Yes, but only on the ground floor living space. This level offers 2 twin beds, full bathroom and efficiency kitchen. The upper two levels are screened and have ceiling fans. The nighttime breezes make sleeping comfortable without air conditioning.
Ground floor- offers 2 twin beds, full bathroom and efficiency kitchen.
Main floor-Kitchen, living room, bedroom with queen bed, full shower/bath, full patio.
Top Floor-Master bedroom with queen bed, private bathroom, private balcony. The upper two levels offer spectacular ocean views. The ground level is separate from the upper two levels with its own entrance and can only be accessed from the outside.
Villa Altamira is a comfortable, well maintained, fully equipped Caribbean style home perfect for families or couples. It is a very nice home, not luxurious by any means but very comfy!
Altamira is located on a hilltop in Bravos de Boston a small neighborhood just outside Isabella Segunda. Click on link to see Bravos on the Vieques map http://www.vieques-island.com/vqsmap.shtml . Villa Altamira is also featured on the new Vieques tourism map.
Additional map of Vieques: http://www.viequestourism.com/map_page.htm
Physical addresses are kind of sketchy on the island. Describing how to get to the house usually will suffice. As you pass the ferry station on your left heading towards the lighthouse in Isabella take the right hand turn just after the ferry station. It is a hilly road that climbs. Take the second left (you can follow the yellow signs for beach doggies or “perro playas”) . When you get to the T take a left (the sign will say take a right for beach doggies but don’t) then a right up the hill. Towards the top of the hill the house is on the left side. There is a plaque on the gate post “Villa Altamira”. Remember Villa Altamira is on the new map you will receive upon arrival.
The closest town is Isabella Segunda. It is about a 15 minute walk from Altamira. We walk this frequently in the evening after dinner or early morning for a bakery run. If you would like to see a map of Vieques or Isabella go to http://www.vieques-island.com/vqsmap.shtml .
The closest restaurant is the Bravos Beach Hotel http://www.bravobeachhotel.com. It is a 5 minute walk from Altamira. The town of Isabella also has many restaurants and is very close as well. For a full listing of Vieques eateries and links to their sites go to http://www.vieques-island.com/rest.shtml .
There are lots of beaches in Vieques. Altamira is a 5 minute walk to a very nice snorkeling/swimming cove "La Lanchita" (pictured on our website www.villaaltamira.com ) . It is just a short walk down the hill to the ocean. For a full list of island beaches go to http://www.vieques-island.com/beaches.shtml .
Yes. The house is very privately situated on a hillside facing north. Additionally it is privately landscaped. There is a vacant field next door where a horse usually grazes. The surrounding homes are residential and sufficiently far away so they do not lessen its private feeling. The property is fenced and gated as well.
It is on about a 1.5 acre lot. There is a vacant field next door where a horse usually grazes. There is a producing lemon tree on the property (feel free to pick some for cooking or drinks!)
The house faces North toward the Sonda de Vieques or Straits of Vieques. There is about a 180 degree panorama that includes the Faro or Lighthouse, the ferry station and the main island of Puerto Rico in the distance. On clear days you can see Culebra in the distance. On clear nights the mainland lights twinkle in the distance. You can enjoy watching the arriving/departing ferries from one of the balconies. There are lots of pictures on our website that feature the view!
There are two nice-sized supermarkets on the island and many smaller grocery stores. The closest supermarket is in Isabella which is a 15 minute walk or 5 minute car ride.
Sorry no TV. Feel free to bring a portable DVD or laptop. What we enjoy most about Altamira is the escape from TV. We finally have the time to chat quietly and enjoy our company. Lots of books. Lots of time to sit by the pool or on the patio and enjoy the beauty and serenity of the island.
There are two CD players/radios. Both with MP3/aux input on it so that you can plug in your MP3 player if needed.
Great question! Yes and yes again!
Yes. There is usually a nice selection of spices. We encourage the cleaning staff to leave all non perishables for other guests. That means salt, sugar, oil and vinegar and lots more are usually there.
The water is municipally supplied and safe to drink.
No. We are not aware of any infectious diseases to worry about on Vieques.
No need to bring either. Both are available at the house.
Yes all of the above are on site for your convenience.
The pool is 30 by 15 free-form style. No diving is allowed. There is a neat waterfall that kids and adults love to sit under. The views from the pool are spectacular. There is a patio set as well as lounge chairs for sunning.
The pool is cleaned on Saturdays. Guests are asked to skim leaves/debris as needed. The filter/waterfall is automatic and runs 10 am- 8pm. The house manager is available if there are any issues with the pool including urgent cleaning.
Altamira is full screened so you can enjoy the evening breezes indoors and not worry about the bugs. Sunset does bring some mosquitoes outdoors at some times of the year (summer mostly) but not too bad. Much better than here in Maine where we live!
Yes. To really get the most out of your island vacation a car is recommended. I guess scooters would work. You want to be able to explore secluded beaches and feel free to roam.
Yes. There is a propane gas grill as well as a Weber Smoky Joe kettle (the small one) for hard core bbqers or smokers. How best to cook your mahi mahi, well that’s up to you.
The weather is warm and sunny most days of the year. The summer months can sometimes bring showers, but not usually a long rainy streak.
Three choices, well four, but you need your own boat for the fourth. Small plane, ferry from Fajardo or fast ferry from San Juan. See the links below for more information:>
http://www.vieques-island.com/geninfo.shtml#get%20there
http://www.viequestravelguide.com/vieques-ferry-airlines.html
Just once before you check in. Additional cleanings may be arranged but must be done so in advance and there will be an additional charge to the guest.
Not much. The island is very informal. A bathing suit, toothbrush and sunglasses are a good start. We have some basic snorkeling gear at the house that guests are welcome to use. We also have beach chairs and a cooler.
You will be greeted by either our house manager or a representative from Rainbow Realty. Pickup arrangements are made in advance and you can be taken to Altamira directly or to your rental car first then Altamira. There is no additional charge for this.
Vieques is very safe when compared with most other Caribbean islands. Petty crime is a problem everywhere though. Common sense rules apply. Lock the house and gate when you leave. Lock the house and gate when you go to bed. Don’t leave valuables unattended on the beach or in your car. Violent crime is almost unheard of on Vieques.
Yes, of course. Our house manager is available by phone as well as the staff at Rainbow Realty.
Absolutely, children are welcome! We have four of our own. Caution and adult supervision of the children around the pool is our main concern.
We have a porta-crib for guest use. Sorry, no high chair (we used the car seat).
Based on individual circumstances.
Sorry, no smoking.
Sorry, no. There are some café’s/sites in town that have wireless access if needed.
There are several Vieques sites that have a wealth of information. I’ve included the links for you here:
http://www.vieques-island.com/
http://www.viequestravelguide.com/index.html
http://www.enchanted-isle.com/
http://www.isla-vieques.com/
my vacation stay?
There is a monthly bi-lingual community newsletter distributed free in Vieques called “Vieques Events”. It lists current and special events as well as advertisements and classifieds. You can also download it free via the internet:
http://www.viequesevents.net/
Our web site has some spontaneous guest remarks. We have just started collecting guest satisfaction surveys after each stay and will have some information posted on our web site soon. We will use the feedback to improve in the future.
Yes. The calendar is usually up to date and accurate. Occasional errors do occur so please don’t make a definite plans until your travel dates are confirmed.
This is a standard PR tax on home rentals. Hotel rental tax is 9% and casino/hotel rental tax is even more. This goes to the local government not the homeowners.
Six adults work well at Altamira and can stay comfortable and private. There is one additional fold out bed for a seventh guest. Additional occupancy can sometimes be arranged on an individual basis but additional fees would apply.
Rainbow Realty is our on island agent. They assist with reservations and coordinating your arrival pickup.
Reservation Procedure:
Cancellation Policies:
We do offer discounts for longer term rentals as well as for returning guests. Please mention this to us at the time you reserve.
Not really. The ground floor level can be accessed without stairs/steps. There is a downhill walk to the ground floor. The surrounding neighborhood in Bravos is situated on a steep hill so walks down to the beach can be a bit of a workout.
High season usually runs November to May
Low Season June thru October
Peak/Holiday weeks include Christmas, New Years, Easter, Thanksgiving, and President’s Week.
Absolutely! Your choice of weeks! Winter months tend to book 6-8 months in advance. Holiday weeks book 8-12 months in advance.
Great idea! Not only is it less expensive to stay at Altamira, but flights are usually cheaper and the island beaches are even less populated. You will definitely feel like you are on your own island paradise.
Check in 3 pm. Check out 10 am.
Yes there is a regular landline. Local calls are free. Long distance calls require a calling card or other method of payment. The telephone number at the house is 787-741-1761.
Yes they do. I have US cellular and haven’t had a problem. Please check your individual providers website for more information on coverage and rates.
You can try to arrange this in advance via a personal caterer or restaurant if desired. A suggested link: http://www.yourpersonalcuisine.com/
It is currently advertised on several web sites including Cyber rentals, VRBO, Rentalo, Vacation Rental Direct as well as Vieques specific web sites such as Vieques island.com, Enchanted-isle.com, Isla-Vieques.com and Vieques travel guide.com.
Please let Bob or Deb know right away. They will try to have it fixed as soon as possible. Even if it's not something that important to you please let us know so that we can fix it anyway.
What about crime? Do I need to worry?
Petty crime. theft and even burglary occur on the island. Please use reasonable precautions. Double lock the villa doors at night and remove the keys, don't leave any valuables visible on the beach or in vehicles unattended. Use reasonable precautions to prevent and deter theft.