I first visited Vieques in 2021, and like many people who visit, the feeling of the island stayed with me. The slow pace, the beauty in untouched nature, the people, and the feeling that life can be simpler. It reminded me of the simple days growing up with my family in a three unit home in Caguas, Puerto Rico that included my entire extended family on one property. Family, Food, Friendship, Laughter… Repeat… Then, on my 4th visit to Vieques I stayed at Coco Loco and noticed a “For Sale” sign on the front gate. I had secretly created a five year plan to move from the States back to my hometown of Caguas, Puerto Rico… but maybe the universe had other plans. #Goals #WhoKnows
So I went back to Florida and could not stop thinking about what if… What if I sold everything and just moved to a small Caribbean island? So… I decided to test the waters… I listed my house and car for sale… Um, both sold on the 1st day. Okay! That was 2 out of 10 things that had to go right. I had a big decision to make. So… I did it! I jumped!!! The other things fell into place, and just like that, the adventure of becoming the new owner of Coco Loco and embracing a slower island life began. It all happened so fast, I almost got cold feet. #Truth #NoRegrets
— Jariel Morales Ortiz | Owner & Host, Coco Loco Vieques