Where to Shop on Vieques
This section includes information on fun Shopping both in Esperanza and Isabel II sides of the island, as well as a look at the Galleries, Arts and Crafts studio shops and Food shopping options for stocking up your kitchen. Also, a listing of local Massage Therapists, who can help you pamper yourself after a long day of sightseeing.
Gone Shopping:
On The Malecon in Esperanza
   | Although we can’t claim a mall on
Vieques, the malecon comes close to a shopping destination: The
Tradewinds Gift Shop at the western end offers a wide range of clothes
and souvenirs. In the following block, Vieques Flowers and
Gifts has a great selection of everything from local crafts to clothes
and postcards and loads of fun things. Right next door is Diva’s Closet
a specialty boutique of resort wear and jewelry -- for men and women. A
few steps away is Kim’s Cabin, long known for its ritzy duds and unique
jewelry and a few well-selected crafts. Kiln Kreations (787-741-3762) is a glass art studio a short walk from the Malecón. The newest addition to the Malecon is the Vieques Yacht Club Shopping Court (787-741-1447) which boasts five stores including Tropical Treasures boutique, Tropical Footprints shoestore, Vieques Yacht Club gift shop (787-741-1447) for nautical theme gifts and postal services on the south side.    |    |
In the Capital City of Isabel II
  | Much more than Esperanza, Isabel II is a town serving the needs of local residents. Banks,
post office, government offices, and pharmacies (as well as Rios Family
Laundromat and the island's ATM machines) are all located in or near the
heart of town. Shopping for visitors is less concentrated; nonetheless, there are some highlights that should not be missed: stylish resort wear at Barefoot Beachware (787-741-1910), sporting gear at Black Beard’s (787-741-1892) and Playa Voltios (787-741-7873), accouterments for beach and outdoor living at Island Time, (787-741-8041), souvenirs, jewelry and crafts at Caribbean Walk (787-741-7770) and a Humane Society thrift shop, Pinky's. Follow the signs uphill from the ferry to find Beach Doggies artful shop. |   |
Art appreciation
 | Vieques has both bred and attracted several outstanding artists. Siddhia Hutchinson creates decorative objects based on her original paintings; originals and manufactured objects are for sale at her gallery between the ferry docks and the lighthouse. In addition to her own work, Hutchinson shows orignal art by John Towne and Glenn Wielgus. You may also visit Ellie Harold's studio in Esperanza (call 678-421-1981 to arrange a time) to see her colorful oil paintings of Vieques landscapes. Beach Doggies in Bravos de Boston is a lesson in the creative use of flotsam and jetsom. Ernesto Peña, whose murals decorate both floors of Bananas, opens his studio near the fort by appointment (787-741-1922). Glass is the medium of choice at Kiln Kreations in Esperanza (787-741-3762). Studios open by appointment include those of metal sculptor Brooke Grant (787-556-6918) whose work is also on view at Bananas, glass jewelry artist Ileana Jové (787-741-4694) and photographer River Karmen (787-741-0041). |  |
Pamper yourself
  | Numerous massage therapists make their homes on
Vieques; there’s something about the magic of the place that draws
them. There are practitioners of almost every type of massage, and many
will either work in their own special surroundings or will come to
yours. Ingrid Bergman offers therapeutic massage at a place of your convenience, 787-435-1313. Robert Aldo, with 12 years of experience, specializes in Swedish, neuromuscular and deep tissue massage, 787-718-6784. Ángeles has developed a unique style from her 20 yrs of study and experience in body and yoga therapies as well as energy work. You can also join a yoga class at Sun Bay or schedule a private yoga session with her, 787-435-7510. Hix Island House also offers yoga lessons Tuesday through Sunday at 9:30AM. It's open to the public and costs $15. To reduce body tension, call Judith Gulliver at Blue Hill Foot and Hand Reflexology, 207-266-1899, for a reflexology session. A combination of massage and pressure pointing, this technique does wonders to reduce body stress. Yanira has opened a beauty salon called Yanira's House of Beauty near Esperanza (787-741-0719). Watch out this season for the arrival of new hairstyling outfit on the island.    | |
A quiet evening at home
Visitors in digs that boast cooking facilities may want to spend an evening at home. Local seafood --including lobster ready for grilling ($8.50 per pound) -- is offered by Roberto Navarro at his location in Monte Santo (call 787-741-1003 for directions and availability) or Tony Medina in Bravos de Boston (787-646-5021). Waldo Bird from Your Personal Cuisine (787-487-4244) can cook any kind of paella for a private party. Aguacate Catering (787-615-2320) are happy to take on events from 2 to 100 people. It is important to buy fish from a reputable source as ciguatera, a serious nerve disease, can be caused by ingesting the wrong fish. Other reputable fish markets in Vieques include Xiomara (787-741-1619) where fresh lobster is usually available from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Food Shopping
Local colmados (convenience stores) offer the basic foods, ice and toiletries. Some of the stores include Green Store (La Tienda Verde) in Esperanza, where you can provision on the way to the beach; Colmado El Encanto mid-island (Rte. 201), where you can buy an array of groceries and Colmado Mambo (Rte. 997), where you can get "everything you need, groceries and more."
For food shopping, visit one of two Morales Supermarkets, one in downtown Isabel II and a larger one on Rte 200 (between Isabel II and the airport). For major stocking up, Almacen Morales on the Isabel II main square, offers shopping in bulk.
