet highly elegant atmosphere. However, if you are NOT a nature lover and you need all the necessecities of a big hotel, this is not the place for you.
Kris and Kurt were great and helpful. We are going back soon.
Amazing Relaxation!
by TripAdvisor Member nospeel
We just returned from an amazing week at the Hix Island House. Vieques is an amazing island. It is not for those that do not want to work a little. You need to do a little searching and driving for the beaches (over bumpy unpaved roads). And, all other activities - kayaking, snorkeling, hiking, exploring take a similar amount of effort. But, if you are, like us, somewhat adventuresome, your effort is well rewarded.
The Hix Island House is THE place to stay on the island. It is like sleeping in a fabulous - well designed outdoor shelter - with the amenities of a upscale hotel. Chris and Kurt are amazing hosts. Morning yoga with Jennifer is a great way to start the day. And, Consuela helps cater to your every whim.
Sleeping in the perfectly warm tradewinds (which keep away the bugs) with the sounds of nature in your ears and millions of stars in your eyes is a true delight. Waking to the morning sun and preparing breakfast with the amazing nut bread baked by Curt is the perfect way to start your day.
Be prepared for having to make a very tough decision every day... Which of the many incredible beaches will you visit - life does not get much better than this!
Getting away from it all
by A TripAdvisor Member
That says it all! This is a place to come to if you want to forget about all the "stuff" in your life. Hix Island House is a reminder that architecture can have the power to transform your life, if even only for a brief interlude. My wife and I stayed for a week and, even though we rented a jeep, we didn't feel that we had to hurry to get to the beach because we felt so good just being in our room. It was the most relaxing vacation we have ever had.
Heavenly Oasis
by TripAdvisor Member 090909
We stayed at Hix Island House in late February 2005 for 4 nights. What an enchanting place. John Hix has created a strikingly natural setting for the 13 open-air loft apartments. Each day we feel asleep and awoke to the sounds of nature. The outdoor showers are fantastic (and private), as is the crystal clear pool.
If you're considering staying at Hix, understand that this is a place intended for quiet. You can hear your neighbor if he or she is speaking in a booming voice or making noise. That's the whole point of coming to Hix Island House - to slow down, find quiet and solitude, and be aware of your natural surroundings. Don't come here if you want to play loud music, party or behave as though no one can hear.
Kurt and Christianna are very welcoming hosts, as is the office manager, Consuelo. The HIH resident mini pinscher, Apollo, will melt your heart. He is the nicest, friendliest dog who pretends to love every guest the most (Apollo must be the most photographed dog on the island).
Although HIH is not located directly on the beach, it was never an issue. As long as you have a Jeep (don't rent a sedan - a 4-wheel drive is a must), you can be at totally secluded beaches in a short 10 minutes. There are great beaches throughout the island and on many you will never see another person. Our favorite was Navio for the waves and Red Beach for the calm, gentle waters.
Best restaurant on the island: Chez Shack, which is just up the road from Hix Island House (walking distance). Their fresh seafood is by far the best on the island.
a once in a lifetime experience
by A TripAdvisor Member
My husband and I had never been to Vieques before, so everything was very new to us. Hix Island House is beautiful, just like what you see in the pictures. It is a completely different experience than anything else we have ever done................as we guessed it would be. We actually split our vacation between it and another property just to try different things. (and to be completely honest we weren't sure about the no a/c thing...........to be even more honest, we brought a small box fan with us just in case-a little embaressing, I know)
The outdoor shower is incredible, and very private.............as are the rooms even though they are so open to the outdoors. (water pressure and temparature was wonderful) Also, some of the rooms have a floating bed type contraption that hangs from the ceiling that you can lie on and read, star gaze, nap, etc. and we put it to good use during our stay. Everything about Hix Island House is relaxing. Most of our stay it was raining in Vieques, but we still had a magnificent time. The views are breathtaking, and you just feel one with the nature that surrounds you. Having time with your loved one with no interruptions is priceless! (No t.v., no phone, no computer)
One last thing that makes Hix special is Kurt and Christianna. They were so helpful with rides into town to get our rental car to dinner recommendations, etc. One night they recommended Media Luna for dinner and we ended up seeing them there when we had finished eating. Our taxi was running a little behind, so they offered to take us back to HIH. They are so kind.
If you want a once in a lifetime experience in a beautiful, tranquil setting where you can totally relax HIH is the place!
Hated it!! It is like camping but very expensive!
by A TripAdvisor Member
Hix Island House was not for us!!! This is no luxury place. It was like camping, yes it was relaxing, but the relaxation stops at night. If it rains you hear every drop, and it feels very closed-in because the windows are actually wood shutters. There is no glass so you can't look out. They are either open or closed and there is no in between. Having a kitchen was nice and the hosts were great. The location was a little out of the way so you can't go anywhere without a rental car. It was definately like a camping experience they just provided you with the necessary amenities. If you want to camp just go to Sun Bay for $10 a night and you get the added bonus of having the beach near. Vieques was great, we fell in love with the island. The beaches are just spectacular and the people on the island are very nice. Next time I will just stay somewhere else. I find it hard to believe that all these people were so happy with this place, just being honest, hope this helps!!
Best Web Date Ever
by A TripAdvisor Member
We now live in Philadelphia but I grew up in P.R. and left when I was 18. My wife, never having been, was in need of some real relaxation. I decided to look at Vieques and happened upon Hix Island House on line. W/O anything else, I threw caution to the wind, and after five minutes, decided to book an entire week and thus, call it a "blind web date." We stayed at Casa Redondo in loft 3. WOW! And that is coming from a guy who has been to ALL the islands between Cuba and S.A. Yup, there are bugs, it is the tropics, and there is no T.V., Phone or room service. Yet, it is pure magic. My wife who is bug phobic had no problem whatsoever. It is like staying in a modern tree house set up for the Jetsons meet eco-life. Very modern and yet natural. No silly closed windows with AC blaring. Yet, it is too nice to explain. The hosts were amazing. For the first time, ever, my wife relaxed 200%. We didn't run to see stuff, we didn't cram stuff in, we simply relaxed. The pool is enough to make you apply for a job there. Rent a car, go to the beach, lay around in the room, shower in your private outdoor shower, pick mangos off the dozens of trees, laugh at the wild tame horses, dogs, cats and lizards. Watch the clouds roll past the windows. Take in the amazing fauna. Bring two good books. We found ourselves going to bed at 9 or 10 and waking up at 7 like rested babies. Eat at the Viequen for breakfast and dinner at "M." Lastly, the people on that island are the most helpful and kindest you will ever find. Just don't rush! The hosts, Kurt & Christianna, were always there to help and just made the trip perfect. There seems to be some confusion as to who is writing these reviews. Just to keep it "real" you can email me with questions. I can't rave enough about the quality of this place.
Absolute heaven!
by A TripAdvisor Member
This is the most amazing place I have ever stayed. It's like camping out with the stars and nature, but only better because you are inside on the most dreamy bed possible. A fabulous place on a very beautiful island.
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