ABOUT US

HISTORY OF VILLA TROPICAL

Before the 1960s, only a few wooden shacks stood among the dunes on one of northwest Puerto Rico’s most beautiful Atlantic Ocean beaches. In Bajuras, Isabela, the foundations of Villa Tropical’s BL and PL1 apartments became some of the first public rentals on Shacks Beach / Playa Shacks, also known as Playa Bajuras. 

In 1990, an avid surfer and local linguistics professor purchased the premier two-story oceanfront property at 326 Bo Bajuras and founded Villa Tropical Inc (aka VT) establishing the Hotel and apartment rentals business. In 2006, a Canadian-born couple bought the property and business, raising their family here while building Villa Tropical’s reputation for welcoming service and quality accommodations. 

Today, Villa Tropical Inc. represents Shacks Beach located oceanfront apartment rentals including the original main Villa Tropical Hotel, Playa Linda, and Villa Bajandas. These three properties sit directly in front of the Blue Hole Coral Reef, at the surf break.  Villa Tropical also manages Jungle’s Oceanfront Paradise apartments which face the surfers just west of the reef break and straight into the evening sunsets.  The Casa Soledad property is non-ocean fronting however has a semi-private pool. 

Villa Tropical fronts an area praised for some of the Caribbean’s best wave sailing and Puerto Rico’s best snorkeling and diving. The Blue Hole and Aquarium offer protected swimming, snorkeling, diving, and free diving above vibrant sea life and underwater caverns.  A challenging surf break lies just west of the reef, with nearly a dozen more breaks within a 10-minute drive. Guests can also enjoy long beach walks, horseback riding, mountain biking, rock climbing, cave adventures, golf, deep-sea fishing, parachuting, eFoiling, and guided nature walks. 

Guests come to Villa Tropical in every season: surfers when the waves rise, kiteboarders and wingers when the winds pick up, snorkelers and divers when the sea is calm, and whale watchers from January through March. Whether you are here for adventure, relaxation, or a work assignment, Villa Tropical offers an oceanfront apartment home where sunrises, sunsets, and moonlit evenings are part of everyday life. 

Write to us or call 787-872-7172 so we can better introduce ourselves. 

Remember to achieve the best value, Always Book Direct. 

VT GUEST SERVICES AT A GLANCE

  • On-site management, office, cleaning, maintenance, and media support. 

  • Friendly local help before, during, and after your stay. 

  • Ask about coordinated local concierge services available. 

  • Fully equipped apartments with oceanfront access. 

  • The Villa Tropical Gift Shop: Sells snacks, beverages, beer, wine, spirits, vacationer essentials, souvenirs, gifts, towels, T-shirts, postcards, and more.   Registered guests can rent snorkel, mask fins.  Located on the lower level by the Villa Tropical Hotel parking lot. 

  • VT Store / Reservations Office: Open daily during office hours, 9am–5pm. 

  • Laundry, cleaning, stocked supplies may be arranged through the office. 

  • Beach chairs: Some units include shared chairs; loaners or chairs for purchase at the Gift Shop. 

  • Catering: Ask about local catering, fridge stocking, or personal chef options. 

  • Child care: Local babysitting referrals may be available through the office or Reservations. 

  • Children’s gear: Limited Pack & Plays and donated items may be available by request. 

  • Cleaning: Weekly cleaning is recommended for stays of 14+ nights; extra services are arranged for a fee. 

  • Flowers: Reservations can help coordinate with local florists. 

  • Weddings: Villa Tropical is not a formal wedding venue, but we can recommend local planners, florists, caterers, clergy, and reception locations. www.prdestinationweddings.com

  • Handyman help: Call or visit the office; for emergencies, call or text 787-354-7685. 

  • Snorkel gear: Guest snorkel sets are available for rent for $20 plus tax for the full stay. 

  • Towels: Bath towels are for indoor use only; beach towel loaners may be available. 

ABOUT SHACKS BEACH

Playa Shacks, also called Shacks Beach, is one of Puerto Rico’s best-kept beach secrets. 

  • World-class surfers, sailors, and kiteboarders visit throughout the year. 

  • The area offers white coral sand, open shoreline, and a quiet feel between Jobos and Survival Beach. 

  • Popular activities include surfing, windsurfing, kiteboarding, snorkeling, scuba, swimming, horseback riding, and beach walks. 

  • The Blue Hole Coral Reef is best explored in calm seas with a guide; ask the VT Store for help coordinating tours. 

ABOUT PUERTO RICO 

  • A Caribbean island and U.S. territory known as La Isla del Encanto. 

  • 78 municipalities, 44 coastal towns, and 300+ named beaches. 

  • Home to El Yunque, the only tropical rainforest in the U.S. National Forest System. 

  • U.S. citizens traveling from the mainland do not need a passport. 

  • U.S. currency is used; Spanish and English are official languages. 

  • BQN airport is 15 minutes from Villa Tropical; SJU is about 2.5 hours away. 

  • Modern conveniences are within a 10–40 minute drive, and Ola Lola’s is a 3-minute walk away. 


  • The Owners and on-site General Managers, Trevor and Jennifer, first visited Puerto Rico as scuba divers. They married offshore on Aquatica’s dive boat in 1998. In 2006, they left executive careers in Chicago to buy Villa Tropical and raise their family on Shacks Beach. 

  • Villa Tropical Inc. remains a family run business supported by our talented Guest Services Team. 

 

ABOUT THE APARTMENTS

  • All apartment rentals are at Shacks Beach in Isabela, northwest Puerto Rico. 

  • VT Inc. represents 18 unique apartments across five remarkable coastal properties. 

  • Studios to three-bedroom units range from $130–$495 per night plus taxes. 

  • Free parking, Wi-Fi, many home away from home amenities, and direct beach access. 

  • Best availability and value always comes from booking direct and early.

HOW TO CHOOSE AN APARTMENT? 

Map showing Villa Tropical on Shacks Beach in Isabela, Puerto Rico
    • 12 oceanfront unit options.
    • 6 non-oceanfront or ocean-view options. 
    • Choices may include gardens, gated yards, semi-private pools, countryside views, ocean panoramas, and honeymoon-friendly spaces. 
    • Communicate openly with our reservations team, (Jocelyn, Yolanda and Trevor) [real people not AI bots].  Tell us your desired/target stay dates, group size and dynamics, and any preferences or needs so the VT Reservations Team can help you choose the optimum unit available for your stay.  

  1. Start with our MAP to see all VT-managed properties.  The map is at the bottom of the homepage.

  1. Explore the five property compounds for apartment descriptions,  photos, and rates. 

  1. Choose what you like, then contact us with your dates and group details. 

  1. Submit a direct reservation email request or call during office hours. 

  1. Book direct to avoid unnecessary third-party fees. Email villatropical@gmail.com or call 787-872-7172. 

  • All units include the privacy you help protect and the responsibility of being a good tenant. 

WHERE ARE THE APARTMENTS? 

  • Located in the Playa Shacks / Bajuras beach district in northwest Puerto Rico.

  • On the coast of the Atlantic Ocean near the border of Isabela and Aguadilla. 

  • Oceanfront properties: include Villa Bajandas, Playa Linda, Villa Tropical Hotel, and Jungle’s Oceanfront Paradise. 

  • Non - Oceanfront property: Casa Soledad is across from the VT hotel and includes a semi-private pool. 

  • For more location details, see Google Maps and guest photos on Facebook, TripAdvisor, Instagram @shacksbeach, and Google. 

WHAT IS IN THE APARTMENTS? 

  • Each property compound is unique.  Amenities range from basic to luxury.  Each apartment is unique and fully equipped for your visit. 

  • All include a bathroom, full kitchen, furniture, TV, BBQ, linens, pillows, and indoor towels. 

  • Kitchens typically include stove, refrigerator, microwave, blender, coffeemaker, toaster, pots, pans, dishes, and utensils. 

  • Please bring beach towels or purchase a VT souvenir towel. 

  • Extra household items may be borrowed or purchased at the VT Store. 

WHAT ELSE IS INCLUDED? 

  • All accommodations include free satellite TV, free Wi-Fi, generators, BBQs with free tank refills, A/C, ceiling fans, and one assigned parking space. 

  • Fee-based options may include laundry, extra parking, cleaning, concierge services, grocery shopping, catering, massages, horseback rides, aquatic excursions, eFoil adventures, and hikes. 

  • Email villatropical@gmail.com for more details. 

WHAT IS THE COST? 

  • Rates combine beachfront location, included amenities, and guest support. 

  • No hidden charges beyond apartment rate, 4% Guest Services Fee, and 9% Government Room Tax. 

  • Rates include electricity, water, A/C, Wi-Fi, satellite TV, one parking space, beach chair use, BBQ refills, and guest support. 

  • Discounts may apply for approved corporate partners, government and active military personnel, regular (First Mates) tenants, and qualifying longer term stays. 

  •      COST = ( ( Apartment Rate X Number of Nights ) X 4 % Services Fee ) X 9% Gov Tax 

  • Save by shopping locally, cook and eat in your unit and enjoy the views. 

  • The VT Store carries snacks, drinks, essentials, souvenirs, sun care, beer, wine, spirits, and more. 

  • Snorkel sets rent for $20 plus tax for the full stay. 

  • Optional add-ons may include additional room cleaning, personal chef service, massages, lessons, tours, horseback riding, and neighborhood dining. 

  • Explore the properties, then tell us your dates, group dynamics and needs, and priorities—like... wish to have a deck with Blue Hole view or to watch sunset, ground floor or top floor, pool, private deck, shaded, more sun, or need a combo of multiple nearby units. We will help you choose the best available apartment for your dates.  

 VT GUIDELINES / POLICIES 

  • Always Book direct to avoid unnecessary third-party fees. 

  • Reservations are first come, first served. 

  • Holiday and high-season advance bookings may require minimum stays. 

  • Last-minute walk-ins are welcome for any length of stay when available. 

  • Stays under two nights may incur an added cleaning fee. 

  • Deposits: $300 for studio/one-bedroom units; $500 for two-bedroom units; $700 for three-bedroom units. 

  • Cancellation, 4+ weeks notice: Deposit refunded less 3.5% processing fee. 

  • Cancellation, under 4 weeks notice: Deposit refunded less 3.5% only if the unit is re-rented for the full original stay. 

  • Cancellation, under 1 week notice: No deposit refund. 

  • Early departure: Charged for the full reservation. 

  • Occupancy: Rates are based on standard occupancy; $20/night/person applies up to the unit maximum. 

  • Children under 2 are exempt. 

  • Only registered guests are allowed on property.  

  • Visitors must register at the office - no additional parking is available. 

  • Quiet hours are 10pm–8am. No parties. 

  • No smoking (or vaping) inside apartments or in common areas, decks and balconies. 

  • No pets on property grounds, decks, patios, or inside apartments. 

  • Service animals are welcomed. 

  • Rental Agreement: Guests are bound by the VT Tenants Contract. 

  • Health & safety: Guests must follow applicable Puerto Rico health, safety, and security rules. 

  • Check-in: 3pm. Check-out: 11am. 

  • For very early arrivals, such as 2am, book the previous night. 

  • Call Reservations at 787-872-7172 from 9am to 5pm daily.

  • For best value, always book direct. 


See you on the beach!