Ponce & South Coast - Puerto Rico - page 307

Sleeping
A community of vacation houses and guesthouses called San Jacinto dominates the high-
lands of the small Caña Gorda peninsula. If you're looking for a cheap option, drive up
there and poke around, as many houses rent rooms.
Mary Lee's by the Sea APARTMENTS $$
( 787-821-3600; www.maryleesbythesea.com ; 25 San Jacinto; studios from $120,
apt $250) This immensely charming guesthouse run by Mary Lee Alverez is one of the
most isolated and charming stays on the island. Set on a steep hillside overlooking the man-
grove cays and the Caribbean, guests have little choice but to unplug (no cell service, no
televisions) and relax. Each apartment is appointed with ultrahip, brightly colored furnish-
ing and many have decks, hammocks, barbecue and sea views. One even has a bathroom
that opens into a private garden shower. Mary Lee herself is a character, a doting host who
came here to dive 50 years ago and never left. There are stairs that lead down to a dock
where you can relax by the water, or rent boats and kayaks for a reasonable fee. Note that
Mary Lee does not accept credit cards.
Copamarina Beach Resort RESORT $$$