This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you click and buy, I may make a commission at no cost to you.
Have you ever thought of traveling to the beautiful island of Puerto Rico for a week? Add this to your list of beach destinations, especially for U.S. citizens, it has become one of the easiest destinations since the tragic COVID-19 pandemic began. With the Caribbean Island being a territory of the United States since 1917, it makes traveling between the two seamless!
Where to Stay
I recommend staying in San Juan due to the proximity to the airport (10 minutes), walkability, and amount of attractions nearby. Three hotels stood out to me when booking a trip to Puerto Rico, but I chose The Fairmont El San Juan and do not regret my decision! Check out their website for information on pricing and availability. . There were numerous delicious restaurants and bars here, enough that one would never even need to leave the hotel, although I wouldn’t recommend missing out on the Puerto Rican culture. The hotel is not all-inclusive, but sits right on the beautiful white sandy beach, with three pools to choose from, and a plethora of cabanas for rent poolside or oceanside, accessibility to jet ski, paddleboard, and kayak rentals. Do not miss out on their spa-request Daniel for a deep tissue massage, or one of their signature facials!
Old San Juan
Take a short cab ride to Old San Juan to indulge in cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and history dating back to the sixteenth century. You can stand on the wall that was built before the Spanish-American war, tour several fortresses or visit the Bautista Cathedral that houses the tomb of Spanish explorer Ponce de León. Definitely make sure to take a picture of the famous “Umbrella Street” where the umbrellas change colors according to season or events occurring. After walking around, you will want to cool down with a nice cocktail and live entertainment at The Cannon Club-Steinway Piano Bar. In the heart of The Gallery Inn, the bar is adorned with Venetian chandeliers and exposed brick on the walls, and there is even a rooftop to relax and enjoy on a nice day. https://www.thegalleryinn.com/cannonclub/ Don’t forget to indulge your tastebuds with some desert at the Chocobar Cortés, a long-lines-all-day shop that sells products from the 92 year-old family owned chocolateria-a chocolate baklava and martini please! https://www.chocobarcortes.com
A Must-Do Tour Around Puerto Rico
Definitely take a half-day tour to the sea caves called Indian Cave, where several movies, including the Pirates of the Caribbean, have been filmed. This tour includes a small hike up volcanic rock to end with a view that is breathtaking of the 12 arches that many remember from the movie. Our tour guide used a drone to capture the moment for us in the air! You also have the option to climb into one of the caves that have Paleolific artifacts carved into the stone and capture pictures of the ever-changing colorful ocean. A short drive from the caves led us to the only beach in the world that has black magnetic sand, which is caused by runoff of the volcano nearby.
Flamenco in Old San Juan
Juan Carlos is an 81 year-old from Barcelona and was named the youngest Flamenco guitarist at the age of 15. At the young age of 17, he moved to Las Vegas to be the opening act for Dean Martin and has played in the White House for two different Presidents! He now resides in Puerto Rico full time, and since he’s been retired, he plays the guitar for Flamenco dancing every Friday and Saturday night at Triana’s. I have seen Flamenco in Barcelona, where it originated, and this experience was just as incredible, let alone how good the food was! Do not pass on this dinner and a show that is good for all ages to become familiar with the culture of Flamenco. https://www.trianatapasyflamenco.com/en
Fine Dining
Michelin Star rated Executive-chef Juan José Cuevas has trained all over the world with top chefs, but now resides at the restaurant 1919 in Puerto Rico. Cuevas has been the Executive chef at two-three Michelin Star restaurants before returning to his home town with high hopes to transition 1919 into the best dining experience on the island. The cuisine specializes in locally sourced ingredients that are guaranteed fresh and hand-picked to bring the flavor-forward tasting menu to your table. Don’t forget to check out the unique cocktail menu that pairs perfectly to the food, a unique addition to elevated dining! In addition to the amazing food, you are overlooking the ocean in this opulent setting at the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel. The setting, service, food, and drinks were 10/10 impeccable! I look forward to seeing the awards that Cuevas will be obtaining in the near future! https://www.condadovanderbilt.com/condado-1919-restaurant
