W Hotels Worldwide has unveiled W Retreat & Spa – Vieques Island, located on an undiscovered island eight miles off the southern coast of Puerto Rico. Situated on 30 beachfront acres, the design is the result of a team of architects and designers: interiors by Studio Urquiola, Rockwell Group Europe, landscape architects EDSA, and architect of record Sierra Cardona Ferrer of San Juan.
For the interiors of the 157-room retreat, Patricia Urquiola, principal of her eponymous firm, is credited with skillfully weaving together natural and local elements to create a stylish, modern island oasis. Throughout the property there was a meticulous attention to detail and craft, with a combination of locally recycled materials, organic forms, and Urquiola’s renowned and modern Italian furnishings that were created exclusively for W Vieques by B&B Italia, all of which celebrate Vieques’ wild and natural surroundings.
The W Retreat & Spa’s reception area is wrapped in reclaimed wood, transitioning to the W Living Room that features tiger eye area rugs, oversized brass-plated steel lamps with fabric shades, black leather chairs, plush field sofas by Moroso, and an oversized map of Vieques Island by Urquiola placed at the entrance. From here, guests can visit the outdoor lounge to enjoy ocean vistas and a firepit.
Inspired by the tropical island setting, spacious guestrooms are outfitted in shades of tan and beige accented with vibrant colors and prints juxtaposed against the dark wood stone designed exclusively by Urquiola and shiny dark gray-tiled cement floors in the open-concept bathroom. One of Urquiola’s most unique pieces, showcasing the theme of rustic nature interwoven with contemporary design, is the oversized Vieques bathtub of her own design, made from painted steel and crowned by a refreshing rain shower.
Other elements designed to make the most of a guest’s visit include miX on the beach by chef Alain Ducasse; W Café; Spa Chakra; Paradise Edge, a lush garden sanctuary; the SWEAT fitness center; WET splash pool, bar, and private cabanas overlooking the ocean; tennis courts; the Wired business center; and W Hotels’ take on the traditional gift shop.
