W Hotels Worldwide has unveiled W Retreat & Spa - Vieques Island, the W brand’s 37th hotel globally and its first retreat within North America.

Owned by REIG CAPITAL, through its affiliate Vieques Hotel Partners, W Vieques is located only eight miles off the southeast coast of Puerto Rico and opens as the second W Retreat in the world, following the successful opening of W Retreat & Spa – Maldives in 2006. 

As W Hotels continues its transformation into a global powerhouse, on track to expand its portfolio to more than 50 hotels by the end of 2011, W is slated to open nine new hotels this year, including two retreat properties in Bali and Koh Samui, Thailand. 

Set on the undiscovered island of Vieques with 30-acres of beachfront property, W Retreat & Spa - Vieques Island offers a unique travel experience and an entrée into W’s “new way to escape,” blending the brand’s sophisticated signature style and programming with the stunning nature and wildlife of Vieques Island.

Guests can escape to this beautiful island paradise and enjoy an abundance of amenities and activities designed for adventure seekers and leisurely travelers alike. Created by Spanish-born Patricia Urquiola of Milan-based Studio Urquiola, W Vieques boasts 156 stylish guestrooms and suites with private patios and balconies offering unparalleled views of soft sandy beaches and crystal clear waters; an exciting epicurean experience at miX on beach inspired by Alain Ducasse, featuring organic, local ingredients handpicked from the island’s growers; W Café for the on-the-move traveler; a serene spa sanctuary offering seaside yoga and authentic holistic treatments inspired by the island; Paradise Edge, a lush garden sanctuary; Lawn, an intimate locale; Fire Pit, an outdoor space that merges nature with luxury; SWEAT®, 24-hour fitness center with top-of-the-line Technogym® machines and personal training; W beach’s two secluded shorelines; WET splash pool, bar, and private cabanas overlooking the ocean; tennis courts; Wired, business center with all the necessary tools for those who need to stay connected while away; and W Hotels The Store, the W brand’s stylish take on the traditional hotel gift shop.

“W Hotels is thrilled to set a new standard in modern travel with the opening of W Retreat & Spa – Vieques Island,” said Eva Ziegler, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide and Le Méridien. “Our newest Retreat is a unique blend of the sophisticated yet fun W lifestyle and the undiscovered beauty and tranquility of Vieques Island.  In addition, W Vieques marks an important move in the global expansion of the W brand, enabling us to deliver a unique experience to the W loyalist while also introducing our lifestyle to a new part of the world.”

“We are excited to be opening W Retreat & Spa - Vieques Island, our first hotel venture outside of Spain and W Hotels first Retreat in North America,” said Maria Reig, President, REIG CAPITAL. “We are passionate about not only the property but the beautiful island of Vieques and feel confident that W Vieques will quickly become one of the most sought after destinations to visit in the world.”