For those of you East coasters, Puerto Rico is one of the easiest destinations when you're considering a tropical getaway. For those of you who live elsewhere, it's definitely worth the trip! Having visited Puerto Rico for several monumental life events, it holds a special place in my heart.
On with the tips!
TIPS: Before You Go
-Below I discuss different areas of Puerto Rico. You should decide if you would like to visit multiple areas of the island (you are able to do this in one week), or if you're just going to stay in one area. Also, you could technically do day trips to all below areas, but that might be a lot of driving for your vacation.
-There are a couple of airports in Puerto Rico, and some may be easier for you to access than others, so research the best option for your departure point.
DESTINATION BREAKDOWNS
SAN JUAN
Located on the Northeast coast of Puerto Rico, San Juan is the most popular tourist area. This is great if you're looking for sightseeing, a variety of restaurants and shops, and historical tours. The architecture is some of the oldest in America and features an ornate, Spanish style with inviting pastels and cobblestone streets. Because Puerto Rico is a US territory, the island's history has become part of America's. A walking or segue tour is a great way to learn about the history and culture. Before your tour, have lunch on the grass by Castille San Cristobal (an old Spanish fort and main waterside attraction).
Note: San Juan has the most accommodating airport.
TIP: San Sebastian Festival
The best time to visit San Juan is during the San Sebastian Festival, which occurs in January. The weather is sunny and warm, and the city is alive. Daytime is the best time for young families to be out in town. At night, the streets turn into a Mardi Gras-style party with parades, DJ's, bands, very large drinks, and, in some areas, not a square foot to move around. Some people rent out apartments in the downtown area, so they get a great view of the parades and concerts.
Accommodations:
There are many hotel options in San Juan. You have to decide if you'd rather be within walking distance of Old San Juan or if you'd prefer beachfront. My adventure was beach-front style.
TIP: Caribe Hilton
Though it's a bus ride from Old San Juan, this hotel offers incredible amenities at reasonable prices. The rooms are beautiful, views are to die for, and the grounds have everything from pool bars to peacocks. Don't forget yoga on the beach! The Hilton also features really delicious restaurants and claims to be the home of the Pina Colada (as does the nearby restaurant Barrachina). For more info on the Caribe Hilton, visit http://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/puerto-rico/caribe-hilton-SJNHIHH/index.html?WT.srch=1
Restaurants:
Barrachina: also claims to be the home of the Pina Colada. Grab one here and the Hilton, and decide which you like better! They are both amazing. Barrachina is great for Puerto Rican cuisine and super accommodating if you have a large group. It's right in the heart of Old San Juan, so shopping and other attractions are footsteps away. $$
St. Germain: where I first developed my infatuation with quiche. Get the spinach quiche. $$
Theater
If you're open minded and want to see some really different styles of theater, Deborah Hunt has incredible mask and puppet shows (https://myspace.com/maskhunt) and the group Y No Habia Luz (http://ynohabialuz.com) has a really diverse repertoire of film and physical theater.
AGUADILLA, ISABELA, and RINCON
Located on the Northwest coast of Puerto Rico, this area is known as the surf capital of the Caribbean. Rafael Hernandez Airport is located in Aquadilla, but it is very small and offers very few flights from a limited number of locations. This area of Puerto Rico is less touristy and more relaxing. Rincon seems to feature more of a downtown area with shops and restaurants, while Isabela is home to some stunning hotels.
Accommodations
In this area of Puerto Rico, you want to be oceanfront.
TIP: Villa Montana
I found this hotel when looking for a wedding location. I loved it and ended up getting married here. It is a stunning hotel with an eclectic, rustic chic decor.
The rooms are set up more like condos. Every room is different, and the larger ones often have kitchens and sometimes even washers and dryers. All the rooms have doors that lead outside (again, more like condos than a typical hotel).
The Eclipse restaurant is my favorite restaurant in all of Puerto Rico and is steps from your room! This open air restaurant gives you beachfront views, an ocean breeze, and some unbelievable food. The food is so good, you are not going to want to leave the hotel to eat anywhere else. There is one other restaurant on the premises: O. O Restaurant is also unbelievable, the problem is, it's only open on Saturday nights. It's located in a different section of the hotel, and gives you a nice option to change things up. If you have a few people in your group, you can reserve to sit in a private...bed. It's basically a canopy bed, and it's awesome...unless you have a bad back or hate sitting criss cross applesauce.
While the ocean in this area of Puerto Rico is better fitted for surfing over swimming, take a stroll down the beach going east (take a right if you're facing the water). After about a two mile walk, you'll think you see a mirage in the distance, but as you approach, the energy of the crowd and Latin music will signify you've made it to Playa Jobos. This is a local beach that is vibrant and full of families socializing and celebrating. There are large rocks you can climb and enjoy the picturesque view of waves crashing around you. Cross through the parking lot for a charming souvenir shop and authentic empanadas (try to go closer to the weekend because they sometimes are closed in the middle of the week). Also, some drinks in a coconut! Make sure to specify you want rum in your beverage; it will make for a more exciting two mile walk back.
The hotel can help you reserve beach activities or a horseback riding session at the ranch next door.
There are many mixed reviews on Villa Montana. Your experience will be lovely if you go in expecting to be cut off from the usual hustle and bustle . There is no gift shop at the hotel. If you need sunscreen, your only hope is a staff member will find some in a drawer. While it is on the upscale side, it is extremely laid back. Your meals will always take longer than you're used to preparation-wise. You are at this hotel to relax. It's not going to be like a Manhattan hotel, it's going to be more like a hotel in the European countryside.
For more info on Villa Montana, visit www.villamontana.com
TIP: Royal Isabela
Another stunning hotel in Isabela is the Royal Isabela. A little more pricey and luxurious, this hotel overlooks a golf course atop cliffs that cascade 200 feet into uninterrupted views of the vast turquoise ocean. The Royal Isabela offers investment opportunities for those looking to vacation permanently and high-end accommodations for those who are just on holiday. I have visited this breathtaking hotel, but have never stayed here. The best I can do description-wise is provide you with this link: www.royalisabela.com
FAJARDO and VIEQUES
Fajardo is located on the Northeast tip of Puerto Rico and Vieques is an island located off the east coast. They both have something major in common:
TIP: Bioluminescent Bay
If there is one thing you do in Puerto Rico: kayak in the bioluminescent bay at nighttime. This is one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. The bioluminescent organisms in the water light up when moved (like fireflies but barely visible and living in the water). When you glide through the bay in your kayak, everything lights up! Your oars, your kayak, even your hand if you put it in the water. However, sometimes the weather (like a full moon) will prevent you from being able to see the light, so check in with the organization about the timing of your trip before making reservations. Fajardo is the easier destination to get to, if you're staying in Puerto Rico. Though, I've heard Vieques is a beautiful, tranquil island worth a visit. Either way, book that kayak!
Fajardo: http://www.kayakingpuertorico.com/pages/biobay.html
Vieques: http://vieques.com/island-bioluminescent-bay/#13/18.1029/-65.4481
Whether you choose just one destination, or explore east to west, Puerto Rico has so many wonderful traditions and experiences to offer.
Thank you for reading! Feel free to ask any questions, and I'll see you next time on 10-Minute Travel Tips!
