Vibe: Tropical Brutalism.

Area: Just across the street from the beach at Esperanza, a quiet town on the south side of the island of Vieques, located 13km off the east coast of Puerto Rico.

The DNA: Conceptually conceived as a block of coral removed from the sea; inspired by the form, density and porosity of the coral reefs located just off shore. The exterior of El Blok is made of glass fiber reinforced concrete panels whose design is derived from corals. These panels act as a continuous screen that filters natural light and fresh air into the balconies of the guest rooms. The patterns of natural light created by these panels and other building apertures act as perpetually changing ornamentation within the hotel.

Suite-Me-Up: There are no suites as such, but the (corner) Ersquina rooms offer plenty of space.

✅ free Wi-Fi • size matters: 30 rooms • hotel opened: 2014 • architecture: FUSTER + Architects (San Juan, Puerto Rico) • bathroom amenities: Aesop ✅ free on-site parking • pets allowed on request