travel | fantasy island.

beaches, spas, and fab food are essential ingreds for an ideal vaycay. your new carribean wonderland? the first north american W retreat & spa, featuring restos from multi-michelin-starred chef alain ducasse, is now open.

located eight miles off the coast of puerto rico on vieques island, this 157- room oasis with gorgeous views of the atlantic is a seaside nirvana. snorkel in the bioluminescent bay, explore the lush mountains on horseback, take an eco-tour through the mangroves, or unwind at spa chakra. when you've worked up an appetite, there's plenty of places to dine. miX on the beach is ducasse's sig resto, showcasing exotic latino-carribean flavors with a french twist. breakfast on fresh smoothies, or steak and eggs with sautéed potatoes and salsa criolla. kick off dinner with a spicy crab salad or tabouli. follow it up with roasted maine lobster "au curry" with coconut basmati rice. or, try local farm raised pork (from cayey) en cocotte, creamy grits and cornbread. too heavy for the beach? snack on casual fare (croissants, madeleines, nicoise salad) at the W café, or have them pack a picnic and go for a sail. the poolside WET bar offers tapas and mezze, or savor the taste of paradise at sunset in the living room bar, where island cocktails like el boricua (a blend of rums, passion fruit, and mango) and small bites prevail.

eat your heart out. W retreat & spa. vieques island. state road 200. vieques, puerto rico. 787.741.4100. now open. www.whotels.com/vieques