Los Roques - sun, sand and fishing

For centuries the only business associated with these islands was fishing and lobster catching, however since the introduction of scheduled flights to Gran Roque, one of the few inhabited islands in the atoll, a number of fisherman's cottages have been converted into small guest houses known as posadas; these are the only places that a visitor can stay; there are no hotels or resorts. The small settlement on Gran Roque closely resembles a South American village, complete with square, church and police station connected by sandy tracks. Not every visitor comes here to fish, and all the posadas featured on this website offer daily excursions some of the archipelago's many islands in a small boat. Guests normally take a delicious picnic lunch, together with parasols and deck chairs to ensure maximum comfort and enjoyment. Other activities available on the islands beside salt water fly-fishing include world class scuba diving, snorkelling, surf kiting, windsurfing, kayaking and yachting.

We have listed our selection of posadas on El Gran Roque and provided a brief description of the location and décor for each. Please contact us for the latest availability and price at your preferred posada. The standard of accommodation  varies from basic facilities (cold water and ceiling fans) to luxurious (air conditioning, cable TV and hot water). All of the posadas featured on this website have ensuite facilities attached to each room, and many have family rooms (often on split levels) with space for four guests. Each posada reflects the tastes of its owner, and as the majority are run by Italian families, guests will experience stylish surroundings and freshly prepared seafood. Whereas some posada managers speak fluent English, others have difficulty in communicating with English speaking guests. Wild and Exotic visit Los Roques on a regular basis and will help you select the posada that is most suitable for your requirements, as well as providing detailed advice on how to get the most from a stay at this unique archipelago.

El Caracol: This small posada has just 4 guest rooms, and offers rustic simplicity in a beachside setting. The rooms are furnished in simple Caribbean style with ensuite showers and ceiling fans. Caracol is owned and run by a delightful Italian family who specialise in producing superb food, which is served either on the rooftop terrace, or beneath the shade of a parasol pitched between two palm trees on the white sandy beach. If requested the owners light a beachside barbeque on which to cook fresh lobsters that are delivered each day to their kitchen.

La Cigala: This charming posada is especially well organised to receive guests from the UK, as the Italian owners, Liana and Enrique, also speak fluent English. The 9 simple rooms are arranged around a central courtyard, in which breakfast and dinner is served to the accompaniment of rustling orange coconut palms. Wooden shutters screened with a nautical canvas for extra privacy secure all rooms, which offer a variety of accommodations including three split-level rooms for family occupation. The posada's lethal Caipirinha cocktails have achieved legendary status, even making the pages of the Sunday Times magazine. 

La Gotera: This small striking blue and white posada comprises 5 guest rooms, and occupies a prime beach location. The foliage of a mature sea grape tree and a roof of palm thatch shade the wooden deck of the outdoor terrace, which is separated from the sea by a narrow spit of white sand and surrounded by comfortable chairs and bright bougainvillea plants. A huge sofa fills the posada's living room, which is decorated with bright paintings, vases of flowers, and bowls of fresh tropical fruit. Freshly prepared meals are served on the gorgeous seaside veranda and incorporate the best of Italian seafood cuisine.

Piano Y Papaya:  A relaxed ambience permeates this posada, which is located just behind the island's small church and a short distance from the beach. There are five rooms surrounding a spacious living area that  incorporates a tropical garden with a huge hammock in one corner. There is also a lovely roof terrace with commanding views in all directions.

Posada Malibu: Located off the Calle Laguna, a quiet back street leading to the inland lagoon, this 11 bed roomed posada is one of the most sophisticated retreats on the island, with some rooms offering both air conditioning and hot water. A sophisticated ambience swirls around the clean wooden beams, and sunlight streams into the open courtyard with a floor of tiles, cobbles and wooden slats where sea grape, bamboo and ferns grow from a garden. Wooden stairs decorated with fragments of coral lead up to a shaded rooftop terrace that is arranged on three different levels featuring colourful plants, a bar and driftwood sculptures. The Italian owners also let out their personal living space by special arrangement for guests wishing to experience the ultimate in comfort and sophistication.    

Macanao Lodge: This is one of the largest and most luxurious posadas on the Island, located on the beach but also close to the bustling village square. All the rooms have showers and are light and airy with an attractive tropical garden in the courtyard.

Posada Movida: This posada has 6 rooms and is located off the Calle de Laguna. Run by a young Italian couple, there is a friendly laid back atmosphere. The main living area features a graceful mahogany table, turtle shells on the walls, and wooden shutters that are flung open to let light pour into the room. Guestrooms are located off a narrow alley leading away from the main living area, and decorated with beautiful arrangements of coral and shell. A wooden staircase leads to a rooftop terrace, where guests can relax on the wrap around sofa or in hammocks slung beneath the shade of a wooden trellis.

Posada Natura Viva: Located between the plaza Mayo and the sea, this large posada occupies a central position in the settlement. 16 rooms lead off from a central courtyard framed by lime green walls. The door of each room features an original oil painting depicting some form of marine life, such as corals, shells, flamingos or tropical fish.  The garden in the courtyard is surrounded by mosaic patterns, and colonnades impart the feeling of a sun drenched Italian Palazzo. Guests dine at the far end of the courtyard beneath the shade of a tiled roof, or beneath giant parasols to shield them from the sun. Brightly coloured stairs lead to an expansive roof top terrace that enjoys panoramic views of the ocean.

Sailboats: The brisk trade winds that blight so much of the Caribbean are reduced to a gentle breeze by the time they reach Los Roques. These are perfect conditions for sailing. As well as representing the best posadas on dry land, Wild and Exotic also offer a selection of Beneteau sailboats for exclusive or shared charter, that sleep between four and eight guests each. Each sailboat comes complete with skipper and crew to sail you wherever you choose within the archipelago. Fishing and scuba diving can also be easily arranged during your trip.