Casual Culebra is Now Caribbean Chic

Text by Ronald C. Flores

Just mention the name Culebra to its countless fans and watch their eyes light up. This tiny gem of an island—a municipality of Puerto Rico that lies about 17 miles off its eastern shore—inspires a degree of passion that is entirely out of proportion to its size. As its fewer than 2,000 residents are proud to point out, there is one town—with one bank, one gas station, one airport, one hospital, two schools, two paved roads, and no traffic lights. There are no resort hotels, no casinos, and no fast food-restaurants.

As visitors quickly discover, there is a casual Caribbean laid-back attitude and a pace of life that can revive the weariest traveler. They lodge in quaint guesthouses or gorgeous rental properties, rough it at a first-rate camping ground, dine at informal restaurants, and spend their lazy days in, on or under the clearest, bluest water they have ever seen—where they sun, snorkel, surf, fish, kayak, hike or dive—or hitch a hammock between two palm trees and do absolutely nothing.

Many are special fans of Club Seabourne, the chic boutique hotel that hugs a hill along the shore of Fulladoza Bay and the only property on Culebra that is endorsed by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company. After a major remodeling and upgrading, Club Seabourne is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a new look, a new menu, and an even higher level of pampering for its guests.

The dozen or so villas now sport a predominantly white look with blue-grey accents inside and out. Rooms feature lovely sights of Culebra in the artful work by photographer José Alberto Martí Urbiñas. Glass doors open to a private terrace and a view of the grounds and the bay. Natura brand personal-care products are featured in the luxurious new bathrooms and flat-screen TVs, refrigerators, and robes are now standard amenities.

A Caribbean Lounge has been created for the restaurant and poolside gazebo bar, and the menu has been redesigned to feature Novo-Latino dishes such as Snapper Filet Pionono with Cilantro Sauce, Churrasco Stuffed with Peppers, and the hotel’s signature Culebra Fresh Lobster. More than 10 wines are now available by the glass from the hotel’s first-rate wine cellar—all served in Riedel stemware.

Also to commemorate its anniversary, Club Seabourne launched a new website (www.clubseabourne.com) with an assortment of new packages, online reservations, and links to land and air transportation. With its “Meet My Needs” feature, guests choose their amenities in advance or make special requests, which are waiting for them in their room when they arrive—and each day of their stay.

Like Culebra itself, Club Seabourne has always captured a special place in the hearts of its demanding guests, from romantic couples and families on vacation to wedding parties and corporate groups. With its sophisticated new Caribbean Chic look, it will certainly capture more!

Club Seabourne is located on Fulladoza Bay on Culebra Island. For more information, visit www.clubseabourne.com or call 787-742-3169.