San Juan Puerto Rico
Looking for an island destination and can’t decide which spot of sand you should visit this year? Consider something a little closer to the US mainland. With its crystal clear waters and gorgeous weather year-round, this might become your best vacation yet. Rich in scenery and diversity of culture, this Carribean island is the chef’s kiss. Located a short plane ride from Miami, you will be dipping your toes in Puerto Rico’s warm waters by day’s end.
Gorgeous spot to take in the breakers or continue on to the boardwalk.
My recent girls’ trip consisted of a stay at the beautiful Condado Vanderbilt. The Condado Vanderbilt Hotel is a historic luxury hotel built in 1919 and is located in the district of Condado in San Juan. Boasting 30,000 square feet of exquisitely remodeled function space, the five-star Condado Vanderbilt Hotel is the most prestigious setting for your next vacation. Grab your chair at the beautiful sprawling family-friendly pool nestled among the palms or opt for the serenity of the adult-only pool, both carefully situated with incredible ocean views. Relax in the pool to the sound of the crashing waves. If you are in Puerto Rico strictly for R and R this is your little spot of heaven. For deeper relaxation, indulge in one of the relaxing spa treatments to choose from.
Just a sneak peek at the beautiful lobby at the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel.
The family friendly pool. Off to the right is Ola Restaurant, delicious for a buffet breakfast or a casual healthy lunch.
Dip your toes in this serene dipping pool located right outside of Tacos & Tequilas.
As you would image from a resort with this longevity, there are many amazing on-site dining options. The first of my favorites is Tacos & Tequilas. Enjoy a trio of homemade tacos, a side of street corn and a margarita pool side. Need I say more? For an upscale dining experience with a Miami vibe STK is going to be the best choice. You will thank me later. Be sure to tell them if you are celebrating a birthday. Let’s just say they know how to celebrate!!
Tacos & Tequilas for the best homemade tacos, margs and spicy cuisine.
Birthday celebration at STK Restaurant.
If you are up for a little adventure, consider zip lining through the rain forest. After I quelled my fears, I was happily zipping from platform to platform with the team from JungleQui. These zipping experts are very professional, cautious and comical. This is one for the record books.
Afterwards a short Uber ride will drop you in Old San Juan where you can explore this lively town with its beautiful friendly people. You will pass colorful buildings reminiscent of Charleston or Burano, Italy. Once there, you will find peddlers with a wide array of items for purchase, from homemade bakery items to luxury knock-off bags. Maybe even get your photo with a parrot or two.
Perfect place to grab a few unique gifts for the holidays. Bring home a piece of Puerto Rico.
Kicking it up a notch with a visit to the Bacardi factory. Enjoy a taste of the Caribbean during a cocktail-making master-class at Casa Bacardí, the Puerto Rican home of Bacardí rum. You will arrive under a covered dome where you can sip a complimentary welcome cocktail and take your pic in front of a colorful mural. Discover the secrets of the world-famous rum as you peek behind-the-scenes on a distillery tour on an open-air tram then learn to make classic cocktails like Mojito and Shaken Pina Colada with a demonstration from an expert mixologist.
The most delicious drink. There’s a little mixologist in all of us.
For the foodie looking to explore your off-property dining options, be ready to experience flavorful dishes ranging from light to hardy depending on your pallet. I always recommend trying new things like the selection of fresh seafood prepared with root vegetables, plantains, rice and beans.
For a delicious dinner with an eclectic ambiance, Casita Miramar is tucked quietly in a dated building but merges old world with modern pairings with a well-done nod to traditional Puerto Rican dishes. Check out the menu here.
At Casita Miramar you have to try the tostones. Perfection!!
La Central by Mario Pagan is an amazing restaurant located right off of Convention Center Boulevard. You will arrive to a Vegas style outdoor space complete with Jumbotrons, live music, colorful light displays, tourists and locals taking on the energy of this cool gathering spot before you enter the restaurant establishment. WIth an array of fun cocktails, top-shelf liquor and a colorful twist of layering flavors, your tastebuds will be dancing. Be sure to try ALL the apps. Check out the menu here.
Fun fact: My travels brought me to San Juan with the Wacoal bra brand where I spent an indescribable week with an amazing group of ladies testing out the Wacoal Comfortable Cooling bra in the heat of San Juan. I hope you find this helpful and if you visit I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.
