"Why book? This is the sort of special stay where first-timers inevitably ask themselves: “What took me so long to come here?” Lovely, independently-owned Villa Montaña offers all of the services of a resort while retaining the personable character of a boutique stay. It somehow hits the mark for couples looking for a romantic getaway while also deftly catering to sun-and-fun-seeking families. Its cloistered charm makes it a popular destination wedding venue. Set the scene Three miles of beach and 35 acres of lush greenery combine for a secluded collection of rooms and villas, spaciously scattered throughout a special slice of nature. Hacienda-style structures dot the property, whitewashed with terracotta tiling and Spanish colonial style accents. It adds up to casual elegance with a stunning front-row view of the beach. And nothing beats that beach, even at night, when guests languish on beanbag chairs in the sand to gaze at twinkling stars. Strolling along the property and finding small surprises—a fire pit here, a hammock there, a cozy, pillowed pavilion amid the gardens—is part of the adventure. The backstory The privately-owned boutique property is set on a former sugar plantation. The rooms 36 units are made up of 12 traditional hotel rooms and 24 one, two, or three-bedroom villas. Ivory-colored walls and light-toned woods bring the sandy coastline to mind while light pastel fabrics keep the beachy reverie going. All rooms include private terraces or patios. Food and drink Chef Rafael Grau’s Eclipse is regarded as not only one of the best restaurants in the west, but one of the best on the island. It’s one of the few spots where the cuisine parallels the breathtaking beachfront location. Share a platter of Puerto Rican fritters while watching the surf or split a pizza, pulled straight out of a wood-fired oven. Indulge in the fresh catch of the day with risotto and pigeon peas or island classics such as arroz con pollo. The craft cocktail program is just as carefully curated and the resort takes pride in serving local brews. Staff is eager to orchestrate private dining experiences, from picnics on the sand to s'mores at the bonfire. The spa The spa has been closed since the onset of COVID-19, but in-room treatments are available. The neighborhood/area Locals like to say that Isabela is “less gringo” than popular Rincon. The northwestern coast is truly one of the loveliest, low-key spots found on the island. Jobos, the storied surfing beach, is just a 5-minute drive from the property. A food truck park and other quaint dining and drinking options just outside the resort make a good case for exploring town. Rafael Hernandez International Airport in Aguadilla is a 12-minute drive away. The service There are a surprising amount of amenities for a boutique resort, including two pools, fishing, wind and kite surfing, scuba, complimentary beach cruiser bicycles, complimentary snorkel equipment and horseback riding on the beach. Staff is well-versed and at-the-ready to organize any diversion requested. For families Another surprise is how a place so romantic can cater so well to families. There’s plenty to keep all ages busy, including a play area and kid-friendly watersports. Complimentary playpens are available. Accessibility All rooms except for two are ADA accessible. Anything left to mention? The resort is pet-friendly." - Kathleen Squires
